Sandra Cisneros - Writing

Summary

In this reflective discussion, the speaker shares their journey as a writer, beginning with their childhood love for drawing and evolving into writing poetry and short stories. They highlight the influence of classic authors like Lewis Carroll and Hans Christian Andersen, as well as contemporary figures such as Maxine Hong Kingston and Grace Paley. The speaker stresses the importance of education and financial independence for women writers, emphasizing the necessity of creating a personal, safe space for creativity and expression. The advice focuses on self-liberation, imagination, and the courage to explore unspoken ideas in one's writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing began in middle school, first through pictures as an artist and then transitioning to words through poetry and short stories.
• 😀 The writer was inspired by classic literature such as the works of Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm.
• 😀 Greek mythology and other stories written in a different time and language also influenced the writer’s imagination and understanding of storytelling.
• 😀 In adulthood, the writer found inspiration in American women writers, particularly those who brought different cultures and languages into their storytelling, like Maxine Hong Kingston and Grace Paley.
• 😀 Latin American writers like Jorge Luis Borges and Manuel Puig also had an impact, especially with their experimental approaches to narrative and blending of genres.
• 😀 The writer emphasizes the importance of education for all aspiring writers, asserting that it's difficult to write without a solid educational foundation.
• 😀 Financial independence is crucial, particularly for women writers, as it allows for the freedom to create without being constrained by the financial authority of others, such as a spouse or parent.
• 😀 A writer should have a space of their own, whether it’s a room, house, or apartment, where they can freely explore their imagination and emotions without interruption.
• 😀 This personal space is crucial for creativity, offering the freedom to cry, laugh, and think freely—places where one can explore thoughts that might be otherwise unthinkable or risky.
• 😀 The writer stresses that self-censorship, particularly for women, can stifle creativity. It's vital to create a sacred, liberating space that fosters the imagination and allows writers to take risks.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first creative outlet before they began writing with words?

The speaker's first creative outlet was drawing, which they engaged in from a young age before transitioning to writing in middle school.

At what age did the speaker begin focusing on writing with words rather than pictures?

The speaker began focusing on writing with words around the middle school years, particularly in the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades.

Which early writers influenced the speaker during their childhood?

The speaker was influenced by writers such as Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, Greek mythology, and stories from other times and cultures.

What did the speaker find appealing about the stories from the authors they admired as a child?

The speaker was drawn to the magical language and the sense that storytelling held a special, almost mystical quality in these works.

Who were some of the key writers that influenced the speaker while writing *The House on Mango Street*?

While working on *The House on Mango Street*, the speaker found inspiration in American women writers like Maxine Hong Kingston, Grace Paley, and Jean Rhys, as well as Latin American authors like Jorge Luis Borges and Manuel Puig.

What is the speaker's advice for aspiring writers in terms of education?

The speaker advises aspiring writers to go to school and gain as much education as possible, emphasizing that education is crucial for a writer's development and independence.

Why does the speaker believe economic independence is particularly important for women writers?

The speaker believes that economic independence is essential for women writers because it allows them the freedom to create without being dependent on others, which can otherwise limit their ability to express themselves freely.

What does the speaker mean by 'a room of your own' and why is it significant?

A 'room of your own' refers to having a personal, quiet space where a writer can create without interruption. It's significant because it provides the freedom to explore imagination, take creative risks, and express thoughts without external constraints.

How does the speaker suggest writers should approach self-censorship?

The speaker advises writers, particularly women, to avoid self-censorship, encouraging them to give themselves permission to explore and express even the most difficult or unconventional ideas.

What does the speaker view as essential for a writer's creative process?

The speaker views having a safe, quiet space as essential for a writer's creative process, allowing them to freely explore their imagination and take the risks necessary to create without fear of judgment.