Richard Z. Santos on Trust Me: Writing Santa Fe’s Paradoxes and Navigating Creativity

In this episode of The Writer and the Brain, from Words on a Wire, host Daniel Chacón welcomes author Richard Z. Santos to discuss his novel Trust Me and its rich exploration of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Santos reflects on the city’s paradoxical energy, where ancient history meets contemporary wealth, and how this unique environment inspired his storytelling. Together, they delve into the challenges of navigating multiple characters’ perspectives and balancing plot with poetic nuance. The conversation spans themes of Latinx storytelling, the haunting weight of cultural history, and the deep imprints of Santa Fe’s layered past. Santos also shares his personal experiences of launching a book during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the lockdown reshaped traditional literary events. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes about his favorite music, including an unforgettable concert by Jay-Z and Kanye West, and a serendipitous moment involving Willie Nelson’s hat.