Discovering the Magic of Words, Gardens, and Tarot with Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
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In our latest What to Read Next episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, a talented author and illustrator whose passions stretch beyond the page. In this interview, Raquel shares her journey as a writer, her profound connection with nature through gardening, her journey with tarot reading, and her dedication to portraying complex relationships and mental health in her work. Dive into her magical world as she talks about her Witch and the Wild Things series, her favorite reads, and how she channels her Latinx heritage and unique personal experiences into storytelling.
Meet Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Raquel Vasquez Gilliland has dreamed of becoming an author since she was eight years old. Now a published writer and illustrator, she lives in the beautiful Appalachian region of Tennessee, a place that deeply inspires her creativity. Raquel’s books combine elements of magical realism, romance, and Latinx culture, bringing a fresh perspective to the world of romance and fantasy. Raquel’s creativity and drive to tell authentic, complex stories have propelled her on a journey that she openly shares with readers, bridging personal experiences with universal themes.
A Garden that Heals and Inspires
Raquel’s yard is more than a collection of plants; it’s a carefully cultivated space that nurtures both the local wildlife and her family. With a variety of fruit trees, herbs, and flowers, Raquel’s garden reflects her desire to connect with nature on a deeper level. Her garden is filled with cherry, apple, and mulberry trees, and she even has an herb circle surrounded by native flowers. Not only does gardening inspire her creatively, but it also serves as a grounding, almost spiritual, practice in her daily life.
One of her unique hobbies within the garden is cross-pollinating flowers—particularly dahlias and zinnias. Letting the bees do most of the work, she collects seeds each year to see what new varieties bloom the next season. Gardening, for Raquel, is a blend of experimentation, connection, and beauty.
Tarot and the Art of Self-Reflection
In addition to her garden, Raquel is also passionate about tarot. Her journey with tarot cards began as a way to practice self-reflection and spiritual insight. Raquel has a collection of decks, and among her favorites are “Tarot of the Pagan Cats” and “Cute Ghost Tarot,” which bring a lighthearted touch to readings that might otherwise feel heavy.
Using gentle decks, Raquel finds that tarot helps her approach difficult emotions and situations with a sense of levity. She believes tarot is a way to access symbols and insights that might otherwise remain unseen, bringing her both peace and inspiration for her creative work. For her, tarot isn’t just a tool—it’s a means of deepening her understanding of herself and the world around her.
A Latinx Practical Magic: Witch and the Wild Things Series
Raquel’s Witch and the Wild Things series brings a touch of magic and a lot of heart. Described as a Latinx Practical Magic with three sisters, this series combines themes of family, healing, and self-discovery.
The first book, Witch of the Wild Things, introduces readers to a world of magic grounded in family dynamics, emotional depth, and cultural heritage. The second book, Lightning in Her Hands, follows the middle sister, Tio Flores, who struggles with relationships due to her traumatic past and her difficulty in managing her emotions. This book explores a unique romance through the marriage-of-convenience trope, adding layers to Tio’s journey of self-discovery.
Raquel dives deep into her characters’ psyches, writing relatable stories that shed light on issues like bipolar disorder. Her nuanced representation of mental health resonates with readers who want to see complex, fully realized characters who grow and overcome their struggles.
Romance, Representation, and Mental Health in Fiction
Raquel’s perspective on romance novels goes beyond the surface. To her, romance novels are a powerful way to showcase emotional growth, mutual respect, and healthy relationships. She believes that these books can raise standards for what readers expect from relationships, exploring themes like consent, reciprocity, and the transformative power of love.
Raquel especially values the diversity in romance today, as it allows more readers from all backgrounds to see themselves in the stories. Her own books feature Latinx characters and incorporate her heritage, making her novels a celebration of her culture while addressing universal themes.
Recommended Reads from Raquel
During our interview, Raquel shared some standout book recommendations:
- Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski – A transformative guide on understanding sexual wellness and breaking down societal myths around desire and intimacy.
- Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon – A refreshing romance where the heroine has to teach her love interest about her own pleasure after a disastrous first encounter. This realistic twist adds humor, humility, and heart.
- Fresh Banana Leaves by Dr. Jessica Hernandez – A compelling look at conservation from an indigenous perspective, promoting healing and inclusive practices in environmental science.
Conclusion
Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s insights on creativity, mental health, and embracing passions inspire readers to seek magic in their everyday lives. Whether through her enchanting series Witch and the Wild Things or her love for gardening and tarot, Raquel shows us that storytelling and self-discovery are powerful, transformative practices. For readers seeking romance with heart, soul, and a touch of magic, Raquel’s work is a must-read.
Be sure to follow Raquel on Instagram or Threads for updates on her journey, and check out her website at RaquelVasquezGilliland.com to explore more of her work.