Meet the Author Monday: Felice Zaslow

It’s Meet the Author Monday! Each week we meet a new author and get to know a little about them, their writing process, publishing experience, and tips for other writers. Today we’re talking to Felice Zaslow, author of From Here: Lessons In Love and Loss from 9/11.

About Felice Zaslow:

Felice Zaslow is a retired teacher, artist, and author residing in Long Island, New York.

She is the mother of two adult sons and grandmother of three. Felice has had an appreciation of the natural beauty of the Long Island beaches and the changing of
the seasons since childhood. She incorporates this into her painting and writing.

The loss of her husband, Ira, inspired Felice to write her memoir, From Here: Lessons In Love and Loss from 9/11. Her wish is to bring hope and comfort to others who have experienced tragic loss.

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About From Here:

Felice and Ira Zaslow’s love story spanned almost four decades, from the beaches of Far Rockaway to a comfortable suburban existence on the south shore of Long Island. She taught sixth grade at the local middle school, while he commuted daily to Lehman Brothers in the World Trade Center. As their sons grew up, they appreciated each day, looking forward to more time as a couple.

Then came the morning of September 11, 2001.

Through the days, weeks and months that followed, Felice had to find her way through unfathomable trauma, on a path she had to forge herself, seeking guidance and role models along the way. This remarkable and inspiring memoir puts a very personal face on a national tragedy, facing down the darkness by looking for the light that is always present.

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Author Interview with Felice Zaslow:

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1. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Writing energizes me. I find fulfillment in putting my thoughts and feelings, or a story, onto paper.

2. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

For myself and my purpose originality is key in this first book. It is my memoir of 9/11 and how I got through the aftermath that I wish to share with the world. One of my goals is to help others and reveal my way of looking at things.

3. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

Interestingly, my author friends include my former student, Christine. She provided me with the most valuable edits and is a published novelist and poet.

4. What advice would you give anew writer, someone just starting out?

To new writers: keep at it. Your work has a journey and may come to fruition soon, or later on as mine did. I published when I felt satisfied with the finished product.

5. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?

A big surprise for me was that my life made sense. I “ saw” how one event led to another or a person, etc.

6. Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration came from the love I shared with my late husband, Ira, his loss on 9/11 and wanting to help others find their way through tragic loss. There is so much of it in our world today that makes my story relevant.

7. Tell us about the process for coming up with the cover.

The beach is a theme in my book. I am also an artist and often use photographs for my work. I took the cover photo which my book designer incorporated.

8. What was the highlight of writing this book?

The highlight of writing this book was fulfillment of a life goal. I felt that I accomplished something I came to this life to do. The first manuscript was completed in 2003. I had many experiences, rebuilt my life, then found the right connections to revise/ enhance my book..

9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I read Katie Couric’s memoir in the last couple of years. I loved how she included family photos and meaningful chapter titles. That influenced me in revising my final manuscript.

10. What was your dream job when you were younger?

My dream job as a younger adult was to be a talk show host. I love learning about how others live their lives and talking with people of many backgrounds.

11. Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

I have had psychic/ mediumistic experiences throughout my life. My book hints at that. My next book is likely to be on the subject.

12. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I love the southwest, the landscape, culture and spirituality. I’ve taken many photos of the desert and feel at one with nature when there.

To learn more about Felice, here’s where you can find her:

Website: www.FeliceZaslow.com

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