Denise Chavez

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Denise Elia Chavez (born August 15, 1948) is an American author, playwright, and stage director. She was born to an Hispano family in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and graduated from Madonna High School in Mesilla. She received her Bachelors from New Mexico State University and Masters degrees in Dramatic Arts from Trinity University. While in college, she began writing dramatic works. Upon graduation, she worked at the Dallas Theater Center while continuing her studies in drama and writing. She then entered the MFA program at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and earned a degree in writing. In 1986, she published her first collection of short stories, called The Last of the Menu Girls. She received several awards, including the American Book Award, the Premio Aztlan Award, and the Mesilla Valley Author of the Year Award. Chavez was offered a professorship in creative writing at UNM, during which time she wrote the novel Loving Pedro Infante, which earned her critical acclaim. She left the University, however, to work at a rape crisis center. she also is the founder of the Border Book Festival that is held every year in Las Cruces New Mexico. she also has a book store there.

Other works include Face of an Angel (1994), The Woman Who Knew the Language of Animals (1992), and numerous plays and works for which she served as editor.