Q & A with author Sylvia Mendoza and Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications

SJF: In a nutshell, tell us about your book or written piece.
SM: My nonfiction The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success is a collection of mini-biographies of 150 amazing, inspirational Latinas from all walks of life, career paths and periods of time. They gave a voice to the underdog. They gave hope. They instigated change. They refused to settle. They caused controversy. They fought for justice. They died for their cause. They lived with light and purpose.

Researching for this book and writing their stories changed my life. It became the project of my heart. It challenged me to pursue my own passion — writing — with more clarity and focus. I want to write women’s stories that need to be told, to shatter stereotypes, to uplift with words. I was thrilled when The Book of Latina Women was a selection for the California Collection for High Schools by the California Readers Association. The reprint won first place in the 2014 International Latino Book Awards, “Women’s Issues” category.

SJF: What has your experience been as a writer in San Diego?
SM: When I moved back to San Diego in 1989 after living in Puerto Rico, my freelancing career started with the San Diego Union-Tribune. It was awesome. I really got to know my community and the people who effected change, lived their passions, and made a difference. I was already a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and joined other professional organizations to satisfy my longing to write a variety of work.

I joined the San Diego chapter of Romance Writers of America to start my fiction writing career because their monthly guest speakers talk not only about craft, but about the business of getting published. Membership in the San Diego Press Club and San Diego Professional Editors Network (SD/PEN) has been incredibly educational. All the writing conferences and classes I attended made me a better writer, helping me get published in different arenas until I could give back — and eventually I started giving workshops and classes at the Southern California Writers’ Conference, La Jolla Writer’s Conference, San Diego Writers, Ink, and UC San Diego Extension.

It’s been a fabulous ride of writing, editing and teaching everything from News & Feature Writing to Developing Unforgettable Characters and other fun classes. The writing community is strong and vibrant in San Diego. Finding these connections has given me a chance to keep learning relevant material and keep pursuing my writing dreams with higher standards of excellence.

SJF: How has storytelling influenced your life?
SM: Storytelling — writing — is all I’ve ever wanted to do, since fifth grade. Now I write in different genres. Journalism — articles and Op-Ed pieces — nonfiction, fiction, short stories, website content and business documents. As a freelance editor, I treasure my clients. They bless my life as they trust me with their stories and teach me something new with almost every project. My love of storytelling and love of the written word has had a ripple effect. All three of my kids, all grown now, are good writers. One majored in Creative Writing, the other is an English professor, and the third is in sports marketing. They are good storytellers and that makes me happy. I’m also always thrilled when my students and editing clients “get it” and make their stories come to life.

SJF: If you had a magic wand, what kind of opportunities would be available to writers in San Diego?
SM: More events like this first San Diego Writers Festival! I always value the power of the written word. I wish published authors/writers could get more paying gigs, seeing them as experts in their fields.

SJF: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival?
SM: Are you kidding? A day full of writers sharing their stories and inspiration? This is a writer’s haven and heaven.

SJF: What advice would you give to a new writer in San Diego?
SM: Find your writing tribe. Get to know the writers’ groups, professional organizations, conferences and critique groups in town and jump in. I believe that we keep learning with each piece we write. If we have a tribe we can connect with, those who understand our long lapses into “the zone,” who can empathize or commiserate, celebrate and create, learn from each other and lean on each other, then it makes it easier to come out of our caves. Our loved ones support us but other writers “get” us. They know the ins and outs of characterization and plot, themes and tropes, facts and figures, acceptance and rejection, description and dialogue, and just good storytelling.

Find your tribe! I’ve been with my critique group for almost 10 years and they bring abundant depth and perspective to my professional and personal life.

SJF: Many thanks, Sylvia!

Learn More about Sylvia Mendoza
Visit her on Twitter: @sylviamendozasd and Facebook: @sylviamendozasd

Learn More about Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications