Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo
@cynthiapelayo.bsky.social
Bram Stoker Award & Int’l Latino Book Award winning author| VANISHING DAUGHTERS, Thomas & Mercer| GHOSTS OF WHERE WE ARE FROM, Atria/Primero Sueño| LOTERÍA & CHICAGO SAGA, Hachette| School of the Art Institute MFAW, PhD English candidate | Rep-Lane Heymont
Pinned
Cynthia Pelayo blends horror and Chicago history in ‘Vanishing Daughters’ — including legend of Resurrection Mary
Cynthia Pelayo just wrote a novel weaving together a serial killer, the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, a plane crash at O’Hare, Chet’s Melody Lounge in Justice and Resurrection Mary.
www.chicagotribune.com
“Pelayo’s horror novels do not read like a lot of horror novels…They read less like contemporary horror than Gothic thrillers relocated to a 21st-century Midwest, layering in detective fiction, melodrama…”
Reposting as I accidentally deleted my pinned post.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/08/c...
Reposting as I accidentally deleted my pinned post.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/08/c...
I’m glad so many of us agree that the richest man in the world is one of the most miserable human beings to ever exist.
Happy and fulfilled people do not spend their time sulking and trying to make the lives of others difficult.
Truly happy people focus on themselves and their loved ones
Happy and fulfilled people do not spend their time sulking and trying to make the lives of others difficult.
Truly happy people focus on themselves and their loved ones
November 11, 2025 at 1:21 PM
I’m glad so many of us agree that the richest man in the world is one of the most miserable human beings to ever exist.
Happy and fulfilled people do not spend their time sulking and trying to make the lives of others difficult.
Truly happy people focus on themselves and their loved ones
Happy and fulfilled people do not spend their time sulking and trying to make the lives of others difficult.
Truly happy people focus on themselves and their loved ones
Hey, yo. Joyce Carol Oates is dragging tech boys by their hair over on that weirdo app.
November 11, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Hey, yo. Joyce Carol Oates is dragging tech boys by their hair over on that weirdo app.
Day 98
Write down your writer goals, and put it somewhere you can look at it every day, every writing session.
How can you make something happen if you can't even express it to yourself?
Write down your goal!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Write down your writer goals, and put it somewhere you can look at it every day, every writing session.
How can you make something happen if you can't even express it to yourself?
Write down your goal!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
November 11, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Day 98
Write down your writer goals, and put it somewhere you can look at it every day, every writing session.
How can you make something happen if you can't even express it to yourself?
Write down your goal!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Write down your writer goals, and put it somewhere you can look at it every day, every writing session.
How can you make something happen if you can't even express it to yourself?
Write down your goal!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
This winter I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials. This class is an in-person in #Chicago ☃️
We will look at shapes that define a body of creative writing —including beginnings, middles, ends, short story forms, novellas, novels, memoirs, and essays.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
We will look at shapes that define a body of creative writing —including beginnings, middles, ends, short story forms, novellas, novels, memoirs, and essays.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
Creative Writing Essentials Winter 2026 with Cynthia Pelayo - StoryStudio Chicago
What is creative writing? What is storytelling? How does one even get started writing? How do I build a creative writing practice? And well, what is it that we even want to write? In this eight-week w...
www.storystudiochicago.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:22 PM
This winter I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials. This class is an in-person in #Chicago ☃️
We will look at shapes that define a body of creative writing —including beginnings, middles, ends, short story forms, novellas, novels, memoirs, and essays.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
We will look at shapes that define a body of creative writing —including beginnings, middles, ends, short story forms, novellas, novels, memoirs, and essays.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
Four things you’ll find in The Shoemaker’s Magician ✨
1. Charlie Chaplin
2. The Uptown Theater
3. Vampira
4. French filmmaker Georges Méliès
Order: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/cynth...
1. Charlie Chaplin
2. The Uptown Theater
3. Vampira
4. French filmmaker Georges Méliès
Order: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/cynth...
November 10, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Four things you’ll find in The Shoemaker’s Magician ✨
1. Charlie Chaplin
2. The Uptown Theater
3. Vampira
4. French filmmaker Georges Méliès
Order: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/cynth...
1. Charlie Chaplin
2. The Uptown Theater
3. Vampira
4. French filmmaker Georges Méliès
Order: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/cynth...
Day 97
Your rough draft is supposed to be a wild garden! Prune it later. Magic blooms now 💐
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Your rough draft is supposed to be a wild garden! Prune it later. Magic blooms now 💐
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
November 10, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Day 97
Your rough draft is supposed to be a wild garden! Prune it later. Magic blooms now 💐
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Your rough draft is supposed to be a wild garden! Prune it later. Magic blooms now 💐
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
I’m getting close to 40K followers across all of my social media.
Thanks for listening and buying my books.
There are really fantastic people in the world. I’m choosing to put my focus on the good, and the good we can do together, and the art we can make in defiance of the darkness.
