Tag Ruin & Want

vital signs + upcoming event

José Angel Araguz Leave a comment

Happy to report that I’m still coming through on that “100% survival rate” I spoke of in my last post. Since then, I’ve experienced some further personal struggles that have laid me unexpectedly bare (read: there’s been lots of self-help books and big talks about health, finances, etc.).

In a way, what I’ve been feeling has felt like truly learning the cost of what it takes to write the books I do. Books that are equal parts lyric nerve, formal curiosity, and trauma. That last ingredient lives outside the books as well as in them, and is something that’s been running my life for a while. I’m catching up with it, helping it unpack. After so many years, it should sit a spell.

Whether poetry or creative nonfiction. I’m often asked some version of the question: How are you able to write the things you write? The raw, often personal nature of my work is often what is meant. The truth is, I don’t know. I don’t know how I am able to write the things I write, I just know I have to write them. I just know that the languages I’ve been gifted in this life have provided some stability in a life otherwise run solely by survival and overwork. I just know that sharing the gift of words with others has meant so much to me, which is why my absence from this space has been tough.

As I learn what this all means moving forward, I’ll be sharing here when appropriate. I’m also hoping to reclaim this space, to get back to sharing and celebrating the writers and art that influence my writing life. Hence some of the changes to the appearance of the site.

How am I able to write the things I write?

Come find out with me.

UPCOMING EVENT

Next week, I will be the special guest reader at the latest installment of Tell-All Boston‘s reading series: “Life on the Margins.” I’ll be reading from my memoir, Ruin & Want (Sundress Publications), and sharing the stage with other writers from the area. This reading has a virtual attendance option if folks aren’t in the area but want to tune in.

Here are the complete deets:

WHAT: Tell-All Boston presents: “Life on the Margins” with special guest José Angel Araguz
WHEN: Thursday, June 13th: 7PM EST
WHERE: in person & virtual
IN-PERSON INFO & RSVP LINK: Porter Square Books, 25 White St., Cambridge, MA; RSVP at this link.
VIRTUAL INFO & REGISTRATION LINK: Register to attend this event virtually at this link.

Happy reclaiming & influencing, y’all!

Abrazos,

= José =

some highlights, 2023

José Angel Araguz 2 Comments

I am happy to report that I continue to have a hundred percent survival rate. This is a phrase I’ve picked up from my therapist. It shook me the first time she said it. The acknowledgment of still being here despite the struggles and setbacks over the years hit like a punch in the gut. That still being here is an accomplishment, something to build on, not just the frayed edges of just enough.

Here’s to keeping that up, all of us.

As the year wraps up, here are some things I’m proud to have produced or helped produce from the year:

First and foremost, I am proud to have my lyric memoir, Ruin & Want (Sundress Publications), out in the world! Thank you to everyone who has gotten a copy and spent time with it. I appreciate all the kind words folks have shared.

It was a hard project to get out, but a necessary one (I spoke at length of what this project entailed in an interview with Sundress Publications).

This book is a testament to that hundred percent survival rate that I spoke of above. More than anything I hope it helps people.

Also, I am honored to have helped bring into the world this powerful e-chapbook by Maria S. Picone, Water Gwisin Saves the Earth. Picone was selected as the 2023 Louisa Solano Memorial Emerging Poet Award winner over at Salamander. Such a great poet, such a great collection of poems. I encourage folks to check it out.

I am also happy to be serving on the Advisory Editorial Board over at Swing who put out their first issue this year! Proud to see them put together a dynamic issue!

Lastly, I am happy to have published a review of Dream of Xibalba by Stephanie Adams-Santos over at Lambda Literary Review. This book invites an open approach with one’s own lyric sensibility. Surprise that a book about the Mayan underworld is a trip.

Biggest highlight is still being alive.

Hope folks are staying safe out there!

Abrazos,

José