We had the pleasure of getting to know Yariana Torres, a Bronx-based writer, with roots in the Dominican Republic. Her work focuses on identity, love, and culture, ultimately using her voice to illuminate the adolescent experience.

She has worked with platforms including the Dominican Writers Association, Dreamyard, Letras Latinas, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. Our conversation is a journey through her creative process, cultural inspiration, open mic experiences, plans for the future, and beyond. We hope you enjoy it! 

Moments:

1:20 Meet Yariana

2:30 Getting started in her writing career

3:45 Imposter syndrome and confidence in writing

5:00 Her experience with Julia Alvarez, Angie Cruz, and Elizabeth Acevedo

11:00 Collaboration with Bronx-based designer Jordan Alexandra https://www.instagram.com/jalexandradesigns/

15:00 Themes Yariana explores in her writing

20:00 Self-publishing

23:00 Combating writers' block

26:00 Writing for your audience

30:10 Being old (at 30)

35:50 Why you don't need to know grammar to be a published author

37:00 Working with an editor

40:00 In her señora era

48:30 What Yariana has learned about herself through writing

55:52 Salmon lasagna and lasagna with raisins

57:20 Learning Korean, maybe

59:00 Gloria Trevi

Connect with Yariana: