Three authors gathered at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach on Sunday, March 22, to discuss the role the mystery, horror and science fiction genres play in representing various cultures and racial identities.
The panel took place on World Poetry Day and was hosted in collaboration with El Martillo Press. It featured three authors with new releases: Naomi Hirahara, Pedro Iniguez and David Romero.
Hirahara, an Edgar Award winner, is the author of multiple mystery series and noir short stories, according to MOLAA, including “Clark and Division” and “Evergreen.” Her newest release, a mystery novel that takes place in 1903 Pasadena, is called “Crown City” and was released this year.
Pedro Iniquez reads the first chapter from his new book that is published with El Martillo Press during an authors panel at the Museum Of Latin American Art, Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Three authors with new releases from El Martillo Press participate in a panel at the Museum of Latin American Art on Sunday, March 22, to discuss how mystery, horror, and science fiction can be used to celebrate cultures and unearth repressed histories. Long Beach (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Three authors with new releases from El Martillo Press participate in a panel at the Museum of Latin American Art on Sunday, March 22, to discuss how mystery, horror, and science fiction can be used to celebrate cultures and unearth repressed histories. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
David Romero, Namoi Hirahara, and Pedro Iniquez each read parts from their new books during the authors panel for new book releases by El Martillo Press. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Looking at the audience through the gift shop windows at the Museum Of Latin American Art during the authors panel for their new book releases. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
David Romero reads the character introduction for his new book, The Enemy Sleeps, during the authors panel with El Martillo Press at MOLAA. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
An audience memeber at the new book releases from El Martillo Press at MOLAA reads the pamphlet about the authors on the panel. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Author Namoi Hirahara intoroduces her books published with El Martillo Press during the authors panel at the Museum Of Latin American Art, Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Authors participating in the new releases from El Martillo Press at MOLAA have tables for visitors and fans to buy their books. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Three authors with new releases from El Martillo Press will participate in a panel at the Museum of Latin American Art on Sunday, March 22, to discuss how mystery, horror, and science fiction can be used to celebrate cultures and unearth repressed histories. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Matt Sedillo, moderator for the new book release from El Martillo event at MOLAA, intorudces the panel of authors. Namoi Hirahara, Pedro Iniguez, and David Romero. Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
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Pedro Iniquez reads the first chapter from his new book that is published with El Martillo Press during an authors panel at the Museum Of Latin American Art, Long Beach, March 22, 2026 (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Iniguez is also an award-winning science fiction and horror writer from Los Angeles, with Bram Stoker, Elgin and Dwarf Stars awards under his belt. He’s authored “Mexicans on the Moon: Speculative Poetry from a Possible Future,” “Fever Dreams of a Parasite,” “Echoes and Embers: Speculative Stories” and more. His next release is a collection of horror poetry that will be released in May.
El Martillo Press co-founder and editor-in-chief Romero also participated in Sunday’s panel. Besides his work with the publishing house, Romero has authored the novel, “The Enemy Sleeps,” and multiple poetry books, including “My Name Is Romero” and “Diamond Bars 2.”
Romero even had one of his works sent to the moon by NASA, according to MOLAA. Dubbed “You Were Born a Tree,” the poem was sent to the moon as part of the Lunar Codex project.
Matt Sedillo, described as the “best political poet in America” by journalist Greg Palast, currently serves as the literary director of The Mexican Cultural Institute of Los Angeles and was the moderator of the MOLAA panel.