Angelica Mercado Poetry Book Release Tonight at Barnes & Noble

I've always enjoyed Angelica Mercado's writing ability and delivery at poetry open mics.

I asked her some questions about her love for writing and the release of her new poetry book Todo Revoluciona.

When did you first fall in love with writing?

I think I can say I loved writing by the 6th grade. It all started from reading books and finding an escape that way.  I remember thinking that one day I would write one too. Writing really did save me in many instances in my life, where I needed a distraction.

When and why did you start writing this book?

I started writing this book right before the 2016 election. I just knew that it was my duty to not only share my story, but in a sense, speak for those who have no voice. This book is extremely important to me because it highlights not only my life as a Mexican-American woman, but the life of the immigrant. During these pressing times for immigrants and their families, I think it is important to show solidarity.  

What’s the name of the book and what’s the meaning behind the name?

Todo Revoluciona, meaning ‘everything revolutionizes.’ I think change is very important in this book as it shows how I have adapted to live in an in-between. Living in the Midwest, in a traditional Catholic Mexican household, has brought with it many hurdles. My work not only highlights what it's like to be a queer woman in a situation like this, but a woman in general. At times, machismo and traditional expectations become too difficult to ignore when they stem from a culture that has gone too long supporting these ideals. How do you survive it? You write about it. You educate the public about the issues, and you empower others to rise up and fight a flawed and damaging system of oppression that not only affects women culturally, but socially. As a Latina woman in the United States, you have two options, to either live in the shadows, or learn to stand up for yourself as a woman, a Latina, and as a human being, all while absorbing and celebrating the beautiful parts of your authentic self.

What type of reader will connect with your book?

My hope is that anyone can pick it up and relate to some degree. However, my specific target audience would be young women of color. I want them to know that they are not alone on this journey toward becoming.

What was the hardest part about finishing this book?

The hardest part about finishing the book, was actually saying “I am done.” As a perfectionist, it was very difficult, but I also knew that it had to live on its own at some point.

If you could have lunch with three authors living or dead who would you eat with and what restaurant would you bring them to?

Warsan Shire, Nayyirah Waheed, and Melissa Lozada-Oliva -- all which are living. I would let them pick because my anxiety would be way too much. Plus I am sure they know a lot more about good food than I do lol.

Do you have any advice for anyone who has a book inside of them they would like to write?

Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” let it out!

Do you see yourself publishing more books in the future?

Yes. I hope that I can keep the momentum going !

Where can people pick up your book?

Currently, on my website at www.angelicamercado.com, and Barnes and Noble online and the Sioux Falls location.

Do you have any book release events or other events people can come check out?

My release date is April 26th, at 6:30 pm at Barnes and Noble in Sioux Falls. My next reading will be at The Source in downtown Sioux Falls on May 17th at 7:00 pm.