Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Y. Levitt.
Raquel Y., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2001, I took a Creative Writing class at UTSA as a part of my Master’s in English. It was my very first attempt at writing fiction. Although I wasn’t very good, I enjoyed the process and I continued to write and study the craft of writing fiction after receiving my degree. For the next twenty-plus years, I wrote and wrote and wrote. In 2021, twenty years after I wrote for the very first time, I published my first short story. Soon after that, three more were published. During this time of submitting short stories, I also worked on my debut novel, The Seer. It went through several revisions until I knew in my heart it was ready to share with the world. It was published in March, 2025. All of those many years of hard work, patience, and perseverance are starting to pay off as it has received excellent reviews and has thus far won two awards and currently short-listed for a third. I have learned, and continue to learn, so much during the several-year journey of making my dreams come true.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. You must have very thick skin if you are you are a debut novelist and submitting your work because the chances of getting a literary agent is very low, and the chances of being picked up by one of the ‘big five’ publishers is even lower. Rejection after rejection will be part of the process. But, if you know without a doubt that your story is ready for the world you must do what you have to, to get it out there. Don’t give up!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most of my stories are about women finding their voice and their power. Many of them have a historical setting, but their messages are still very relevant today. I’m most proud when my debut novel– a heroine’s journey set in 1896– receives a positive review from someone across the country, or across the world, whom I’ve never met.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
The most surprising thing about me? I guess that I collect and polish rocks as a hobby. I have rocks (and books!) in every room of my house.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raquellevitt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquellevittwrites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquelylevitt/
