#BookTok on TikTok

I recently got on the TikTok band wagon. I’m expanding my social media audience as an author and am working on joining the #BookTok conversation. Follow me! My handle is @therealadrianaerin

Here is my first post:

Why I Rewrote My Work-In-Progress from Scratch

I started writing my current work-in-progress in October 2020. I had written 34,352 words or 134 pages. That’s about 1/3 of the way through the novel I’ve been working on. It’s a story I’m passionate about telling, but I had written myself into a proverbial brick wall. I had lost the voice of my protagonist and the plot had begun to unravel. There were already some significant changes made as I was working on the manuscript and several chapters would need to be rewritten from scratch anyway.

Earlier in October 2021, I decided to hit the reset button. I've been writing like a fiend trying to get back on track. I'm proud to report that I am now at 14,433 words in my new draft and still writing. Now with the start of National Novel Writing Month, I’m keeping up the progress and aiming to finish this draft as a full Young Adult-genre novel telling a Latinx story that deserves to be told. Keep a look out for my updates on this work in progress.

Thanks for all the support!

VIDEO: IG Live Conversation about SWING SETS!

I was so honored to be included in the Latina Author Roundtable last year! Host and fellow Latina author, Christina Montoya, was wonderful! It was a thrill to have the opportunity to discuss SWING SETS with her and share the story with her and others who watched and participated on Instagram Live!

I found a clip of the conversation, which you can watch below! Enjoy!

Remember, you can purchase your copy or e-book of SWING SETS here: https://www.amazon.com/Swing-Sets-Adriana-Erin-Rivera/dp/150072727X/

New Book Review: NOIRYORICAN by Richie Narvaez

I wrote a book review! Agatha Award-nominated author and writing mentor Richie Narvaez invited me to write a review of his latest short story anthology, NOIRYORICAN, for California bookstore LibroMobile. I’m proud to announce it has been published! The editor from LibroMobile said the review was “clever, funny, and insightful.” I’ll let you be the judge. You can read the review here: https://www.libromobile.com/post/richie-narvaez-s-noiryorican-a-criminal-short-fiction-collection

Enjoy!

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How an Actress Became a Writer

Someone had recently asked me how I got into writing since I had initially had my heart set on pursuing a career as an actress. The truth is that when I wasn’t singing or performing, I was writing. As a kid, my mom and I would go to the library often. One day, I told my mom I wanted to write a book so it could be on the shelf at the library. She encouraged me to write one and so I did. I don’t remember the story, but I remember writing and illustrating this book. I proudly brought the finished book to the library and handing it to the librarian. She was gracious enough to put it on a shelf for me in the children’s section. I’m sure she eventually tossed it out.

After that, I wrote short stories and poems for fun. I read the literary magazines for kids and tweens, but never thought to submit my own work to be considered for publication. In high school, I was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the school newspaper. After reading Sandra Cisneros’s “The House on Mango Street,” I dabbled in writing vignettes. I recently found some old copies of some of the random short stories I had written as a teenager in my parents’ house. That was a trip!

I pursued acting in college and eventually, my writing evolved from prose to playwriting. A few of my plays were performed or put up in staged readings. It was rewarding to see the reactions to my writing from complete strangers. The laughter that erupted from quippy one-liners and applause response made me think, “Maybe I could do something with a writing career.” I went back to school to get a degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology. During those years, I landed editorial internships at Latina Magazine, the New York Metro newspaper, and Footwear News. Latina Magazine and Metro promoted me to freelance writer. I was also busy writing my first novel, SWING SETS. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from FIT and immediately started working at advertising agencies.

Now, when I’m not working as Marketing Manager at Mercy College in New York, I am writing. My latest project got started in October 2020. I’m very passionate about getting this story right - accurate and authentic. It’s taking a lot of research; every source gets me more inspired and motivated! Stay tuned for more!

Comité Noviembre Virtual Author & Artist Fair 2020

The 2020 Comité Noviembre Virtual Artisans Fair and Book Expo begins today! More than 50 artists and authors are participating this year. and I am one of the featured authors in this year’s event. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the fair was not able to gather in-person, so they are presenting online.

I had participated in the fair in 2014 when SWING SETS was first released. It was a thrill to be surrounded by such talented Puerto Rican artists and authors who all have a passion for sharing our culture and stories with the public.

Comité Noviembre 2020 will be online through September 2021. It’s a great opportunity to buy handmade gifts for loved ones throughout the year.

Check out my author page for the fair and explore the directory: https://www.comitenoviembrevirtualfair.org/adriana-erin-rivera

National Puerto Rican Virtual Artisans Fair & Book Expo 2020, presented by PRIDA

National Puerto Rican Virtual Artisans Fair & Book Expo 2020, presented by PRIDA

A New Work In Progress

I started a new writing project this week. I’m nearly 4,000 words in so far (nearly 2 full chapters).

The process of starting to writing a new novel is scary. It requires a high level of long-term commitment and once you’re really in it, it’s hard to go back or quit. At some point you just have to trust in the work.

In this particular piece, I’m already getting in-tune with my characters. Their voices already sound like people I know. I haven’t felt this connected to a work in progress in a long time.

I was inspired specifically by the lack of representation in the Young Adult Fiction genre for stories about this experience (that will not be named yet) and how it has affected so many people, specifically young people. I realize this sounds very cryptic. The themes of home, family, identity, and culture shock are main aspects of this new novel. I’m so excited about it!

The way I see the first draft writing process is like writing all the words of the story down like sand in a sandbox. Once I have all the sand, I’ll be able to mold and build it like a sandcastle. I can’t wait until I have that sandcastle!

Feeling Honored and Inspired

After the Latina Author Roundtable on July 12, I felt honored and inspired.

