Literary Agent and Author Monica Rodriguez
This week’s Writer Wednesday features literary agent and author Monica Rodriguez!
Monica Rodriguez is a literary agent and the Director of Brand Management at Context Literary Agency. Her mission as an agent is to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community. She’s mentored authors at The Writing Barn and is a faculty member at The Manuscript Academy. In children’s literature, she is actively looking for MG, YA & Graphic Novels. She also represents illustrators and comic artists. In adult fiction, she’s looking for contemporary romance, speculative, sci-fi, and book club fiction.
Monica is also a first-gen, Mexican-American author. Her love for books can be traced back to elementary school, where the best days were spent attending book fairs and author readings. She enjoys writing about self-love and identity, family dynamics, and red flags in attempted relationships. Her published articles cover similar themes in movies and TV shows. She runs a self-love journey podcast called Find A Lovely Life.
Monica will be leading our virtual workshop, “Writing is Rewriting: Digging Deep into Revisions,” on Nov. 19, 2024, at 7 p.m. EST. Learn more about her below!
What writing projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently on submission with my agent with a Latinx YA rom-com set in the late 90s! While that’s out in the submission world, I’m revising a project I drafted in third person that now feels better in first person so it’s like I’m drafting all over again but at least there’s a blueprint!
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
This might surprise everyone, but I love revising. It can be brutal, but it’s where the magic happens!
What does your writing workspace look like?
I have a desk, but I like to move around. Sometimes I’ll go to my local library or go to a coffee shop with my writing group. It depends on when I have time to write.
How has your own experience as a writer informed the way you guide authors through their revisions?
I know what it’s like to feel like the first draft wasn’t enough. I know what it’s like to have those breakthrough moments that inspire you to keep going. I like digging deeper and love inspiring my authors to do the same with their revisions.
What is your favorite non-writing hobby?
I’ve recently picked up roller skating and have found that it really brings out little Monica who always wants ice cream after, which I approve of and enjoy as well.
What is your favorite piece of writing advice?
You might not be ready to write this story, but it doesn’t mean you’re not a writer. Sometimes I start projects and realize I need to step away from it and write something new. It took a while to accept that, but it’s made me a better writer.
Follow Monica on Instagram at @loveleemonicaa
— Interview by DWR intern Jenna Hausmann.