Elizabeth Buzzelli holds a BA degree from Oakland University and she has done graduate work at the University of Michigan. Plus, she has been an ongoing student by continuing her education with seminars, conferences and classes. "When I stop learning," Buzzelli said, "I'll know to stop writing."
Her professional experience is long and varied. She has published numerous short stories, articles and book reviews and she has taught at many conferences, seminars and retreats, including summer teaching at Skidmore College for the International Women Writers Guild. "Gift of Evil" is Buzzelli's first novel, with Bantam.
If you could spend the day with any one writer, living or deceased, who would you choose? Why this person?
Emily Dickinson. She's quirky and a genius and there are so many questions about her: who the "Master" was, why she wouldn't leave her home, what she really wanted done with her poems at her death . . . I would just love to sit and watch her mannerisms, listen to that odd brilliance. A dream meeting--but then, that's where it would have to take place.
What writing project are you most excited about currently?
I'm most excited about selling the three books my agent has out there in the marketplace. Everyone seems excited by them but you never know what will happen until that contract gets signed. Then I'm excited about working on the second in the mystery series.
What five words do think best describe good writing?
Honesty. Labor. Intelligence. Creativity. Perseverance.
What would be your best advice for people who are struggling with a writing project?
Don't listen to what anyone tells you; keep to your vision and work toward excellence.
What is your first memory of writing?
My first memory of writing was when I was 8 and I had to do a piece on George Washington and his troops at Valley Forge. As I wrote about the bloody footprints in the snow, the men dropping by the side of the trail, the moans--it all became real for me and I was hooked.
Where do you do your best writing?
In my head. I can write anywhere, but the ideas and the structures have to be there.
How can you tell when your writing is going well?
I can tell when my writing is going well because I am happy. When I'm unhappy it's like wearing tight shoes, I'm always in pain. Kicking off that bad shoe is rewriting and rewriting until at last it scans smoothly, reaches its objective, has a perfect focus--then I smile.
Web posted by Bethany Broadwell on March. 13, 2006.
