Friday Conversation | Ep 136: Stephanie Vasquez - The War on Drugs: A Complex Narrative

In this episode, Stephanie Vasquez joins us to discuss her debut novel All Our Wars, delving into themes of family, violence, and the layered complexities surrounding the war on drugs. With a background in journalism, Stephanie explains how her investigative approach influenced the novel's structure and narrative, helping her navigate sensitive topics like immigration, cartel violence, and human resilience. She shares her thoughts on avoiding harmful stereotypes in storytelling, ensuring that violence doesn't dominate the narrative, and the emotional challenges of researching such a fraught subject.

We also explore her publishing journey, discussing the hurdles faced and the persistence required to bring her story to life. Stephanie provides insight into her thoughts on the growing role of AI in writing, questioning its impact on authenticity and creativity. On a lighter note, she shares personal anecdotes about her family's recipes, reflecting on how traditions and first jobs shaped her sense of identity.

Find Stephanie here: https://www.stephanievasquezauthor.com/

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Stephanie Vasquez and Her Journey

03:00
Exploring the Themes of 'All Our Wars'

05:56
The Balance of Violence and Storytelling

09:04
Navigating the War on Drugs

11:58
Addressing Stereotypes and Representation

14:58
The Challenges of Research and Authenticity

18:07
The Complexity of the War on Drugs

20:59
Publishing Journey and the Query Process

23:45
The Role of AI in Writing and Publishing

26:59
Personal Reflections and Family Recipes

30:01
The Human Connection and Immigration Issues

33:01
Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations