Thursday, October 1, 2026
For years, Sashy Palaguachi carried the idea for her first novel.
The Valley Stream resident first imagined the story when she was 13 years old, writing what began as a five-page assignment in an English class. More than a decade later, that idea became “Back to You”, a contemporary romance novel that was released March 1.
Palaguachi, 25, will take another step in her publishing journey on June 6 when she participates in a local authors’ book signing event at Barnes & Noble in Carle Place from 2 to 6 p.m.
A graduate of Valley Stream South High School, Palaguachi has lived in Valley Stream for about 12 years and now works as a permanent substitute teacher at Willow Road School in Valley Stream District 13. She comes from an Ecuadorian family and said writing and storytelling have been longtime interests.
Although she had mapped out the plot of “Back to You” as a teenager, the project remained unfinished for years as other responsibilities took priority. The story stayed with her, however, and she eventually decided to revisit it and complete the manuscript.
“As I grew up, I started working in the summer, then I ended up getting a job, and I never ended up finishing it,” Palaguachi said. “I think part of it also had to do with the fact that I didn’t believe that I could do it or that I could finish it, and then I sort of just dedicated time. I spoke with some of my coworkers, and they said to just do it, and what do I have to lose, and I ended up finishing the whole thing.”
The novel follows Daisy and Jack, childhood best friends whose lives are deeply connected. After an accident leaves Daisy with amnesia, she loses memories of Jack, the person she loved most. When Jack returns to town and discovers she no longer remembers him, the story explores whether their relationship can survive the loss of those memories. The novel centers on themes of second chances, healing and love.
Representation was another consideration while developing the novel. The main character, Daisy, is Ecuadorian and British, a decision Palaguachi said was influenced in part by her own Ecuadorian heritage.
The book is approximately 292 pages long and is divided into 94 chapters, featuring multiple points of view. Palaguachi intentionally kept the chapters relatively short to make the book easier for readers to pick up and put down at convenient stopping points.
Among the aspects of the novel she is most proud of is the role played by Daisy’s school counselor. In addition to coping with memory loss, Daisy is also dealing with the recent loss of her father.
“It shows how helpful your guidance counselors can be, if you want to speak with a therapist, or anything like that, or a mental health counselor,” Palaguachi said. “I wish I had known how helpful that would have been when I was younger.”
Completing the manuscript was only one challenge. Palaguachi also chose to self-publish the novel, citing financial considerations as a major factor in that decision.
She handled much of the process herself, including marketing the book. She also worked with a friend on the cover image, which features Palaguachi in a wig and the friend’s son.
Her persistence also helped secure the upcoming book-signing opportunity. After months of reaching out to Barnes & Noble about hosting an event, she eventually visited the Carle Place store in person and learned about the local authors program.
At the June 6 event, Palaguachi plans to have copies of “Back to You” available for purchase and signing. She said she will also personalize books for readers who request it.
“I’ve gotten a lot of people who are saying they’re coming, that they’re interested, people who have finished the book and say that they absolutely love it, and they feel like they’ve never really read stories like that before, and the way that I told it,” Palaguachi said. “I was very happy, and also in disbelief.”
In addition, attendees will be able to learn about her second publication, “What We Never Talked About”, a poetry collection scheduled for release on Friday. The book focuses on topics including anxiety, relationships, friendships, growing up and other personal experiences.
Palaguachi plans to bring copies of the poetry collection to the signing and to include one in a raffle giveaway. She also intends to offer journals and pens as raffle prizes to encourage writing among aspiring authors.
Looking ahead, she is already working on another project. Her next planned book is a children’s story inspired by her two dogs that have died. She is currently learning illustration techniques so she can both write and illustrate the book herself.
For Palaguachi, one of the most rewarding aspects of publishing has been hearing from readers and connecting with people interested in writing. She encourages aspiring authors to make time for their projects, even if progress comes in small increments.
She also emphasized the importance of community support for local writers, noting that reader reviews, book purchases and attendance at author events can make a meaningful difference.
“Back to You” is available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon in Kindle, hardcover and paperback formats. “What We Never Talked About” is expected to be available in Kindle format beginning June 5.
