Author María J. Estrada
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Un Blog de Writing Musings

A Most Productive Writing Get Away and on Growing Big Girl Chonies aka Panties #barrioblues

24/3/2019

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It’s a little past 8a.m., and the writing vacay will continue for a few more hours. It was productive. I incorporated the feedback from my toughest beta reader into the final revision of “Zona 5”. Still, I farmed it out to one more bold volunteer (because I got contradictory feedback), but I made a noob mistake and neglected to inform my generous, heroic beta reader that it was a science fiction piece. To my shock, he does not like science fiction and can’t get into it, which created a paradox in my brain. How can this be? (For he is the quizat haderach. . . NOT!)
 
So, that raised the question: Can you trust your gut? Separately from thinking “Zona 5” is a great story, can you trust your writing gut? That is a tough question, but I decided, it’s past time to grow my big girl chonies and take the plunge. I know that’s a lot of metaphors. The point is that I have to believe in myself like the heroine of a triumphant Disney movie, preferably Moana.
 
That doesn’t mean I won’t ask beta readers for support. They are, in fact, invaluable. However, as a writer who can pull up her big chonies, I am getting better on a number of levels. I decided I should trust myself. It’s my work after all. And, then there’s the nature of the questions I often ask, questions which red flags they are. 
 
“Does the narrator need a strong desire?” Yes. 
 
“Dos the narrator curse too much?” Yes.  

 
Well readers, I am done having my overdue, cathartic moment. I’m off to print the story and keep on with my collection. Last night, I went over the Spanish in the second story of, Not Your Abuelita’s Folktales, which is being launched April 13. Then, I have to print it and give it a full pass.
 
By the way if you are interested, check out my vlog on proofreading; a lot of it is what I teach my college students, and I have grown that list from practice and listening to better more prolific writers. You will need Facebook to view the video: https://www.facebook.com/drmariajestrada/videos/2318156295122561/

Have your own writing cathartic moment(s) today!  #barrioblues
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    Jesú Estrada
    Pen Name: 
    María J. Estrada
    Chicago, IL

    You follow me everywhere @drmariajestrada, except Twitter.
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    *********************
    MARIA J. ESTRADA is an English college professor of Composition, Literature, and her favorite, Creative Writing. She grew up in the desert outside of Yuma, Arizona in the real Barrio de Los Locos, a barrio comprised of new Mexican immigrants and first-generation Chicanos. Drawing from this setting and experiences, she writes like a loca every minute she can—all while magically balancing her work and family obligations. She lives in Chicago’s south side with her wonderfully supportive husband, two remarkable children, and a menagerie of animals.

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  • Home
  • Mi Biografía
  • Un Blog de Writing Musings
  • Author Interviews
    • Eric Allen Yankee
    • Mehreen Ahmed
    • Steve Carr
    • Martin Eastland
    • P.S. Malcolm
    • P.C. Darkcliff
  • The Harvested Draft
  • Books
  • Poetry
  • My Patreon Page
  • Useful Bits
  • Contact