Why subscribe?

Hello! If you’re here I assume you’re a fan of my work, my publishing or perhaps you’re a frenemy wanting to keep tabs. Either way, I’m old enough to remember when the Internet was “free” and blogs were fun. I’m also dumb enough to want to keep expressing my opinions online. Maybe one day I’ll learn my lesson. If you enjoy my writing/perspective/books, then this is where I’ll be writing from now on.

Who am I? I’m a writer, a publisher and persona non grata in the Chicano writing community and pretty much invisible in the mainstream publishing community. I started an underground publishing company in the early 2000’s and astonishingly have not quit yet.

I started writing and publishing because traditional publishers rejected my work. I have published my work (and the work of others) by any means necessary, and always on my own terms.

I’ve had my work featured on radio, web, print and even television, from coast to coast and my books have reached the shelves of both traditional and independent bookstores stores, as well as select public libraries, and as teaching material in universities and both public/private schools. My books have also been the basis for more than a few dissertations.

That’s not too shabby if I do say so myself!

Still, I am unknown and #brownlisted from achieving any mainstream notoriety.

My publishing company is still one of only a handful of 100% Chicano owned/operated small presses in the United States. In my not-so-humble opinion, that’s a big freakin’ deal.

I am using Substack to blog. After struggling with the ethics of social media for years, I am not going to silence myself. But I am going to choose how I publish it carefully. Welcome to the next chapter.

This is a work in progress and I will update as needed. Thanks for being a reader.

• S/C