Caroline Gilman, author of “DFQ,” Winner in the 2021 San Diego Memoir Showcase. Interview by Laura Engel, SDMWA Board President
LE: Congratulations on being a winner in the Showcase. In a nutshell – tell us about your winning memoir piece for the 7th Annual San Diego Memoir Showcase.
CG: Thank you. My piece is about how my husband and I met, and our participation in an overnight military style endurance event that pushed both of us out of our comfort zones and perhaps into finding love.
LE: I can’t wait to watch your scene on stage! What has been your experience taking classes/workshops and writing memoir in San Diego?
CG: The classes that I have taken have had a tremendous impact on my writing. I have learned so much from both Marni and Tracy, as well as the magnificent writers that the SDMWA and the San Diego Writers Festival have brought to us.
LE: The last two years have been unsettling in so many ways. How do you think that has affected your writing?
CG: As unsettling and isolating as this past year or two have been, ironically, I feel like my writing has benefited. I turned to writing as a way to escape the news and difficult times brought on by the pandemic. Through Covid and the online access of many of the classes, I found a sense of community and belonging in the SDMWA. I love our community and feel so blessed that I was able to connect with so many writers during a time where isolation dominated our world.
LE: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the 7th Annual San Diego Memoir Showcase??
CG: It is such a special experience to have the opportunity to hear my words performed by a professional actress. I am also eager to hear the audience’s reaction to my piece as I hope it brings some laughter. I am equally excited to have the opportunity to meet some of my writers’ friends from my read and critique group live and in-person at such a special occasion.
LE: Caroline, what advice would you give new memoir writers?
CG: I’ve often been the one that feels like my stories aren’t unique enough, or dramatic enough. From writing and hearing others read, I have learned that we all have unique stories to tell and there is no one better to tell our stories than us. Tapping into even some of the most mundane experiences and finding their deeper meaning and metaphors can be just as impactful as a big moment. So don’t be afraid to tell your story however big or small it may be!
I would also encourage you to find and embrace the writing community and participate in a read and critique group if possible. The SDMWA is a special group of talented writers of all walks of life with wonderful stories to tell.
LE: Thank you Caroline. We are all looking forward to seeing your work performed on stage at the 2021 Memoir Showcase on December 7th at the Conrad in La Jolla! Congratulations!