The IMWA is excited to announce Michelle Balacek, IMWA Board member and Treasurer, as our January 2024 Member of the Month! Please take a minute to read Michelle’s interview with IMWA Board Member Janet Hafner.
1. How did you first discover IMWA?
In 2021, my good friend knew I was attempting to write a book, so she introduced me to her neighbor, Lauren Cross, a writer. We all drank wine in the backyard ,and Lauren encouraged me to download Scrivener and sign up for the Memoir Certificate course with Marni Freedman and Tracy J. Jones. I learned of the IMWA in the certificate course and was amazed that they would give away so much valuable information for free. Now, I sit on the board of the IMWA, and Lauren and I are in the same read and critique group (the Writeous Sisters); we do Pilates together at the Y, and we drink wine with our mutual friend while our children take turns having overstimulated meltdowns at backyard play dates.
2. Have you always been a writer?
Goodness, no! I studied business in school and am on a break from a career in commercial real estate, where succinct communication is key. But something happened and I felt compelled to tell the story so I started writing it down. I didn’t think writing a book would be easy, but after attempting to communicate the drama of a moment I have a new appreciation for authors who do it well.
3. What impacts do you think writing classes have made on your writing?
The memoir certificate course was fantastic, it changed how I write and also how I consume stories via books, movies, and even songs. It also helped me find my writing people. Writing friends are unlike any others because you go immediately to intimacy by sharing traumatic memories, fears, and emotions. Over ramen recently we joked that we know so much about each other’s inner worlds but we don’t know what the other eats for breakfast.
4. We’d love to hear about what you are presently writing.
I have a few projects going on. My memoir will be under a pen name so I can’t talk about it here. I know I’m signing myself for commercial failure but making money isn’t my goal. My first goal is to write something I am proud of, the second is that the story be printed and bound. I dare to dream that someone reads my story and it helps them.
I am delighted to be included in Shaking the Tree VII, Funny Not Funny. My story is entitled “Who’s the Bald Guy?” and is about my late grandmother who had dementia. She had some hilarious one liners interrupting my sister’s wedding ceremony but it also reminded me of my own mortality. My mom is anxiously awaiting the book launch.
5. Who are your favorite authors? Favorite memoirs?
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs made an early impact, and his collections of short stories (Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects) had me laughing out loud on an airplane.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert inspired me to move to South Korea at 24 years old to teach English for a year. I didn’t want to be in my 30’s with a career, husband, mortgage, and couple of kids wishing I had done something grand in my life- so I did something grand.
A recent favorite I’ve been sharing with everyone is Fish Heads and Duck Skin by our very own Lindsey Salatka. I read it in two days over vacation – I laughed, I cried, the novel has stayed with me long after I finished.
6. Any advice for new writers?
Classes are great, but at some point you’ve just got to jump in. Being brave is feeling scared and doing it anyway. Reading my first class assignment I was trembling but when I finished I was so damn proud of myself. The feedback from my classmates was complementary and encouraging and every comment has made my writing a little bit better.
7. Can you tell us about your role as treasurer of the IMWA?
I am honored to be trusted with this essential position. It’s kind of fun categorizing income and expenses, learning QuickBooks, writing checks, chatting with our accountant once a month to balance the books. Also, I think it’s good exercise for my brain before it completely turns to mush, singing along to toddler radio and talking for the peppa pig toys all day as a full time mom to a three year old.
8. Can you speak about being on the board and what that’s been like for you?
The board of the IMWA is a small group of people dedicated to helping others share their stories. Everyone works so hard!
9. Any message to potential IMWA volunteers? What excites you about volunteer opportunities coming up with the 5th San Diego Writers Festival?
I would like to thank all of our past volunteers and tell anyone thinking about volunteering that it is much more fun to be involved.
We are looking for volunteers for the day of the festival, but we also need folks to help us get the word out. We are looking for a street team to help with poster distribution at targeted locations like coffee shops and universities. Let us know if you can help!
I would also like to take this opportunity to let everyone know that we are looking for corporate sponsors. Help us bring more people to this free community event with fabulous educational programming. Find out more here: https://sandiegowritersfestival.com/sponsor/