21st Century Writers - Ecuadorian Literature

Freddy Peñafiel Larrea

Freddy Peñafiel Larrea (Quito, January 5, 1972) is an Ecuadorian poet, critic, radio host, educator, and public servant. He has published seven collections of poetry since 1992, which include compelling titles like “Del amar, de la mar” (1995), “Del asombro de las sombras” (1997), “Anzuelos” (2003), and “Presagios” (2009). His unique poetic voice earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He received a special mention in the 1995 Hugo Mayo poetry contest, secured second place in the Jorge Carrera Andrade poetry biennial in 1996, and won first place in the “Escribir y Publicar” poetry contest in 1997. Not only do his verses grace the pages of his own collections, but they can also be found in numerous anthologies, marking him as a vital and vibrant voice in Ecuadorian poetry.

Paola Cando

Paola Cando Bermeo (Cuenca, January 25, 1995) is an Ecuadorian writer and poet. Her journey in literature began in 2012 when she published “Parchís,” a collection of several young authors from the city of Cuenca. Two years later, she was part of the poetic anthology “Nuevas Voces de la Poesía Cuencana,” presented at the XII Encounter on Ecuadorian Literature by the State University of Cuenca. In 2015, along with numerous Latin American authors, she was featured in the poetic anthology “90 revoluciones,” published by the independent publisher Mecánica Giratoria. 2017 saw her collaborate with the independent publisher Ninacuro Cartonera on another poetic anthology titled “Cirugía inflamable.” In 2020, her poem “Chendoaventuras” was selected to be featured in the book “Poemas sobre dos ciudades.” This book compiled the winning entries from the Azogues and Cuenca 2020 Poetry Prize Competition, as well as additional poems from the same competition, chosen by the jury.

Sara Arana

Sara Arana, known as “La abogada del rap,” is a 25-year-old rapper, poet, and activist hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Despite facing numerous challenges, including addiction and the tragic loss of her mother, she found solace and strength in the arts. Through her powerful and heartfelt music, poetry, and culinary talents, she has become a voice for empowerment and social change. Arana’s debut poetry book, “HipHop es vida” (2021), serves as a testament to her resilience and a celebration of the genre that has shaped her life. Arana’s experiences and personal journey showcase the transformative power of art and serve as an inspiration to others.

Renatta Villamar

Renatta Villamar (Guayaquil, December 8, 2000) is an Ecuadorian poet. The youngest daughter of the former mayor of Guayaquil, Cynthia Viteri, Villamar has embarked on a unique journey of self-expression and exploration through literature and art. Born into a high-profile political family, Villamar defied traditional expectations and chose to chart her own path in life. An emerging writer and illustrator, she first gained recognition with her debut poetry collection, “Una flor en la tormenta” (“A Flower in the Storm”), first presented in the Guayaquil International Book Fair in 2021. Aged just 20 at the time of publication, Villamar’s work draws on personal experiences and emotions, reflecting her battles with mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and serves as a testament to her resilience. Her decision to work as a waitress, while simultaneously honing her craft as a writer, speaks to her humility and commitment to personal growth. As she continues her journey as an artist, Villamar has made appearances at international literary events, such as the Bogotá International Book Fair in 2022, further establishing her presence in the literary world.

Carlos Calderón Chico

Carlos Calderón Chico (Guayaquil, June 14, 1953 – January 4, 2013) was an influential Ecuadorian historian, writer, journalist, cultural manager, and bibliophile. He pursued a degree in Literature and Spanish from the University of Guayaquil. He emerged as an acclaimed educator, teaching History and Ecuadorian Literature in various Guayaquil schools. Calderón Chico’s contributions extended beyond academia, as he became a crucial figure in Ecuador’s cultural and literary scene. He participated in the management of cultural supplements and magazines, facilitated cultural debates, and engaged with prominent writers, painters, and politicians. As a testament to his dedication, he received the First Class Cultural Merit Decoration from the National Government and was declared Journalist of the Year by the Guayaquil Association of Journalists. His career also spanned overseeing the Ecuadorian Society of Writers, coordinating for Revista Diners, and conducting important research for the Historical Archive of Guayas. Calderón Chico’s writing portfolio boasts numerous publications, interviews, and critical analyses, which have played an integral role in shaping Ecuadorian literature and cultural history.

