TN10: Letisha Marrero, Middle-Grade Novelist
Launching her debut novel in her 50s, she's just getting started...
Your Age: 54
Basic bio: Letisha, a once “semi-famous entertainment journalist” in NYC turned digital media maven and editorial director for a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years. Her debut middle-grade novel, Salsa Magic, releases on September 26.
Beyond the bio: Living out a childhood dream of becoming an author is both exhilarating and humbling. It’s taken me 20 years to publish this novel, but I realize everything is happening exactly as it’s supposed to be happening.
What makes you a grown-ass lady? I had my only child at age 35, when I was single, and through many ups and downs managed to raise a human being to age 18. I’m so proud of the person he’s become. I’m a recent empty nester, so I’m still navigating this emotional rollercoaster. But I know the job of mom never ceases.
Here’s her TueNight 10:
On the nightstand: A copy of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, by my friend and fellow TueNighter Deesha Philyaw. I intend to read it again and again. Also: my inhaler, and a fuzzy, purple, polka-dot glasses-holder, which prevents me from searching blindly every morning for “my eyes.”
What I’m listening to: As a former music writer, I of course love old-school soul, hip-hop and R&B, but I try to sift through the new stuff too. Right now, I’m really into D Smoke and his brothers SiR, Chika, and Leikeli47.
‘80s crush: C. Thomas Howell
Current crush: Pedro Pascal
What was your first job: When I first moved from LA to NYC in 1994, I got a job as an executive assistant for the president of a well-known PR firm, but I had no clue. Suddenly, I was fielding calls from people such as Danielle Steel, Fergie, the Duchess of York, and yes, Donald Fucking Trump.
How do you celebrate your birthday: The last big birthday celebration I had was when I turned 36. (Random, I know.) Ever since, I never make a huge deal out of it. I’m a Gemini with a Leo Rising, so I know I’m going against type here.
What’s a misconception about getting older: I used to spend a lot of time on TAFKAT (The App Formerly Known as Twitter), and would always see both men and women treat being over 30 as the age you shrivel up and die. I would always reply that my life and career didn’t really take off until after age 35. The older you get, the fewer fucks you give — and there’s more wine.
What do you like/hate about getting older: After decades of learning from my mistakes, I love having the spirit of discernment. I’m not a fan of my body shape getting larger in unexpected places, but I’m learning to accept it (and move more).
Is there anything you’d like a do-over for in life: As a child, I played classical piano (very well) but quit when I was 17, because suddenly I was too cool. And my parents let me! That was a mistake.
Thing you miss about the past: I spent 8 months living in Italy in the 90s, and I’d do anything to get back there. The food, the history, the views, the people… and the quality of life is just so much less stressful. “Domani,” was a common answer — meaning it can always wait until tomorrow. And you know what? It usually can.
Awesome!