Kenny Sucher, author of Strength Training. Winner in the 2020 San Diego Memoir Showcase. Interview by Laura Engel, SDMWA Board President
LE: Congratulations, Kenny! In a nutshell—tell us about your winning memoir piece for the 6th Annual San Diego Memoir.
KS: It’s called “Strength Training.” It’s about a time when I agreed to join CrossFit because I wanted to be strong. Things obviously go astray.
LE: What has been your experience taking classes/workshops and writing memoir in San Diego?
KS: It’s been great. It’s given me a reason to continue writing with a supportive group of people who I normally wouldn’t have a chance to interact with otherwise. It’s helped my writing, too, especially in learning what really makes and shapes a story.
LE: This year has been unsettling in so many ways. How do you think that has affected your writing?
KS: I was writing nonstop before everything, but unfortunately, my writing curve is the only one that seems to have flattened during COVID. Hopefully, the Memoir Showcase will help it surge again soon.
LE: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the 6th Annual Memoir Showcase?
KS: I hope the virtual format will give a lot more people a chance to see it.
LE: What advice would you give new memoir writers?
KS: Welcome feedback and critique like S&M enthusiasts welcome a spanking. Your writing will benefit greatly from others cracking the whip.
LE: Thank you so much, Kenny. We are all excited to see your scene performed live on Dec. 5th at 7 p.m. on Facebook Live. Congratulations!