Thanks for listening and buying my books.
There are really fantastic people in the world. I’m choosing to put my focus on the good, and the good we can do together, and the art we can make in defiance of the darkness.
November 10, 2025 at 2:29 AM
I’m getting close to 40K followers across all of my social media.
Thanks for listening and buying my books.
There are really fantastic people in the world. I’m choosing to put my focus on the good, and the good we can do together, and the art we can make in defiance of the darkness.
Thanks for listening and buying my books.
There are really fantastic people in the world. I’m choosing to put my focus on the good, and the good we can do together, and the art we can make in defiance of the darkness.
“It's clear that Chicago's past is linked to its present by a history of events affecting the city in housing, education, racial and gender equity and immigration. All of these issues flow through the permeable wall between the city and the public schools.”
www.npr.org/sections/the...
www.npr.org/sections/the...
A photographer captures life inside Chicago Public Schools
Melissa Ann Pinney's photographs capture everyday moments of adolescence inside Chicago Public Schools over the course of a seven-year artist residency.
www.npr.org
November 9, 2025 at 6:11 PM
“It's clear that Chicago's past is linked to its present by a history of events affecting the city in housing, education, racial and gender equity and immigration. All of these issues flow through the permeable wall between the city and the public schools.”
www.npr.org/sections/the...
www.npr.org/sections/the...
Day 96
When you’re writing, ask yourself if you can “see” what’s unfolding.
What sensory elements can you incorporate? Sights, sounds, smells, textures, more!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
When you’re writing, ask yourself if you can “see” what’s unfolding.
What sensory elements can you incorporate? Sights, sounds, smells, textures, more!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
November 9, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Day 96
When you’re writing, ask yourself if you can “see” what’s unfolding.
What sensory elements can you incorporate? Sights, sounds, smells, textures, more!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
When you’re writing, ask yourself if you can “see” what’s unfolding.
What sensory elements can you incorporate? Sights, sounds, smells, textures, more!
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
StoryStudio has been awarded a MacArthur Foundation grant, which is amazing!
Did you also know I teach here? I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials this winter. This class is in-person in #Chicago.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
Did you also know I teach here? I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials this winter. This class is in-person in #Chicago.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
November 7, 2025 at 10:39 PM
StoryStudio has been awarded a MacArthur Foundation grant, which is amazing!
Did you also know I teach here? I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials this winter. This class is in-person in #Chicago.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
Did you also know I teach here? I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials this winter. This class is in-person in #Chicago.
www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...
Day 95
Helping other writers is nice. Telling other writers they’re doing well is nice too.
Do nice things for fellow artists for the simple reason that it’s nice to do so.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Helping other writers is nice. Telling other writers they’re doing well is nice too.
Do nice things for fellow artists for the simple reason that it’s nice to do so.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
November 7, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Day 95
Helping other writers is nice. Telling other writers they’re doing well is nice too.
Do nice things for fellow artists for the simple reason that it’s nice to do so.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Helping other writers is nice. Telling other writers they’re doing well is nice too.
Do nice things for fellow artists for the simple reason that it’s nice to do so.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
My & this guy make 23 years married soon.
🌸🌺🌷🌹🌻💐🌷🌼
🌸🌺🌷🌹🌻💐🌷🌼
November 7, 2025 at 10:37 AM
My & this guy make 23 years married soon.
🌸🌺🌷🌹🌻💐🌷🌼
🌸🌺🌷🌹🌻💐🌷🌼
Day 94
Writing sprints are a great way to bypass that conscious brain and tap into the subconscious.
Set a goal
Set a timer
Start at 10 mins & just write.
No back space. No edit.
5 min break and repeat.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Writing sprints are a great way to bypass that conscious brain and tap into the subconscious.
Set a goal
Set a timer
Start at 10 mins & just write.
No back space. No edit.
5 min break and repeat.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
November 7, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Day 94
Writing sprints are a great way to bypass that conscious brain and tap into the subconscious.
Set a goal
Set a timer
Start at 10 mins & just write.
No back space. No edit.
5 min break and repeat.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Writing sprints are a great way to bypass that conscious brain and tap into the subconscious.
Set a goal
Set a timer
Start at 10 mins & just write.
No back space. No edit.
5 min break and repeat.
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
I’m on deadline, but it’s past midnight in España 🇪🇸
Lux is out now!
Listening on repeat until it consumes my every being.
Lux is out now!
Listening on repeat until it consumes my every being.
November 7, 2025 at 12:33 AM
I’m on deadline, but it’s past midnight in España 🇪🇸
Lux is out now!
Listening on repeat until it consumes my every being.
Lux is out now!
Listening on repeat until it consumes my every being.
Reposted by Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo
HUGE ANNOUCEMENT: We are beside ourselves with excitement to share with you that we've been awarded a $100,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
November 6, 2025 at 8:24 PM
HUGE ANNOUCEMENT: We are beside ourselves with excitement to share with you that we've been awarded a $100,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Reposted by Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo
This winter I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials at StoryStudio Chicago!
