Two authors whose writing explores cultural identity, family, heritage and Mexican American experiences will share their work at Texas A&M University-San Antonio during events in October and November.
Laurie Ann Guerrero, an associate professor of English and former Texas poet laureate, will celebrate the launch of her fifth book, “REDWORK,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in the university auditorium.
Ana Castillo, a distinguished voice in Mexican American and Chicana literature, will visit the university at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 in the auditorium as part of the Department of Language, Literature and Arts’ Writing Culture Series.
Guerrero said Castillo was selected because of her contributions to American literature and her ability to connect with students through her experiences and writing.
“She writes poetry, novels, essays and academic work. She does everything,” Guerrero said. “She’s just such a strong voice in American literature, but specifically among Latino Chicano literature.”
Castillo conceived the term “xicanisma” in “Massacre of the Dreamers,” her 1994 collection of essays, to describe Chicana feminism that embraces indigenous identity. The Atlantic included her book “So Far from God” in its 2024 list of “The Great American Novels.”
Guerrero said the department began preparing for Castillo’s visit around February or March. The event is supported by a grant from the Edouard Foundation, which helped the department establish the Writing Culture Series and bring more established writers to campus.
Guerrero said the funding has allowed the department to invite multiple writers with a prestigious literary background and provide students with opportunities to interact with authors whose work they study in their class.
“I think it’s important for our students to see writers who have similar backgrounds as they do,” Guerrero said.
She also explained that meeting established authors can encourage students to tell their own stories while considering new possibilities for their own education, career and personal lives.
For Guerrero, Castillo’s visit also holds personal significance. She explained that Castillo’s writing influenced her when she was a young writer and continues to influence her work till this day.
Castillo’s writing explores cultural identity, family histories and the true experiences of individuals navigating different geographical and social boundaries.
“It’s important to see ourselves represented in American literature,” Guerrero said. “And so, Ana Castillo is a beacon for that.”
Jackson Ayres, professor of English and chair of the Department of Language, Literature and Arts, said the department focuses on connecting learning with the communities students come from.
Ayres said the department offers programs in English, Spanish and creative arts and performance studies, noting how individuals communicate and express meaning through language, literature, music and visual arts.
“We try to be really responsive to our student population, their needs, and the community,” Ayres mentioned.
He said the department incorporates Mexican American literature, Latino and Latina studies and artistic traditions from South Texas into its school courses.
These programs provide students with chances to explore their cultural backgrounds while developing new skills in writing, communication and critical thinking skills that benefit them beyond graduation.
Ayres said events featuring visiting authors are another way to connect students with creative work outside the classroom.
“Art, music, culture is a part of university life,” Ayres said. “It’s a part of the human experience, and therefore a part of what the university is meant to showcase and celebrate and foster.”
University spotlights new book by writer in residence
The Writing Culture Series will showcase Guerrero and “REDWORK,” whose title was inspired by a collection of lyric essays, poems and images of embroidered textile art she created using red thread and cotton muslin fabric.
The collection combines lyric essays, poetry, and embroidered textile artwork to explore women’s experiences, family traditions and the important significance of creative expression.
The celebration will include a book signing, reading, and discussion, followed by a reception featuring Guerrero’s embroidered artwork in the Business Library Hall multipurpose room.
Guerrero, who initially grew up on San Antonio’s South Side and previously served as poet laureate of San Antonio and Texas, said she hopes students recognize that successful writers can come from communities like their own.
In her book Redwork, Guerrero reflects on the decade she spent completing the writing and embroidery, describing how the experience strengthened her connection to her ancestors.
“It took 10 years to finish the writing and the embroidery work,” she said. “What I learned about my connection to my ancestors in that process was life-altering and indispensable. My hope is that others might recognize and honor the people they come from in the smallest, seemingly insignificant tasks we accomplish. It’s there that patience and humility are found, and I am grateful for it.”
Looking ahead to the spring 2027 semester, Guerrero said she hopes to continue bringing visiting writers to campus in recognition of important times of year such as Black History Month in February and National Poetry Month in April.
Although all the specific events and visiting authors have not been finalized, Guerrero said she wants to continue to provide opportunities for students to engage with writers from different backgrounds and experiences.
For Castillo’s November visit, Guerrero said the attendees will have opportunities to ask questions and get feedback and also purchase books and have them signed. She hopes the event attracts more than English and literature students.
“We want the whole community to come,” Guerrero said.
Guerrero hopes Castillo’s appearance encourages students to recognize the huge importance of their own personal experiences, family backgrounds and cultural histories.
She said that literature allows individuals to document stories that might otherwise be overlooked while helping future generations understand the communities that shaped them.
