This is Black Mountain Institute Conversations, a series of interviews produced by Nevada Public Radio’s Desert Companion in collaboration with the Black Mountain Institute. Here, Desert Companion Editor Heidi Kyser talks with BMI’s Shearing Fellows about their passions, inspirations, community initiatives, and … of course … their writing.
This episode features Alejandro Heredia, a 2024-25 Shearing Fellow. His debut novel, Loca, is set to be published on February 11, 2025, by Simon and Shuster. It tells the fictional story of friends Sal and Charo, two immigrants on uncertain paths. Sal’s unlikely romance at a gay club turns out to be the catalyst for him and Charo finding acceptance, belonging, and ultimately a place to call home within New York City’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
