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"VICTIM" (D OUBL E DAY ) BY ANDREW BORYGA Miami-based Boryga hits the ground running. After a guidance counselor teaches Javier Perez how to write about his drug-dealer father's death in order to land educational opportunities for "diverse" students, Javi continues embellishing his life story in college and takes "artistic liberties" while writing about social justice for a highbrow magazine. But when his childhood friend— who knows about his house of cards—is released from prison, is Javi's secret safe? March 2024 "OYE" (HO G A R T H) BY MELISSA MOGOLLON In this inventive coming-of-age novel, readers eavesdrop on one-sided phone calls between Luciana and her older sister, who's away at college. After their glamorous, eccentric grandmother refuses to evacuate her home before a hurricane, and receives a startling medical diagnosis, Luciana's family decides to invite her to live with them—in Luciana's bedroom. Soon, the two forge a close, complicated relationship, and Luciana learns more than a few family secrets. May 2024 "BLOOD IN THE CUT" (F L AT IRON BO OK S) BY ALEJANDRO NODARSE After getting out of prison, Iggy must regain his grieving father's trust and save the family butcher shop, which, situated in a newly gentrified neighborhood, runs the risk of closing. Soon, he discovers that his father is involved in a poaching scheme in the Everglades, and Iggy must decide how far he'll go to pay off his father's debts. June 2024 taught by the great Jennifer Close. Not only did she provide the feedback I needed to make the book work, she also demystified the agent querying and publishing submissions processes. I'd literally give her a kidney if she needed one. What kind of fiction do you like to read? Which books and authors influenced the writing of "Pink Glass Houses," and how do you see this book as carving out its own niche? I'm an avid fiction reader, and try to alternate between literary, commercial, and genre. I'll devour the new Lauren Groff and then immediately pick up a thriller, or finish a cozy mystery, and then turn to Lisa See's historical fiction. My taste is pretty broad. In terms of influences for my own writing, I usually lean towards voice-y, character-driven writers like Close, Liane Moriarty, Curtis Sittenfeld, and Gillian Flynn. I'm hoping "Pink Glass Houses" can build on what some of these incredible writers have done, while also standing apart, with its Miami-flavored satire. How have your friends in Miami responded to the social commentary in the book? So far, they seem to get a kick out of it. We are always talking about what a unique place we live in. Yes, it's sunny and beautiful most of the year. Yes, people are abnormally attractive and always seem to be dressed to the nines. But also, there are just so many bizarre and questionable things we see in our day-to-day lives. Some of which we actively participate in. When I told my friend group that I was writing this book, their first response was, "We have so much material for you!" What are you most excited for around Miami this spring/summer? I'm most excited for the O, Miami Poetry Festival, which will take place for the entire month of April. I'm a board member, and our goal is for every Miamian, regardless of zip code, to encounter a poem at some point during the month. We will be showcasing local talent, ranging from poet laureates to public school children, and celebrating with events all over the county. I'm also looking forward to this year's Formula 1 race in Miami. Not that I know much about the sport itself, but in true Miami style, we sure know how to throw a party. THREE DEBUT NOVELS BY FLORIDA AUTHORS A literary satire, a coming-of-age saga, and an Everglades-set thriller are this season's hottest launches by local talent. "W HEN I TOLD M Y FRIEN D GROU P TH AT I WA S W RITI NG THIS BOOK , THEIR FIRST RESPONSE WA S , 'W E H AV E SO MUCH M ATERI A L FOR YOU!' " —ASHA ELIAS CO U R T E S Y O F F L AT I R O N B O O K S, H O GA R T H, D O U B L E DAY BAL HARBOUR 109

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