Cleyvis Natera is a novelist, short story writer, essayist, and critic, whose debut novel, Neruda on the Park, was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and awarded a Silver Medal by the International Latino Book Awards. Her second book, The Grand Paloma Resort, is out now. In today’s episode, Cleyvis and Annmarie discuss the often long and winding road to literary publication, marathons versus triathlons, and the high cost of luxury travel both on and off the resort.

Episode Sponsors:

McNally Jackson – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or shop online at www.mcnallyjackson.com

Books Are Magic – A family-owned independent bookstore in Brooklyn, committed to being a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive space for all people. We believe that books are indeed magic and that literature is one of the best ways to create empathy, transportation, and transformation. Stop by or shop online at booksaremagic.net.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Neruda on the Park, by Cleyvis Natera

The Grand Paloma Resort, by Cleyvis Natera

The Farming of Bones, by Edwidge Danticat

In the Time of Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez 

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water, by Angie Cruz (You can listen to our WPL conversation with Angie here.)

Here’s the trailer for the Netflix series Envidiosa.

Follow Cleyvis Natera:

Instagram: @cleyvisnatera

Twitter/X: @cleyvisnatera

Bluesky: @cleyvisnatera.bsky.social‬

cleyvisnatera.com

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: 

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025.

You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true. 

This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or if you’re looking for an online class to jumpstart your memoir, you can find that here. 

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. 

Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan

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