On Saturday I took the train all the way out to Brooklyn (I live in The Bronx - do you even know how long that train ride is?) to attend the 3rd Annual Las Comadres (Latino) Writers Conference. I am so happy I made the investment in myself to go. It was a jam-packed day of learning and networking with writers, editors and agents from New York City and beyond. I left motivated and inspired.
I got to hear some of my favorite authors like Esmeralda Santiago, Meg Medina and Daisy Hernandez share their thoughts on writing. I met and hugged Nora Comstock - one of the founders of Las Comadres. And I also met Marcela Landres - "The Manuscript Madrina." I discovered new authors - which is always exciting. And I even had one-to-one meetings with an editor and literary agent.
As some of you may know, I graduated last year with my MFA in creative writing. Since then I've been in a "now what" phase. Because after nearly 20 years of being a college student (yes, you totally read that right), I find myself wondering what it was all for.
I am halfway through a historical fiction novel (a chapter excerpt was a Glimmer Train finalist). Two to three YA shorts that are begging to be finished. My memoir on raising an autistic child in the works. And I have dreams a children's picture...
I pitched my memoir - on the first five years of raising a child with autism - to the editor and agent. And I received good feedback. Now the rest is on me to finish. Or in the words of Esmeralda Santiago, to "be brave. Because it takes courage to expose yourself so willing." The Las Comadres Conference was the kick in the ass I needed. Next year, I want to return with something completed. I am determined to pitch my work again.
Here are some of the words of wisdom and highlights of my day...
Yes...I want to be published. But that shouldn't be the goal. The goal is to be a better writer. Because if the writing is good, everything else will come. I didn't get a chance to buy Lila's book but it's on my list!
So true. Sometimes reading just makes me feel better. If you haven't read Meg Medina's Yaqui Delgado - READ IT! I love it. And it was such a pleasure to meet her and hear her speak. Meg Medina is all about "strong girls, tough circumstances & the connecting power of culture."
Luckily Joseph is really good about this. He gives me the time I need. I just need to be better about making the time. It is always an honor to hear Esmeralda Santiago speak. She is my Latina Literary Idol.
YES! YES! YES! Passion + Commitment + Discipline are MUST HAVES for a writer.
Sometimes I have a hard time getting into the groove. I am definitely going to start reading more poetry. What gets you into the mood to write?
I think this is the golden nugget of the day. As someone who has been immersed in social media for the last four years trying to build an online presence, blogging has also taken me away from writing. I MUST make more time for myself. It is my time to be selfish.
Met up with fellow blogger Eileen Carter Campos of Mommy Teaches
Oh you know...just a selfie with Med Medina. Peep her pin - WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS!
La Casa Azul was there selling books and these are the ones I bought:
The Girl Who Ran With The Wind by Meg Medina [Young Adult]
Stay With Me a Novel by Sandra Rodriguez Barron
A Cup of Water Under My Bed a Memoir by Daisy Hernandez
La Belle Creole The Cuban Countess Who Captivated Havana, Madrid and Paris by Alina Garcia-Lapuerta (biography/history)
Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash by Marisol Brown with illustrations by Sara Palacios
WE MUST SUPPORT LATINO AUTHORS & SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT GOOD BOOKS! I will be sharing my reviews once I finish each book.
Each attendee received a copy of Count On Me: Tales of Sisterhood and Fierce Friendships - a collection of personal essays from Latina authors (including Esperanza Santiago, Sofia Quintero and Daisy Martinez - and with an introduction by Nora de Hoyos Comstock, President & CEO of Las Comadres Para Las Americas). An anthology of poignant childhood stories, memories of mothers and tributes to loved ones, it is a celebration of individuals who have influenced and shaped the lives of the writers, and their stories will inspire yours. There is something in Count On Me for everyone and it is for anyone who has ever cherished a friendship.
If you are a writer, I urge you to attend the next Las Comadres Writers Conference. For more information please visit: http://lascomadres.com