The Mind Behind the Story
Virginia Gayl Salazar is a dedicated author who draws inspiration from decades of life experience and storytelling. After years of nurturing a family and working alongside diverse communities in the nursery business, she now channels those rich stories into her writing. Her novel, The Illegal, reflects the strength, struggles, and hopes of those seeking a better life. Virginia continues to inspire others by mentoring creative writers at the Whittier Senior Center and sharing her journey through her books and memoirs.
“Virginia’s storytelling is raw, real, and unforgettable. The Illegal touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect. Every word felt like it carried the weight of a lived truth.”
Carmen Ríos
“As a high school literature teacher, I’m always searching for books that provoke thought and empathy. Virginia’s work does exactly that—it’s both literary and deeply human.”
Marcus Lee
“Reading The Illegal reminded me of my father’s journey to this country. Virginia writes with a sensitivity and grace that brings marginalized voices to the center.”
Canal Delgado
“I’ve never read a novel that captured the gardener’s voice so beautifully. You can tell Virginia has worked with people—she writes them like she knows them personally.”
David Kim
“Virginia’s memoir about her mother’s family is a treasure. It reads like a conversation around the kitchen table—warm, honest, and unforgettable.”
Linda Jamison
“In a world of fast-paced thrillers, Virginia brings back the quiet, soul-deep power of a story rooted in truth.”
George L. Patel
"Virginia’s storytelling is raw, real, and unforgettable. The Illegal touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect. Every word felt like it carried the weight of a lived truth."
