tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178919302011-12-05T19:18:07.345-08:00Dispatches from the desk of Mary Castillo, author of Switchcraft, In Between Men and Hot Tamara.Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.comBlogger3541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-40639260691619298652010-03-02T09:05:00.000-08:002010-03-02T09:05:00.344-08:00

After many years on Blogger, I've moved to WordPress!It's nothing personal. It was a technical decision.Read today's post at the new digs.

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-77928858126443741172010-02-17T15:42:00.000-08:002010-02-17T16:04:24.860-08:00

"Therese Martin as a Carmelite Nun" @ Art.comLent has not taught me that I'm weak or full of sin. It's taught me how to be here not way over "there."When I was a kid, Lent was a time when I gave up candy, TV and meat on Fridays, which was cool because mom would sometimes drive to McDonalds for fillet o'fish meals! But somewhere in my 20's I would realize I'd forgotten Lent when Easter sprang out

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-90635684156680580622010-02-01T10:50:00.001-08:002010-02-01T10:52:30.101-08:00

The link to Deborah Schneider's courageous and inspiring story, "Long Time No See" landed on my Facebook feed this morning. It's a gift I'd like to share with all of you!

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-90755072000645178032010-01-25T09:41:00.001-08:002010-01-25T09:52:52.436-08:00

"Sleepless Night by Natalie Kilany @ Art.comAccording to my to-do list, I’m supposed to fix up the outline for Act III. After all the books (published and otherwise) I’ve written, Act III is still the toughest for me to untangle. There are three reasons why: (a) I don't want to let go of that world (Orange County Noir, Hot Tamara, In Between Men), (b) I'm so tired of those characters' problems

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-89864302036114406662010-01-21T14:26:00.000-08:002010-01-21T14:28:26.435-08:00

Sorry for not posting lately. Busy busy with feature stories that need to be written and a new book that won't leave me alone. But my friend, Gina Ravera posted this on Facebook and while us writers don't take to the stage or screen, we reveal ourselves through words.The Actors' VowFrom Elia KazanI will take my rightful place on the stageAnd I will be myself.I am not a cosmic orphan, I have no

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-52407975210984823162010-01-04T12:09:00.001-08:002010-01-04T12:11:16.160-08:00

Sometimes birthday gifts come in bags stuffed with colorful tissue paper or wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bow. Others drop out of the sky and end up being the perfect thing you never knew you wanted. This was my surprise:"Sometimes hanging in there is all it takes to succeed in life as well as in writing. Failure is part of the process, but it doesn't have to be the final destination. "-

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-44968172940212922242009-12-29T10:23:00.000-08:002009-12-29T10:44:50.133-08:00

I think it was in April when I met Janice Roper for the first time. For years, Ilona, my mother-in-law, had spoken of her dear friend who came to town to read tea leaves in the art studio. When the Little Dude was born, Janice was one of the first people Ilona called (so she could get his birth chart).Having grown up in a haunted house and counted pyschics and mediums among my mom's friends, I'm

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-58918946507558056832009-12-29T10:07:00.000-08:002009-12-29T10:46:50.887-08:00

"Woman Painting at Mount Rainer" @ Art.comby Janice Roper, Intuitive CounselorBy Divine design we are creators, and it is our birthright—indeed, our directive—to joyfully wield the power of the Universe. Spirit means life, living with meaning, purpose, joy and a sense of contributing to the greater community. Matthew Fox, author and director of the Institute of Culture and Creation Spirituality

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-52663246184612981272009-12-23T11:18:00.000-08:002009-12-23T11:42:40.556-08:00

Tis the season for ...Smiling at shop clerks and cashiers even when they give you attitudeBuying a coffee for the person in line behind you just becauseGoing the extra mile even though its not in your job descriptionMaking cookies & candies from scratch because (a) you always wanted to try it and (b) the little dude can help with the sprinkles (even though most end up in his mouth or on the floor

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-8707232033101001542009-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:002009-12-21T11:39:10.908-08:00

"Girl Before a Mirror" by Pablo Picasso @ Art.comThese days I have a real problem with promotion. There I said it and I wasn't struck down by lightening. I am, however, struck by my own bull s#*!.My next short story will come out this April in the anthology, Orange County Noir. When I first saw the cover, I immediately searched for my name. There it was! When we began scheduling events, I'd get

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-55592117450849205782009-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-01T12:48:17.733-08:00

Photos by Rick GouldIt's never too late to pursue your dreams. Just ask Mary Talbot Fee who released her debut CD, Midwinter's Night Dream earlier this year. After a few career changes and raising a son, she transformed herself into a jazz chanteuse and is set to step out onto the San Diego music scene.Chica Lit: Tell me about yourself and your background.Mary Fee: I'm a late bloomer. I've had

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-67241124971396514432009-11-24T09:02:00.000-08:002009-11-24T09:28:26.516-08:00

