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by Mary Castillo
RT Rating: 
Category: CHICK LIT
Publisher: Avon Trade
Published: February 2005
Type: Chick Lit (Latino)
» Book Review |
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WONDER WOMAN
NEWCOMER MARY CASTILLO TACKLES POWERFUL
THEMES IN HER LATINA LIT DEBUT
By Cheryl A. Hoahing
In many ways first-time novelist Mary Castillo is just like the heroine of her debut novel, Hot Tamara (Mar., Avon Trade). They're both feisty "New Mexicans"—a term Castillo's grandmother coined for the heritage of her California-based clan—who know what they want in life and go for it. They even share a fascination with the no. 1 female superhero—Wonder Woman. "She personifies great strength, intelligence and compassion," says Castillo. "Plus, she has the Magic Lasso of Truth. That's so cool!"
But unlike her determined protagonist Tamara Contreras, the 31-year-old Castillo always has the love and support of her family—no matter what she chooses to do or where she decides to go. Tamara, on the other hand, must stand up to her old-fashioned parents, turn down a marriage proposal from her longtime boyfriend and move away from home—things virtually unheard of in traditional Hispanic households—in order to be happy and make all of her dreams come true.
"You know how Tamara wants to go to the University of Southern California so badly?" asks Castillo. "That came from my own experience. My parents took one look at the USC neighborhood and the tuition and said, 'No way!' But, I was insistent—this is where fiction and reality part ways. My parents told me if I could earn the money, I could go. Tamara's parents never gave her that option."
Castillo won a scholarship to USC and, in 1996, received her bachelor's degree in history. In college, she toyed with the idea of making a career out of writing, but it wasn't until after graduation that she decided to seriously investigate the trade.
Her passion led her to sign up
for several classes through the Professional Writing Program, and in 2001, Castillo became a member of the Romance Writers of America and its Orange County chapter. In January 2002, the idea for Hot Tamara began to form when she overheard a spicy tidbit at a café next to the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California.
"The waitress was telling her coworkers that her parents wouldn't let her continue on to a four-year university because they wanted her to complete her associate's degree, get married, have children and take care of them," Castillo remembers. "As I was choking with frustration for her, Tamara was born!" Castillo penned the first draft in just six weeks and, after a year of revisions, began shopping the book.
But many publishers passed because they felt it wasn't Latina enough, Castillo says. "Tamara doesn't speak Spanish, grew up in a quasi-traditional home and thinks of herself as American." Castillo persevered, knowing the Latina chick-lit market was hot, and continued to send out her manuscript. The aspiring writer was further inspired after meeting author Alisa Valdes–Rodriguez at a signing. "When I told her how The Dirty Girls Social Club opened doors for me, she made me give her an autograph!"
Avon Trade, HarperCollins' chick-lit line, finally bought the rights to Hot Tamara in November 2003. The novel tells a witty tale of growing up, moving on and finding true love via touching, and often hilarious scenarios. "The themes of courage, self-fulfillment and family loyalty are universal," says the author, stressing that her book is meant for all fiction lovers, not just Latinas. "I hope readers will see the value of having the courage to break from the people and situations holding them back."
Now that Castillo has left the 9-to-5 world (she formerly worked
in advertising, public relations and journalism), she can devote her full attention to crafting fictional masterpieces. Her next book, In Between Men, is slated for a spring 2006 release—it stars Isa, one of Hot Tamara's secondary characters. Orange County resident Castillo is now hoping to sell her first young adult tale, "Baby, You're the One," about a Newport Beach "princess," as well as a novel based on Isela Vargas, the heroine from her upcoming short story "My Favorite Mistake" (featured in St. Martin's April '05 Latina chick-lit anthology, Friday Night Chicas).
When not writing, Castillo spends time with her husband of four years, Ryan, and their 4-year-old pugs, Francoise and Rascal. She also enjoys gardening, listening to Linda Ronstadt and keeping up with Wonder Woman's antics. When asked if she would ever write a story based on her icon, Castillo coyly replies: "You just never know!"
Just like Wonder Woman, this Latina lit novelist is a force to be reckoned with.
Cheryl A. Hoahing is a New York City-based entertainment journalist who has written for Metal Edge, Tiger Beat, Bop and Soap Star Hairstyles.
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