New York Times bestselling author, editor, and publisher Sylvia Moreno-Garcia spoke with Boston Public Library about her latest book, Silver Nitrate. The discussion, held on October 7 and moderated by Veronica Corben-Matashi of the Boston Public Library, discussed how horror as a genre of fiction stands in today’s publishing market, Topics include his own horror writing journey.
Moreno-Garcia shared her views on the definition of horror, stating that “context and history create the genre of horror,” and that seminal works of horror literature originate from specific periods in the history of horror fiction. The whole thing discussed how it fit in and the writing process as well.
For her, genre is not determined by whether something is scary or not. Or by including the ghosts and zombies usually associated with the genre. Moreno-Garcia believes we are in a “golden age of social horror today” and that recent works, including his own, “have used horror as a frame to discuss social issues.” It touches on how the genre functions differently now than it did a few decades ago. .
Her novel Mexican Gothic explores themes such as eugenics, colonialism, social norms, and gender roles against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico.
“Realistic fiction is like painting with watercolors. Fantasy literature is like painting with oil,” Moreno-Garcia said. “You can make a good picture using both, but they are completely different.”
The author writes almost exclusively in the horror genre, with novels such as “Dr. Moreau’s Daughter” and “Mexican Gothic,” the latter of which made it onto the New York Times bestseller list. She has also written other works in the field of fantasy, especially her novel Gods of Jade and Shadow.
She says using fantastical elements to comment on the “real horrors” people face and continue to face in the world today adds a new appreciation for social issues.
“Horror allows you to see certain things more clearly,” Moreno-Garcia said.
Moreno-Garcia talks about his research methodology, saying that his approach “differs from project to project,” and that “certain periods are like black holes, especially in places like Mexico, where certain things are similarly undocumented.” “It’s not fully understood,” she said of her experience during her research. Research on “silver nitrate”. She emphasized that she relied on interviews to gather information for the project.
Another feature of her writing is the inclusion of female characters and strong heroines in her novels. Moreno-Garcia had an interesting perspective on the idea of a female protagonist.
“People want women to be proactive, not passive. [but I strive to] “It reflects the complexity of navigating the world in different eras,” she said.
Moreno-Garcia challenged readers’ expectations of women in literature, emphasizing the importance of depicting true maturity in female characters. She uses Noemi, the main character in Mexican Gothic, as an example, and she tells Noemi that she is aware of the time she lived in and of her role as a young woman who may not initially have all the answers to the problems she faces. She explained that she wanted it to reflect her age. .
Following Koben-Matashi and Moreno-Garcia’s conversation, the two opened the floor for audience questions and answers. One of the attendees asked Moreno-Garcia for her insight into the publishing industry as a woman and writer of color, and what she might face when publishing her horror novel. I asked about the assignment.
While Moreno-Garcia highlighted the evolving diversity of horror fiction fandom, she also highlighted the continuing imbalances in the publishing industry. She attributed these disparities to financial dynamics and purchasing influences.
In her parting words, she impassioned the audience to actively support writers of color by purchasing their work. In doing so, we can jointly pave the way for greater inclusivity and ensure that writers of color can rightfully claim their space in the literary world, she stressed. . She also gives hope for the future of the industry, claiming that “things are getting better” and that it is becoming more diverse and open to all writers from all backgrounds.