Children, Turkey and Pumpkin Print from Art.comIf I were to list all that I am grateful for and then print it out, the length of the paper roll would be considerable. But here are the top ten highlights:My family, most of whom will be at my house on Thursday. They keep me grounded but give me great dish to work in my fiction ... even though they never guess which character they are!My son who not

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-25774856619637225642009-11-20T10:00:00.000-08:002009-11-20T10:00:00.757-08:00

Without thinking about it, the other day I happened to mention on Facebook that writing my WIP (a TV pilot set in Hollywood 1944) is like playing with Barbies. But super awesome 1940's Barbies who wear hats, gloves and stockings. Underneath the glamor, they hide secrets, wrestle with insecurities and ambition and use whatever they've got to get ahead in a man's world.(If you ask my mom, she'll

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-53619313825303264232009-11-16T11:35:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:38:25.916-08:00

The Broken Bridge and the Dream by Salvador Dali @ Art.comWell, that pretty much sums up what I have to say. My writer's brain is a strange contraption. It takes me to places and creates people that I swear are real. And just when I've got a handle on a character, the key to a scene or a sparkling bit of dialogue, within the same brain Ego snidely whispers, "That sucks. You think that will sell?

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-77240737081787099852009-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:002009-11-13T00:00:06.223-08:00

The hardest part of a story to write is the first line. Speaking from my experience as a reader (e.g. what pulls me into a story) and a writer (what has sold my work), a character has to make an entrance. Or, if told in the first person, a statement. I don't mean just having someone walk through a door, or wake up in bed and most definitely not stare at herself in the mirror over the bathroom

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-21165978462435295352009-10-30T15:17:00.001-07:002009-10-30T15:17:10.814-07:00

Tall, Dark and ScaryPosted using ShareThis

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-29746476638076072852009-10-29T11:07:00.001-07:002009-10-29T11:38:20.015-07:00

So the other day, after almost two weeks of wandering in the desert of my mind, I committed to a project. Incidentally I also gained 10 pounds during that time so writing is much better for my health than I realized.Well I'm at the part of process where I'm researching and character sketching. No plotting. That comes later. In years past I would be freaking out about now; antsy to start writing

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-79136150313227038152009-10-27T11:00:00.001-07:002009-10-27T11:00:10.419-07:00

She'll Put a Hex On YouPosted using ShareThis

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-63074113535358804592009-10-23T15:49:00.001-07:002009-10-23T15:49:03.379-07:00

Not Your Mother's LibrarianPosted using ShareThis

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-52641049343903129902009-10-20T17:10:00.001-07:002009-10-21T05:55:51.409-07:00

Watch what you say around Author Marlene Perez, or it might wind up in one of her books! The author of the popular Dead Is series for teens (and teens at heart), Marlene gives fair warning that great dialogue and quirky misfortune will inspire her one way or the other!Dead Is Publishing SuccessPosted using ShareThis

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-67298780686850641892009-10-15T17:48:00.001-07:002009-10-15T18:00:31.803-07:00

This Saturday, I'll be doing my thing at the Page One Literary Celebration. But if you're in Laguna Beach, check out Book It: Jane Porter at Laguna Beach Books.I apologize for not blogging recently. After finishing The Ballad of Aracely Calderon and heaving five bags of trash out of my office, I've been cooking up magazine proposals (the family's gotta eat!) and preparing to write a TV spec set

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-81801993362182582402009-10-13T11:51:00.001-07:002009-10-13T11:59:18.626-07:00

Do you have a story of mystery and suspense that begs to be written and published? The Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America might be just for you!Mystery Writers of America (MWA) was created in 1945 by like-minded authors to "promote and protect the interests and welfare of mystery writers and to increase the esteem and literary recognition given to the genre." The Southern

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-11092056159761885202009-10-08T09:51:00.001-07:002009-10-08T10:34:28.170-07:00

One of the benefits of being a writer in Orange County are the available resources and communities. Budding romance and women's fiction authors are especially fortunate to have one of the largest and most dynamic chapters of Romance Writers of America in Orange County.(Editorial note: The author is a former member of OCC RWA.)Read the rest and lemme know what you think at my column, Anaheim

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-77431338822845891472009-10-05T09:05:00.000-07:002009-10-05T09:05:00.971-07:00

This coming Saturday, Oct 10th from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Latino Family & Book Festival at CSU Los Angeles, I'll be moderating "Chicas, Chicanas & Latinas: A Panel of Contemporary Female Authors" with Julia Amante, Margo Candela, Irete Lazo and Josefina Lopez.Many of you lovely readers hail from far and wide but I bet you have a question or two about these amazing authors. So please feel free

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-75369756166511183542009-09-28T13:05:00.001-07:002009-09-28T13:07:48.981-07:00

It was a defining moment for Author Debra Ollivier (What French Women Know: About Love, Sex and Other Matters of the Heart and Mind), part-time resident of Paris, France and Los Angeles, California, when she watched a French teen pluck daisy petals. "It wasn't 'he loves me, he loves me not'," she said at the Pen On Fire series on Saturday night. "It was 'he loves me madly, he loves me

