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In this What to Read Next Podcast episode, host Laura chats with author and illustrator Raquel Vasquez Gilliland. Raquel shares her love for gardening, tarot, and her writing journey. They discuss her magical garden full of native flowers, fruit trees, herbs, and the joy of cross-pollinating flowers. Raquel also delves into her experiences with tarot and the decks she enjoys, including the Tarot of the Pagan Cats.

The conversation then shifts to Raquel’s new book series, Witch and the Wild Things (https://amzn.to/4dRoiFg), described as a Latinx Practical Magic with three sisters. Raquel talks about the emotional depth of her characters, particularly in Lightning in Her Hands (https://amzn.to/3Ub6yh4) , where she portrays a bipolar character navigating magical powers and love.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Raquel’s journey into writing and illustration.
• Gardening as a form of creativity and connection to nature.
• The magic of cross-pollination and the joy of seeing new flower varieties bloom.
• Raquel’s favorite tarot decks and her approach to tarot readings.
• Her Witch and the Wild Things series and the inspirations behind the stories.
• Writing emotionally rich romance characters, including the exploration of mental health.
• The importance of romance novels in setting standards for healthy relationships.

Books Mentioned:

1. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski https://amzn.to/3U9bvar
2. Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon https://amzn.to/3ZZCTLH
3. Fresh Banana Leaves by Dr. Jessica Hernandez https://amzn.to/3YpDQvu

Where to Find Raquel:

• Website: raquelvasquezgilliland.com
• Instagram & Threads: @RaquelVasquezGilliland_poet

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