“Carnival Fantástico” by Angela Montoya
The big top is coming to a town near you… In the pages, beneath the lights, and through the glitter of Carnival Fantástico, you’ll find mystical allure, illusions, and swoony second chances. Author Angela Montoya is known for her enchanting stories, intricate narratives, and stories with rich cultural elements. In this episode of Narratives & Nightcaps, she shares more on the magic of storytelling, growing as a writer, her world-building process, and the importance of character development, especially as she crafts narratives that resonate with both young adult and adult readers.
The narrative: about Carnival Fantástico
Esmeralda Montero, a thief and former spy, needs Carnival Fantástico — the traveling carnival that entices spectators and patrons at each stop with its glimmering magic, fantastical acts, and “La Paloma Blanca, Fortune Teller Extraordinaire.” Esmeralda’s act as a fortune teller is how she plans to win the starring role in the Big Top show, something she must do if she wants to remain at the carnival, hidden away from the commander of the king’s army, who also happens to be her former boss. Ignacio Olivera has abandoned his military post, led by his father, and only seeks to put an end to the local war. While investigating his father’s secrets, he finds he’ll have to make his way to Carnival Fantástico to search for more and the carnival’s connection to the war. Together, Esmeralda and Ignacio think they can accomplish both of their plans, until they realize the magic of the carnival is far more dangerous than they ever realized.
The nightcap
With a story inspired by the Roaring 20s and the Prohibition Era, a classic cocktail of the time is the perfect companion for Carnival Fantástico. Angela has paired The Bee’s Knees cocktail, a combination of gin, lemon juice, and honey, with its origins typically attributed to the 1920s. “The bee’s knees” was common slang of the time and is a favorite phrase for our characters in this narrative.
In the episode
Get to know Angela in our episode of Narratives & Nightcaps. We talk about:
The importance of finding your unique writing voice, letting your personality shine through your words, and dedicating writing time to cultivate your craft regularly
Angela’s research into the heyday of traveling carnivals, as well as Aztec and Meshiko culture, mythology, and lore — the blend helped her develop a logical framework for the world that she could continue to build upon for an immersive setting
Being intentional with the themes in all of her works to ensure a strong message resontates with young adults while also speaking to adults
Angela Montoya’s latest YA romantasy is an enchanting adventure that unfolds with purpose as you journey with these characters. It’s evident how she embraces her unique voice and perspective to create such lush worlds and relatable characters, ultimately crafting narratives that captivate and inspire readers everywhere.
Listen or watch to the full author interview on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts
Purchase your copy here.