Episode 122 with Sonora Reyes, Keen Observer and Chronicler of Young Adult Stories, Creator and Host of the Twitter Chat #QPOCChat, and Author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School

Episode 122 Notes and Links to Sonora Reyes’ Work 

 

    On Episode 122 of The Chills at Will Podcast, Pete welcomes Sonora Reyes, and the two discuss, among other topics, Sonora’s early reading and writing of fan fiction, their reading and life experiences that inspired their soon-to-be-released young adult novel, and themes like masculinity and homophobia that are evident in The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School. Sonora also talks about their 2023 release! 

    Born and raised in Arizona, Sonora Reyes is the author of the forthcoming contemporary young adult novel, THE LESBIANA'S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL. They write fiction full of queer and Latinx characters in a variety of genres, with current projects in both kidlit and adult categories. Sonora is also the creator and host of the Twitter chat #QPOCChat, a monthly community-building chat for queer writers of color.

Sonora currently lives in Arizona in a multi-generational family home with a small pack of dogs who run the place. Outside of writing, Sonora loves dancing, singing karaoke, and playing with their baby nephew.

 

 

Sonora Reyes' Website

 

Buy The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

 

¡Vamos a hablar! | Let's Talk! — Interview with Sonora Reyes from Boricua Reads/Adriana M. Martínez Figueroa

At about 1:55, Pete shouts out a great Ace Ventura reference from Sonora’s book

 

At about 2:30, Sonora talks about her early reading and writing, including her love of fan fiction (specifically Young Justice), poetry, and her early foray into writing

 

At about 4:50, Sonora Reyes responds to Pete’s question about feelings associated with creation of characters and fiction

 

At about 6:00, Sonora discusses her reading habits as she has gotten older, including inspiration for her book coming through Zoraida Cordova’s Labyrinth Lost and Niña Moreno’s Don’t Date Rosa Santos

 

At about 7:40, Sonora discusses advantages and disadvantages of not having read much of the YA/teen genres and writing her own book in the genres

 

At about 9:00, Sonora explains NaNo WriMo and its connections to her book

 

At about 10:00, Sonora discusses the links between her experiences at Catholic school and her writing, including how catharsis and therapy were involved

 

At about 11:00, Pete asks Sonora about her connections to speaking Spanish and its usage in her writing

 

At about 12:20, Pete wonders about “representation” in what Sonora read; she responds by talking about the pull and limitations of Jaime Reyes, and the coolness of 

 

At about 14:20, Sonora talks about seeds for the book and the title’s genesis

 

At about 15:40, Sonora shouts out Jessie Gang for her beautiful cover work

 

At about 16:20, Pete asks about the chapter titles and their connections to religion and The Ten Commandments

 

At about 17:00, Pete and Sonora talks about the book’s opening, as well as ideas of Catholic school as an “escape” and religiosity from Yami’s mother

 

At about 19:10, Sonora discusses Yami as the oldest, and the oldest girl, and the extra expectations and responsibilities that come with the role

 

At about 20:30, Sonora describes the end of the friendship between her and Bianca, and how Yami’s self-realization is affected by the “outing” by Bianca that broke up the friendship 

 

At about 22:15, Sonora gives the significance of The Mayan Code of the Heart in her life and in the lives of her characters

 

At about 23:45, the two discuss ideas of rebellion and resistance as shown by Bo and other characters in the book

 

At about 26:00, the two explore ideas of “passing” and “emotional exercise

 

At about 27:30, Sonora gives background on the important character of Bo and her parents

 

At about 30:00, the two discuss the significance of a ballet folklorico scene in the book

 

At about 32:15, Sonora talks about her own experience with ballet folklorico, and Pete talks of hopes for his daughter 

 

At about 33:00, Sonora breaks down Catholicism’s connection to events in the book, including with regards to homosexuality, and outlines a possible book spin-off 

 

At about 34:55, Cesar and ideas of masculinity are explored 

 

At about 35:40, Pete is complimentary of Sonora’s light touch with the idea of constant “comings-out” and Sonora shares

 

At about 37:30, Sonora sets up and reads an excerpt from the book-the ballet folklorico scene 

 

At about 40:30, Sonora shares upcoming projects, including an exciting book that comes out in 2023, and shouts out Changing Hands Bookstores as great places to buy her book

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The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.

    Please tune in for Episode 123 with Zach Harper. Zach is a Staff Writer for The Athletic, covering the NBA. Zach joined The Athletic after covering the NBA for ESPN.com, CBS Sports, and FRS Sports since 2009. He also hosts radio for SiriusXM NBA and SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio. And…Zach and I have a shared alma mater-go Big Red!

The episode will air on May 17.