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-54913678651754270212009-09-26T10:10:00.000-07:002009-09-26T10:12:54.479-07:00

Photo credit Wax CreativeOctober is shaping up to be a busy month with my new gig as the Anaheim Literature Examiner, interviews for a big feature story, the Scriptapalooza deadline (wish me luck!) and literary festivals. I'd love to meet you and sign your books, and introduce you to some incredible authors.West Hollywood Book FairSunday, Oct 41:00 - 1:55 p.m."Chicas, Chicanas & Latinas: Writers

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-35467774629241689082009-09-24T10:03:00.001-07:002009-09-24T10:16:29.056-07:00

Five years ago there was an explosion of "chica lit;" novels about modern Latina women written by Latina authors. More comedic in tone than their predecessors and set in big cities like L.A., Boston, New York and Denver, the heroines of these books gave voice to Latina women who struggle to untangle themselves from their cultural roots and family to pursue their dreams. Julia Amante is one of

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-41970276506719533102009-09-22T11:11:00.001-07:002009-09-22T11:11:14.957-07:00

Award-Winning Publishing Guru to come to O.C.Posted using ShareThis

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-68787156959308139922009-09-16T13:13:00.000-07:002009-09-16T13:25:35.582-07:00

I actually jumped up out of my chair when I got the email announcing season two of YLSE!!!! It's so exciting to see my friend, Ruth succeed in pulling this off. She's inspired me to think more independently about my future projects.By the way, the video is probably not safe for work ... unless you're lucky and no one spies on you like they did at my last job.

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-452106472154612162009-09-08T11:11:00.000-07:002009-09-08T11:13:48.302-07:00

Video from YouTube Music Tuesday

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-59664166256144029472009-09-03T08:56:00.001-07:002009-09-04T09:36:43.476-07:00

Marilyn Monroe Writing at Home @ Art.comThe second most asked question I get when I do booksignings and interviews is how to get started writing a book. It's a deceptively simple and annoying answer: sit down and write it.I'm not being facetious or disrespectful. It really is as simple as sitting down and writing your first sentence. It's not rocket science, it's not stopping world hunger or

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-17401409522164631252009-08-10T11:34:00.001-07:002009-08-10T11:40:35.719-07:00

Preview The Time Traveler's Wife, one of the most anticipated movies of the summer and fight the good fight against cancer with Hoag Hospital's 552 Club's Annual Movie Night on Thursday, August 13th at Edwards Big Newport in Newport Beach.Dine with some of Orange County's best restaurants at 5 p.m. and screen The Time Traveler's Wife at 7:30 p.m. The film will open in general release on Friday,

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-18275504585112772062009-08-10T09:33:00.000-07:002009-08-10T11:05:35.738-07:00

"Young Girl Writing at Her Desk with Birds" from Art.comI'm coming out of writing to make an observation about The New York Observer's article about publishers canceling contracts on late manuscripts. I've only missed one deadline in my life and that was due to my own foolishness in thinking that I could finish a book while my newborn slept. (Its okay if you laugh at me because I just did, too.)

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-17252996311397684652009-07-30T12:24:00.000-07:002009-07-30T12:24:58.095-07:00

Image from BustedTees.comCLASSESUsing Body Language and Vocal Gestures to Create More Believable CharactersOnline class August 10-September 5, 2009Fee: $20 for OCC members $30 for non-membersFor more information and registration, visit OCC RWA.Writing Workshops with Author, Playwright & Screenwriter Josefina LopezWHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10,

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-34133848621608156212009-07-27T11:14:00.001-07:002009-07-27T11:39:42.003-07:00

Latin Heat Online - REVIEW: One Hot Summer Delivers on Different LevelsEvery writer dreams of seeing her book or short story made into a movie. (I know I do!)When I heard about Lifetime's new movie, One Hot Summer, I cheered for Author Carolina Garcia-Aguilera and screenwriters Nancy de Los Santos and Gloria Calderon Kellet. To me, this is a sign that our stories are making it! But then I

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-85702009574956933032009-07-20T09:35:00.001-07:002009-07-20T09:47:50.627-07:00

When I logged into my Facebook page last night, Selina McLemore left me a little present that Latina Magazine choose Names I Call My Sister and In Between Men for their Top 10 Summer Reads!No way! WAY!!!So back to last night ... Just when I was about to shake my groove thing, the Little Dude peed all over the bathroom floor. You know what I did? I let Daddy clean it up while I basked in my glory.

