We are thrilled to announce that our very own columnist, Alejandra Gotóo, has been awarded the VII Concurso de Cuento Corto prize, organized by Escritoras Mexicanas (Mexican Writers). Her short story, “Madre primeriza”, is one of the winning entries that will be featured in the highly anticipated Anthology of Mexican Women Writers 2024. The anthology, which celebrates contemporary female voices in Mexican literature, will be officially presented in León, Guanajuato on December 7.
The short story competition received over 600 entries from writers across Mexico, with only 25 stories making the final selection. The anthology promises to offer readers a vibrant and diverse collection of contemporary narratives that transcend traditional themes and genres, providing an in-depth look at the pulse of Mexican fiction written by women in the 21st century.
Alejandra Gotóo, born in Mexico City in 1991, holds a degree in Modern English Language and Literature from UNAM’s Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, and later pursued a master’s degree in Social Anthropology at Universidad Iberoamericana. Her work has been published in countries like Chile, Colombia, and Croatia, among others. In recent projects, she has explored the intersection of healthcare professionals' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her postgraduate research focused on the lives of those on the front lines of the battle against the virus.
Reflecting on her writing journey, Alejandra shared her thoughts:
I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. Writing has been a lifelong passion of mine, and having my work recognized in this way is both a profound and humbling experience. To be featured alongside such exceptionally talented women is truly inspiring. I hope that my story resonates with readers and sheds light on the unique challenges faced by many women. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my readers and editor. My heartfelt thanks to the Dubrovnik Times, the editor, and all the readers for their unwavering support and motivation. Croatia, one of my homes, has been a source of inspiration and encouragement in my journey.
Gotóo’s winning story, Madre primeriza, delves into the emotional turmoil of motherhood, guilt, and fear. It is a gripping tale of a young mother waiting anxiously in a hospital after her child suffers a terrible accident at home. Below is an excerpt from her story:
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"They tell me I have to wait. I sit down and hold him tightly. In just a few minutes, they call me to the counter. They tell me I need to fill out some forms to admit the patient. They say I need to sign a few papers and read some warnings because he’s a minor. I want them to help my son. Of course I’ll fill out the forms. He needs urgent medical attention. I think it would be easier to handle a situation like this with his father. But Armando isn’t here. He starts crying harder. More forms. They ask for a copy of my voter ID. Where did I leave my purse? Nurses are asking me to sign the release of liability. Please, just make him stop crying.
He was admitted almost at midnight. I was told I had to wait outside. Obviously, I didn’t want to, but I didn’t have any words that would make them change their minds. Besides, I barely had any words left. My hands were trembling, and I felt weak. At that moment, the thought crossed my mind that this might have been a bad idea. Maybe I should have taken him to a more recognized place. Maybe it would have been better to go to another hospital, something bigger, with more doctors and equipment. But the neighborhood clinic was nearby, and with the child burned, I felt very anxious. I said goodbye, telling him that Mom would wait outside while they attended to him. I kissed his little hands so as not to damage his face further. I told him I loved him very much and that we would be okay. I heard his crying fade away in the hallway. I was left with the smell of burned oil on my lips. The last thing I saw was his red, inflamed hands."
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Alejandra is no stranger to literary success. Her debut novel, Ruptura, was presented at the Xavier Villaurrutia Literary Creation Center in February 2011. Ruptura is a short novel that poignantly captures the emotional upheaval of Amanda, a young woman navigating her transition from adolescence to adulthood amidst the pain of a broken heart. In an interview, Alejandra described her first novel as being born from a deeply personal experience. She noted that her characters, Amanda, Iván, and Alberto, guided her through the writing process, each demanding to have their stories told.
Alejandra reflects on her early literary journey: "I wrote Ruptura during the last semesters of high school. The story practically poured out of me in about four months, and it was the characters who led me forward. I feel I was merely the vessel through which Amanda, Iván, and Alberto told their story."
The novel was praised by literary critics, with one of the panelists of the launch event, stating: "Ruptura is a literary exercise that grips you from the first page. Alejandra Gotóo is one of those young writers who have never concerned themselves with the world’s demands but have known how to write what the creative spark in their mind truly dictates."
With her growing body of work, Alejandra continues to establish herself as one of the exciting voices in Mexican literature today. The upcoming anthology of short stories will provide an opportunity for readers to engage with the creative power of Mexican women, with stories coming from all corners of the country—from Quintana Roo to Baja California.
Mark your calendars for the official release of Anthology of Mexican Women Writers 2024 on December 7 and be sure to follow Alejandra Gotóo's literary journey. You can also purchase her latest novel on Amazon: Isadore or Absolute Love.
Follow Alejandra Gotóo on Instagram:@akemigotoo
Check out the video on Facebook of Gotóo talking about her winning short story: Alejandra Gotóo, VII Concurso de Cuento Corto.