It's been several months since my last author update, so today, I'd like to look back at 2023 and talk about what lies ahead for 2024.
Well, 2023 didn't go exactly how I envisioned. Between dealing with some health issues, coaching two different sports teams, and traveling over the summer, it was hard to get much done, at least in terms of my writing. I was only able to publish a couple of posts, and even though I had every intention of restarting my monthly updates in the fall, that got away from me as well.
I also faced some obstacles in my effort to get my book published. After sending queries to multiple literary agents, I was unable to find representation. I know rejection is part of querying, but it was still disappointing.
I think part of my frustration has to do with the difference between the response I got from agents and the feedback I got from early readers. I know that early readers can be biased in your favor, but I've had many wonderful conversations with them about my book and what they took away from it. So, even though I haven’t found an agent yet, I still feel confident that the book is connecting with readers.
My favorite piece of feedback came from my parent's 95-year-old neighbor, who said, “You are one of the most empathic writers I have ever read.” I'm unsure why that comment has stuck with me, but it meant a lot.
One significant change I made to the book in 2023 was to rework the opening chapters. First, I added a historical prologue written from the perspective of my Abuela Mamá Chila and my Tio Mariano as they learned of my disappearance. Then, I split the first chapter into two smaller chapters to show more of my character’s home life before the reunion. Overall, I like these changes because I think they root the story in the idea of what becomes of the disappeared.
Lastly, I was invited to Dartmouth in October to speak with students in a Latin America studies class taught by my good friend Jorge E. Cuéllar. It was a really special experience, and it was neat to see how my story could bring to life some of the history they were learning in the classroom.
In terms of my writing, my main goal for the year is to return to publishing monthly author updates. I miss writing these and hearing back from some of you. I will be making one change to my publishing schedule this year. Those of you who have been subscribed for a while know that between updates, I typically send out a piece of original content. I'm going to hold off on creating that content for the time being so that I can focus on writing for some bigger projects.
As for my book, I will resume the search for an agent while working on some revisions. A few months ago, I attended a virtual workshop on writing an effective query letter, which was very helpful. Thanks to that workshop, I overhauled my pitch materials, and in the coming months, I will begin to send out my next round of inquiries.
In other news, I have been selected to write a piece for the magazine The NACLA Report on the Americas that will be coming out over the summer. The article is about my experiences coming to terms with being a disappeared person. Not only is this the first time my work will be featured in a publication, but it is also the first time I am getting paid for my writing. I will be sure to share that piece with all of you once it has been published.
Finally, now that my documentary film, Identifying Nelson/Buscando a Roberto is closer to being finished, John Younger, the film’s director, and I will be restarting the newsletter for that project. If you would like to get updates about the film, you can sign up on our website, which was recently redesigned!
The month ahead will be filled with lots of writing as I work on my NACLA article and a workshop that I am putting together on how to tell a personal story. I have just under four weeks until I return to my coaching job, so I will try to make the most of it.
I hope your new year is starting well, and I will see you in the next update!
Sincerely,
Nelson/Roberto
Throughout most of January, I participated in the Under the Volcano writing residency in Tepoztlán, Mexico, which was an unforgettable experience that I will reflect on for some time. The remarkable people I met there inspired me to continue developing my craft.
This past month has been a good one. I was able to get some writing done and have finished seven chapters of my magical realism rewrite. I also started working on one of the new historical fiction scenes, and have been preparing for my writer’s retreat in Mexico.
This month’s update will be shorter, as most of November was occupied by my fall coaching job. Despite the hectic end of the season, I was able to get some writing done and prepare for my trip to Tepotzlán, Mexico.