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-32511035272277575482009-07-17T12:21:00.001-07:002009-07-17T12:29:46.595-07:00

Not if I have anything to do with it!What the heck am I talking about? Check out this video. Ever since I started rewriting "The Ballad of Aracely Calderon" (aka the mariachi book), I've been given "signs" that seem to say that I'm doing the right thing. The day before I started, I was driving to pick up the Little Dude from school and saw an Astro Van crammed with men in trajes and a sign on the

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-17244414443943028152009-07-08T09:52:00.001-07:002009-07-08T10:42:56.133-07:00

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few. -Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's MindThis week I began a page one rewrite of my mariachi book. I know, I know. I've been working on this book for three years. The writing experts would've told me to give up and move on to more profitable pastures. Actually, three years

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-35551168507293018552009-06-25T10:36:00.000-07:002009-06-25T12:16:56.591-07:00

Give me a story with a plucky heroine in a mysterious house surrounded by trees draped in Spanish moss and I'm one happy girl. It's enough to make me wonder if I was a Southerner in a former life. Nonetheless, Karen White delivers the goods in her latest novel, The Lost Hours. Its a powerful story of redemption and how the past still sends ripples into our present day lives. But man is this story

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-22821529058489163642009-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:002009-06-10T00:00:00.462-07:00

Image from Art.comYesterday I wrote the rough draft of a spec script involving Native Americans. I think I might go to hell for the politically incorrect nature of what I wrote and I'm okay with that. In fact, I feel rather liberated by the whole thing because when I worked on Hot Tamara and In Between Men, my editor asked me to cut out some lines and passages that she felt were too inflammatory

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-38967672177462641212009-06-08T09:16:00.000-07:002009-06-08T09:22:58.251-07:00

"Little Dreamer" from Art.comI've talked about this before so bear with me here. When I'm deep into a story, or in between stories and don't know what to write next, I have very vivid dreams that take place in a town where apparently, all of my characters live. This town looks like Monterey, the Gaslamp Quarter and my Grandma Nana's street spliced together.Sometimes I remember the conversations I

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-88914925684199408162009-06-02T08:38:00.000-07:002009-06-02T08:47:42.162-07:00

Photo: "Greer Garson Lounging on Bed" from Art.comMy buddy, Jamie Martinez Wood will be the featured author this month of the Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club. If you love young adult novels, especially those with a supernatural bent, you should stick Rogelia's House of Magic in your book bag. But even better, you can tune into an interview with Jamie on Monday, June 29, 5PM

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-43078066695415098272009-05-29T15:49:00.001-07:002009-05-29T16:13:40.479-07:00

After my last post, many of you wrote and asked me not to give up book writing. Not to worry. I'll never stop writing books. They're just going to take longer than usual. Today I turned in a pilot script and series treatment and on Monday I'll start writing a spec script that is due at the end of June. In July I plan to go back to Aracely and whip her into shape for the fall. That's the plan and

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-69783546587434984762009-05-19T08:55:00.000-07:002009-05-19T11:56:36.748-07:00

Photo from Art.comOn the night that I decided to become a writer, I dreamed of walking on a road leading to a mountain. My destination, the mountain, stood far in the distance and the road I walked curved and rose and fell. Depending on where I stood, the road seemed to disappear completely from view. But the mountain was always there, waiting and watching in clear weather and foul.The dream was

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-58474622979571559452009-05-11T11:31:00.001-07:002009-05-11T11:43:00.146-07:00

Today Lenny Kravitz leaked a nekkid photo of himself. Last week, Rhianna photos appeared online. In 1952, Marilyn scored big when her topless photos launched Playboy. Apparently when a reporter asked what she had on during the photo shoot, she replied, "The radio." From that moment on, Marilyn became a bona fide star.Celebrties and their nakedness is nothing new. The photos appear out of nowhere,

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-75632057039431657742009-05-06T11:00:00.001-07:002009-05-06T11:11:41.366-07:00

My friend and fellow author, Frederick Smith wrote a great blog today about parents who might find themselves with a bully on their hands. Here is my response that I hope will inspire parents of children who have been bullied (ahem, that would be ALL of us!):With my little guy in preschool, I've seen him bullied by other kids. And not just by boys. Girls do it too, by refusing to play with

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-44261024643578231452009-05-05T11:40:00.000-07:002009-05-05T11:43:50.445-07:00

I'm a bad Mexican. I forgot that today is the day Mexicans won the Battle of Puebla. I think.In celebration, I have this video to post in honor of my favorite Mexicana warrior:Makes you wanna go kick some ass, huh?

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-37720245467943810072009-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-06T10:29:01.961-07:00

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-721876155046524022009-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:002009-05-01T13:15:52.348-07:00

Growing up, my family hung out with the V's; short for my parents' compadres, Auntie Betty, Uncle Mario and my three cousins. Crammed in my Uncle Mario's VW bus (which we called, "URK") we'd drive to Coronado for bonfires, Presidio Park for picnics and memorably up to L.A.I vaguely remember the day we spent at Universal Studios. But I can vividly recall the drive we took in URK to Boyle Heights

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-41321617403047708002009-05-01T10:00:00.000-07:002009-05-01T11:35:45.005-07:00

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-34335495890575970292009-04-28T16:11:00.001-07:002009-04-28T16:11:11.694-07:00

How do you mother yourself?Posted using ShareThis

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-78792666781853413112009-04-28T09:53:00.000-07:002009-04-28T10:19:19.993-07:00

