ABOUT THE BOOK
The Late, Late Hour
by: Victoria Blanco
Publication Date: December 13, 2019
Book Size: 5.83" x 8.26"
Pages: 136
Binding: Perfect
Bound
REVIEW
Rosa Montecillo
Captivating and at times, surreal.
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Since the very first text I was hooked, I could clearly see the
spirit of each poem, every word and description made a very special atmosphere,
at times sweet, at times violent, and sometimes even nostalgic. Each poem is
surrounded by its own identity, a special aura that made me feel like I was
entering into another world, forgetting everything else happening outside the
book.
It was very refreshing to witness such bluntness and raw
emotions gathered in few paragraphs and stanzas. I also appreciate how
relatable the atmospheres were, due not only to the fact that the context is
contemporary to mine but also because she has the sensibility to put into
words, experiences and feelings I have had before.
They all feel very personal and sensory; the author is able to
navigate through very different topics encompassing: joy, unrequited love,
existence, social issues, attachment, time and love, each of them reflecting a
lot of passion, the author's sensibility is palpable in every text. She is able
to turn everyday things into sweet and sour memories that keep us company and
form part of our living experience while presenting her identity as another
character in the texts.
So, if you are looking for a book to take you hand in hand
through the ups and downs of life while reminiscing about your very own life
story, this might be it.
I will definitely read it again.
VICTORIA BLANCO
Author website: https://pantyjunkyard.wordpress.com/
Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up,
where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal
you.
I grew up in Galt, California for most of my life until I
finally moved out. I currently reside in Sacramento with my girlfriend and our
two dogs. I have a sword tattoo on my left wrist and an overwhelming love for
The Simpsons.
What inspired you to author this book?
I was thinking about how I would like to create a new poetry
book, and I liked the idea of basic television before streaming services took
over. Television was so different back then; there was a set schedule of what will
air, you would wait for your favorite show to be on, sometimes it'd be delayed,
sometimes a live news report takes its place. The poetry within the theme is
contrived of my personal life; it's a bit dark and raw at times.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book's cover?
I definitely wanted a television on it, I wanted it to have a
late-night show vibe, but it turned into a grayscale image of a bookcase with a
television.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally
and as a writer?
Films. I've slowly arrived at the point where I love watching
arthouse films and eccentric shows that helped expand my own emotions and what
I would see in my head to paper.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get
this book written?
This book took a little longer to write as I had no idea on how
I wanted it to come out. All I knew what that I'd write poems and short stories
but had no integrated theme or resonance. Besides that, I tend to write with
deep melancholy, so for this book, it was a bit more denser and made it
difficult to continue at times. I procrastinated so much, even though ideas
were burning in my mind. I couldn't find myself to write let alone enjoy it.
Tell your readers about your book.
It is a collection of poetry and short stories that tie in with
my personal life. Summer of 2018 was a life-changing year full of emotion and
inner-changes in me. Many stories are packed with surrealism and mood. I
definitely advise readers to read with an open mind as well as to avoid the
book if they're looking for a structured plot or simple mood.
Who is your target audience, and why?
The twenty something-year-olds. We're in a crazy place where
everyone is so displaced; people are getting married, starting families, people
are graduating and beginning internships at their dream jobs, people are moving
out with their loved ones, people are working 8 to 10-hour shifts, I mean
shit's crazy. We're all headed in so many directions, yet we can all vibe out
when time slows down a bit and catch up with everyone. It's quite beautiful to
me actually.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
I feel like I haven't reached much success to be honest. I'd say
my greatest wins would be winning a writing contest in fourth grade, finding
amazing friends, finding amazing loves, and always coming back to myself. I'll
always be a kid till I die, and so many people have always asked me when will I
act my age, and I don't think I ever will. Yes, I will pay my bills and work at
a stinking job, but I also will buy a Frozen ball and buy myself a Harry Potter
wand.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your
genre?
I think my writing is unique in that I like writing short
stories and poetry that doesn't exactly arrive at the point. I reread my
writing as a reader, and it definitely leaves me without understanding it
sometimes. I think there's sort of a mystery left in it as most characters or
narrators are vague leaving readers with some uneasiness because they don't
know and trust the protagonist. Besides the distrust, I believe most stories
are quite open to interpretation or validation of the reader's emotions.
