ABOUT ME

I wish I could tell you whether the title of this digital magazine—Keep Stories Alive, is the brainchild of a brilliant marketing team or coined by a savvy public relations agent. A publishing editor or web designer did not conceive it. However, what is clear is that the name is rooted in a deep and personal desire to preserve the stories that make up a significant part of our individual and collective history and demonstrate the power of storytelling. This desire is fueled by the realization that memories fade, the inevitability of death, and the tendency of communities to stop sharing their stories. By keeping these stories alive, I want to ensure that the richness of our narratives, oral histories, and testimonios are celebrated for generations to come and that our past is not lost to time.

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Despite my passion for writing, I am not a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, or The New York Times bestselling author. Neither have I won the National Best Book award. My writing has yet to receive starred reviews in The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Vogue, or even my local paper. Or anywhere. Moreover, my work has yet to be published in fifteen languages. Only two—English and Spanish.

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I am the visionary behind Keep Stories Alive—a digital literary magazine. My goal is to capture the essence of our humanity through the power of storytelling. Our stories define us. They shape our identity and give us the power to create our narrative. The stories are not arranged chronologically, yet they seamlessly interweave to create a rich and compelling tapestry of diverse life experiences. With the help of technology, my vision is to bring to the forefront numerous life stories of extraordinary people—uplift voices that are often overlooked, captivate the imagination of others and highlight the immense power of the story and the telling.

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This magazine, or blog as you prefer, dares to be different and unconventional. I deliberately shatter the norms of traditional writing structures and forms to create something that stands out. It is part of my nature—just like me, rebelde, it challenges the status quo and misbehaves to bring something exciting and new. I use simple, easy-to-understand language to make the content more personal and relatable, connecting with the readers on a deeper level. The magazine reflects my undisciplined approach, which empowers the relationship between private and public arenas—allowing readers to appreciate better storytelling’s transformative, social, political, and necessary roles in our daily lives. Through this approach, I aim to reveal the truth, the humor, and the tragedy of human experiences in a way that captivates and engages the audience. I want readers to see the world differently and recognize storytelling’s power to bring about change, justice, and understanding. And the better to see me.

 

My writing style is far from conventional. I don’t always follow the traditional prose structures, such as chronology, time, space, verb tense, form, sentence construction, or proper language. However, I must recognize that my writing is always honest, raw, humorous, and unconventional. Despite its marginality, unsophistication, and casual nature, it remains loyal to the truth – “la verdad” or “la verité” - even if it appears inadequate or marginal. 

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I understand that my style may not be for everyone, but please don’t disregard my writing based on its untraditional style. It can inspire and convey a powerful message, regardless of any perceived lack of refined English language skills or talent. My intuitive tenth-grade teacher always told me, “Write using the words the people use to tell you, their stories. Don’t sterilize their words because you will dilute their meaning and diminish the power of their message.”[*] I have followed her lead ever since.

 

Throughout history, storytelling has proven to be a powerful tool to captivate, illuminate, inspire, empower, and liberate people from all walks of life. However, many gripping and engaging stories go unheard due to the exclusivity of traditional storytelling methods. Moreover, conventional media often fails to cater to the needs of diverse communities from disinvested regions, varying socioeconomic backgrounds, and different cultures. Countless untold stories remain buried in history, suppressed or censored, while only a privileged few receive the recognition they merit. Many are relegated to dwell in the universe of silence. Even in contemporary times, many narratives remain concealed in the shadows. As a collective, it is our responsibility to unearth and illuminate these untold tales and amplify the voices of those who have been silenced. We must ensure that their stories are heard, celebrated, and valued.

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This digital publication will offer an extensive and engaging selection of narratives from all corners of the world, accessible at any time and anywhere. Everyone should be able to share their story and express themselves in their own voice and language. This magazine pays tribute to the power of stories, whether oral histories, personal narratives, true stories, or testimonios. This project was born from my profound personal experiences and encounters with extraordinary individuals during my travels, work, and life crossroads. I aim to curate a captivating collection of stories celebrating our planet’s cultural richness and diversity. Therefore, these transformational stories must be shared because some require urgency. 

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Indulge in the exquisiteness of this magazine, where every piece of content is meticulously curated to captivate your senses and enrich your knowledge. Explore awe-inspiring travel destinations, delve into breathtaking art, uncover intriguing cultural insights, savor delectable culinary experiences, and much more. Sharing personal experiences can bridge gaps between different cultures, find common ground, and promote a better understanding of each other. As Joan Didion once wrote, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.”[1] Everyone has a story to tell. So, join me in celebrating the stories of individuals from all walks of life and become part of a community that values entertainment, culture, and the richness of human experience.

 

As I reflect on my life, I’ve come to appreciate the power of storytelling. Every person’s unique story can captivate and inspire us. With this in mind, I’ve created a forum filled with life-affirming narratives. I’ve handpicked stories that are authentic, honest, and thought-provoking and sure to pique readers’ curiosity. These stories are unique because they’re rooted in different locations, contexts, and times they unfolded—from my birthplace of El Salvador to my adopted homeland, the United States, and my foreign ethnographic fieldwork as a graduate student and independent researcher. These stories delve deep into the core of the human experience, exploring themes such as loss, triumph, resilience, heartbreak, cruelty, injustice, and, ultimately, redemption. Despite the weightiness of these issues, my stories celebrate the human spirit and a call to action for greater empathy and understanding.

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As a digital magazine creator and content writer, I am responsible for preserving and recounting the stories that have shaped my life and those of my family and communities. I have something to say. I aim to share my unique perspective on subjects my ancestors or mother could not and do so with utmost sincerity and dedication. This is a significant obligation that I take with utmost seriousness. In line with Isabel Allende’s timeless wisdom, “Write what should not be forgotten.”[2] I vow to safeguard the stories that must never be lost. My stories will challenge, inspire, and move you, providing a deeper understanding of our complex world. I prioritize ensuring that these tales never fade or remain hidden in the shadows of silence.

 

Before embarking on this endeavor, I would ponder two key questions: “Is this the right time?” and “Do I truly have something meaningful to say?” Yet, as I delve deeper into my purpose, I realize that I am driven by a genuine desire that I have something important to say. In the wise words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, “You don’t write because you want to say something; you write because you have something to say.” I possess unwavering confidence in the caliber of my work, and I trust that it will resonate with its audience. Ultimately, I aim to inspire and positively impact those who engage with my message.

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NOTES

[*] In fourth grade, my classmates called me “mariposa,” which means butterfly in Spanish. Initially, I wasn’t too keen on it, but it grew on me over time and became a significant part of my identity. The name embodies qualities of a fragile yet powerful entity, exuding beauty and vitality. It represents my pilgrimage towards self-acceptance and the resilience necessary to overcome obstacles. Being a mariposa is something to be proud of rather than remorseful or disgusted. This experience taught me that true strength comes from embracing and celebrating our authentic selves, even when it may be difficult.

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[1] Didion, Joan.The White Album. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1979.

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[2] Allende, Isabel, and Knowlton, Zinsser William. Paths of Resistance: The Art and Craft of the Political Novel. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1989.