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Words from the wise

Author Interviews

Atmosphere Press is proud to bring readers the Atmosphere Press Presents author interview series. We’re happy to have this archive of excellent interviews and author success stories for you to enjoy. Learn about writers and their books, from book title origin stories to music playlists that relate to their writing to what it was like seeing the cover for the first time.
 
Atmosphere puts the author experience first, and these interviews make up just one facet of a meaningful and rewarding author journey. Please share your favorite interviews and author success stories on social media, and stay in touch so you can be the first to know when new posts are published. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on interviews, Atmosphere Press Presents readings, and other news!

Sally Showalter was born and raised in rural Illinois. Much of her writing lingers through the four seasons and county of Pike. She settled in Tucson, Arizona in the mid-1980s with her husband, cats, and a backyard full of various plants from seeds collected from dozens of road trips over the years. Ms. Showalter has studied at the University of Arizona in the Creative Writing Program, Pima Community College, and the Center for Creative Writing Works. Her poetry has appeared in Pudding Magazine and Festival Writer and her fiction and memoir in collections of anthologies.

Born in Nebraska and raised on a farm, I currently live in the front range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, along with my husband of fifty years and our nine-year-old dog, Rusty. I am thankful to have three children, four grandchildren and three granddogs. My children jokingly claim I love my dogs more than them. I have always been interested in a person's story and find it helps me in navigating my own life. I am drawn to memoir writing and have been inspired to write my own. In fact, every one of us has a story to tell or write.

Rebecca Jane writes fiction, poetry, essays, and book reviews. She is also a ghostwriter. She has taught yoga and meditation. She has also taught ESL in China and in San Diego. Her work has appeared in TARKA, Literary Mama, Spirit Voyage, Earshot Jazz, The Journal of Expressive Writing, and A Year in Ink anthology. She is a literacy advocate, a musician, and a mother.

David Szczesny grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and currently lives in Colorado with his wife and two children. He wears a lot of plaid and occasionally navigates by map and compass. David can often be found in his basement watching old movies. In the process, he has seen every film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

I am a native originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I originally grew up surrounded by the history of Creole and Cajun culture, as well as the culinary styles of good old-fashioned southern soul cuisine. Growing up, I was raised under the influence of Christianity by my church and biological families and was always taught right from wrong. However, my Bible teachings were not the only knowledge I retained. Since a young age, I was fascinated by the idea of putting my thoughts into words and decided to ignite that passion by studying English literature.

Born and raised in Kansas City Missouri, after earning a bachelor’s degree in English, I moved to New Mexico where I taught English in a USA government boarding school for Indigenous students, primarily from the Navajo tribe. After two years, I felt called to work in Children's Protective Services for New Mexico Health and Social Services Department. From there I moved into rehabilitative work in Addictions.

Paris Williams, a promising new author, embarked on his literary journey with the publication of his debut work, Silver. Born in Chicago, IL, in May of 1993, Paris possesses a passion for storytelling and a dedication to honing his craft. His first published book showcases his unique voice, vivid imagery, and authentic characters, captivating readers with its heartfelt narrative.

Rowan is a 25-year-old poet. She currently attends Adelphi University on Long Island, NY, where she is studying to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been writing poetry since High School as a way to indirectly express her feelings. Poetry provided Rowan with a voice when she felt like she did not have one. She is inspired by everyday events and nature.

Chris Coward has been a Congressional liaison assistant, ghost writer for CEOs, editor for national magazines, college English instructor, marketing manager, and president of the Florida Writers Association. She now devotes her professional energies to writing speculative fiction.

Cate McNider is a multi-disciplinary artist, and a psychophysical practitioner and movement educator registered as The Listening Body®. Since arriving in NYC in 1985, she has expressed her healing journey through poetry, multi-media movement performances and painting. She has performed her multi-media works in downtown venues and Brooklyn, and exhibited her paintings in solo shows in the East Village and NOHO. Poems from her first collection, Separation and Return, have been in several journals, in print and online. Escape Velocity is the follow-up on the success of her healing practices. Cate still lives in New York.