Meet Thelma T. Reyna | Author, Editor, Book Publisher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thelma T. Reyna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thelma T., as a parent, what have you done for your children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
All my life I’ve endeavored to LIVE MY VALUES in front of my son and daughter: at our home; in the homes of family, neighbors, and friends; and in the larger community. There isn’t a “public Thelma,” and a “home Thelma,” presenting different faces to people depending upon their status, identity, or any other trappings that categorize some people as superior. I believe in the innate dignity and worth of every human being. I value authenticity, honesty, fairness, helpfulness, compassion, and kindness. My children, all their lives, have seen and heard me in varied settings, including very public, celebratory ones, and they see how I treat and speak to people of all backgrounds. As a famous person once said: “When you die, people may not remember what your titles or honors were, but they will always remember how you treated them individually.” People are the most important aspect of life. Praise and appreciate them. Enhance their sense of self-worth. I did this to the best of my ability with my children and to the people who populate our spheres of life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was an “author interruptus”: i.e., I began what I dreamed was an author’s life, but family and career obligations intervened and sidetracked me for many years. My first literary publication happened in 1972. It was a short story published in the iconic, now-defunct Latino literary journal, EL GRITO. I was a youngish high school English teacher who had never been published nationally. This first story, “The Grapevine,” was subsequently anthologized and followed by other stories in EL GRITO, and in GRITO DEL SOL, its reincarnation in the latter 1970s. I wanted to enter these pivotal Latino literary times but took a different career path. I became an administrator and published only sporadically until 2009, when I took early retirement to return to writing.

I published my first book, a short story collection, THE HEAVENS WEEP FOR US AND OTHER STORIES, that won the 2010 Eric Hoffer Award and a few others. I followed this book up with 2 poetry chapbooks then founded Golden Foothills Press, a micro-indie literary book imprint. Thus began in earnest my Part II of being an author. I have now published 6 books and edited 4 anthologies. My press has published over 150 authors from across the U.S., including Richard Blanco, Peter J. Harris, and other distinguished poets. I was named Poet Laureate in Altadena, CA in 2014-2016. My writings have received 22 national book awards. My press has received 20 awards collectively (other authors and me). The lesson behind my trajectory? It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, even if they’ve been put on the proverbial back burner. If the spirit is willing, it’s possible!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My hometown of Pasadena, CA is a world-class city. I am lucky to have lived most of my adult life here. My itinerary for a visitor would be predicated largely on that person’s interests. Are they cultural, artistic, educational, athletic, shopping, or nature-oriented? All these interests can be addressed because of the richness and beauty of Pasadena and the surrounding Los Angeles metropolitan area.

–Our world-renowned museums and galleries include the Huntington Library and Gardens, the Norton Simon Museum, the USC Pacific Asia Museum, and various privately owned art galleries and studios open to the public.
–We have the iconic Rose Bowl, the “granddaddy” of America’s bowl stadiums, which hosts college football, rock concerts, a huge monthly flea market, fireworks shows, car races, and other exciting events throughout the year.
–Our educational gems include Cal Tech, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena Community College, many private colleges, and–just a short freeway drive away–UCLA and USC campuses.
–Shopping hotspots are South Lake Avenue, Old Town Pasadena, the outdoor mall Paseo Pasadena, Playhouse District, and the large Westfield Plaza mall in nearby Arcadia.
–Surrounded by the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, we have Angeles Crest National Park in our backyard, Eaton Canyon hiking trails, Mount Wilson Observatory, and are near to the best beaches in Southern California.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First: My mother, a high school dropout who defied women’s gender roles in the early 1960s and became a role model for me of a woman executive in a man’s world. Second: My mother…yes, her again. She recognized my love of scholarship and always supported it indirectly, sparing me from household tasks so I could study, supporting my desire to go to college, enabling me to become the first college graduate in our extended family.
Thilrd: My late husband Victor Reyna, who underwent a paradigm shift and supported my professional ambitions, my book readings, etc. till the day he died.
Fourth: My son Vic and daughter Chriss, who were my cheerleaders throughout my career and who evinced pride in what their mom was accomplishing.
Fifth: My career colleagues, especially my supervisors as I rose through administrative ranks, who always had faith in me.
Sixth: My author colleagues– fellow poets, fellow publishers, bloggers, podcasters, community book lovers–who “show up,” collaborate, and support my efforts through words and engagement. The cliche is correct: “It takes a village”…and, “Nobody ever does it alone.”

Website: http://www.GoldenFoothillsPress.com

Linkedin: http://www.Linkedin.com/in/thelma-t-reyna-ph-d-b59a6315/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelmareyna?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelma.reyna

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=thelma+t.+reyna

Other: http://www.AuthorThelmaReyna.com

Image Credits
Unknown; waiter. Micaela Accardi-Krown