If it were up to me, I’d record other things. Like the time there was a freak hailstorm in the Congo and the women took it as a sign that they should rule. . . Why don’t I know anything about them? Who chooses what we should know or what’s important? I know I have to decide these things for myself. Most of what I’ve learned that’s important I’ve learned on my own, or from my grandmother. What does the excerpt reveal about Cristina Garcia? Her background in journalism has made the writing of realistic fiction more difficult for her. Her background in journalism has helped her research and use realistic details in her fiction. Her background in journalism has prevented her from using magic realism in her fiction. Her background in journalism has caused her to become an efficient and thorough editor.