Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is a Mexican-American author who has made a name for herself in the world of young adult (YA) fiction and poetry. She has a deep connection to the natural world, drawing inspiration from fog, seeds, and the lineages of all things. Gilliland's love for storytelling extends beyond humans, as she enjoys telling stories to her plants and believes they tell her stories in return. She currently resides in Tennessee with her family.

In addition to being a writer, Gilliland is also a painter, mother, and aspiring micro-farmer. She has a profound appreciation for folklore and myths, often exploring these themes in her work. Her writing is deeply personal, touching on topics such as motherhood, plants, and the lineages of all things. Gilliland's love for storytelling and the natural world can be traced back to her upbringing in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she spent many years studying fine art and cultural anthropology. She went on to earn her MFA in creative writing from the University of Alaska, Anchorage in 2017.

Gilliland has published two books of poetry, "Dirt and Honey" and "Tales From the House of Vasquez," which was the winner of the 2018 Rattle Chapbook Prize. Her writing has also been featured in various literary magazines, including Rattle, Luna Luna, and Fairy Tale Review. Her debut novel, "Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything," was published in 2020. Gilliland is currently represented by Elizabeth Bewley of Sterling Lord Literistic.