¡BIENVENIDOS! WELCOME! ​
​

If you care about reading and/or the writing life, you’re in the right place.

I’m Li Yun Alvarado:

Poet, Scholar, Educator, Parent, and Puerto Rican.

I can’t wait to share my love of books, my writing, and my favorite tools of the trade with you.

If you’re here, you’re most likely a Reader--just like me.

You’re also probably a: Writer, Educator, Parent, and/or Lover of all things Puerto Rican.
​
​There’s something on this website for each and every one of you.

Read on to learn more about me, my work, and the many ways I might support you and your work.
Photo © Reynaldo Macias

A Free Gift For Writers

LI YUN ALVARADO


​​WHO I AM

I'm a poet, writer, recovering academic, and among the less than 1% of Latinas with a PhD.

I’m the daughter of Puerto Rican migrants (a postal worker and an elevator mechanic) and big sister to a red-headed Christmas baby (now Papi to my awesome nephews).

I grew up in the Bronx, spent summers in Puerto Rico, studied at Yale and Fordham, and now live in the LBC.

My husband—a Chicano Family Physician from East LA—and I are proud parents to a MexiRican toddler.

A Boricua writer and Mami, I’m fiercely dedicated to mi familia, to my craft, and to mis diversas comunidades.
​
(Looking for a more traditional author bio? I got you. Click here.)
I'm also the author of
​Words or Water:

WHAT I DO

Through my writing, teaching, and advocacy, I strive:

to amplify Puerto Rican and other underrepresented voices 

&

to support aspiring and emerging writers from underrepresented communities --
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​especially women of color writers.

WHY I DO WHAT I DO

In the current climate of xenophobia and rising white nationalism, elevating stories from marginalized communities is more urgent than ever. I believe stories are at the heart of our human condition and are a mighty tool in the fight against hatred and injustice.

#Weneeddiversebooks now more than ever, and I strive to prominently feature, teach, and advance the works of writers of color, women and nonbinary writers, queer writers, writers with disabilities, and all diverse voices.

HOW I DO WHAT I DO

As a Writer…
I write about, on behalf of, and to underrepresented communities.

​I’ll never stop writing and publishing Books, Poems, Essays, and Picture Books prominently featuring Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans, and especially Puerto Rican women and young people. 

Learn more...​​​
As an Author Educator…
I support aspiring and fellow emerging authors by sharing their works with others and also by sharing with them what I’ve learned about the writing life over the last 12+ years.

This spring, I plan to formalize that knowledge-sharing by offering online courses related to the more practical aspects of building a writing life you love.

Learn More…
  • Sign up or join the waitlist for my Writing Life Courses.​
As a (Writer) Parent…
I regularly share picture book recommendations that feature characters from diverse communities and life experiences. I also talk about my Mamihood in relation to my writing life, sharing parenting and writer resources.

Learn more…
As an Educator & Lover of all things Puerto Rican…
I’ve developed materials to help others teach Puerto Rico. I also share bold works by writers from underrepresented communities — especially those writers I am proud to call my friends. 

Learn more…

WHERE TO NOW?

Welcome again to this little corner of my world!

I hope you’ll stay in touch and sign up for my newsletter so you never miss an update.

I hope that in my emails and throughout this site you’ll find the inspiration, resources, guidance, and support you need on your own journey as a Reader, Writer, Educator, Parent, and / or Lover of all things Puerto Rican!

Enjoy the site and never hesitate to contact me!

Writers, Don't Forget to Grab Your FREE Gift:

EXPLORE

Readers
Writers
Educators
Parents
Lovers of all things Puerto Rican
PS: Here’s that Traditional Bio again (in case you missed it above).