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Sure, it gets dark at 4:30 pm now, and normally that would make us morose, but it also means cozy season has officially arrived. And cozy season is for writing! Today, we're excited to announce the launch of our winter term of classes.
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
November 6, 2025 at 10:09 AM
This winter I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials at StoryStudio Chicago!
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Fall things 🍂
November 6, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Fall things 🍂
This winter I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials at StoryStudio Chicago!
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Sure, it gets dark at 4:30 pm now, and normally that would make us morose, but it also means cozy season has officially arrived. And cozy season is for writing! Today, we're excited to announce the launch of our winter term of classes.
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
November 6, 2025 at 10:09 AM
This winter I’m teaching Creative Writing Essentials at StoryStudio Chicago!
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Please join me! We’ll talk about all things writing 😊
Reposted by Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo
Sure, it gets dark at 4:30 pm now, and normally that would make us morose, but it also means cozy season has officially arrived. And cozy season is for writing! Today, we're excited to announce the launch of our winter term of classes.
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
November 4, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Sure, it gets dark at 4:30 pm now, and normally that would make us morose, but it also means cozy season has officially arrived. And cozy season is for writing! Today, we're excited to announce the launch of our winter term of classes.
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
buff.ly/hBb12OZ
#writingcommunity
Day 93
Pacing. Pacing.
We all worry so much about pacing.
Fast or slow? How!?
Ask yourself —
Where is the action? Where is the reflection?
Action = movement, faster
Reflection = processing, slower
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Pacing. Pacing.
We all worry so much about pacing.
Fast or slow? How!?
Ask yourself —
Where is the action? Where is the reflection?
Action = movement, faster
Reflection = processing, slower
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
November 6, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Day 93
Pacing. Pacing.
We all worry so much about pacing.
Fast or slow? How!?
Ask yourself —
Where is the action? Where is the reflection?
Action = movement, faster
Reflection = processing, slower
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Pacing. Pacing.
We all worry so much about pacing.
Fast or slow? How!?
Ask yourself —
Where is the action? Where is the reflection?
Action = movement, faster
Reflection = processing, slower
600 words every day started Aug 3 to Dec 31 for a novel draft by end of year.
#600x150
Reposted by Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo
Pretty excited about this — @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social is always one to read already and this sounds next level, so. Onto the list it goes!
FYI: Bram Stoker Award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's upcoming horror novel IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND is described as Stephen King's IT meets PETER PAN - check out an exclusive cover reveal within.
Exclusive Cover Reveal: Cynthia Pelayo’s IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND Is A Twisted Retelling Of A Classic Childhood Tale
Bram Stoker Award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's upcoming horror novel IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND is described as Stephen King's IT meets PETER PAN - check out an exclusive cover reveal within.
dlvr.it
November 5, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Pretty excited about this — @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social is always one to read already and this sounds next level, so. Onto the list it goes!
🖤✨
FYI: Bram Stoker Award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's upcoming horror novel IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND is described as Stephen King's IT meets PETER PAN - check out an exclusive cover reveal within.
Exclusive Cover Reveal: Cynthia Pelayo’s IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND Is A Twisted Retelling Of A Classic Childhood Tale
Bram Stoker Award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's upcoming horror novel IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND is described as Stephen King's IT meets PETER PAN - check out an exclusive cover reveal within.
dlvr.it
November 5, 2025 at 6:33 PM
🖤✨
Reposted by Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo
FYI: Bram Stoker Award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's upcoming horror novel IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND is described as Stephen King's IT meets PETER PAN - check out an exclusive cover reveal within.
Exclusive Cover Reveal: Cynthia Pelayo’s IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND Is A Twisted Retelling Of A Classic Childhood Tale
Bram Stoker Award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's upcoming horror novel IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND is described as Stephen King's IT meets PETER PAN - check out an exclusive cover reveal within.
dlvr.it
November 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
FYI: Bram Stoker Award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's upcoming horror novel IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND is described as Stephen King's IT meets PETER PAN - check out an exclusive cover reveal within.
Reposted by Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo
She's absolutely right. As a producer with several films in development with female directors, I can say it is an absolute uphill battle to get execs to fund their projects. Great scripts are sitting on shelves while a generation of our most talented women sit idle.
www.avclub.com/kristen-stew...
www.avclub.com/kristen-stew...
Kristen Stewart declares "state of emergency" over gender inequality in film
Kristen Stewart declares "state of emergency" over gender inequality in film
www.avclub.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:22 PM
She's absolutely right. As a producer with several films in development with female directors, I can say it is an absolute uphill battle to get execs to fund their projects. Great scripts are sitting on shelves while a generation of our most talented women sit idle.
www.avclub.com/kristen-stew...
www.avclub.com/kristen-stew...
Have a good day everyone 😊
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Have a good day everyone 😊