October Member of the Month, Chili Cilch. Q & A with Laura Engel
L.E. Chili, Congratulations! Thanks for all you do for SDMWA and for being such an active member of SDMWA. We would love to learn more about you.
Have you always been a writer?
C.C. I’ve always identified as an artist and have been a voracious reader, but the vocation of writer is new territory. I’ve dabbled in writing as a non-denominational minister (Universal Life Church of the Spiritual Shindig) and most of my former work life was sitting in a cube writing reports. On rare occasions when told I’m a good writer, I didn’t know why, so I shrugged it off. Ask me about a particular painting; the composition, color choices, its emotional pull, that I can do. After retirement I thought I’d pick up my paint brushes again but my muse had other plans for me, the art of writing.
L.E. How did you discover SDMWA?
C.C. A broken heart led me to pick up the pen (i.e., laptop). Angry and hurt, an opening sentence haunted me for weeks till I sat down to a blank page and the words poured out. Maybe my tear ducts had dried up and writing became my emotional release valve. I’d written about twenty pages when I saw a Facebook announcement for a Memoir Writing Class offered by S.D. Writer’s Ink. Humble enough to recognize that I should know what I’m doing before banging out any more pages, I signed up for the class.
L.E. Have you been taking writing classes/workshops and are you in any writing groups? If so where and what is the impact classes have made on your writing?
C.C. Years ago, when I had thinner skin and zero patience, I took a screenwriting course from UCSD extension. I don’t remember finishing the class. That first day of the Memoir Writing Class, I had no clue what to expect. I put on a brave face and crossed my fingers hoping there’d be other novices like myself. Immediately I felt at ease by the clarity of the curriculum and kindness of instructors Marni Freedman and Tracy Jones. They set the perfect pace to introduce me to new concepts like establishing your character arc, and how to build tension and suspense. The students were encouraged to read stories. Praise was dished out both generously and with specificity (that last word I can never pronounce.) I remember Marni exclaiming, “You’re funny.” I was hooked. Yet, being occasionally funny doesn’t equate to good storytelling. My year of Saturday classes to obtain my Memoir Writing Certificate, and Marni’s engaging book, “7 Essential Writing Tools” gave me the vision and confidence I needed to forge my writer’s path.
This past year, my path has included working with Tracy’s read and critique group, sustaining friendships with my memoirist colleagues from the certificate program (I love you gals, my beta readers) and retaining Marni as a coach/midwife to help me birth my book.
Lastly, my writing mojo is fed by my memberships and active participation with SDMWA, SD Writer’s Ink, SD Writers and Editors Guild and the SD Writers Festival. I’d like to thank all these organizations for their inspirational programming and adapting their outreach to keep us safe during these challenging pandemic times.
L.E. Please tell us what you are writing now and about your memoir.
C.C. A friend of mine once accused me of being attracted to men based on their story potential. I haven’t found my lifetime partner, but I do have some good stories to tell. That’s essentially what my book is about, the men I dated briefly, failed relationships, and the ones that got away and left me wondering. It’s a collection of stories that traverses high school to menopause. It’s colored by my eccentricities and unconventional ventures delving into the punk scene, performance art and officiating atypical weddings. My memoir navigates the pursuit of love during the time of AIDs, frozen embryos and the dawn of internet dating. The latest tentative title: Always the Reverend, Never the Bride, The Courtship Calamities of a Wild Feminist, Performance Artist Minister.
L.E. You were a winner in the 2019 Memoir Showcase and now again in 2020! ( Congratulations!) Please tell us about that experience.
C.C. I’m beyond ecstatic and astounded to have one of my stories selected again for this year’s showcase. First comes the email that you’ve been shortlisted, then the heads–up email to expect the next day announcement of winners. I imagined, needlessly, the trepidation I’d feel opening the email of selected showcase stories. Both times I received congratulatory messages from my writing friends before opening my in-box. This year I submitted four stories for consideration. I’m grateful for the feedback of my beta reader friends.
Seeing my story interpreted by a professional actor on stage and hearing audience laughter in response will forever be a highlight of my life. Kudos to my actress Beverly Baker, in her deft hands my story Paul crackled, sparkled and popped with energy.
L.E. What are some of your favorite Memoirs? Your favorite Authors?
C.C. I just finished The Vanishing Half, by Bret Bennett. It’s the SDMWA selected read for their October Book Club. Ms. Bennett deserves all the accolades she’s been receiving for her second novel. Currently I’m reading The Dutch House. I adore Ann Patchett and recommend her lovely memoir Truth and Beauty: A Friendship. Next up on my reading list are Eilene Zimmerman’s memoir, Smacked and Sue Miller’s new novel, Monogamy. Dolores Kerns Goodwin’s book A Team of Rivals, the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln rendered me sleep deprived and often late to work for a month. Memoirs that I’ve found memorable; Patti Smith’s Just Kids, James McBride’s The Color of Water, Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle and Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking. I hero worship David Sedaris, everything he writes is brilliant. My iconic, quotable heroines are Mae West and Dorothy Parker.
L.E. Love it! You are truly a reader. We share the same favorite authors. You will love Smacked and Monogamy. 😊 Any advice for new writers?
C.C. Buy my book. Kidding, but seriously purchase Shaking the Tree volumes I, II and III when it’s published this December. The purpose of these anthologies is to mentor and cultivate new writers. Read the stories and envision your story in future publications.
Honor a daily writing practice. Somedays I only manage a paragraph and other days I crank out pages. Make it a habit.
Become involved with organizations and events that support writers. Besides the terrific programs, you’ll make new friends who can provide invaluable feedback and encouragement.
Listen to Podcasts on books and writing. I’ve discovered new authors to read and learned insights on creative writing. I subscribe to KCRW’s Bookworm with host Michael Silverblat, Poetry Unbound with Padraig O Tuama and San Diego’s locally produced The Premise with co-hosts Jeniffer and Chad Thompson.
Don’t be afraid to own your story. It’s your truth to honor. Stories shape the world we live in and we need more storytelling diversity to build bridges of peace, love and understanding. Can I get an Amen?
L.E. Chili, it is so wonderful getting to know you better. Thank you again for being such a great supporter of SDMWA. We are honored to celebrate you as our October Member of the Month!
Keep writing!