José Paul Aguilar

José Paul Aguilar (Quito, 1965) is an Ecuadorian author, architect, and musician who began his writing career as a poet. He began writing at the age of fifteen, with his first poetry book published at twenty-two. Two of his notable works include “TŪTUM,” a compilation of poems and stories, and “Canciones de Otoño,” a collection of poems written since 1982. In 2023, he released his debut novel, “Un sol se me escondió” (A Sun Hid From Me). The novel received a warm reception and was showcased at the Madrid Book Fair. Interestingly, Aguilar is a descendent of Juan Montalvo, a renowned Latin American writer, which has been a significant source of inspiration for him.

Oswaldo Encalada Vásquez

Oswaldo Encalada Vásquez (Cañar, 1955) is a philologist, writer of both fiction and children’s literature, and an academic. His substantial contributions to the field of linguistics and literature earned him the prestigious “Fray Vicente Solano” award, conferred by the Municipality of Cuenca on October 18, 2004. This recognition underscores his significant influence and standing in Ecuador’s intellectual and cultural domains. Throughout his career, Vásquez has served in notable positions, including professorships at the Universidad de Azuay and the Colegio Manuela Garaicoa de Calderón. Additionally, he is a distinguished member of the Ecuadorian Academy of Language, further testament to his respected status in the academic world.

Raquel Rodas Morales

Raquel Rodas Morales (Paute, Azuay, June 1940-Quito, November 1, 2018) was an Ecuadorian writer, historian, and feminist. She dedicated her life to teaching, studying philosophy, and conducting research from a feminist perspective on the contributions of influential women in the history of Ecuador, such as Tránsito Amaguaña, Dolores Cacuango, and María Luisa Gómez de la Torre. Raquel Rodas authored numerous books dedicated to women’s history and the feminist movement. Her extensive research and writings have significantly contributed to the understanding of women’s experiences, the impact of patriarchy, and the struggles faced by women throughout history. The Metropolitan Council of Quito awarded her the Mention of Honor for Relevant Services to the City.

Carolina Portaluppi

Carolina Portaluppi Castro (Guayaquil, 1963) is an Ecuadorian poet, economist, and educator. Her literary journey began with the publication of her first poetry collection, “Excluidos los signos,” in 1999, which delves into a range of human emotions and experiences. In 2009, she unveiled her second book, “Dice que no sabe,” which draws inspiration from the renowned Argentine poet Alejandra Pizarnik and showcases Portaluppi Castro’s introspective writing style. Carolina Portaluppi Castro holds the position of Coordinator of the Master’s Degree Program in Public Administration at Casa Grande University where she is also a professor of Public Policies. Additionally, she serves as a Professor of Public Policies for Disaster Risk Reduction at the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar. Her poems have been published in various anthologies, including, “Indignados tus hijos del yugo,” “La voz del Eros,” and “Poetas de la Mitad del Mundo.”

Alejandro Ribadeneira

Alejandro Ribadeneira Tobar (Santiago, Chile, 1973) is an author, journalist, and editor born to an Ecuadorian father and a Chilean mother and has dual nationality. Since 2000, he has been part of Grupo El Comercio in Ecuador, where he has served as a macro editor, tasked with planning and editing journalistic content in areas such as Culture, Entertainment, Sports, Environment, History, among others, for both digital and print media. Educated at the Central University of Ecuador with a degree in Social Communication, Ribadeneira has penned a poetry book, several volumes of short stories, and novels, including “La frutilla mecánica,” “La máscara del padre,” “Calendario sin abril,” and “Inti-Force: Orígenes.” For 25 years, he has been a dedicated commentator and writer on the subject of soccer. He lives in Quito, Ecuador.

