Thank you for joining us for Raven Talk, Raven’s online podcast. 

We are hosting monthly conversations with writers, artists, cultural warriors. Kathleen Alcalá talks to Daniel A. Olivas about his new book, How to Date a Flying Mexican, which is a collection of short stories derived from Chicano and Mexican culture but ranging through fascinating literary worlds of magical realism, fairy tales, fables, and dystopian futures. The characters confront—both directly and obliquely—questions of morality, justice, and self-determination, but often with a large dose of humor.

Daniel A. Olivas

Daniel A. Olivas is the author of ten books and editor of two anthologies. His books include How to Date a Flying Mexican: New and Collected Stories (University of Nevada Press, 2022), The King of Lighting Fixtures: Stories (University of Arizona Press, 2017), Crossing the Border: Collected Poems (Pact Press, 2017), and Things We Do Not Talk About: Exploring Latino/a Literature through Essays and Interviews (San Diego State University Press, 2014). Daniel’s plays have been produced for the stage. Widely anthologized, Daniel has written for many publications including the New York Times, The Guardian, El Paso Times, Huffington Post, High Country News, La Bloga, BOMB, and the Jewish Journal.

Kathleen Alcalá, photo by Wayne Roth

Kathleen Alcalá was born in Compton, California, to Mexican parents and grew up in San Bernardino. She has a degree in linguistics from Stanford University, an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington, and an MFA from the University of New Orleans. A graduate of the Clarion West Science Fiction and Fantasy program, her work embraces both traditional and innovative storytelling techniques. She is the author of six books that include a collection of stories, three novels, a book of essays, and The Deepest Roots: Finding Food and Community on a Pacific Northwest Island, from the University of Washington Press (2016). She lives on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, Washington, where she has been designated an Island Treasure.

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