What is your novel about?
“What are monsters but men made wrong?” An age-old question brought to life through the lens of Paraguayan mythology, Seven Legendary Monsters is an epic poem retelling of Guaraní lore and legend. Steeped in indigenous horror and told from the perspective of the monsters themselves, this novel-in-verse explores the duality of good and evil, the weight of curses, and the enduring power of sacrifice. From the cruel pranks of the feathered serpent trickster, Moñai, to the self-loathing of the hideous lizard dog, Teju Jagua, to the feminist musings of Keraná, the Mother of Monsters herself, Seven Legendary Monsters delves into the psyche of humanity to beg the question, “What if the true monsters live within us all?”
Perfect for lovers of mythology, poetry, and cultural storytelling, this book is a journey into the soul of a nation, where the lines between gods, monsters, and mortals blur, and where the echoes of ancient legends still whisper in the modern world.
What are you looking to express to readers with your work?
Seven Legendary Monsters is more than a retelling of folklore- it is a celebration of Paraguay’s rich oral traditions and a testament to the resilience of its people. By giving voice to the monsters and mortals that lurk in the corners of a country’s imagination, I hope that this book serves as a reminder that the eternal battle between good and evil is an active choice.
Why choose horror?
Paraguayan folklore is steeped in horror. While most of these myths now serve as mere cautionary tales, their roots are buried deeper in the rich red soil of this small, landlocked nation. If you ask a Paraguayan if they believe in the Seven, they will most likely shrug but then tell you a story about their own encounter with one of these beings, or that of someone they know. It could be a shadow seen in the forest, or a strange flock of birds in the open fields, or a whistle in the night that poses the question- what if these monsters are more than just fables?
The way that these myths and legends have endured in the psyche of the Paraguayan people speaks to their desire to keep alive the magic of their ancestors and their deep connection with the natural world. While the origins of the stories may be deeply buried, the struggle between the forces of good and evil lives on in the hearts and minds of all who believe in the Seven Legendary Monsters.
Clara Elena García is a Paraguayan poet and novelist based in Upstate New York. She currently serves as the educational director of a shelter for migrant and refugee children awaiting reunification with family members here in the United States. She has published two full-length collections of poetry. The first, Juego de Palabras, was published in 2023 by Valparaíso Ediciones and is available in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. Her second book, Seven Legendary Monsters, was published in Summer 2025 by an imprint of Revolutionaries Press in Australia. Clara’s poetry has been published in the Acentos Review, Alebrijes Review, Axon Journal, Cuéntame Literary Magazine, and Sonic Boom Journal. She also has work in anthologies from Pan Macmillan, Artepoética Press, Flowersong Press, End of the World Publishing, and Band of Bards Comics. You can usually find her lurking on social media as @claraelenadice. For any inquiries about her work or to book her for an event, please reach out to her agent, Atifa Begom at Crescent Literary.
Check out her website here.
