Q & A with author Marcie Colleen and Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications

SJF: In a nutshell, tell us about your book or written piece.
MC: I am a children’s author. I currently have several books out on the bookshelves. My most recent book is Penguinaut!, a picture book illustrated by Emma Yarlett and published by Scholastic. Penguinaut! is about a little penguin with big dreams to adventure to the moon. Additionally, I have another picture book called Love, Triangle (HarperCollins) illustrated by Bob Shea, and The Super Happy Party Bears (Macmillan) eight-book chapter-book series.

SJF: What has your experience been as a writer in San Diego?
MC: I have only lived in San Diego for a little over three years. I moved here from New York City where I had a very large writing community. I was worried that I would not be able to find such a community here. But I found San Diego Writers, Ink and found what I was looking for. I have both taken and taught classes at Writer’s Ink and it has provided lots of community and friendships. We are very lucky to have such an organization in our city. It’s a one-stop place for all things craft and creation.

SJF: If you had a magic wand, what kind of opportunities would be available to writers in San Diego? 
MC: One of the benefits of living in NYC was the accessibility of top agents and editors. Several times a week I would go to book events where I would have the opportunity to meet and talk to people in the industry. It was a great way to get to know publishing and to navigate my place within it. So, if I had a magic wand, I would bring some of those weekly book events with industry people here to San Diego.

SJF: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival?
MC: I love that this festival is for us, the writers. It’s our time to come together as a community and tell our stories. I am so honored to be a part of it.

SJF: What advice would you give to a new writer in San Diego?
MC: Find your community. Come to the San Diego Writers Festival and make connections. We are a very spread-out county and writing is such a solitary endeavor, but community will keep you going through the highs and lows of the journey. So find those people who will celebrate or commiserate with you. Network with those who are a bit further along. Share your stories. Listen to feedback. Learn from others. You do not have to go this alone.

SJF: Many thanks, Marcie!

Learn More about Marcie Colleen
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Learn More about Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications