I grew up in the Southwest along the U.S.-Mexico border, which has had a major influence on my writing since it wasn't anything like the rest of the U.S. Growing up in another culture led me to an intense interest in all things Latino; as an adult, I've also expanded my areas of interest to Africa. I am fascinated by religion--how it can be both a healing and a harmful force--and I'm fascinated by how complicated people are. Whenever I read about somebody's job, I think, "I'd like to do that." Then I realize I'd like to do it for about 3 months--just long enough to write about it--so I've decided not to try any more careers out and just stick to writing, thank you very much.

This Thing Called the Future (Cinco Puntos Press, 2011);
The Confessional by J.L. Powers (Knopf, 2007)
A Bark in the Park: The 45 Best Places to Hike With Your Dog in the Las Cruces/El Paso Region by Jessica Powers (Cruden Bay Press, 2003)
Labor Pains and Birth Stories (Catalyst Book Press, 2009)