Writer
“Why am I compelled to write?... I write because life does not appease my appetites and anger... To become more intimate with myself and you. To discover myself, to preserve myself, to make myself, to achieve self-autonomy. To dispell the myths that I am a mad prophet or a poor suffering soul... I write because I'm scared of writing, but I'm more scared of not writing." -Gloria E. Anzaldúa
Writing runs in Nayelly's veins. It is what has liberated her. Nayelly grew up in a rather cloistered and conservative community where questioning and critical thought were discouraged. Through reading and writing, she realized life is precious and power lies in unconditional compassion.
Currently, she is working on a memoir that highlights the complexities of Latinx mother-daughter relationships and in which she delves into the intricacies of growing up as a rebellious malcriada raised by a chingona, feminist mother who simultaneously upheld her culture’s machista ideals.
In addition to serving as editor for several publications, Nayelly has presented on and moderated panels at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) several times. She has taught creative writing courses at the university level and has facilitated community writing workshops. She is available for poetry readings, talks on craft, and workshop design and facilitation.