Q&A with Author Margo Candela
What was your inspiration for The Neapolitan Sisters?
I wrote the first draft of The Neapolitan Sisters
many, many years ago before any of my previous four novels (Underneath it All, Life Over Easy, More Than This and Good-Bye to All That) with more of an intention than inspiration. I wanted to tell the story of three complex characters who were Latinas but, more importantly, were their own selves both as women and sisters. Family dysfunction is universal, and all of my books have dealt with it to a certain degree. With The Neapolitan Sisters I wanted to explore how their particular issues stemming from their shared childhood both drove them apart while also forming a strong bond between them.
How does being a Latina influence your writing?
There isn’t just one type of Latina and there isn’t just one way to write novel. Being a first generation Mexican-American plays a huge part in how I see and experience the world, but it’s not my only influence. My journalism training taught me to be as objective as possible which I combine with wanting to tell a good story through Latina and Latino characters.
What issues and obstacles have you faced as a Latina author?
I’ve faced the same issues and obstacles as any writer when it comes to navigating the business of publishing as well as few more by virtue of being a writer who is Latina. We are underrepresented as authors and in all areas of publishing. This factors into less opportunities and also less understanding of what it takes to get published and how those of us who have been, made it happen.
I was recently at an author event where a parent of an unpublished poet complained to me that her son had a prestigious MFA, but his manuscript couldn’t attract the attention of an agent or editor. “All they want are women writers and writers of color,” she told me. Realizing that she was speaking to a woman writer of color she added, “And I guess that’s not wrong because...” That “because” is what I—as I published author who is Latina—have to address both personally and professionally.
How important is it for Latina narratives to be told in books?
It’s not only important that our stories be told but that they’re told from a wide variety of perspectives. What's also important is supporting authors who are writing these narratives. There are three ways to do this: buy the books, recommend others buy their own copies and write and post reviews. If publishers don’t see a demand for Latina and Latino narratives, the writers of these books won’t get published.
How can Latina writers go about getting their stories out there?
When I was first starting out, I read how-to books, did lots of research and then wrote, revised, and polished my first novel until I was ready to query agents. That took more research and was like looking for a job. There are many outlets out there for writers but it’s up to the writer to decide what her ultimate goal is and then focus her time and energy to where she’ll have the most success. Having other writer friends and being part of a writing community are also important not only to the process but also for the support.
How important was the public library to you as a writer?
I spent a lot of time reading when I was growing up and the library was filled with endless possibilities. I’m absolutely convinced that this early exposure to reading library books played a huge part in my becoming a writer. Now more than ever, public libraries are essential to the communities they serve. Librarians are very aware of what their patrons need and want and not only loan out books, they also provide crucial social services and all manner of outreach programs.
Can you share what you're working on now?
I’m currently writing my sixth novel which focuses on a minor character from my fourth novel. It tells how Nicoletta Valencia, an overworked production assistant who’s struggling to pay her rent, becomes Nicolette Meyers, an actress who’s paid her dues and making her red carpet debut. It’s going to be funny, dark and honest about sex.
Visit www.MargoCandela.com for more information and to contact the author about appearances, events, and book clubs. The Neapolitan Sisters was published by Alcove Press on August 9, 2022 and is distributed by Penguin Random House.
I wrote the first draft of The Neapolitan Sisters
many, many years ago before any of my previous four novels (Underneath it All, Life Over Easy, More Than This and Good-Bye to All That) with more of an intention than inspiration. I wanted to tell the story of three complex characters who were Latinas but, more importantly, were their own selves both as women and sisters. Family dysfunction is universal, and all of my books have dealt with it to a certain degree. With The Neapolitan Sisters I wanted to explore how their particular issues stemming from their shared childhood both drove them apart while also forming a strong bond between them.How does being a Latina influence your writing?
There isn’t just one type of Latina and there isn’t just one way to write novel. Being a first generation Mexican-American plays a huge part in how I see and experience the world, but it’s not my only influence. My journalism training taught me to be as objective as possible which I combine with wanting to tell a good story through Latina and Latino characters.
What issues and obstacles have you faced as a Latina author?
I’ve faced the same issues and obstacles as any writer when it comes to navigating the business of publishing as well as few more by virtue of being a writer who is Latina. We are underrepresented as authors and in all areas of publishing. This factors into less opportunities and also less understanding of what it takes to get published and how those of us who have been, made it happen.
I was recently at an author event where a parent of an unpublished poet complained to me that her son had a prestigious MFA, but his manuscript couldn’t attract the attention of an agent or editor. “All they want are women writers and writers of color,” she told me. Realizing that she was speaking to a woman writer of color she added, “And I guess that’s not wrong because...” That “because” is what I—as I published author who is Latina—have to address both personally and professionally.
How important is it for Latina narratives to be told in books?
It’s not only important that our stories be told but that they’re told from a wide variety of perspectives. What's also important is supporting authors who are writing these narratives. There are three ways to do this: buy the books, recommend others buy their own copies and write and post reviews. If publishers don’t see a demand for Latina and Latino narratives, the writers of these books won’t get published.
How can Latina writers go about getting their stories out there?
When I was first starting out, I read how-to books, did lots of research and then wrote, revised, and polished my first novel until I was ready to query agents. That took more research and was like looking for a job. There are many outlets out there for writers but it’s up to the writer to decide what her ultimate goal is and then focus her time and energy to where she’ll have the most success. Having other writer friends and being part of a writing community are also important not only to the process but also for the support.
How important was the public library to you as a writer?
I spent a lot of time reading when I was growing up and the library was filled with endless possibilities. I’m absolutely convinced that this early exposure to reading library books played a huge part in my becoming a writer. Now more than ever, public libraries are essential to the communities they serve. Librarians are very aware of what their patrons need and want and not only loan out books, they also provide crucial social services and all manner of outreach programs.
Can you share what you're working on now?
I’m currently writing my sixth novel which focuses on a minor character from my fourth novel. It tells how Nicoletta Valencia, an overworked production assistant who’s struggling to pay her rent, becomes Nicolette Meyers, an actress who’s paid her dues and making her red carpet debut. It’s going to be funny, dark and honest about sex.
Visit www.MargoCandela.com for more information and to contact the author about appearances, events, and book clubs. The Neapolitan Sisters was published by Alcove Press on August 9, 2022 and is distributed by Penguin Random House.
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