Welcome to "The Mountain in Us" podcast, where host Taran Singh explores individuals' exciting, challenging, and heartfelt journeys. In this episode, Taran talks with Vic Alvarez, a Cuban-American educator, writer, and editor, as she expects her first child, Isabel, around Christmas. Vic shares her excitement and apprehension about motherhood, her strong cultural heritage, and its influence on her life and writing.

Vic discusses her journey and challenges with endometriosis, as well as her recent visit to Cuba, offering insights into the country's unique beauty and cultural contrasts and undercurrents depicted on the walls. She reflects on the patriarchal structures in Cuban culture and how they have inspired her writing, including her short stories and upcoming novel Latina Anatomy. This work highlights the evolving roles of Cuban women across generations and their quests for agency.

Taran and Vic connect about the creative process behind her stories, how she draws inspiration from life and heritage, and the importance of embracing one's passions. Vic welcomes motherhood and aims to impart her rich cultural heritage and love for literature to her daughter, Isabel.

Linkedin-www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaealvarez

Books mentioned in. 

1. Tolstoy's Works – Vic mentions reading Tolstoy to her unborn daughter, Isabel, though she doesn’t specify a particular title.
2. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert – Vic listened to this audiobook during her pregnancy.
3. Margaret Atwood's Works – Vic references Atwood’s short story Happy Endings as inspiration for her metafiction piece.
4. David Foster Wallace's Works – Vic also drew inspiration from his writing for her short story.

www.inkofsingh.com/podcast

www.inkofsingh.com