Any bonafide writer calls themselves a writer because they write. There’s really no other way of describing a writer than that. All you need to do to call  yourself a writer is pick up the pen and begin to write.
 


Highlights from the interview:

* Luis’ mother died when he was five and he was homeless for three years after that before being adopted into the United States
* Luis found trouble: expelled from middle school, smoking pot, getting into trouble. However, he discovered poetry when a teacher saw his potential and gave him a book of poetry by Pablo Neruda titled “The Captain’s Verses”.
* He went on to help with and then winning many poetry slam competitions. Now Luis is a successful entrepreneur (thrivinglaunch.com)
* Luis’ idea of a writer is anyone that writes. There’s really no other way of describing a writer.
* He coaches writers to just pick up the pen and write. Just showing up is the first piece. The next piece is to show up and share what you’ve written with other people. After that, then you can read other great writers and get to know them, try to emulate to some degree or discover what you can pick up from them to add to your own writing technique.
* If you’re doing these things, without a doubt, even without anyone’s help, you will become an amazing writer.

Listen to the episode for the full story.
 
 

 
 

 
Stacy’s Journal
Welcome to Stacy’s Journal! In this segment, I let you peek into my journal as I share my thoughts on a topic or resilience resource. I loved Luis’s background in oral storytelling and poetry slams. Sharing your story out loud can not only be empowering, but it can really move other people who hear it. It’s a unique way of sharing your experiences because storytelling is among the oldest forms of entertainment. It even dates back to 10th century Japan. Before you go all prickly at the thought of speaking in front of a group, consider going smaller at first, by joining a local story circle where everyone shares their stories. Or even simply reading aloud to a friend. The act of receiving someone’s story is a gift that people want to give you. By sharing your story aloud, you enable others to hear your story, acknowledge your struggles and your triumphs, and connect with you through your story. You can google writing circles or even live storytelling near your city.
 
That’s all we have for today. Last episode, Mike Veny shared his thoughts on struggling with suicide attempts and mental health – so if you need if you know of anyone who might resonate with that topic, you might want to go back and have a listen. Next week, we’ll interview Carol Graham who just might be the most tenacious person you’ll ever know.
 
I love interacting with our listeners on social media. We’re on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and just about anywhere you can hold a great virtual conversation. Plus, I answer all my emails personally, so feel free to email me: stacy{at}stacybrookman{dot}com.

 
100 Most Important Memoirs of the Past 200 Years
This week’s memoir is: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
We’re having fun counting down the 100+ most important memoirs of the past 200 years. So our memoir of the day by Maya Angelou. It’s her famous I know Why The Caged Bird Sings, written in 1969.  Sent by their mother to live with their devout grandmother,