5th Annual San Diego Memoir Showcase Memoir Showcase Winners: Q & A with Sandi Nieto & Susan J. Farese
SJF: In a nutshell – tell us about your winning memoir piece for the 5th Annual San Diego Memoir Showcase.
SN: I have truly been on a quest to discover what happened to my “real” father after he abandoned our family of three little girls living in Linda Vista, San Diego, CA post World War II. The story that follows –“We Had the Dog Tags All Along” – after 35 years with me playing detective and finding out where he went after he left us – I didn’t see that one coming!
SJF: What has your experience been taking classes/workshops and writing memoir in San Diego?
SN: I have always been a cheerleader for someone else, the San Diego Chargers back in the 70’s, my husband, my children. Taking Memoir Class with Marni and Tracy, they have been cheerleaders for me. I read the permission slip to Bloom on January 19, 2019 but didn’t believe it. Slowly I am evolving into a writer. My shadow side shows up every day. I am trying the show vs. tell…. the habit is hard to break. I am deeply grateful to Marni, Tracy and classmates for being my cheerleaders.
SJF: If you had a magic wand, what kind of opportunities would be available to memoir writers in San Diego?
SN: The San Diego Writers Festival was outstanding. If I could wave my magic wand, I would make the festival last the whole weekend to fit in and listen to all the qualified speakers.
SJF: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the 5th Annual Memoir Showcase?
SN: The unknown. I am brand new to this community. I will try hard not to have expectations so I can be pleasantly surprised!
SJF: What advice would you give to a new writer in San Diego?
SN: I am so new to this community I don’t feel qualified. This is a quote from Memoir Class “I will allow myself the time and energy it will take to write this book. I will allow the journey to unfold with curiosity and enthusiasm. I may notice my inner critic (shadow side) but I won’t let it stop me. I declare that my time is now, my story is needed and my voice is worthy.”, (and Marni ends with “Let’s do this”).
SJF: Favorite Memoirs?
SN: So far my Favorite Memoirs: “The Choice” by Dr. Edith Eva Eger, “In Pieces” by Sally Field and “Educated” by Tara Westover.
SJF: Many thanks, Sandi!
Photo Credit: Siena Nieto