When I read The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner, I got lost in the story and forgot all about being a writer. Lately I've been a real complainer about books that lack stories and certain fiction titles. But The Shape of Mercy reminded me that my love of books - especially those which take risks with prickly characters and pop back and forth between the past and present - is much stronger than

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-67413381581303548152009-04-26T18:56:00.000-07:002009-04-26T19:02:29.524-07:00

I better 'fess up. When I get stuck or bored or lazy, I make the rounds of gossip sites. But my meanderings paid off when I learned about legendary singer, Chavela Vargas from Lossip.com.Her ancient voice crackles from lost loves and alcohol. Even though she sings in Spanish, I feel what she's singing about. Some things transcend words and to a writer that is humbling.

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-86663273193335211852009-04-17T10:22:00.000-07:002009-04-17T10:40:14.383-07:00

This is probably somewhat illegal but what the hell. Anyway, have you ever talked to someone who repeats how happy/smart/humble they are? When that happens, I always wonder if they're saying it to convince me, or themselves and then of course, my imagination conjures all sorts of lurid possibilities as to why. Unlike most four year-olds, a writer never grows out of the "why's".This scene from

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-13686578183025189042009-04-14T11:00:00.000-07:002009-04-14T11:02:00.490-07:00

Musique by Gustav Klimt @ Art.comThe other day Ryan and I were talking about the books and scripts we've read lately. I had just come off a two-month reading dry spell during which I'd start a new book and then put it down at page 20, not caring what happened in the end.Up till I had a child, my rule was never to leave a book unfinished. But I'm 35 now and in my family that makes me just shy of

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-90895691872559459172009-04-07T14:25:00.000-07:002009-04-07T15:05:01.717-07:00

I didn't die nor did my laptop, in case you're wondering why this blog hasn't been updated. It's the same-old, same-old around here. I've been caught up in writing so much that I called the Little Dude by a character's name. I guess it's fair because he now has make-believe "bad guys" and "good guys" who get into all kinds of scrapes. (My husband and I are not excluded from these rip, roaring

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-39601408751750678512009-03-12T00:00:00.000-07:002009-03-12T08:13:32.339-07:00

I love the 1970's not just because was I born in the era of disco, Nixon and bell bottoms. I love the opulence of the decade. The giant gas-guzzling land yachts known as cars. Wonder Woman, Charlie's Angels and Bionic Woman were prime-time TV and I had this thing for the Roll-O and Calgon commercials. The 70's was the decade when my parents fell in love and my mom carried daisies in her wedding

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-48208320620304043572009-03-10T10:55:00.000-07:002009-03-10T13:52:02.513-07:00

It's not like I don't have other things to do but these questions have been bumping around in my head. Hopefully by letting them go, I can get on with life ... and be free of another excuse to procrastinate.Why are books titled, "The So-And-So's Daughter" or "The Such-and-Such's Wife"? Have you noticed there is a plethora of titles like these? Is it a new genre in which women are defined by the

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-18655792526501163032009-03-04T10:52:00.000-08:002009-03-04T10:54:33.522-08:00

Literary Orange comes to UCI for the first time on Saturday, April 4, 8-5 pm, at the UCI Student Center. Presented by the UCI Libraries and the OC Public Libraries, Literary Orange is an exciting day for writers and book lovers. Attendees have the opportunity to hear from an array of authors, have their books signed, ask questions, and learn about the writing process.The event features keynote

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-13336164592574764742009-03-03T10:06:00.000-08:002009-03-03T10:27:03.590-08:00

Yesterday I turned in the micro-mini mystery short story to the editor of OC Noir. Its now in his hands and my heroine, Danielle, lingers in the back of mind, impatiently tapping her toe and wondering when the hell I'll write her book. But first, I have a MAJOR revision to my mariachi book and then I head back to 1926 for the historical and then zip back to present day for the ghost story. Don't

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-83767381821874813662009-03-02T10:34:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:45:16.518-08:00

All you UCLA people should look the other way because this is a call to my fellow 'SC Trojans!In the upcoming issue of the USC Mexican American Alumni Association newsletter, I had the honor of interviewing Frank H. Cruz, USC Trustee and former Chairman for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (among other things, he also founded Telemundo and was one of the first Hispanic anchormen). USC MAAA

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-64011401559868798952009-02-26T12:13:00.000-08:002009-02-26T12:14:57.769-08:00

than Barbara DeMarco-Barrett at Pen On Fire.If you're noticing a trend here, this is my last day before my micro-mini short story is due!

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-150279700441470562009-02-24T10:55:00.001-08:002009-02-24T10:56:16.682-08:00

I think you might like this post from Cheerio Road.

