The Writing Barn’s 10th Anniversary celebration continues in an interview with our friend and WB Success Story, Gloria Amescua! We are so thrilled to catch up with the author of Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahuaand reflect on a writers journey and our time together.
Complete this sentence: My favorite line in the Writing Barn manifesto is__________ because…(and/or what it means to me/how it adds to my literary life).
My favorite line in the Writing Barn Manifesto is ”We strive to get comfortable with the uncomfortable,” since so much of this writing life is waiting and rejection. It’s hard to get used to how long it takes to get a book published, but I’m thrilled I have one published and two waiting. (This leads to another favorite line “It takes the time it takes.”) Oh, it’s so difficult, but we keep on keeping on. More on getting comfortable with the uncomfortable—facing new situations in almost every facet of the publishing process is also difficult for me, an introvert. We have gotten used to whatever else is in our lives, but this is all new! We don’t know quite what to expect from agents, editors, and marketing our books. All the courses and classes I’ve taken at The Writing Barn (and they are many) have helped me grow as a person who accepts what is and still works at perfecting my craft. And they have helped me understand so much about the process of publishing and promoting my books and have given me the confidence to do it.
I first came to The Writing Barn (when) and was expecting…(what). I continue to support The Writing Barn as a published author because…
I first came to The Writing Barn in 2013 not sure what to expect and feeling like I might not belong at our first meeting. But I soon realized I was in the right place with others like me who wanted a chance to follow their dreams. I continue to support The Writing Barn as a published author because I’ve gained more than I ever thought I would. I wouldn’t be where I am now without it. I have lifelong writer friends and am still learning about so much of this writing life.
How has publishing changed (as you moved from pre-agented or pre-published author) and your experience changed in the 10 years The Writing Barn has been around?
Publishing has become more and more supportive of diversity in content and authors. It is also slowly making an effort to include more diversity in all aspects in the publishing business itself with their hires. As book censorship has increased, publishers are joining with others to fight against book banning and continuing to support books by and about LGBTQ+, POC, and differing abilities. However, more transparency and effort are definitely needed. We have a long way to go.
The Writing Barn is known for its craft classes. What do you think makes the Writing Barn programming special? If you teach with us, what does it mean to you to support writers who were once deep in craft studies, as you were (and are–we writers are always learning.)
The craft courses are amazing and essential. But the community and knowledge building, support and guidance for the whole publishing journey are, too. As I experienced the roller coaster of finding an agent and working on marketing, etc., learning about how to navigate the ins and outs of publishing became invaluable. What makes TWB special are the people, the instructors, the staff, and the participants, who truly care! The Barn is special because Bethany Hegedus has put her whole heart and spirit into creating a magical place for writers!
Lots of your manuscripts are now BOOKS! Which ones did you work on in any of our programming or intensives?
If you recall the Manifesto line “it takes the time it takes,” then you will understand that I wrote the original manuscript of Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua in 2014 in Picture Book II, revisited it in a Nonfiction Course in 2016 and it was finally published in 2021. I have two other books currently under contract but unannounced which I hope will be published in 2025. I also worked on these in courses with awesome faculty that helped me hone my writing.
My favorite funny memory of The Writing Barn is…and any favorite or memorable interactions with Bethany or current or prior staff you’d like to share?
I have many incredible memories of having Bethany as my instructor since I was in many of the early courses and was lucky enough to have her leading us. I loved sitting around the table in the Barn and being real with each other. I loved putting our wishes for the future in a bottle to be opened at a later date, so many of the fun activities including painting our rocks, and just eating together and getting to know each other. I remember the times we all laughed and cried together, And I also remember that Bethany suggested I try writing my Luz Jiménez manuscript lyrically and submit it to Lee and Low’s New Voice contest and that it received an honor award, which helped me get an agent. She put it into the universe that Duncan Tonatiuh would be the perfect illustrator and that my book would win a Pura Belpré award—both of which came true!
If I could grant the Writing Barn a 10 birthday gift for reaching a DECADE of serving writers, I would give the Barn:
I want the Barn family to feel all the love and appreciation of every single person whom Bethany and the staff throughout the years have helped move in the direction of their dreams. And the reminder that The Writing Barn has many more “yeses” to come, for whatever the dream is for the future.
What do you wish for the Writing Barn and all the writers who will study with us in the next 10 years?
I truly treasure all the writing friends and critique partners that have become part of my writing journey with all its ups and downs. Beyond all the craft lessons, I wish that future participants will find that same sense of community. I hope that TWB continues to be a safe place to share our dreams and that it continues to serve many more aspiring writers.
We want to send a sincere thank you to our friend Gloria Amescua for joining us in this milestone celebration. We are so grateful we’ve been able to contribute to her writing journey! Cheers to 10 more years, and to Gloria!
