The Art of Writing – Interview with Diana Resendiz

INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA

Welcome, Noire Family,

In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with the most pleasant mental health advocate and writer, Diana Resendiz,  from Phoenix, Arizon, as she offers a captivating glimpse into her inspirational journey, delving into her roots, the reasons driving her creative endeavors, exciting future projects, and more.

Please join me in welcoming Diana Resendiz to Afrique Noire Magazine!

Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry?

As the child of Mexican immigrants, I spent much of my childhood alone as my parents worked long hours, and being an only child, reading became one of my primary pastimes. I began collecting Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books during this time, a collection that grew significantly over the years. Poetry, in particular, resonated with me, as it allowed me to forge connections through the written word. Despite my early aspirations to become a writer, I believed it to be an unattainable dream. My family encouraged me to pursue a career they deemed ‘safe’ and lucrative. Consequently, I spent most of my twenties working in inventory financing. However, about three years ago, I made a life-changing decision to pivot towards my creative passions. At the age of 33, I self-published my first poetry book, marking a significant milestone in my journey.

How does your identity, including cultural background, influence your writing and the themes you explore? In what ways do you navigate the intersection of your personal identity and the broader cultural context in your work?

I find joy in chronicling my journey as a first-generation Mexican-American, delving into the complexities of navigating between two cultures. The children of immigrants often bear the weight of high expectations, a burden that can lead to the unlearning of harmful cultural norms. My teenage years were marked by a battle with clinical depression and a harrowing suicide attempt. These experiences have fueled my passion for dismantling mental health stigmas within my community. I believe in the healing power of writing, reading, and therapy, and strive to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of healing and self-discovery.

How would you describe your creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset?

Slow mornings, coffee shops, people-watching at plazas, and layovers at the airport tend to inspire me. I often jot down random thoughts in my notes app and flesh them out later. While I make time for writing, I also appreciate the spontaneous nature of creativity.

Who are your literary or poetic influences, and how have they shaped your work?

I find inspiration in the works of Elisabet Velasquez. Her commitment to authenticity and self-truth resonates deeply with me. Velasquez’s writing has provided me with a sense of safety as I navigate writing about my upbringing, culture, and the use of Spanglish in my work. Similarly, Toni Morrison’s fearless approach to storytelling, unconstrained by the “white gaze,” has been a profound influence on me. I am actively learning to emulate her fearlessness in my own writing journey.

What challenges do you face as a writer/poet, and how do you overcome them?

I still grapple with imposter syndrome, often feeling like I’m not a legitimate writer because I lack an MFA. Many of my peers have extensive experience in the writing industry, while I am relatively new to the arts and writing space. Being a full-time writer also means embracing the entrepreneurial side, which involves self-promotion and staying creative while ensuring financial stability. However, the more I share my journey and consistently show up as a writer, the more I am able to alleviate those fears. My advice is to not let fear hinder your creativity or your ability to promote your work.

Could you share one of your favorite pieces or an excerpt from a project that holds personal significance? What does it mean to you?

I self-published my debut poetry and essay collection last year, and one of its most cherished elements for me is the preface. In it, I aimed to convey the significance of publishing this book and the personal journey that led me to this point. I wanted to articulate why it took me longer than some to believe in my ability to make this dream a reality. The preface, in essence, serves as an introduction to who I am, offering readers a glimpse into my life before delving into my poetry:

“As I got older, I longed for validation in the immigrant community I grew up in and desired acceptance from my peers outside that community. Eventually, my Spanglish began to feel like a burden; it was proof that I wasn’t American nor Mexican enough. In my head, that also translated to not good enough in a more general sense. I struggled to balance my parent’s expectations, society’s expectations, cultural expectations, and my own aspirations. I spent years wanting to be the perfect version of what everyone else wanted me to be. I did everything I could to avoid feeling like a burden. Comparing myself to individuals I thought I should be like without understanding myself as an individual diminished my confidence to zero. I craved feeling seen. Because I didn’t know how to express that, negative thoughts and a lack of confidence hindered my creativity and authenticity for years. Looking back on my childhood and adolescence, I wish I had been kinder to myself. I wish I had cared less about others’ opinions of me and had understood that finding and following my own path has always been and will always be an inside job. My self-expression, authenticity, and vulnerability are key factors in how I show up for myself and others. These factors apply to all things I love, writing being one of those things. My writing was never meant for the old, white, male authors I have nothing in common with but was forced to read in high school. Yet, I desperately compared myself to them because I thought I had to sound like them for my writing to be valid. Now, I realize my writing is for people who look like me. It is for girls who were forced to grow up too fast, for women who are slowly finding their voice, and for anyone who is still a little lost in their search for their identity. Only I can decide what type of writer I want to be. My life would have been different had I understood this sooner. Now that I am an adult, I realize that my ability to read and write has given me opportunities my father and grandmother never had. I wonder about the experience they missed out on because of their lack of literacy. I also wonder about the emotions they may have kept bottled up inside. Writing has become my outlet, but I wonder how many words have gone unsaid by those who do not have access to this outlet. My family doesn’t have a lineage of writers, but it could’ve, had survival not always taken priority over exploration and creativity.”

What advice would you offer to aspiring writers or poets aiming to leave their imprint on the literary world?

Decide who your writing is for. Is it only for you? Is it for other men or women your age? What’s the demographic? This will make it easier to ignore the doubt that creeps up when deciding if your message is clear. For example, sometimes I use Spanglish in my writings and that’s okay. My audience is mostly first-gen Millennials and Gen-Zs in the US who understand Spanish. Before I knew who my readers were, I would get in my head and second guess myself, which then stopped me from writing from an authentic place.

Can you share details about your ongoing writing projects? What themes or ideas are you currently exploring?

We writers are the healers and optimists of society. Our words, even when they cut deep, offer solace in shared experience. In the darkest times, our stories keep hope alive. Even if the world were to end, our narratives would endure, ensuring that stories live on beyond us.

How do you perceive the role of writers and poets in today’s society?

I’m currently working on a children’s book that explores emotional intelligence through the journey of a young brown boy. In my culture, there’s a common belief that boys should not cry or openly express their emotions. This can lead to challenges later in life as men may struggle to cope with their feelings. My book aims to challenge this norm and encourage a more open and healthy approach to emotional expression in boys.

Give yourself flowers, what is something you feel proud of when you think about your creative gift?

I’m not afraid to be vulnerable or to be seen as soft or weak. Some of the strongest people I know are also the most tender. I deeply value connecting with others on a human level, without caring about facades or material things. I often ask, “How’s your heart and soul doing?” This ability to empathize and connect authentically is one of my greatest strengths, both in my writing and in personal interactions.

ABOUT DIANA RESENDIZ

Diana Resendiz is a mental health advocate and writer from Phoenix, Arizona. She self-published, “Postcards from the Desert”, a book of poetry and essays focused on mental health and personal growth. As the eldest child of Mexican immigrants, she uses writing to express her experiences and navigate the complexities of her environment, identity, and the stigma behind depression. She encourages her readers to embrace their paths of self-discovery and prioritize their mental well-being. Diana volunteers for various local organizations and co-founded The Mental Chat, a platform discussing mental health topics. She is also a co-founder of the MG Dream Foundation, which provides scholarships to high school students. Diana enjoys making candles for her business, AquaMoon Candles, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Watch out for another episode of Noire Poetry Series next week! 🖤

Stay tuned! ✨