November Member of the Month, Nancy Villalobos. Q & A with Susan J. Farese
SJF: How did you discover SDMWA?
NV: After writing with Marni Freedman for many years, she encouraged me to participate in the early stages of SDMWA.
SJF: Have you been taking writing classes/workshops? If so, where? Which made the most impact?
NV: I still write with Marni and attend most of the SDMWA monthly meetings.
SJF: Describe how writing has led to your finding your way to self-help and inspiring others.
NV: This year I’ve enjoyed carrying the message of the Memoir Showcase to far-flung and nearby libraries and B&N stores around the county. It’s a mission to encourage and educate fledgling writers who don’t quite know how to connect with our vibrant San Diego writing community.
SJF: Tell us about your memoir pieces: Where’s the Harm? from Shaking the Tree Volume 1 and The Lost Fields of Soria from Shaking the Tree Volume 2!
NV: Where’s the Harm? my first showcase story, is an excerpt from my memoir Peru, My Other Country: A Love Story, and is an example of my struggle to accept Peruvian ways of child-rearing. My most recent story, The Lost Fields of Soria, is a travel vignette, a retelling of an unexpected revelation about a famous Spanish poet.
SJF: What are you currently working on?
NV: I am currently polishing the absolutely FINAL DRAFT of my memoir and sending it out to another long list of agents and small presses.
SJF: What are some of your favorite memoirs (or movies based on memoirs)?
NV: Favorite memoir choices: Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight, by Alexandra Fuller, and A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.
SJF: Any advice for new writers?
NV: New writers should read as much as possible, join writing groups and classes, and get involved.
SJF: Many thanks, Nancy!
Learn more about Nancy Villalobos
Visit her facebook page
Learn more about Susan J. Farese