This week’s featured author is Lucrecia Guerrero. Ms. Guerrero’s Chasing Shadows, a collection of short stories, was published by Chronicle Books in 2000. Just recently, Tree of Sighs was published by Bilingual Press. In addition, Ms. Guerrero is the recipient of several awards such as from the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, Montgomery County Cultural Awards and residencies from Hedgebrook for Women, New York Mills, and Fundacion Valparaiso.
Ms. Guerrero grew up in Nogales, Arizona on the U.S. – Mexican border but has lived in the Midwest for several years. Having a mother from Kentucky and a father from Puebla, Mexico, provided Ms. Guerrero with an insight into two different cultures. This insight gave her a great sense of different peoples, traditions, and backgrounds and thus gave her the ability to create great stories and interesting characters. She began her undergraduate studies at Wright State University with a Spanish education major in mind; however, due to her love of literature, she eventually switched to an English education major. Eventually she attended the Antioch Writers’ Workshop in Yellow Springs, Ohio, which motivated and inspired her to pursue and continue her career in writing.
What inspired you to write short stories versus a novel at first?
Initially, I wanted to write a novel but knew that I would be overwhelmed by such a big project. When I began writing, I had only one creative writing class under my belt and understood that I had a lot to learn about craft. Once I became a regular at the annual Antioch Writers’ Workshop, I implemented craft lessons on such elements as character, point of view, telling details, etc. by writing short stories. CHASING SHADOWS, my collection of those very short stories, was published by Chronicle Books in 2000.
When did you first start writing and what inspired you to choose the writing profession?
I wrote my first story as an undergraduate in Dr. James Baker’s creative writing class. Dr. Baker was so encouraging. Years later while going through old papers, I found a copy of that story. Ay, ay, ay. Dr. Baker certainly had been kind with his praise! I’m happy to say that I’ve gotten over my zealous use of adjectives! Although many years would pass before I returned to writing, once I started it became a passion for me. I am a quiet person, a loner, but through writing I find community. In addition, I am haunted by people I have met over the years, their strength, courage, a fleeting expression; in my writing, I can give voices to these folks that are in my heart.
Can you tell us about challenges in getting your short stories and then your latest novel published; agents, publishers, marketing, etc.?
When I teach beginning writers, I’m always struck by the number of students who seem to think that the difficult part of writing is completely a project, that once they are finished with their novel, getting published is pretty much a given. Book publishing is a business, and it is a very difficult business to break into. N owadays, it can be almost as difficult to obtain an agent as it is get your book published. Agents want a book that is “marketable,” because they know that editors want a book that is marketable, and agents don’t make money unless they can place books with publishers. We all have to make a living. At least, you know that if an agent takes on your book they think they can find a home for it, but there are no guarantees. I don’t want to sound too depressing, because clearly all you have to do is go into a chain bookstore to see that books are being published, so why not yours? I would never discourage someone from writing. Just be realistic.
I began by writing short stories; the stories, not by design, were all set along the U.S./Mexico border, and I began to think “collection.” Many, many people discouraged me from doing this. “Write a novel,” they advised, and went on to explaining that editors would not publish a collection by an unknown unless the author had won major awards (which I hadn’t). I trudged stubbornly on, because I knew that I wasn’t ready to write a novel. So, I always tell beginners to be true to themselves. It may or may not turn out to be successful, but the writer will have been true to his or her passion.
As for marketing, it is one of my least favorite things. I did not have an agent for TREE of SIGHS, so I had to do all the footwork to sell the book, and later to get out the word. I hope that I will have an agent for the next project; a good agent is priceless. The publishing world is small, and a successful agent will know other agents, editors, publicists, booksellers; all the folks that can help put your book in the right hands and create a buzz for it.
Can you provide names of author(s) or other important people that influenced your writing career?
When I was a little girl, my mother would take me and my big sister Vicky, and our little brother Tony to the library regularly. By the time I was in high school, however, I’d lost my interest in reading. I don’t know if it was that I didn’t relate to the assigned books or if it was the way English was taught, but I was not interested.
At sixteen, I lived for a time with my grandmother Carmen in Mexico City. My cousin Hector, a university student, brought me books to read and later to discuss with him. One writer in particular–Herman Hesse–left me with my mouth agape. A middle-aged German man who superificially shared none of my life experiences, seemed to be able to look into my soul.
Dr. James Baker, my first creative writing teacher at Wright State University, encouraged me to believe that I had talent, a unique perspective. He was the first teacher who told me that he thought I could become a writer. My wonderful literature professors, also at WSU, simply turned my life around. The class discussions helped me understand others and myself. I remember wishing that I could write something that would be discussed in a literature class, and so I’m always so appreciative when I’m told that my work is used in a class! I focused on American literature, and am especially drawn to such as Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and Flannery O’Connor. There are so many wonderful writers; my favorites tend to change with my mood.
What advice can you give to aspiring writers on getting into the writing profession?
I advise beginning writers to understand that writing is not only an art but also a craft. Study your craft, whether that means taking classes, attending workshops, or analyzing the works of authors you admire. Be willing to take criticism, although I think one of the toughest things is learning to recognize good criticism versus the bad. Most of all, don’t give up. It is the rare writer who hasn’t known the blows of rejection. Over the years when I’ve taught classes or facilitated workshops, I have seen talented writers who allow criticism or rejection to defeat them. Keep working at it, and eventually you’ll get your work out there. One of the advantages of taking classes or workshops over simply learning on your own is that you are networking, meeting others who are passionate about writing and reading. This sense of a writing community cannot only keep your going by inspiring and motivating but, in addition, you may meet someone who loves your work and wants to help you get it out there for others to read. And I would strongly encourage beginning writers to help and encourage their fellow writers rather than feeling that they are in competition w them.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
After I finished TREE of SIGHS, I didn’t want to start on another big project. I’d always wanted to write some short-short stories. I found I really loved writing in this genre! I’m currently working on some traditional length stories, which may later either be linked or reworked as a novel. After readings of TREE of SIGHS, I’ve had a number of folks ask me to write a sequel to the book; they want to know what happens to the protagonist. I love that response! And yet, at this time, I don’t have a sequel planned–although who knows? Grace/Altagracia may visit my dreams someday and insist that I continue with her story!
Visit her at www.lucreciaguerrero.com
