21st Century Writers - Ecuadorian Literature

Germán Arteta Vargas

Germán Arteta Vargas (Guayaquil, Ecuador, 1940) is a prominent Ecuadorian historian, journalist, educator, and author. Known for his dedication to preserving Ecuadorian history and culture, he has published several influential works, including Guayaquil nostálgico (2009), Cantos a Guayaquil (2011), and Qué chévere (2012). His writing often focuses on civic education, folklore, and national identity. In 2019, he was inducted as a Corresponding Member of the National Academy of History in recognition of his contributions to the historical and cultural heritage of Ecuador.

María Eugenia Paz y Miño

María Eugenia Paz y Miño (Quito, Ecuador, 1959) is an Ecuadorian writer and anthropologist known for her contributions to literature and cultural studies. She has published notable works across various genres, including the acclaimed novel La puerta del Ilaló (2008) and the political thriller Que no quede huella (2020). Paz y Miño’s writing often intertwines her anthropological background with her literary pursuits, exploring themes of culture, politics, and human relationships. She has received several prestigious awards, such as the Rumiñahui de Oro and the Fondo Editorial del Ministerio de Cultura del Ecuador.

Rodolfo Bueno Ortiz

Rodolfo Bueno Ortiz (Esmeraldas, 1937) is an Ecuadorian mathematician, writer, and intellectual. He became the first Ecuadorian to earn a degree in mathematics after studying in the Soviet Union, where he also developed a deep interest in literature. Bueno is the author of several works, including Pasiones a la sombra del Kremlin (1999), a novel that explores themes of desire and power against the backdrop of Soviet life, and Mojiganga (2011), a political satire. He has also written extensively on historical and political topics, blending his scientific rigor with philosophical and social commentary, and was awarded the Pushkin Medal in Russia for his cultural contributions.

Carlos Aulestia

Carlos Hugo Aulestia Páez (Quito, 1973) is an Ecuadorian writer, literary critic, and professor. He holds a Ph.D. in Latin American Literature from the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar and is currently the dean of the Faculty of Communication, Linguistics, and Literature at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Aulestia has authored works spanning fiction, poetry, and essays, including the novel La obscuridad (2016) and the short story collection Flaquita my love (1995). His research focuses on Ibero-American literature, with a notable contribution through his doctoral thesis on Ecuadorian poets Medardo Ángel Silva, César Dávila Andrade, and David Ledesma Vásquez.

Wadía Lauando Vélez

Wadía Antón Lauando Vélez (Portoviejo, 1940) is an Ecuadorian poet and novelist renowned for his works that explore rural life, nature, and mythology, with a focus on the cultural heritage of Ecuador’s coastal Montubio region. His notable publications, such as Corazón de colibrí (2006) and Laberinto de los sueños (2011), showcase his lyrical style and deep connection to the Manabí region. In 1994, he founded the Provincial Poetry Contest “El Poeta y Su Voz” while serving as President of the Casa de la Cultura in Manabí and later served as Director of its Literature Section, actively promoting Ecuadorian literature.

María Leonor Baquerizo

María Leonor Baquerizo Díaz Granados (Guayaquil, 1960) is an Ecuadorian writer, professor, and empowerment coach. She is known for her contributions to Ecuadorian literature, particularly in the genre of short stories, where she explores psychological themes and human emotions. In addition to her literary work, she teaches at the Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil and ITS, and directs programs at Empowerment Coach Consultant. Her works, such as “Solo quería entender” and “Las grandes cosas se pierden en la niebla”, have earned her recognition as a significant figure in Ecuador’s literary scene.

Viviana Cordero

Viviana Cordero (Quito, August 3, 1964) is an Ecuadorian writer, playwright, and film director. She studied Modern Literature at the Sorbonne in Paris and began her career in 1990 by co-producing Sensaciones, the first Ecuadorian feature film made in 35mm. Cordero is known for her novels, including El Paraíso de Ariana (1994), El Teatro de los Monstruos (2000), and Mundos Opuestos (2010), as well as for her significant contributions to Ecuadorian theater and cinema. Her works explore themes of identity, memory, and societal roles, particularly focusing on women’s experiences.

