Interview with Olivia Castillo, Author of Daughter of the Boricua

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Daughter of the Boricua?

Ten years ago, I decided I wanted to write a book. I wanted to write about someone else’s family story and then my daughter said why don’t you write about your own. My books are inspired by my family’s history. I wanted to write down some of the stories I had heard about as a child that my parents and grandparents told me. I wanted to leave a legacy for my children and leave them a history of their family. I wanted to write about my parents’ and grandparents’ struggles, about their stories of facing racism and being Puerto Rican in NYC.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Daughter of the Boricua, what would they be?

For Isabella it would be “ Hay Amores, “ by Shakira because Isabella and Cristibal’s love is timeless : Oh my love! I’d do anything for you to have you for a second, far away from the world and close to me.

Liani’s would be “Dos Gardenias,”Buena Vista Social Club because she is a Taino trying to live in a world that she’s not familiar with and in love with a Spaniard : Two gardenias for you With them I mean to say “I love you, I adore you, my love”

Josie’s would be “ I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” By Panic at the Disco, because she’s trying to close doors to be able to open a new life for herself. “Haven’t you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door?!” No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things With a sense of poise and rationality.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love Historical fiction and Romance and it is one of my favorite things to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Motivation Manifesto by Brendan Burchard, The School of Mirrors by Eva Stacgniark, and Vera by Carol Edgarian.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the scenes with Liani and Estefan because I got to travel in time with them.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write on my phone and can write anywhere, in between errands, car rides, vacations, in a party, etc.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Make your own fair in life.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The love of family makes anything possible.

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