Alana Quintana Albertson: Authors Interviewing Characters

February 2, 2022 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

Character Interview

Ramón and Julieta is a fun, frothy romance full of family, culture, and tacos which celebrates Latine joy.

Julieta Campos is a top chef at Las Pescas, her acclaimed sea-to-table taquería in her beloved community of Barrio Logan.

Ramón Montez has recently been anointed People en Español’s most eligible bachelor. A ruthless businessman and heir to the Taco King fortune, he has just acquired the land on a historic block of Barrio Logan, which makes him Julieta’s new landlord.

Linda Campos is Julieta’s mother and made the iconic fish taco recipe that Ramón’s father, Arturo, stole from her and used as the basis for his taco chain, The Taco King.

A month after Ramón buys the land, author Alana Quintana Albertson interviews Julieta, Linda, and Ramón about their upcoming plans for the restaurant in Barrio Logan.

AQA: So I heard the news that the block your restaurant Las Pescas is on was recently bought. What are your future plans for your business?

Linda: Ay! That pendejo Arturo Montez stole my fish taco recipe years ago, and now he has taken our land for his tasteless tacos. (glares at Ramón who fidgets in his chair)

Julieta: Mamá! (turns to Alana) Sorry about her. (Julieta squeezes Ramón’s hand) We don’t have concrete plans yet.

Ramón: (awkwardly turns to Julieta—voice lowering to a whisper) Babe, we discussed this. You will work at the restaurant. I thought you understood that it will become a Taco King.

Julieta: We will see about that.

Ramón: You signed a contract.

Julieta: (biting her lip) I did. But contracts can be broken. What are you going to do? Sue me? I have no money. You already own the only thing in my life that ever mattered. Next question.

AQA: Ramón, you were born and raised in San Diego, and now you have acquired land in historic Barrio Logan. Have you always spent time in this beloved community?

Ramón: (shakes his head) Unfortunately no. And I don’t have a good reason why I haven’t. It’s so wonderful here, and the residents have embraced me.

Linda: Until you ruin our community.

Julieta: (rolls her eyes) Let’s talk about music. Did you know that Ramón is a very talented musician?

AQA: I did actually see an old clip on YouTube. You were in a heavy metal band? I loved the long hair.

Ramón: (laughs) That was years ago. I no longer play music. I have no time.

Julieta: But you should! You’re so good. Ramón is too modest. He should rediscover his passion.

Ramón: What about you? What passions do you have besides cooking? You’re more of a workaholic than I am. At least I surf.

Linda: I agree with El Banco. You need to focus on something other than work. I would like grandchildren. (Glaring at Ramón) Ramón, would you like to have a family?

Julieta: (places hand on forehead) Ay, Mamá. You’re so embarrassing. Can you stop? We are being interviewed about Las Pescas, not my personal life.

Ramón: Relax babe. Señora Campos, yes, I would like a family. Some day.

Linda: Someday soon, I hope. (Makes the sign of the cross)

AQA: Linda, you created the iconic fish taco recipe that has been of staple of San Diego, yet you never sued The Taco King for credit. Why is that?

Linda: Because suing is no bueno. Karma will come to Arturo, if it hasn’t already. I believe in hard work and a peaceful homelife. I am a good, honest person. I do not seek revenge.

Julieta: I would’ve sued.

Linda: Then I have failed you as a mother. You need to start attending church.

Ramón: Do you really want to sue me, Julieta? I told you I was working on offering some fair compensation. Just give me time.

Linda: We’ve given you plenty of time. Forty years worth.

AQA: Moving on. I apologize is this is inappropriate or invasive, but Ramón and Julieta, I have heard rumors that you are dating, and by your body language, I am inclined to believe them. Would you like to make a comment on your relationship status?

Julieta: No comment.

Linda: Well, she didn’t come home last night.

Julieta: Mamá! I can’t believe you! That’s private. (turns to AQA) It’s complicated.

Ramón: Not really complicated. I’m crazy about her.

Julieta: (Julieta blushes.) Well, it’s new.

AQA: Okay. Final question. Ramón, do you feel that developers can work with communities to stop gentefication? Or all the goals too different?

Julieta: Yes, Ramón, I’m curious about your answer.

Ramón: I do think we can work together and support each other. But it takes honest, open communication and realistic goals. I’m up for the challenge.

BUY HERE

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Alana Quintana Albertson has written thirty romance novels, rescued five-hundred death-row shelter dogs, and danced one thousand rumbas. A graduate of Stanford (B.A.) and Harvard (M.Ed.), she lives with her husband in sunny San Diego with her two sons and too many pets. Most days, she can be found writing her next heart book in a beachfront café while sipping an oat-milk Mexican mocha or gardening with her children in their backyard orchard and snacking on a juicy blood orange.