Welcome to the Chaos that is my life
Welcome!
Hello!
So nice to have you here! My name is Gracie Azua, and welcome to my newsletter.
Learn About The Writer Behind the Keyboard Clacks
I am a fat Chicana writer born in the tiny agricultural place called Imperial Valley, California. I spent my adolescence in the border area until I moved to Phoenix, AZ for school. Turns out, that was not my path, and I returned home for two years. The panini thwarted my plans to move to San Diego county for school. When things opened up, I moved up to San Diego county for university, graduated, and ended up staying in the area. I have been writing since I was 10 years old; my inspiration to put pen to paper was to jot down a dream I had (which became an unfinished novel, which maybe one day will see the light of day). At 16, I transitioned to writing poetry (which means I just started writing a sentence or two in stanzas instead of huge unfinished blocks). Now, I write poetry and perform at open mics around the county! I have one released book, You Will Know Our Name, which is self published and in bookstores around San Diego County
Facts About Gracie!
So you subscribed to my mailing list, know about my background, but am I an actual human? Well, here’s six facts demonstrating I am not just a robot, but an actual person.
I adore pasta, ESPECIALLY Chicken Alfredo. I can’t go a week without a serving
I am an Aquarius sun, Sagittarius moon, and Scorpio rising (which just means I get the shit I want done)
I hoard books like it’s the plague. Water? No. Nonperishable foods? No. Books that overfill my shelves and become tables for my half-empty water bottles? Yes.
I was never a theater kid, but Marching Band had my heart. I played the clarinet, the trumpet, and Percussion for years (specifically Bass Drum during marching season). Ask me about my injuries, that is the most lasting thing about the experience…and the youtube videos of my performances still haunting me online.
I must admit, I have never seen the full Twilight Saga. I got through ten pages of the first book while I was at the library one day, and yeah….I put that shit down…
I am a….(drum roll)…Directioner. That’s right. I am a proud One Direction Stan all these years later. Don’t ask me about my favorites from the time, I’m still heartbroken they broke up (Member: Hazza, Song: Clouds, Era: Made in the AM, Inside Joke: “Get out of my kitchen!”…)
The Writing Corner
My sister, our land has a throbbing heart,
it doesn't cease to beat, and it endures
the unendurable. It keeps the secrets
of hills and wombs. This land sprouting
with spikes and palms is also the land
that gives birth to a freedom-fighter.
This land, my sister, is a woman.
By Fadwa Tuqan (1917 - 2003) “Poet of Palestine”
Palestinian poet dedicated Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation
Writing Prompt
These writing prompts are meant as a tool to help fuel our creativity! They aren’t super serious, but they are just a way to think of your writing process different. You can either write a short story, a poem, or even a drawing/painting! Just do what your heart calls to you. I will be joining you, and I will share my poem on the next newsletter!
Put on one of your favorite songs (preferably with lyrics), and take a look at the lyrics. Pick three words which interest you (either they call to you, you don’t understand the meaning, or it’s an interesting word when the sang) and write a poem including those three words.
Current Reads
The latest book I am reading (which is a half truth. I listen to MANY audiobooks to pass my time at work)
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
I am reading this for my every-other-month book club at Libeula Books and Co, and it’s a great book. It’s a YA Novel set in a utopia(?). A young girl named Jam lives in a world without monsters (aka evil) taken out by angels. However, something occurs, which brings her mother’s painting to life, a monster named Pet. Pet wants to hunt the true monster in Jam’s world, but Jam must protect her friend and reconcile with her own world when no one believes in monsters anymore.
I love this book, and it is a fast jump into the action. Like….I was not expecting that! I also appreciated how the author explains how Jam discovered their identity (spoilers, but not spoilers since it’s mentioned very early on) that she is trans. That is not an experience I have been through, but I appreciated seeing a positive version of the trans experience since there are many people who are ostracized for their trans identity. She is also uses sign language which is clearly marked on the page. I also loved how these aspects of their identity was apart of them, but like not a full thing if you understand (I’m four chapters in so if it changes, sorry!). But like, how this is a part of who they are, but it doesn’t change that they are a person, they are just a person who so happens to be a trans girl and deaf. I totally see how this is from the perspective of a young teen (who is around 15). I can see Jam’s impulse and her fears, but also her determination and her loves.
It is an easy read (since the language isn’t difficult to understand) but still takes on difficult topics and questions. I think it’s important to show there are monsters still, and we need to be vigilant but still hope for a better future. Curiosity is important. I say it is great for teens and even adults. There’s a reason my book club suggested it!