Honored to be a member of a community of such talented, like-minded authors who share similar goals as writers. A major takeaway was this: “If we don’t write our stories, who will write them for us?” It’s true. We as minorities must write and share our own voices and stories with the world. It’s so important.

Inspired because the discussion was amazing. To hear these other authors speak about why they write and how powerful we are as Latina authors was mind-blowing.

We had all written works in a variety of literary genres. We discussed how representation of Latinx characters in all genres is so critical for the future generations. We have a responsibility to our community and I intend to keep up my end of that bargain in my future works.

I’m looking forward to keeping in touch with the authors who participated and seeking out more opportunities to share my work with others.

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From the Latina Author Roundtable

Conversation between me and author Christina Montoya via Instagram Live.

#QuarantineReadingList: Nilda by Nicholasa Mohr

Presenting the second book of my #QuarantineReadingList: Nilda by Nicholasa Mohr

Nilda by Nicholasa Mohr

Nilda by Nicholasa Mohr

I’m actually re-reading this gem of a novel. This book was one of my favorites growing up as a young Puerto Rican girl.

I remember when I finished reading it as a kid, I told my mom that this was my book and not to pass it onto any of her friends’ kids. She likes to share her books with friends and then complains that she never gets them back.

This book is a perfect read for children and adults. I’m thrilled to revisit this title character’s coming of age story in New York during World War II.

Now, as a writer of color, I’m finding inspiration from the books that shaped me as a younger reader. This week, I am participating in the Kweli Journal’s 2020 Color of Children’s Literature Conference (now virtual) and I’m looking forward to learning and connecting with other authors who love to share stories and elements of their culture within their writing. I feel representation is so important, and for me, as a child reading a book with a Puerto Rican protagonist was a big deal. That’s why I am re-reading Nilda. 

What are you reading?

What's On Your Quarantine Reading List?

During this quarantine period, I’ve been taking the time to catch up on some reading. Who knows how long we will be staying at home with social distancing? We need to keep our minds and imaginations engaged and alive.

The first book on my Quarantine Reading List is Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. So far, I’m loving these characters. It’s funny. It’s got heart. It’s a fantastic book to kick off my Quarantine Reading List.  

Stay tuned to see which other books I add to my reading list. I have a feeling it’s going to be eclectic with some fun surprises.

Support authors and writers! Read some books! Tell me what’s on your Quarantine Reading List in the comments!

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Book #2: Update

I am proud to announce that my second novel is complete! What started as a blank page is now a full-length story.

It’s a contemporary adult fiction novel with a coming of age vein for 30-year-olds in New York City as a toast to love, life, and friendship. According to my early readers at Gotham Writer’s Workshop, it reads as authentic, heart-warming, relatable, and funny.

I’m currently working on pitching it to literary agents. As we know, this next step is also an uphill battle since there is so much competition in the market and a limited number of agents and publishers to represent the novel, but I am hopeful and determined.

Drop me a line if you have any leads on a literary agent who might be interested in such a story for representation. Fingers crossed, everyone!

-Adriana Erin Rivera

In the News!

In October, I participated in Indie Authors Day in Brooklyn at the Public Library. It was a great experience. I met some fantastic writers, shared experiences as writers, heard great writing and publishing advice, sold some books, and had an overall wonderful day. 

The NorthBrooklynNews.com chronicled the day, took some photos, and included a photo of me reading an excerpt from SWING SETS in an article. I didn't know that there was an article until yesterday when one of the authors, Richie Narvaez, who also participated in Indie Authors Day, sent me a tweet about it. This is my first mention in the press as a writer. I'm very excited about it! This is just the beginning.

Here's the article: https://northbrooklynnews.com/2017/11/01/indie-writers-unite/

Adriana Erin Rivera at Indie Author Day 2017

Adriana Erin Rivera at Indie Author Day 2017

Indie Authors Day 2017 in Brooklyn!

I am so excited to announce that I will be participating in Indie Authors Day at the Williamsburg, Brooklyn branch of the New York Public Library on Saturday, October 14, 2017. I'll be selling and signing copies of my debut novel SWING SETS as well as reading an excerpt from my new work in progress novel I'M A HOT MESS... FOREVER. Super exclusive!

This is a free event running from 10am-4pm. I'll have more details about the actual timing of events for the day soon. 

If you like reading, love reading, read sometimes, only read Facebook posts or just want to spend a Saturday afternoon at the library with some cool authors from various genres, stop by Indie Authors Day. It will be fun!

Address: 240 Division Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Hope to see you there!!

SWING SETS is Now a Kindle Ebook and MORE!

You heard right. SWING SETS is now available as a Kindle ebook!! In addition to the paperback edition, my debut novel is joining the digital age. The book is available for purchase in both forms on Amazon.

It is also available in paperback form through Barnes & Noble's website.

SWING SETS now has its own Facebook Page for your 'LIKE'-ing pleasure! I'll share lots of updates about the book on there, so I urge you to 'LIKE' the page and become part of the conversation. Here's the URL: http://www.Facebook.com/SwingSetsNovel 

Some more great news: SWING SETS is on GoodReads.com. It's another way to support the book with reviews, recommendations, etc. It's literally a literary social media network. So if you happen to be on GoodReads, add SWING SETS to your favorite books and help spread the word. I'm on GoodReads as an author as well, so feel free to check that out. 

More good news to come! Spread the word and Stay Tuned!!

 

 

First Book Review!

The Catamaran Literary Reader, a literary magazine based in California, wrote a review of "Swing Sets" and I could not be more thrilled! They wrote a glowing review that really captures the essence of the book. I am so thankful for their kind words and I am glad the book is translating well to readers.

Read the review for yourself: http://catamaranliteraryreader.com/book-reviews/2015/2/24/welcome-to-the-jungle-gym-swing-sets-by-adriana-erin-rivera