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-27766918015498068522009-02-24T08:02:00.000-08:002009-02-24T08:03:07.850-08:00

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-2059194436637711532009-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:002009-02-18T13:11:39.169-08:00

Carlos Sandoval was riding the New York subway when he read an editorial in the New York Times commemorating the case, Hernández v. Texas. The case began in 1951 in the small town of Edna, where Pedro "Pete" Hernández murdered his boss in the parking lot of a cantina. At the behest of Hernández's mother, San Antonio attorneys Gus Garcia and Carlos Cadena took the case. On January 11, 1954, they

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-89431241366504497402009-02-17T12:03:00.000-08:002009-02-20T10:27:12.726-08:00

If you came here looking for the entry I posted earlier this week about a certain blogger who attacked another author, I have taken it down. She removed the attack from her blog and out of respect for that gesture, I'm doing the same. Thank you for your comments, although I disagree with those which cut down her work. She is a truly gifted author, one whom I admire and respect. Her quotes are

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-7799878272963667602009-02-07T13:29:00.000-08:002009-02-07T13:43:37.041-08:00

See that picture? I took it!But first, four people will win signed copies of Switchcraft on Friday the 13th! Could you be the winner? Well, head on over to the Free Book Friday blog and sign yourself up!Okay, now to explain the photo. My mother-in-law and I are starting a new venture called Wild Heart Gallerie Chocolates. That's a painting she gave me and Ryan for Christmas and our chocolates. (

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-7172067296471120132009-02-03T08:33:00.000-08:002009-02-03T08:52:21.702-08:00

Here are some events that I thought y'all would want to know about this month. Unless calamity strikes, I'll be there, too. (As a civilian, not signing books.)LOS CAMPEONES DE LA LUCHA LIBRE (The Champions of Mexican Wrestling)DATE: Thursday, Feb 5, 2009TIME: 7:30 P.M.WHERE: The Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028FYI: Los Campeones at MySpaceMasked mayhem ensues when a

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-33657082206101251222009-02-02T10:51:00.000-08:002009-02-02T11:12:22.638-08:00

I've interviewed quite a few actors and writers in my day; some famous, some you'd see on the screen and wonder where you'd seen him or her before. Before some interviews I get a little nervous, like the one I did with Oscar Nunez of The Office and this Q&A with my Friday Night Chicas and Names I Call My Sister pen pal, Berta Platas. When you really respect someone, you don't want to look stupid

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-74110956968780012882009-01-27T12:51:00.000-08:002009-01-27T12:54:32.354-08:00

I'm on deadline and falling behind AND I'm starting a new story that will be a mystery (let the killing begin!). So if I blog again this week, it will either be the result of a miracle, or I'll be throwing myself on the sword of procrastination.BUT first I have to share this with you. Lizz Wright is magical, haunting, sensuous, sublime ... I'm running out of adjectives here so you'll have to see

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-77114133206362298572009-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:002009-01-20T12:27:30.634-08:00

The next time you look up the word persistence, Misa Ramirez's name should be listed in the definition. If you're complaining about having to do a third draft, pay attention to what happens when you're willing to do six years worth of rewriting.Please welcome, Misa Ramirez and her tough-talking and tough-walking heroine, Lola!Chica Lit: What inspired the idea for Living La Vida Lola and how long

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-53716983641410181462009-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:002009-01-13T19:49:17.250-08:00

by Mary Castillo The face of HIV and AIDS is not what most people think it is. White gay male has become black or Latina female. This Saturday, January 17th, Project Reina and AIDS Project Los Angeles will come together to defeat HIV/AIDS at RPM Fitness Studio. The Center for Disease Control reported that women ages 13 to 26 account for 80% of new HIV cases in the United States (64% of all

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-80771661018050695732009-01-09T10:05:00.000-08:002009-01-09T10:04:36.432-08:00

IMAGE: Cartoon children with champagne bottles from Art.comThank you everyone who has stopped by to read my story about La Cholita. I'll respond to all the comments later today but I wanted you to know that they are all appreciated.If you enjoy reading about up-and-coming Latinas - and this is for you, Betty M! - check out this month's issue of Latino Future magazine. You'll meet Jacqueline Pinol

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-86753027042291720502009-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:002009-01-07T08:19:28.532-08:00

Photo by Brandon ShowersShe lives on a quiet street in one of those indefinable parts of L.A., wedged between Hollywood and Silverlake. It took me two tries to find the address she'd texted me and just like a man, I was forced to call for directions. On the phone, La Cholita spoke with a youthful enthusiasm – not with an Eartha Kitt growl or a Mae West purr that one might expect upon seeing her

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-44661554698447958322009-01-01T08:34:00.000-08:002009-01-01T08:46:11.328-08:00

Image: Victorian Woman Reading a Book from Art.comOn New Year's Eve I clean my house. I wash all the dirty laundry, empty the trash cans and make sure that I have fixings to make black-eyed peas for New Years Day lunch. I even try to finish a book that I've been reading, too. After a day like that I typically wake up at midnight long enough to hear my neighbors shoot off fireworks and then go

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-58726023492182171732008-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:002008-12-30T11:31:35.153-08:00

