An Interview with Elizabeth Slade

Elizabeth G. Slade is the author of Rest Stops, a coming-of-age novel that won the Next Generation Indie Book Award in 2012. In 2021, she published the nonfiction book, Montessori in Action: Building Resilient Schools with John Wiley & Sons. Elizabeth has also worked with others to create books such as Women Period and How to Raise a Peaceful Child in a Violent World. She is currently co-authoring Finding Ground with Allison Jones, a book about teaching at the elementary level, which is forthcoming from Parent Child Press.

In addition to writing, Elizabeth serves as the Executive Director of Public Montessori in Action International, an organization committed to ensuring fully implemented Montessori education for children, families, and educators of the global majority. Elizabeth earned her AMI Elementary Diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute, her AMS Administrative Credential at the Center for Contemporary Montessori Studies, her B.A. from Wheaton College, and her Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Spalding University.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

“Momentum” came at the start of the project and the second part was collaboratively created with some trusted readers.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

Opening the box and seeing the book for the first time was an absolute thrill. The look and feel of it was so satisfying—a delight to have all those words finally in their skin.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Writing has been an essential part of who I am for as far back as I can remember. I have kept journal upon journal, holding the changes by externalizing them on the page. Many brilliant writers have influenced me. I’m currently reading Jeanette Winterson and am in awe of what she does with language.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have been in Montessori education, in one role or another, for the past thirty-six years and it informs how I view the world. The idea that we all have unmanifest potential and a cosmic task that only we can do inspires me. Most readers wouldn’t know that.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

This book was a long time coming and it was very satisfying to see it into its final form.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba

“Take Me as I Am” by Au Revoir Simone

“Birds Say” by Darlingside

“Drive It Like You Stole It” by Sing Street

“Resilient” by Rising Appalachia

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope every reader realizes there is no challenge, no obstacle that should deter them from pursuing their path.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’m working on a project that is in pieces at the moment and I’m so curious to see how it will come together.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

It was a delight.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.