Member Spotlight: Quenetta Lynn Arceneaux

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Penning tales for children holds immense value in my heart for countless reasons. It’s more than just storytelling; it’s igniting a young mind’s creativity while instilling a lifelong love for reading. Imagine it as gifting kids the keys to a treasure chest brimming with invaluable life skills. It’s safeguarding cultural legacies, a powerful act of resistance and empowerment, and quite frankly, it stands as humanity’s most splendid means of expression and connection. In essence, it’s a cornerstone for our very existence.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? Whenever I’m hit with the dreaded writer’s block, my secret weapon is to step away from the keyboard and dive into moments of joy with my family. Whether we’re locked in an intense board game duel, paddling our kayaks on serene waters, cruising through the neighborhood on bikes, or just sharing hearty laughs, these moments always rekindle my creative spirit. Another surefire way to get my creative juices flowing is cooking. Experimenting with flavors and watching others savor my culinary concoctions is incredibly satisfying. And when I really need a sparkle of inspiration, I immerse myself in designing fine jewelry. There’s something magical about the gleam of a diamond that captivates my creative heart.

What is your favorite time to write? I can’t say I have a set schedule for my writing whims. I’m a mischief-maker with words, seizing inspiration as it strikes. Whenever an idea flutters by, I capture it in my trusty notes. When the writing bug bites, I weave all those snippets into my work. More often than not, you’ll find me scribbling away in the wee hours, held hostage by my restless imagination.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? The two greatest golden nuggets of wisdom I’ve ever received about writing are quite simple: dive in headfirst and embrace the fact that perfection simply doesn’t exist. Many of us are paralyzed by either fear or the chase for that elusive perfect draft—myself included, as I’ve wrestled with both monsters. However, the key realization here is that we are often our own biggest obstacles.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? What thrills me most about writing is crafting a lasting legacy for my daughters. Take my debut book, Crescent City Adventures: Unlock the Magic of New Orleans with Amaya—it’s a heartfelt tribute to my youngest. But beyond that, the greatest joy comes from gifting children with a fantastical world to explore, sparking their imagination to create their own tales. I find it particularly vital to uplift the dreams of little brown girls and boys, nurturing the storytellers of tomorrow.

Quenetta Lynn Arceneaux’s Crescent City Adventures: Unlock the Magic of New Orleans with Amaya is out now.