In November, Ryan and I attended a special screening of The Silence of the Lambs at UCLA. After the movie, Anthony Hopkins did a Q&A with the audience. He wasn't what I expected. He wasn't the intellectual Brit, nor the grumpy Brit. He was equal parts hippy, artist and craftsman. One of the recurring themes in his answers about acting, his life and his painting was to reduce, do less and practice

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-50671630341780159712008-12-09T09:30:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:30:47.295-08:00

Some of you know that I did NaNoMo last month to finish my latest WIP. About three days into it I discovered Christine Fletcher's novel, Ten Cents A Dance. Upon reading the excerpt on her website, I had to have it. But my rule when writing, especially a first draft, is that I don't get to read novels. I made her book my reward when I reached "the end."It's not a great way to live but now you know

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-68305724621928171662008-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:002008-12-02T09:52:20.258-08:00

My new favorite song is Weezer's "Pork and Beans." When you've spent nearly three years on a story about mariachi (uh, that would be me in case you're wondering and yes, I've written other books, too!), one must find hope in that being yourself, no matter how wacky one us, is the only way to be.Click here and pay attention to the karate guy who realizes his nemesis isn't that terrifying.Or, read

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-26132981532119659272008-11-25T08:54:00.001-08:002008-11-26T11:41:35.878-08:00

Bootleggers Caught After Car Chase from Art.ComIf you attend a Q&A with an author - famous or not - inevitably an audience member will ask how the author finished her book. The author will answer along the lines of: butt in chair, fingers on keyboard; or, (my favorite) you can't fix a blank page.It's all great advice but here's the rub: sometimes you gotta get your butt off the chair and leave

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-32793492680333778852008-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:002008-11-14T00:00:06.757-08:00

In 2005, Kelley Armstrong wrote a book during NaNoWriMo. She had been published in adult fiction but decided to take a new direction with her writing. Her gamble paid off and now she shares her tips and experiences that resulted in a new YA series that launched this summer with The Summoning.Chica Lit: How did you prepare for NaNoMo 2005?Kelley: Oooh, that's reaching back a bit far for me. I

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-32977625425594231972008-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:002008-11-11T14:25:24.099-08:00

Back when I was in high school, my mom worked with F. Scott Fitzgerald's niece. When Mrs. Reneau discovered how much I loved her uncle's books - I carried his collection of short stories in my backpack - she let me read a book she had written about her father, Vice Admiral Clifton Sprague.What I remember most about her book - other than Mrs. Reneau's memory of Scotty Fitzgerald and her French

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-31552118403607221952008-11-07T11:13:00.000-08:002008-11-07T13:02:30.586-08:00

The other night when the image of Barack Obama as our 44th president flashed on screen, I thought it was a technical glitch. The music had cut out and there was a stretch of silence that usually comes when someone in the control room hit the wrong button. But then Tom Brokow appeared and he assured us that yes, we had a new president.Some people wept with joy, others shouted and danced. Our

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-23941224127457342682008-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:002008-11-05T09:43:22.142-08:00

Last November, Shelley Adina needed to kickstart a book that was coming due to her publisher. Find out how she used NaNoMo to make her deadline on her upcoming release, Be Strong and Curvaceous!Chica Lit: Please tell us how you prepared for NaNoWriMo.Shelley: I was contracted for book 3 in the All About Us series, Be Strong and Curvaceous, due that January, and I was behind on it because of work

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-28450856287898620372008-11-04T14:32:00.000-08:002008-11-04T14:48:47.588-08:00

So much for doubling yesterday's word count! This is what happens when I write on my laptop with its high-speed Internet and email access. Dangerous stuff. Tomorrow I'll be on the road with the AlphaSmart so we'll see what happens.Nonetheless, I wrote some of the hardest scenes in the book. It's the middle of Act II when my heroine makes her major emotional transition. I can't say more or else

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-79062189008937269982008-11-04T08:06:00.001-08:002008-11-04T08:17:23.261-08:00

My dad sent me this video last night. HIGH-larious!But seriously, the right to vote is no joke and it came at a high price. Our grandmothers fought for us in the 1920's. Our ancestors whether they marched against the British, arrived on a ship, walked through Ellis or Angel Island, or crossed a border have fought for the right to vote.Don't be a loser. Don't let the old lady in this video call

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-78908204455713024032008-11-03T15:49:00.000-08:002008-11-03T15:57:02.006-08:00

Today was my first day of NaNoMo and I logged in 3,750 words or 15 manuscript pages. For inspiration, I studied this photo that I found on eBay, of all places. She captures who my character, Anna Vazquez, will become at the end of the story.Tomorrow I hope to turn in 20 manuscript pages, which will put me up to my normal speed.Onward!

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-26874766702198000822008-10-31T11:32:00.000-07:002008-10-31T11:33:05.208-07:00

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-17502857575491035142008-10-28T10:22:00.000-07:002008-10-28T10:25:59.456-07:00

Listed among the 50 Best Chick Lit Blogs is:Chica Lit. Mary Castillo blogs about various novels with an emphasis on her peers’ accomplishments. Keep up with the latest in Chick Lit that might not be front and center at the chain book store. Thanks, Love Coach!

