Empowerment Series: Named in People Espanol Magazine as Latinx Authors to be Excited about in 2023, Author, V. Castro Shares Horror with AW

Lit Hub nicknamed her “The Goddess of Indigenous Mexican horror.” The two-time Bram Stoker Award–nominated author, V. Castro has impressive titles of horror books. The list includes Mestiza Blood, Alien Vasquez, and Queen of Cicadas. Her latest book “The Haunting of Alejandra was published by Penguin Random House and is getting great buzz!

Most of society perceives women, as soft and defenseless, “Damsels in distress.” The expectation can be for female authors to write about love and romance. However, let’s not forget authors like Mary Shelly’s “Frankenstein” and Anne Rice’s “Interview with a Vampire.” These women carved a path for the genre, inspiring a new generation of terror. Today, we get to experience authors like V. Castro, who continue to do the work that breaks barriers.

AW had the opportunity to sit with the talented writer to discuss genre, the inspiration behind her books, and much more!

There are many genres you could have chosen. Why write horror? It would seem that to write this type of content, you have to go to a different place, mentally. Absolutely. Growing up Mexican, I had a lot of urban legends and folklore. The history of my ancestors is an absolute horror. As a child with an overactive imagination, I was always fascinated by darker literature and had plenty of these stories swimming in my head. As a person of color and multiple identities, Mexican and American, horror lends itself to delving deeper into the issues that you would not necessarily touch on in a rom-com. You can get into topics that may be too serious, dark, or heavy and still be entertaining. You can connect with readers and reveal parts of yourself which is very important. It is something I try to do in all of my books, let people in on something about me and my culture.

You’ve stated that you draw inspiration from Mexican folklore and urban legends of Texas to help create stories. Can you share a bit about how you made developed your newest character from “The Haunting of Alejandra?” I grew up with the tales of “La Llorona,” like many other people. The woman who killed her children and then herself. You grow up with the notion that motherhood is the pinnacle of identity. Be a good mother, self-sacrificing, be everything to everyone, and ask for little while remaining sweet and amicable, as possible. Tolerant. I asked myself “What would drive a woman to do that?” I’ve watched True Crime and we have heard the stories of women who do these things.

I had just had my third child and went through a period in my life when things were not right. I lost all sense of who I was and what I was doing as a stay-at-home mom. I had been writing for a while but knew I wanted more. I wrote the book during a time of self-exploration while processing my grief and pain, and also learning to understand the why of the mistakes made in my life. This spiritual awakening, along with meditation, Brujeria helped bring the book right out of me during the pandemic.

“The Haunting of Alejandra” is about motherhood, mental health, generational trauma, and curses. My mother was abandoned as a child. My grandmother took care of six children at a very young age. Experiencing my own pain and crying a lot made me think about “La Llorona.” I wanted to make a statement to women and parents. Tell them “Your mental health is important. You can put yourself first without feeling guilty.”

As a female writer, was there any particular topic that made you second-guess whether or not to include it in your books?  No. I let it all out from the time I wrote my first book! I can go anywhere. I don’t think anything is taboo. I want to go for the jugular and allow readers to see the mess, feel and experience it because in that catharsis is where we can better understand each other. There could be someone out there who may need to hear that story or see the words.

I find that each of my characters has a little of me in them and I learn from them, too. You’ve mentioned the same in past interviews. What is one surprising thing you have learned about yourself while writing horror stories, which can be very intense? I am capable of doing more than I ever imagined in my life.

I love reading, it’s essential. It helps open minds and challenge our vocabulary. I’m guilty of gravitating toward the same genre, repeatedly. For those that may be intimidated by the genre. Can you offer your best pitch? Why should we read “The Haunting of Alejandra?” You should read “The Haunting of Alejandra” because it is very much women’s fiction. Yes, it does have elements of horror, it is creepy and there is a little blood. However, the bigger story is about self-love, family, and finding yourself. This is a book about personal empowerment, surrender, and learning to let go. In those moments when you feel all is lost is where you will find your path.

In the words of Nina Simone, “Freedom to me is no fear.” When we truly let go is when we find real freedom.

The Latina Author has certainly found her voice and is not afraid to use it. Women have spent centuries dimming their light to appease the masses. Thankfully, in recent years, we have witnessed a turn of the tide. Although ancient patriarchal laws are still trying to suppress our desire to live life out loud, we are pushing back every step of the way.

To learn more about V Castro, check out Twitter & Instagram @Vlatinalondon, Tik-Tok @Vcastrobooks, vcastrostories, or La Muerte Market.

You can find the AW Confidential Podcast on all streaming services and watch it on our YouTube channel to enjoy all the side chats during the interview.