Francisco Delgado

Francisco Delgado Santos (Cuenca, June 9, 1950) is an Ecuadorian writer, poet, and editor. Delgado Santos has made a significant contribution to Ecuadorian literature for children and young people with his extensive collection of over 50 published titles. With a deep passion for reading and writing, Delgado Santos believes in the transformative power of books, especially in shaping the imaginations and intellectual development of young readers. His works span across various genres and have garnered recognition and prestigious awards. Beyond his literary achievements, Delgado Santos has played a pivotal role in establishing the National Library System of Ecuador, expanding access to books and fostering a culture of reading throughout the country.

Ikah Gabriela Loayza

Ikah Gabriela Loayza (Quito, Ecuador, 1988) is an Ecuadorian writer and scriptwriter, known for her contributions to various forms of media. She holds degrees in Journalism and a Master’s in Fiction Scriptwriting. Loayza has collaborated with several national production companies as a scriptwriter, writer, and translator for projects spanning fiction, documentaries, and advertising. Her teaching experience includes courses in creative writing and scriptwriting at various institutions. She also co-wrote the web series “Kronos: guardianes del tiempo” and contributes to the YouTube channel “La Fábrica del Ocio,” where she offers literary advice. A well-rounded creative, Loayza has spent time studying at the University of Wisconsin-Richland and the Pontifical University of Salamanca. Her latest book, “El beso de la sirena vampiro,” showcases her talent in the young adult fantasy genre and was published in 2019 by Eskeletra Editorial.

Joe Kane

Joseph A. Kane (1953) is an acclaimed American journalist and author whose work has significantly contributed to environmental literature. Known for his immersive and empathetic storytelling, Kane focuses on the struggles of indigenous populations in the face of ecological destruction. His debut non fiction book, “Running the Amazon” (1989), recounts the harrowing journey of an expedition that covered the entire length of the Amazon River. His second non fiction book, “Savages” (1995), is a poignant exploration of the Huaorani Indians’ battle against the harmful practices of international oil companies in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Kane’s masterful blend of adventure, reportage, and intimate narrative offers readers a profound insight into the stark realities of environmental degradation and the urgent need for conservation. His works, celebrated for their compassionate portrayal of threatened ecosystems and the people within them, underscore the vital conversation around global environmental issues and indigenous rights.

Darlene P. Campos

Darlene P. Campos is an American author born in Houston, Texas to an Ecuadorian family. Her published young adult novels include “Behind Mount Rushmore” (2017), “Summer Camp is Cancelled” (2018), and “Heaven Isn’t Me” (2019). She has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, such as the Sylvan N. Karchmer Fiction Award at the University of Houston in 2013 for “The Bullet” and the Dastaan Fiction Award in 2017 for “Mason Jars.” Darlene holds a BA in English-Creative Writing with a minor in Medicine and Society Studies from the University of Houston, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Zoraida Córdova

Zoraida Córdova (Guayaquil, 1987) is an Ecuadorian-American author of fantasy novels for children and young adults, as well as romance novels. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she immigrated to the United States at a young age, embracing English as her second language. Growing up in Hollis, Queens, Córdova’s passion for writing was ignited by the works of authors like Amelia Atwater Rhodes. She dedicated herself to refining her skills, attending writing camps and conferences throughout her college years. Her notable achievements include the Brooklyn Brujas series, an exploration of identity, family, and magic. The series, which won her an International Latino Book Award for its first installment, stands as a testament to her storytelling prowess. In addition to her acclaimed series, Córdova has made significant contributions to the Star Wars canon universe, including her novel “Star Wars: Convergence (The High Republic).” Furthermore, she displays her versatility by writing romance novels under the pen name Zoey Castile, notably the popular Happy Endings series.