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-3247095264323114292008-10-28T08:45:00.000-07:002008-10-28T09:39:35.038-07:00

When I found out I was pregnant, every single mom I knew told me not to wish for anything more than ten toes and ten fingers. They advised me that I'd get what I got and I'd love the little stinker anyway. Well, the Little Dude has proven them correct. He, and this is so painful to admit, is a picky eater.My brother is a picky eater and if you've read Hot Tamara and remember her brother Memo, you

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-32123563882128095532008-10-27T14:18:00.000-07:002008-10-27T14:20:05.849-07:00

I "cast" Joan Collins as Isa's guardian angel in In Between Men. This picture says it all!

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-32093325790432833382008-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:002008-10-24T08:53:13.450-07:00

One day Selina McLemore asked me if I'd like to add points to my karma. Who can say no to that? She sent me a copy of Lorraine Lopez's book, The Gifted Gabaldón Sisters. I made a grave error of cracking open the book when my husband was away because once I started it was very hard to put it down to play fire fighter with the Little Dude. (When you've played fire fighter as much as I have, dude,

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-91549696233638507352008-10-23T09:02:00.000-07:002008-10-23T10:35:14.577-07:00

"Go Gay Hair Spray" from Art.comIs it something in the water? Or, is the economy really driving people crazy? I don't know but I have to get this off my chest.Here in California we have Prop 8 on the ballot which if passed, will ban same sex marriage in our state. Recently, I've seen commercials in support of the bill showing parents awkwardly dealing with their school age children coming home

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-22879945105787582102008-10-19T10:00:00.001-07:002008-10-19T10:00:56.547-07:00

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-24044329772705803812008-10-15T00:00:00.000-07:002008-10-15T00:00:01.009-07:00

If you click on the video you will see the face of HIV and AIDS. The CDC reported in 2001 that African-American and Latina girls, ages 13-19, accounted for 84% of AIDS cases; women ages 20-24 account for 78 percent.I'm a very proud hermana of Project Reina, a group of Latina and African-American women who are dedicated to keeping our younger sisters free of HIV/AIDS. Founded by Gina Ravera, who

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-26553628688103792162008-10-14T09:06:00.000-07:002008-10-14T09:13:41.634-07:00

I'm interrupting our regular programming to ask for your thoughts and prayers to go out to the fire fighters who are battling the blazes out here in California. My dad is on-call and my brother, who is now with the Federal Fire Department, may be deployed if more fires break out. Last night, the Santa Ana winds died down, but its still hot and dry out there.Thanks for your time and energy and now

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-65439962133195984222008-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:002008-10-14T00:00:00.688-07:00

I think it was the end of spring when Diana Rodriguez Wallach contacted me through MySpace and told me about her upcoming YA release, Amor and Summer Secrets. This is not just her first book but it's also the start of a whole new life for this former business journalist.Chica Lit: Please tell us about your series starting with Amor and Summer Secrets?Diana: When I started this series, I wanted to

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-20448787086835808032008-10-13T11:34:00.001-07:002008-10-13T11:40:16.868-07:00

Here I am with Kathy Cano Murrillo (the fabulous Crafty Chica) at the booksigning event last Friday at the National Hispanic Women's Conference. We shared, we laughed and I made sexual references in my speech about the power of a writer ... you had to be there.Thank you to the organizers of the event for not just having us, but also for gathering 2,500 Latinas under one roof to inspire one

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-10079678955326837402008-10-09T11:51:00.000-07:002008-10-09T12:48:53.330-07:00

To those of you diligently return to this blog even though I haven't updated it in like a week or so, thank you. I don't know why you put up with me. I must be funny or sexy. Or, maybe you enjoy laughing at me versus with me.Anyway, the Little Dude murdered my laptop last week when he picked up it (the kid's strong, I tell ya) and then threw it down on the floor. I had to do the mental equivalent

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-29839734060194642272008-09-22T09:55:00.000-07:002008-09-24T15:56:35.721-07:00

Image from Art.comLast week the Little Dude and I did some serious gardening. We tore out a bunch of overgrown, rosemary bushes that revealed something resembling lavendar that had been smothered to death. We encountered peril in the form of black widows the size of quarters, pincher bugs and nosey neighbors. We weeded, tilled the soil, planted irises, daffodils and calla lillies and when that

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17891930.post-89033829749882976112008-09-17T00:00:00.000-07:002008-09-17T00:00:01.122-07:00

Margo Candela was standing on a street corner in downtown Phoenix when I picked her up. We had lunch. We had a few laughs. We then did our thing at the Celebrating Chica Lit panel at the National Hispanic Women's Conference. I distinctly remember when someone asked us how we balanced writing with our family lives. Margo is not one to mince words. She took that mic and said, "You make the time. If

Mary Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10725758281856344830noreply@blogger.com0