Summer is a time of glee and adventure. In New York of 1977, summer was a time of chaos and despair.
Story
Yaralee De La Cruz
(she/her) Mentee
Yaralee De La Cruz is a Dominican American Bronx New York bisexual female writer. Her favorite female authors and artists are Naoko Takeuhi, Elizabeth Acevedo and Meryl Streep. Her favorite genres are romance, fantasy and horror. Her favorite mediums of expression are film, art and fashion. She loves watching movies, anime, cartoons, art, graphic novels, guitar and music. She’s been published in two literary magazines, one for her high school magazine and twice for Pen America’s Summer Program. Her goals are to become a screenwriter, director, producer and actress (like Spike Lee) and have an EGOT in the near future.
Favorite Genres/Mediums
Horror & Thriller, Romance & Romantic Comedy and Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Favorite Authors & Artists
Elizabeth Acevedo, Meryl Streep, Naoko Takeuhi
Artist‘s Statement
I like to believe in “write what you know”. What I know is that I’m a Dominican Bronx New Yorker who grew up in a religious and traditional family and who struggles with certain parts of her identity. A lot of my stories and art pieces are based on my experiences surrounding topics like maturing, insecurities, and sexuality. I would write fiction while incorporating parts of my life in it to tell my story without saying that it’s mine. Writing is my escape and my outlit of expression.
Story
Exile of the Innocent
When I look at this piece, I see someone who is maturing and moving forward with their life, but first, they have to let go of something holding them back. I can also envision a parent letting go.
Story
El Barrio, an Excerpt
During the hottest summer of their lives, two best friends, Manuel Polanco and Xiomara Vargas, slowly drift apart as they deal with gangs, drugs and growing up in… El Barrio.