By London Verdejo Torres
Reflection
Publishing in Canal meant a lot since it was my first time publishing work in Spanish, which is my mother tongue. Coming from Puerto Rico to the States, my work—which carries parts of me, as all writing does—suffered through the pressures of assimilation. Canal offered a space for me to embrace my multi-linguist nature and portray personal narrative in a more authentic way. Writing in English and writing in Spanish hold immense differences in my work—Spanish, which requires less adornments, for the language already carries so much beauty, allows me to, in simplistic diction, create emotional resonance at a deeper level. English, albeit still gorgeous, creates a space of performance in my prose voice, at times. But that may be the challenge of being a bilingual writer, it seems. Nonetheless, Canal showed me that blending these voices could be done, and I am incredibly grateful for Max Ubelaker Andrade’s guidance during our time working together on Bicicleta.
I have two recommendations. First, if you’ve never published work in another language, I encourage you to do so. It’s a different experience that will teach you a lot about the writing process. Second, truly good writing faces vulnerability with two feet stably on the ground—whatever you do, don’t shy from yourself or your truth; command it to bend into words, and use the tools around you to do so.
Biographical Statement - London Verdejo Torres
London Verdejo Torres is a writer, educator, and Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate at New York University. His work, expanding from memoir to poetry, centers on social commentary, personal narrative, and explorations of interpersonal relationships. London currently teaches Creative Writing at New York University; he also works with New York City youth to foster literacy and critical thinking. You may find him on Canal, The Offering, and other forthcoming credits, but your most direct line to his work is his Substack, Tender Points.