Under the editorship of Dagoberto Gilb, Huizache has been called “the Paris Review of Latino literature.” I’m proud to see my short story, “The Presidents at Table” published alongside Chicano luminaries in this gorgeous journal. Get your copy here.
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On Thursday at noon, I ditch the San Francisco courthouse where I work as a Spanish interpreter and high-tail it home to swap my conservative suit for breeches and dusty paddock boots. I arm myself with allergy pills, nasal spray and a puff from an asthma inhaler. Patches on my windbreaker and baseball cap identify…
Read MoreUtne Reader – Spring 2015 Originally published in Tin House – Winter 2014 My parents meet on a blind date in 1976. Richard with his leather cowboy hat and hand-painted jean jacket, Meridy with her purple turban and kohled eyes. He reads her aura; she reads his tarot cards. The first time they make love…
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This cat Fritzel was odd. She wasn’t pretty like Angel or Bon Bon, and she wasn’t smart either. Just one of those weird, piebald cats with personality issues. Maybe I didn’t like this cat so much. But once you have a cat, you keep it until it dies. When Fritzel was a kitten, she charged…
Read MoreLiterary Orphans – “Ella” Issue – February 18, 2015 “Interpreter,” I announce, entering the examination room. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” “Oh good, you’re here,” says Dr. Lichter, without looking up from the file in her lap. “We got through most of it, but find out what Mrs. Magaña wants to ask.” I hang my…
Read MoreNarratively – Outsiders Week – December 31, 2014 “MAIL CONTAINS DRUG, YOUNG WOMEN SEIZED” reads an August 22, 1969 headline in the Milwaukee Journal. Below, in grainy black and white, floats Meridy Domnitz’s mug shot. At twenty, my mother looks more pathetic than criminal. Her frizzy hair has gone renegade from a sideways ponytail and…
Read MoreI’m thrilled to have an essay in the gorgeous “Winter Reading” issue of Tin House, the sharpest journal in the west. This issue includes new work by the legendary Ursula K. Le Guin, Joy Williams, and Josh Weil, among other fine writers. I could not be more pleased. I encourage you to pick up Tin House at your…
Read MoreMy essay about children in immigration court is live this morning, featuring original illustrations by artist Chris Koehler. BY ALIA VOLZ October 19th, 2014 The courtroom smells of talcum powder. On this afternoon’s docket, we have thirty-four children. Thirty-four out of 35,000 or 57,000 or 90,000 kids who have crossed our borders without permission since…
Read MoreStraight, No Chaser: Writers at the Bar In what has become a Litquake tradition, hallowed North Beach watering hole Vesuvio Café opens its doors for an edgy and hilarious evening reading. This is a rare opportunity to glimpse authors performing new work in their natural habitat. Emceed by Alia Volz. Featuring Jack Boulware …
Read MoreThe Write Stuff: Alia Volz on Not Settling and Being Difficult to Manipulate Posted By Evan Karp on Thu, Aug 28, 2014 at 8:00 AM The Write Stuff is a series of interview profiles conducted by Litseen, where authors give exclusive readings from their work. What is art? Is it necessary? Why? I used to…
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