We were lucky to catch up with Mia Soto recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Let’s kick this off with a fun fact: nearly all of my profound triumphs are simply a result of taking an impulsive risk that I deemed worthy enough. The launch of my writing career? I got brave at the encouragement of my sophomore English teacher (thank you, Mr. Manning), submitted a few pieces to my school literary magazine, and won first place in both prose and poetry (unfortunately, I never got the $100 prize I was promised… bummer). The success of my literary magazine, The Infinite Blues Review? Five minutes before midnight on May 5, 2024, I texted my two close online friends, Roukia and Joseph, elucidating the wild idea that generated out of a sudden desire to platform melancholic artists like myself, and asked them for their assistance. To my luck, they agreed to help me develop this project and here we are now, thriving in expansion. Taking over DICED Online? I swiped up on the Instagram story advertising an opening for the Editor-in-Chief role, not convinced I’d get it, and now, I run a successful blog that platforms the stories of women, BIPOC, and queer people. Publishing a book? I agreed to an offer without thinking twice, and now I smile at the fact that I published a book at nineteen years old. Winning an award? I don’t often enter writing contests but when my hometown of Tracy, CA held a poetry one, I had to enter, and that impulsive act of rebellion against hesitance secured me third place in the adult category (being the youngest winner and standing next to two seasoned writers, Ellie and Jo, meant the world to me). In short, every beautiful triumph I have ever had is a mere result of an impulsive risk that I am so glad I took.
Therefore, I can’t break down what story deserves the platform here because there’s too many. I cherish each memory of risk dearly, as it cultivated who I am today: a successful, impulsive young woman that chases every ambition her heart develops.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Oh, all about me? … Joyful (kidding – it would be funnier if I was speaking to you).
Well, to start, my name is Mia, but I am better known in the writing world as M.S. Blues. I am nineteen years old and a proud product of both the Central Valley and Bay Area respectively. I am a reflection of my Chicano, Indigenous, and Polynesian ancestors and use my writing to foster a deeper connection with them. I am the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Infinite Blues Review (a magazine for the melancholy), and the Editor-in-Chief of DICED Online (a blog that shares the stories of women, BIPOC, and queer people). Lastly, I am an editor/submission reviewer at many zines, including but not limited to; The Amazine, Vellichor Literary Magazine, Low Hanging Fruit, The Elysian Chronicles, The Mixtape Review, and The Cawnpore Magazine.
The foundation of all of this began at the age of seven. I wrote a story and never felt more mesmerized in my short life. I knew it was something that would stay and here I am, many years later, so grateful that it did. Writing has been “it” – the lifeline I needed during my darkest days, the beacon of hope that continues to ground me, the connection to my ancestors and culture, and the weapon I use to defy barriers and protect my humanity. I write to live, to indulge in liberation, and to give voice to things that are/were once censored or deprived from representation.
I recognize that I have a lot of things to be proud of myself for, but nothing will ever make me prouder than being a writer. To generate everlasting work is remarkable, and the experience becomes greater when achievements are a result of it. I cannot properly convey my abundant gratitude for having this gift and the pride it gives me – just know that I am proud.
So yes, everyone, these are the basics of Mia Soto – an emerging writer who is proud of many things within.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Two words: LITERARY MAGAZINES
Though I am thankful to have entered the literary magazine community at the primitive age of sixteen, I always wished that I had come across it sooner. The amount of support, resources, and platforms that are here for younger and developing writers is truly remarkable. Speaking for myself, I would not be the writer I am today without the tutelage I have gotten from different figures in the community. However, I often wonder how much greater I’d be if I found the literary magazine scene a lot earlier in my creative journey.
If you’re an emerging writer, do not make the same mistake. Submit to as many literary magazines as possible, embrace ALL the feedback you’re given, and foster connections with other writers; that’s what makes our community go ’round.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the mere fact that my work is everlasting (literally). It fuels me with great pride that one day I’ll be able to show my children the work I produced as a young woman, and I hope it compels them to follow their dreams. We often overlook the simplicity of creating something – not fully recognizing the gravity that it harbors for ourselves and future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/m.s.blues_
- Instagram: @m.s.blues_
- Other: The Infinite Blues Review:
Instagram – @theinfinitebluesreview
Website – https://sites.google.com/view/the-infinite-blues-review/home?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLDu65leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp2utmMEGImjTIAJODA9UUMDuAlmZXbPwg0CXRzIl8D-N5pud9rmxRwFamADB_aem_FGF4Ehav-Om4oXEZxY0WNADICED Online:
Instagram – @dicedonline
Substack – https://diced.substack.com/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLDu-FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4PX8Go2reDacIerbB-VCPYJCwBR-YSpPG-WhaaVtE12gtSogE1KOEh72UQV_aem_paWWSEa6u9c1ho1FI-fOjA
