Pamela Hertzog

Pamela Hertzog from Franklin, TN and I enjoy creative writing, public speaking and sewing.

Question 1: What inspired you to start writing?

Writing is how I process my life. In the late '90s I thought I would be a humor writer like Erma Bombeck and performed some standup doing housewife humor. But journaling helped me through a divorce and my mom's journey through dementia. Now I am crafting those jottings into essays and hopefully a memoir.

Question 2: How have your past experiences influenced you as a writer?

The rejection and disappointments I have faced were difficult but have given me rich material for my writing!

Question 3: What have you written that you're the most proud of?

“Pixie Pammie” published with Halfway Down the Stairs in December 2022.

Question 4: What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you? 

It means allowing self-limiting thoughts that inhibit my ability to freely let the muse lead my pen across the page.

Question 5: When did you first call yourself a writer? 

In the late 1990s.

Question 6: What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

Neither. I am a jotter. I write thoughts and make connections on paper, visually, with arrows and underlining and highlights. Then when I type up a draft on my laptop, it's really the second draft!

Question 7: What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

Don't do it alone! Show your writing to other writers and receive their feedback. Hopefully, they can tell you where the story really started for them, what sentences they found compelling and where your language sparkled. Write another draft with their suggestions and read it out loud.

Question 8: Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing? 

Marcus Weekley. When I was teaching English in China in Fall 2019, several of the Composition teachers started a small writing group. He said my use of words was musical and I should be sending my writing out for publication. Marcus supported me and believed in me. Just like that, three years later, I sent some pieces off and have been published online!

Question 9: If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be?

Funny, engaging, creative