A few weeks ago I posted at Multicultural Familia a review for THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET by Sandra Cisneros. It's a collection of vignettes that spoke to me in ways I didn't expect and that has stayed with me since. I'm left with thoughts about the choices I've made and those that were made for me. No dwelling, here. Just awareness, understanding, optimism and hope.
Cisneros has a soothing effect on me when I hear her. She takes me away to think. These are the authors whose books I love. The ones who make me go inside to tease apart the noodles of my mind.
I wanted to share a short clip. In it, she talks about inspiration, graduate school and resonance. She also offers an explanation for writer's block that I know is 100% true for me.
Is it true for you?
That book is one of my first purchases when I decided I would start my own Latino Lit library at home. It's still not as big a collection as I would love to have. Slowly but surely each year there are a few additions to it.
ReplyDeleteYou know I did not expect her to say fear. It makes complete sense. When I'm stuck on a story I usually move to something else until I can resolve it in my head. This way I go back w/a fresh perspective. If that doesn't help I find sharing the work and having it critiqued will allow me a perspective I may not have considered to move the story forward.
Letty, she's wonderful. So much weight in so few pages. When she said "fear" at the end of the clip, I did a double-take, because it explains so much of my own writing neurosis. Finding someone you can trust to critique your work is so important. I love that you send something you're stuck on to somebody for feedback. Another great reason to be a part of a critique group. I have a blogger friend who wrote a great post about editing and critique, in general, that I think you'd enjoy. (http://portiasisco.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-which-i-get-myself-into-trouble-and.html).
ReplyDeleteEzzy!! I love this. Thank you so much. I really needed to hear this...and that ending. What do I really have to say that I don't want? Ay, ay, ay! I need to get back into my writing. Thank you amiga.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing your post, Helena. I feel a little less crazy when I see others write about the same feelings that plague me. Now to take my own advice, amiga. Un abrazo. : )
ReplyDeleteFlying all the way just to see you and say hello...and wish you all the best for this new week. Great post! Visit me too. Good night, wonderful dreams…
ReplyDeleteGreeting for you from Rio de Janeiro/Brasil
Hi, Nelson! Thank you for your kind words. I hope you're doing well. Thank you for visiting me!
ReplyDeleteI need to buy that book. I agree with what she says that being afraid it's a huge part of writer's block. I've has a story in my head for over 10 years now and never seem to get around and write it. Have to start. Thanks for sharing this. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEzzy, this is a great post. Her voice is so soothing and her thoughts are so calm, even though I know that she has a lot of frustration inside. She is very inspirational (and so are you, amiga!) For my whole life I've heard that phrase, "write what you know." Where I get into trouble is with my self-doubt: who wants to read about what I know? Beyond that, digging deeper, it is about that secret stuff inside that it's scary to share. She's right--fear plays a big part in writing. I identify. Thanks for sharing more of Ms. Cisneros here, Ezzy!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you could relate. Jen, it's the secret scary stuff that stops me like quick-sand. I have friends who tell me to write as if I'm the only one who'll ever see it. Starting to think that's really great advice.
ReplyDeleteI need to buy that book. I agree with what she says that being afraid it's a huge part of writer's block. I've has a story in my head for over 10 years now and never seem to get around and write it. Have to start. Thanks for sharing this. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSi, amiga. I know it's a tired old saying, but "We're our own worst enemies." I hope you do get a chance to pick up the book. My advice: read it slowly and take the time to feel it. It's in reading others' writing that I get my moments of clarity. Sounds weird, huh? Even if you write and nobody sees it, you'll discover so much about yourself out the simple act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys!). Thank you for commenting. Looking forward to seeing you next weekend. xoxo
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