 Today we celebrate the book birthday of Not Far From Here. We sat down with Musa Nydia Armendia-Sanchez to learn more about the inspiration behind this book. In Not Far From Here, mama tells her children a story that began when their papá was a little boy, not far from here. Their hardworking abuelitas told stories of their antepasados, and their abuelo, a blacksmith, taught their papá how to make art from earth and fire. These ancestral figures would leave a lasting imprint on papá. When abuelo died, papá took all those lessons to heart and crossed la frontera al norte to follow his sueños. There, he worked and overcame barriers to forge his own obra maestra: a beautiful familia of his very own. So inspiring... What was the most challenging part of the publication process with this story? Because publishing is such a slow industry, the waiting is the most difficult part. As such, it is helpful to stay busy by continuing to write or focus on another creative outlet. Whatever brings you joy! What is the most important lesson you have learned as a writer until now? I think that since writing by nature is a solitary act, finding community is so important. Whether you are just starting out or you’ve been at it a long time, finding others who understand and can share in the frustrations and the victories of your journey is very comforting. Being able to share the good and the not so great with those who get publishing can work wonders for your mental health too. What 3 recommendations would you give writers who are starting out? Always keep writing. The more material or manuscripts you have, the more opportunities for having one that will “stick.” Not every manuscript that goes on submission is successful at getting acquired, but continuing to write will only help your craft improve – each story is its own entity, new and different from the last, and so, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow from it, even if it doesn’t become a published book. I would also advise aspiring writers to find community. Find those who get you, who share your interests. There are so many groups (especially on Facebook) with specific niches. My first go to was looking for writing groups on Facebook, and I found the KidLit Latinx group which has provided me with a wealth of information and support. And last, I’d recommend checking out writing classes at The Writing Barn, The Highlights Foundation, SCBWI webinar courses, UC Extension programs (they have kidlit courses), and research online any writing related conferences/awards that are of interest to you. What is on your creative bucket list? To do more baking with my daughter. The holidays are upon us! What books are on your to-be-read list? So many! The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold, Hurdles in the Dark by Elvira K. Gonzalez, A Cup of Water Under My Bed by Daisy Hernandez, and a bunch of pb’s I’m waiting for.
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