María Alejandra Barrios Vélez

About the Author

María Alejandra Barrios Vélez is a Colombian-American author whose evocative storytelling bridges the vibrant cultures of her heritage. Born in Medellín and raised between bustling city streets and serene coastal landscapes, she draws inspiration from the rhythms of Latin American life, exploring themes of migration, family bonds, and the inexorable pull of the sea. Her debut novel, The Waves Take You Home: A Novel, captures the emotional journey of a young woman navigating loss and rediscovery amid the turquoise shores of the Caribbean, blending lyrical prose with poignant introspection. With a background in journalism and creative writing from the University of Miami, Barrios Vélez now resides in Miami, where she continues to craft narratives that resonate with the diaspora's heart. Her work has been featured in literary journals, and she is at work on her next novel.