SWRT 282 | Writers Book Club: “Fiesta, 1980” by Junot Diaz

October 12, 2023

Tensions boil as Catherine, Dave, and the host dissect Juno Diaz’s gripping story. With each vivid description analyzed, unexpected themes mirroring the characters’ fractured lives emerge. By the electrifying climax, the family’s true broken state is laid bare, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats. Will there be healing? Tune in to this insightful discussion that ignites new life in a celebrated tale.

AI generated this episode summary. I dunno… What do you think? Tune in on the edge of your seat to find out!

VIDEO

AUDIO

SHOW NOTES

What we talked about:

First reactions to the story. (0:49)

How does the story grab you with tension? (1:58)

What is this story really about? (4:30)

What is the thematic about? (8:57)

How the theme impacts the climax of the story. (12:40)

Using a young character, and an older narrator. (16:10)

Do we like knowing the “future” of the story? (18:45)

The brilliance of Diaz’s characterization. (22:15)

Metaphors and imagery, and how this crafts the voice. (26:50)

Writing like this gives us hope for our future (as well as the character). (34:54)

What craft element will we take away from this story? (41:15)

LINKS

Get Alida’s Writing Tips here.

Things we mentioned:

Deacon King Kong by James McBride

Have thoughts, questions, other examples? Join the conversation at the Story Works Writers Facebook group.

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About Your Hosts

Alida Winternheimer is an award-winning author with an MFA in writing from Hamline University. She pursues her fervor for all things story as a writing coach, developmental editor, and teacher. Two of her short stories were nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She is the author of The Story Works Guide to Writing Fiction Series. Alida lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her Golden Retriever, Seva the Wonder Dog. She camps, bikes, and kayaks in her free time. Unless it’s winter, in which case she drinks chai by the fire. You can find more at www.alidawinternheimer.com.

Kathryn Arnold writes fantasy and anything else that sparks her creativity from her home in Kingston, Washington. She currently earns her living as an insurance underwriting assistant, where she also creates marketing and web copy. When not writing, she plays (and teaches) piano and keyboard in a band (or two), and is working on starting a ministry team with her husband. You can find Kathryn at www.skyfirewords.com.

Robert Scanlon was born in Australia, but whisked off to England when only a baby. After many years complaining about the weather, he did the sensible thing and moved back to Australia. Despite a career in the music industry, followed by decades teaching public speaking, Robert is an introvert who adores reading. Robert grew up on a diet of sci-fi masters, eventually discovering he had read the library’s entire science fiction section. Now he has to write his own. Robert is the author of Constellation, book one of the Blood Empire space opera series. Find out more at www.RobertScanlon.com