Sonora Reyes is a creative you should be keeping an eye on. They write fiction full of queer and Latinx characters, and host the #QPOCChat on Twitter as a way to create community among queer creatives of color and have a conversation about projects and identity. Get to know Sonora some more by reading along…
What was your drive to begin the #QPOCChat on Twitter?
I love participating in Twitter chats like Diverse Ink's #DiverseInkChat or Claribel Ortega's #LatinxChat. I especially love the sense of community that comes from these chats, meeting new people who have some of the same struggles and experiences. I had been wondering for a while if a chat existed specifically for queer writers of color. I know so many queer PoC on Twitter and I knew it was something I wanted to do. I threw the idea out there to a few friends and got an amazing amount of support, so I decided to go ahead and start hosting it!
How important is community in the writing community, especially as a marginalized creator?
I have actually struggled with this a bit in the past. At first, I was so desperate to find community with writers on Twitter that I followed anyone who followed me, but unfortunately that led me to a few really painful interactions with some former mutuals who weren't understanding of my identity. I think having a sense of community with other writers is so important, but if that community isn't healthy and supportive, it can really backfire. As a marginalized creator, I have been so lucky to find a community with other marginalized creators. This is why I think targeted chats like #DiverseInkChat, #LatinxChat and now #QPOCChat are so healing to be a part of for me. I've met so many people that I truly consider my friends, and I am so grateful for that.
How do you decide which ideas are worth pursuing when writing and which ones to keep in the backburner?
If I'm not on a deadline with any particular project, I like to go by which ideas I'm most excited about. It's not a very scientific method, but it keeps my love of writing strong. Which books do I fantasize about the future covers for? Which stories can I see myself re-reading a million times during revision? Which world finds its way into my dreams? I draft and revise much faster when I'm working on the stories that bring me joy.
How does your identity affect your writing?
I would say it affects almost every aspect of my writing, from the characters I write to the worlds they live in. While I don't always write my main characters with all the exact same intersections as me, most of them are either brown, queer, disabled, or a combination thereof. My own experiences bleed into my writing all the time.
Who do you write for?
I think it depends on the story, but mostly I write for my high school self, and anyone like my high school self, especially queer Latinx teens.
Is there a piece of media (book, TV, movie, etc) created by a Latinx that has helped shape your creativity?
I will admit that until about a year ago I've been writing in a vacuum, only reading blockbusters and whatever was lent to me by my mostly white co-workers. I didn't start reading actively until about a year ago, so I got exposed to many Latinx creators very late in the game. The first queer Latinx story I ever read was Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova, and I went into it without knowing what I was getting into. As a grown-ass adult, I cried happy tears when I realized Alex was bisexual. I hope to provide that happy moment to others with my writing as well.
Shoutout a Latinx writer or creator whom you admire!
I absolutely adore Ana Franco. She's been such an uplifting voice in the community, and has been my own personal hype-man when I needed one. I really admire how positive she is in the face of set-backs, and how much love and support she's pours into the community.
Follow Sonora on Twitter @SonoraReyes!
Make sure you keep an eye out for the next #QPOCChat and participate!
Sonora Reyes
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 queer Latinx stories in a variety of genres, with current projects in both kidlit and adult categories. Outside of writing, they love dancing, singing karaoke, and playing with their baby nephew.