Amping Up the Mom Tension in "La Bruja del Barrio Loco"

13/5/2018

Foto por Catía Matos

Well, that seemed like the appropriate thing to do, especially since it's American Mother's Day. The tension between Elisa and her mother hits close to home. I mean, if you are a Chicana academic, and your mom hasn't called you out for pursuing your career, and "neglecting" your partner and/or children, count yourself as the exception. My mom still tells me my husband is neglected. Whatevs.

In "La Bruja del Barrio Loco" which is now hitting 86 pages (yeah!), I amplified that tension, but also had a longer interaction with La Bruja when Elisa visits the shop.

Well, my daughter summons, emphatically.

Be the best Mom version of yourself. #Resist

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Dr. Jesú Estrada,
Pen Name: María J. Estrada
Chicago, IL

**My next event is May 1. It is a virtual release party on Facebook. You can also have input on the next freebie! You are all warmly invited.*

MARIA J. ESTRADA is an English college professor of Composition, Literature, and her favorite, Creative Writing. She grew up in the desert outside of Yuma, Arizona in the real Barrio de Los Locos, a barrio comprised of new Mexican immigrants and first-generation Chicanos. Drawing from this setting and experiences, she writes like a loca every minute she can—all while magically balancing her work and family obligations. She lives in Chicago’s south side with her wonderfully supportive husband, two remarkable children, and two mischievous cats. You can learn more about her other books and writing happenings at barrioblues.com.

My next book coming out is Not Your Abuelita's Folktales, a Magical Realism collection of short stories for Young Adults.