Martha Chávez

Martha Chávez Negrete (Guayaquil, 1967) is an Ecuadorian doctor, psychiatrist, and writer. She is known for her contributions to contemporary Ecuadorian literature, particularly in the genres of short stories and novels. Her notable works include Precisando el sentido (1999), Uno de estos tristes días virtuales (2003), and her acclaimed novel La memoria corre a mil (2008), which won third prize in the genre of novels for its exploration of memory and identity. In addition to her literary career, Chávez is also a university professor and a contributor to various literary magazines in Ecuador.

Renato Gudiño

Renato Gudiño (Quito, July 31, 1950) is an Ecuadorian author known for his versatility across multiple literary genres, including fiction, science fiction, psychological narratives, and noir. Educated in Ecuador and Romania, Gudiño’s works often explore themes of identity, transformation, and the human experience, drawing on his cosmopolitan background. His notable publications include La Transmutada (2004), Destino de Papel (2007), Cataplumes del Amor (2008), and El Edén de la Tenue Luz (2009), and his stories have gained international recognition, with Cataplumes del Amor being translated into Romanian as Delirul Iubirii (2014).

Carolina Andrade

Carolina Andrade (Guayaquil, 1963) is an Ecuadorian writer, university professor, and journalist known for her poignant short stories and novellas. She studied in Mexico at the literary workshops of the Sociedad General de Escritores Mexicanos (SOGEM) and later earned postgraduate degrees in Education, Humanistic Studies, and Communication. Her notable works include Detrás de sí (1994), De luto (1999), and the novel A orillas de un relato (2024), which explore themes of death, existential absurdity, and human fragility. Andrade’s works have been translated into multiple languages and featured in prestigious literary anthologies.

Martha Rodríguez Albán

Martha Rodríguez Albán (Loja, 1959) is an Ecuadorian fiction writer, literary scholar, and educator. She holds a Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery from the Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil and a Master’s in Cultural Studies from the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar. As a fiction writer, she is known for her short story collections Nada más el futuro (1996), which won the Joaquín Gallegos Lara National Award, and Pero es después, bajo el sol (2001). In the field of literary criticism, she authored Narradores ecuatorianos de los 50: poéticas para la lectura de modernidades periféricas (2009) and Crítica literaria y sociedad en el Ecuador (1930-2000) (2022). She currently teaches at the Universidad Central del Ecuador in Quito.

Livina Santos

Livina Santos (Guayaquil, 1959) is an Ecuadorian writer and educator known for her contributions to feminist literature in Ecuador. She gained recognition with her short story collection Una noche frente al espejo (1989), which explores themes such as gender roles, societal repression, and existential issues through a feminist lens. A former member of the Advanced Literature Workshop at the Central Bank of Ecuador, she has also contributed to various literary anthologies. Alongside her literary career, Santos has taught literature and led numerous literary workshops, shaping the literary landscape of Ecuador.

Juan Bottasso Boetti

Juan Bottasso Boetti (Poveragno, Italy, September 27, 1936 – Quito, Ecuador, December 27, 2019) was an Italian missionary, anthropologist, and prolific author. As a Salesian priest, he dedicated much of his life to working with Ecuador’s indigenous Shuar people, advocating for the preservation of their culture and identity. He founded Editorial Abya Yala, which became a major platform for publishing works on indigenous cultures and environmental issues in Latin America. Bottasso also established the Institute of Applied Anthropology and was known for his extensive writings on mission studies and indigenous rights, becoming a leading figure in Ecuadorian anthropology.

David Aguirre

David Aguirre (Guayaquil, 1980) is an Ecuadorian author and clinical psychologist. He holds advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Psychoanalysis and a Master’s in Philosophy of Religion, along with a Doctorate in Psychology. His debut novel, El Dios del Árbol (2024; “The God of the Tree”), blends dark fantasy and psychological horror, reflecting his background in psychoanalysis. Aguirre’s work delves into themes of trauma, social alienation, and the grotesque, with influences from modern horror cinema. He presented the novel at the Guayaquil International Book Fair, establishing himself as a rising voice in Ecuadorian literature.

María Inés Tinajero

María Inés Tinajero, an Ecuadorian author, recently presented her debut novel Ritorno a Venezia at the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guayaquil. This novel tells the story of a woman who defies societal norms to become the first female gondolier in Venice. The book, published by Línea Primitiva Editorial, marks Tinajero’s entry into the literary world and explores themes of gender, tradition, and resilience.