It has been an eventful month! October 2 was my birthday (🥳). Then on October 4, the WEPA! PUERTO RICANS IN COMICS exhibit opened at the New York Public Library, and yours truly is included in it! The short story I wrote in Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez’s graphic novel anthology RICANSTRUCTION: REMINISCING & REBUILDING PUERTO RICO is featured among lots of incredible Puerto Rican artists’ work, including his original character La Borinqueña. There’s also a cool Miles Morales Spider-man poster featured that I want so bad. So do swing by to see panels from “Guillermina” and read what I said about my grandmother, may she rest in peace.
So the library hosted a little donuts-and-coffee gathering for the participants to see the exhibit for the first time, and I couldn’t be prouder. Or at least I thought I couldn’t be prouder. Then October 8 came, and the library held an official reception for all of us, and I got to hear everyone speak about their connection to Puerto Rico and how they came to be writers and/or illustrators, and my pride at being included among these amazing people was overwhelming. Especially since I am now part of the history of the New York Public Library–a place I used to come to do research when I was in high school. It also happens to be one of my favorite buildings in New York City. Anyway, if you want to see the exhibit, it will be up until March 2026!
Then the next day New York Comic Con began, and for the first time, I had a table to sell my books. What a great (but exhausting) experience!
Big shout out to my mom, my brother, and my friends for coming out to support me and help me man the table. (Plus, they all bought books!) Also huge thanks to Shana and Aime from the American Library Association, who had the table next to mine and not only bought a ton of books but donated extra money since 10% of my proceeds will be going to NYC Second Chance Rescue, the animal shelter where I volunteer. They also minded my table whenever I had to step away and were just generally lovely people who were there to promote libraries, banned books, and reading. My table mates on the other side and across from me were equally wonderful, so of course I ended up buying their books.
But the best part may have been seeing all the cosplayers and, on Sunday, all the kids! Several told me about their dreams to become writers or illustrators, and I was honored to get to read one of their original comic books, Hot Dog Pup, volume 1. (If it ends up blowing up, remember you saw it here first!)
This week, I have to focus on finishing up the two (yes, two) books I’m writing. Plus, I have to prepare for Halloween Kid’s Day at Olly Olly Market, which is coming up on October 18 and is for parents and kids, 10 and under. I was recently there for a dog adoption event, and they invited me back for this. So if you’re around, come on out! I’ll have my books, candy, and maybe some fun giveaways.
Hopefully, I’ll see some of you then! For now, I think I’ll get some sleep. Zzz…
Crystal Velasquez 