poetry, life, and laughter with yariana torres

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: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t_yariana/ On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Yarianawrites Buy her book: https://www.yarianawrites.org/product/halfwaythere/2