Q & A with author Andrea Moriarty and Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications
SJF: In a nutshell, tell us about your book or written piece.
AM: Radical Inclusion is a call to action for communities to embrace adults with disabilities by exhibiting the risk, humility, and kindness that we experienced making my son’s podcast, Talk Time with Reid Moriarty. He and his peers with autism both exhibit and inspire these traits through their vulnerability and behavior. The book weaves together memoir, movie scenes, and model programs to show how we can all thrive.
SJF: What has your experience been as a writer in San Diego?
AM: Writing is a solitary life by necessity and design, especially for busy moms and adult caregivers. Still, San Diego offers more than I can attend in terms of teaching and socializing. I jumpstarted my writing practice through a course at UCSD Extension that Marni Freedman taught.
SJF: How has storytelling influenced your life?
AM: Story enables us to transfer skills and receive new ideas without defense. We can find ourselves in someone else’s story and seek our own path. It also reminds us we are not alone facing struggle and overcoming challenges.
SJF: If you had a magic wand, what kind of opportunities would be available to writers in San Diego?
AM: As I was finishing Radical Inclusion, my son Reid said, “I want to write a book next. Would you help me?” I would wish for creative writing workshops for adults with special needs to express themselves and share their stories.
SJF: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival?
AM: I love the inclusion theme of this inaugural Writers Festival and look forward to unpacking that in dialogue.
SJF: What advice would you give to a new writer in San Diego?
AM: Keep writing. Join a critique group. Read your words aloud until it’s not awkward. Get a coach or mentor.
SJF: Many thanks, Andrea!
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Learn More about Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications
