Ana Cecilia Blum (Guayaquil, March 17, 1972) is an Ecuadorian poet, essayist, fiction writer, editor, translator and journalist. She studied political and social sciences at the Vicente Rocafuerte Secular University in Guayaquil. She earned a postgraduate degree in “Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language” from Colorado State University (U.S.). She is the founder and editor-in-chief of the digital magazine Metaforología which publishes poetry, fiction and essays. She currently lives between Ecuador and the United States. Some of her work has been translated into English, French, Italian and Portuguese.
Introduction
Ana Cecilia Blum, a respected Ecuadorian writer, poet, editor, and literary figure, has made a lasting impact on readers and fellow writers with her insightful contributions to the literary world. With her profound poetry, compelling editorials, and significant contributions to anthologies, Blum has established herself as a versatile and influential voice in contemporary Ecuadorian literature. Her literary career encompasses a rich body of work, spanning various genres and showcasing her exceptional talent and literary prowess. As an editor and anthology contributor, Blum has played a vital role in shaping the literary landscape, curating and showcasing the works of fellow writers. Furthermore, she has made significant contributions to the literary community through her online literary magazine, Metaforología. Blum’s participation in renowned literary events and festivals around the world has further solidified her standing as a respected and celebrated literary figure.
Early Life and Education
Ana Cecilia Blum was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on March 17, 1972. She pursued a comprehensive education that encompassed social sciences and language studies. She studied Political and Social Sciences at the Vicente Rocafuerte Lay University of Guayaquil, gaining insights into sociopolitical dynamics. Blum further expanded her academic pursuits through postgraduate studies in “Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language” at Colorado State University. This program deepened her understanding of language and equipped her with the skills to effectively teach Spanish to non-native speakers. Blum’s diverse educational background significantly influenced her growth as a writer and poet.
Literary Career
Ana Cecilia Blum has established a diverse and esteemed literary career, contributing as a poet, author, and anthology participant. Her published collections, in chronological order, include “Descanso sobre mi sombra” (1995), “Donde duerme el sueño” (2005), “La que se fue” (2008), “La voz habitada” (2008, co-authored), “Libre de Espanto” (2012), “Todos los Éxodos” (2012), “Áncoras” (2015), “Rituales” (2016), and “La Poeta” (2021). Blum’s evocative poems have also been featured in respected anthologies such as “Poesía Erótica de Mujeres, Antología del Ecuador” (2001), “Apartar lo blanco de la luz: 33 poetas ecuatorianos del siglo XXI” (2011), and “Poetas de la Mitad del Mundo” (2013).
In addition to her own works, Blum has made notable contributions as a writer and editor. She has written the foreword for “El arte de perder. The Art of Losing. Bilingual Spanish – English” (2017) by Manuel Adrián López, showcasing her literary insight. Blum has also served as the editor of “Escrito a Fuego” (2008) by Enrique Solinas, further demonstrating her editorial expertise. Her remarkable contributions have garnered recognition within the literary community, earning her memberships in esteemed organizations like the House of Ecuadorian Culture (Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana) and the Contemporary Writers Association of Chimborazo (Asociación de Escritoras Contemporáneas del Chimborazo), highlighting her active engagement and influence in the literary world.
Metaforología: An Online Literary Magazine
Blum’s passion for literature and her commitment to nurturing emerging voices led her to found and serve as the editor-in-chief of the online literary magazine Metaforología.
Videos
Memberships
Ana Cecilia Blum is a member of the following organizations
- House of Ecuadorian Culture (Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana)
- Contemporary Writers Association of Chimborazo (Asociación de Escritoras Contemporáneas del Chimborazo).
Works
- Descanso sobre mi sombra (1995; poetry)
- Donde duerme el sueño (2005; poetry)
- La que se fue (2008; poetry)
- La voz habitada (2008; poetry; co-author)
- Libre de Espanto (2012; poetry and prose)
- Todos los Éxodos: (Poesía) (2012; poetry)
- Absurdities (Ficciones breves y otras líneas) (2013; short stories)
- Áncoras (2015; poetry)
- Rituales (2016; poetry)
- La Poeta (2021; poetry)
Her poems have been included in the following anthologies
- Poetas de la Mitad del Mundo (2013)
- Apartar lo blanco de la luz: 33 poetas ecuatorianos del siglo XXI (2011)
- Poesía Erótica de Mujeres, Antología del Ecuador (2001), read it for free here.
She has written the foreword of the following book:
- El arte de perder. The Art of Losing. Bilingual Spanish – English (2017) by Manuel Adrián López.
Some other publications where her poems have been published
- Punto de Partida, la revista de los estudiantes universitarios, Number 160, (2010) read it for free here.
An interview + 9 poems of Ana Cecilia Blum (Spanish)
Social media
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anaceciliablum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnaCeciliaBlum