I’ve been holding on to this news for a few months. On May 11th, 2022 I learned that my poetry manuscript, “Eucalyptus,” was shortlisted for the Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize from Letras Latinas. What a beautiful honor to be read and seen in this way. The preliminary judges for this contest were Ariel Francisco and Adela Najarro, who selected 15 manuscripts as finalists to be judged by the final judges, Alexandra Lytton Regalado and Sheila Maldonado.
This news greatly encouraged me, and while today I learned that “Eucalyptus” was not chosen as the winner, it’s helpful to know that this work is finding its way in the world. I will keep pushing!!
I’m happy to share the wonderful news that Jordan Pérez was selected as the winner for her manuscript, “Santa Tarantula!” I can’t wait to read it! Here is a screenshot of what one of the final judges had to say about Pérez’ work:
Congratulation to Jordan, to Aerik Francis and Alonso Llerena who received Honorable Mentions, and to all of my fellow finalists. I look forward to seeing all of your work out in the world soon.
You can read more about Jordan Pérez’ forthcoming book, Aerik Francis, and Alonso Llerena, and about the prize by visiting this link to the Letras Latinas blog: http://letraslatinasblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/andres-montoya-poetry-prize-winner.html
Lupita Eyde-Tucker is a bilingual poet and translator raised in New Jersey and Guayaquil, Ecuador. She is the winner of the 2021 Unbound Book Festival Emerging Poet Award, the 2019 Betty Gabehart Prize, and in 2018 was selected as an AWP Writer to Writer Mentee by poet Maggie Smith. In 2022 her poetry manuscript, "Eucalyptus," was a finalist for the Andrés Montoya Prize from Letras Latinas. The manuscript explores her Sephardic Jewish ancestry and bi-cultural heritage.
Not Enough Poetry 
Hi:)
Just saw this awesomely encouraging and gracious post. I was also chosen as a finalist and during this time I checked out some of your poetry and really enjoyed it. Just wanted to reach out and say hi:)
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Thank you, Kimberly!!
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