Chili Cilch, author of “Did That Really Just Happen?” Winner in the 2020 San Diego Memoir Showcase. Interview by Laura Engel, SDMWA Board President
LE: Congratulations, Chili! In a nutshell—tell us about your winning memoir piece for the 6th Annual San Diego Memoir Showcase.
CC: It’s funny; I voted for this year’s theme (That’s a Terrible Idea, What Time?), but its selection stumped me. My idea of thrill-seeking is singing Karaoke. Nevertheless, I submitted four stories for consideration. I sensed if one made the cut, it’d be “Did That Really Happen?” It’s about a tiny innocent looking pill I took when already inebriated on champagne. Luckily, that bad idea turned out to be liberating. Telling a funny story involving an illicit drug does give me pause since my dad founded the longest-running substance abuse program in San Diego County, CRASH Inc. While dad never demonized drugs, he devoted his life’s work to help those afflicted by the illness of addiction. In retirement, my father took up writing just like I’m doing now. I’m that apple that didn’t fall far from the paternal tree.
LE: What has been your experience taking classes/workshops and writing memoir in San Diego?
CC: I studied applied arts at San Diego State University, painting, and printmaking. I’ve dabbled in writing but never had any confidence in my ability. In January 2019, I signed up for Marni Freedman’s memoir class she teaches with Tracy Jones. Immediately hooked, I completed the year-long Memoir Certificate Program offered by San Diego Writers, Inc. From the class, I learned about SDMWA. I don’t think I’ve missed too many meetings since joining. I want to extend a big virtual hug to my SDMWA community of memoirists. Thank you for the knowledge, inspiration, and kicking my ass when I needed it.
LE: This year has been unsettling in so many ways. How do you think that has affected your writing?
CC: People have been asking me, “How’s retirement?” I tell them it’s a lot like quarantine. My plan to ride the rails across the country with a knapsack and my laptop is obviously on hold. For most of the year, I’ve been dutifully adhering to my daily writing practice. I work with Marni twice monthly; she’s my writing doula helping me to write my first book. I also stay in touch regularly with friends from my writing class. Marni and the gals keep me accountable to crank out the pages, and they provide invaluable feedback. I’ve tried to focus on the positive aspects of my lifestyle change due to the tragic pandemic. The naval-gazing of solitude sparks memories and reflection. There has been one disruption to my writing, the recent election. That’s a distraction I’d like to bury deep in cement.
LE: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the 6th Annual Memoir Showcase?
CC: I expect the challenges of finding workarounds to produce the Memoir Showcase will lead to advancements. Using social media to heighten awareness, fundraise, and ultimately broadcast the show will reach a broader, larger audience. Increased exposure fosters SDMWA’s primary objective, to encourage new writers to tell their stories. It’s also a thrill to see how your story comes to life in the hands of a talented actor.
LE: What advice would you give new memoir writers?
CC: Don’t get hung up on your memory being cloudy or remembering it differently than others that share in your experience. What matters is your impression of events. Just remembering it at all makes it momentous. How did it change you and influence the decisions that shape the trajectory of your life? Unless you’re a new visitor to the planet Earth, your story will resonate with others. Commit to the writing, then humbly sit down to the task of learning the craft by doing the work and seeking guidance.
LE: Great advice, Chili. We are all looking forward to watching your scene performed on stage at the 2020 Memoir Showcase, Dec 5th, at 7 pm! Thank you so much!