Visiting with Mayra Lazara Dole
by Claire Guyton
What’s your best “This is how I got that idea” anecdote?
The instant I received notice that Harper Collins would be publishing my young adult novel Down to the Bone, I called my non-English-speaking mom and spoke to her in Spanish.
“Mami, a miracle has happened. Harper Collins is publishing my novel!”
“!Felicidades, Mayrita!” Her voice cracked. “Who is Happy Collie?”
“Not, ‘Happy Collie,’ Mami.” I repeated slowly. “Harrrrper Collins.”
After making me repeat the name a dozen times (she wanted to make sure she pronounced it correctly to all her friends), she asked again, “Who is Harpy Cowlicks?”
“Harper Collins is one of my favorite publishers and one of the best publishers ever. Harper Collins is like Coca Cola, that’s how big and great they are”—I knew she’d understand that comparison.
Mami screamed to my stepfather (may he rest in peace) watching a telenovela. “Happy Cola is publishing Mayrita’s novel!”
After he congratulated me, Mami calmed down. In a serious tone she asked, “What is the novel about?”
My heart banged in my chest. “It’s about er… Cuban family, love and friendship”—if she had known the real story, she’d have died of an instant patatù.
She threw me a bunch of kisses. “I can’t wait to read it when it’s translated into Spanish.”
After Mami thought that a publisher in a division of the Coca Cola company had taken an interest in my book, and I couldn’t get her to pronounce the name correctly, I called my life-partner’s mom (Viva, in my novel).
She answered the phone in her usual melodious voice, “¿Oigo?” while the song, ¿Quién eres Tú? blasted in the background.
I boomed, “My novela is being published by Harper Collins!”
“Apa who?”
“Harrrper Collins,” I repeated, not “Apa.”
“Happy Colic?”
“No. Listen carefully—Harrrper Coh-llins.”
“¡Ay, Mayra! Un beso. Congrachoolachiions. ¡Hyper Collie!”
That’s how I got the idea to write family comedies in Spanglish using Cuban dialect for my mom to enjoy.
Tell us about your usual writing process. Have your writing habits changed over time?
I started writing at seventeen during breaks at my two jobs as a library page and hairstylist. In my old home before work I’d write a chapter or two while sitting in my lush backyard filled with mango, avocado, and flaming red flamboyant trees. Now, my characters have the ghastly habit of awaking me around 4 am. “Chica, get up! We can’t wait for you all day.” I open one eye, kiss my beloved on the cheek, and sit to write in front of large windows facing my backyard. After work, I’ll write until before dinner. My one and only habit is that I can’t stop writing!
What’s the most important book you’ve ever read?
On a trip to Spain to visit my aunt I was inspired to take an ancient classic collecting dust on my shelves: Don Quijote de la Mancha. What bisexual girl (leaning more toward loving girls than boys) wouldn’t want to read a historical parody about a misunderstood, delusional, chivalrous knight-errant who understood no one? What could have been sexier than to dream about a delirious, highly moral guy seeking adventure on a boney horse while wielding a sword, protecting the powerless, destroying evil, and gaining the love of his much-adored Dulcinea?—a woman he’d never met yet adored and idealized with fierce passion. In a humorous way, the book helps you analyze the disparities between self-worth and class, honor, infidelity and morality. I’m afraid I’m one of those who, similar to most characters in Don Quijote de la Mancha, made fun of Quijote’s madness for my own literary amusement. I’m proud to have read such a brilliant masterpiece. I laughed all the way to and from Spain due to the novel’s literary lightheartedness and good humor.
Raymond Carver said a writer should follow the command “No tricks.” Do you keep any quotes or reminders at your desk? Or just in the back of your mind as you write?
I’m not a “quote” type person but I adore Cuban sayings and think of them often for inspiration. Here are a few Cuban sayings I love followed by their literal translation, then the intended English meaning:
- Es la pata del diablo (he/she is the leg of the devil)—She’s a prankster.
- Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente (shrimp that sleeps, current takes away—Take charge or you’ll lose your opportunities.
- ¡Te la comiste! (you ate it!)—Fantastic!
*Contact Claire with any questions or suggestions for Hunger Mountain’s Art + Life section at hungermtnal@gmail.com.