Artistic Events in San Diego County
Because I am tired of keeping track of all the writing events in my head, I have decided to write them all down (this includes instagram, address, parking, and any other notes). For now, this list will extend on a monthly basis (so for all of November) UNLESS there is something interesting. If you know of any, let me know! Or the event is interesting (artistic related) I don’t mind uplifting that too!
Poets Underground - November 7th (usually weekly) 6:30pm to ???
Hosted at Connect North Park (3784 30th Street, San Diego CA)
This open mic DOES have an entry fee ($15), (but a little birdy told me there might be an open bar???)
This open mic also has limited street parking, BUT since it is located across from Verbatim Books, I know that there is a parking structure on the corner which has $5 parking all day (Please note: this is a five story parking structure with two elevators, BUT after hours, you do need to bring your ticket to enter. Also, since this open mic goes close to midnight some nights, you might want to walk with some friends back to your car to be safe (or go with a friend!)
Instagram: poets_underground_
Glassless Minds Virtual Poetry Workshop - November 7th 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Hosted online on Zoom by Glassless Minds Open Mic
This workshop is FREE! I say take advantage of ALL the workshops you can, but especially the free, virtual ones if you are able to. I have paid $50 per workshop with my own dime (not to mention my Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Writing) and there are free workshops out there! (i can discuss my experience with workshops at a later date) If you have the ability, I say every workshop is an investment into your craft, but there are always people who have discounted rates/free workshops to reach people who cannot afford it or just don’t feel like paying a huge amount for a workshop
Instagram: glasslessminds
Libeula Books&Co Book Club - November 8th 6:30pm to 8:30pm
This book club offers a communal and low stakes approach to a book club. Haven’t read the book? Join. Just read half of the book? Just be prepared for spoilers. Want some snacks and just there to listen? They don’t force you to say anything other than who you are and maybe a question about your likes or what you would choose.
There is street parking, and everything in the bookstore is for sale (except the two cats, Billy and Moo)
Instagram: libeula_books_co
Inspired By Open Mic - November 9th 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Hosted at Eris Food Company (382 Wisconsin Ave Oceanside CA)
This open mic has street parking, delicious vegan food, and a mini market!
Instagram: inspiredbyopenmic
Barrio Logan Art Crawl - November 11th 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Hosted down Logan Avenue (from Chicano park to Libeula Books&Co
There is street parking but it is LIMITED on Logan Ave itself. I recommend parking on National Ave or even Newton Ave. Please respect the residents
This street long art celebration features different art galleries and local vendors
Passing Notes - November 15th 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Hosted at Border X Brewing (2181 Logan Ave, San Diego CA)
This event is a lined paper art show + sketch party! You can draw on table, hang out with friends, and plus, i enjoy their tacos!
Glassless Minds Open Mic - November 16th 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hosted at MiraCosta Collage (1 Barnard Dr Oceanside CA located in the Building 3400 “STUDENT CENTER” )
This open mic has free parking in lot O3-3C, and sometimes we go out to eat after
Instagram: glasslessminds
San Diego Poetry Slam Open Mic - November 17th 8:00pm to ???
Hosted at the legendary Queen Bee’s In North Park ( 3925 Ohio St, San Diego, CA )
This open mic is first come first serve, with the line beginning at the door. Parking is available on the street which is limited, and there are paid parking spots next to the center. This location is also about two blocks away from the North Park Parking structure, but as i mentioned, be careful at night.
Instagram: sandiegopoetryslam
Wrap up
That’s all for this newsletter folks!
Resources for Palestine
The following are resources to help the people of Palestine and learn more about what is occurring in the area
Motaz Azaiza - photographer
Instagram: motaz_araiza
A Photographer with their feet on the ground in Gaza reporting to the world about what is occurring to the people
Note: some photos and videos are graphic. watch at your own discretion.
Al Jazeera English - news outlet
Instagram: aljazeeraenglish
Website:
https://www.aljazeera.com/
A news outlet dedicated to reporting on the Arab world and is currently reporting on Palestine
Cair - Organization dedicated to wellbeing of American Muslims
Website: https://action.cair.com/a/gazaunderattack
This organization can send an automated email to your representatives in Congress to stop the funding of this genocide and aid those needing humanitarian aid in the area.
5 Calls App - assists in calling you representatives
App: 5 Calls App
This app gives you the ability to find your representatives and call demanding for a ceasefire. You are given a script, and that is all you have to say.
Note: your call with not be counted if you yell or get aggressive. This is is a difficult topic, BUT in order to assist the people of Palestine and get our voices heard, we must comply in this way.