Mexican-American
First Language(s): Spanish
Second Language(s):
English
Ansel Guarneros is a 28-year-old Mexican-American writer, born in Texas. He recently published his first poetry collection, “Hello, Cactus”, and has published poetry and short stories in literary sites in Mexico, the US, Venezuela, and Spain. He's also active on social media, and he can be found as @anselguarneros on Instagram, Medium and Twitter.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My favorite books were always those of the Harry Potter saga. I remember reading them again and again and thanks to that, I started reading other things. When I was 15 years old, a book by Pablo Neruda fell into my hands; 20 love poems, and a desperate song. That book was the one that made me fall in love with poetry.
Do you remember the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?
One of my aunts realized that I was very depressed when I was a kid, so she gave me a notebook and some pens and encouraged me to start writing what I felt. I'm still depressed, but at least I can make something out of it. That's how I started. My first book of poems, “Hello Cactus”, is dedicated to my aunt.
What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?
I think that moving from one country to another, leaving everything I know behind would be it.
Do you listen to music while reading or writing?
Not while reading, but definitely yes when writing. If I consciously focus on the song I'm listening to, my subconscious starts writing on its own, and I don't even know what I wrote until I read it again. It's like magic.
Poetry
Hands
Issue Spring '20
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