Elizabeth Rosell
As a 2022 Reinhilde Cammaert Scholarship winner, Elizabeth had the opportunity to work one-on-one with her mentor, David Brock, on an essay collection.
The Reinhilde Cammaert Memorial Scholarships are generously suppported by Bieke and Thanasis Stengos.
Can you summarize the project you worked on with your InkWell mentor?
I worked on developing a memoir that will be a series of essays spanning my lifetime, discussing the relationships we have with our parents, the relationship we have with ourselves, and coming to terms with the truth of those relationships.
I'm exploring the dichotomy I have felt much of my life, such as wanting to continue a relationship with my parents despite its toxic nature. I'm exploring both sides of people, seeing both the good and the bad, not only in others but in myself as well. This includes discussing topics such as abuse and parental expectations along with their coping with a daughter with mental health issues
What were the goals you set out for the program?
My goals were to finish the majority of the book and receive constructive criticism that I could use to make my writing sing. I originally had a jumble of ideas and half-finished essays when I applied for the Reinhilde Cammaert Memorial Scholarship. I needed assistance with how to push through to start making a coherent book. Thanks to this opportunity I have a clear view of what I am trying to say and write about with a central theme.
What was the biggest thing you learned?
I learned so much through this process! I have become a better writer and I’m able to read my own work with fresh eyes on what to look for to continually improve. I have learned where I tend to be weak in my writing and where my strengths are. Also, I have learned how to edit my work, something I had never really done before, and to view it with a critical eye that sees what is working and what needs revision.
What was most memorable about the process?
Receiving feedback. I had never really had others read my work before, fearing that it was no good, or that there would be judgment. Instead, I received fair and constructive feedback. There were positive notes, alongside suggestions were sections needed more work. I felt supported and encouraged throughout, and appreciated the time I got to meet one on one with my mentor where we would go through my writing together. The feedback gave me so much insight in how to make my writing better. Reading feedback then revising your piece and seeing the remarkable difference it makes, where your writing goes from good to great, is such an amazing feeling.
Did you celebrate any writing/mentorship milestones, and if so, how?
Since participating in the Reinhilde Cammaert Memorial Scholarship I have been published several times, including an essay from my memoir in Yale’s The Perch. I have only been able to accomplish this because of everything I learned through this opportunity and all the support I have received from Inkwell. It also gave me the courage to share my work.
What's next for you?
I have almost completed my memoir’s first draft and have edited certain sections for a second draft. I continue to write short fiction, poetry and short creative nonfiction to submit for publication. Next, I’ll be applying for grants to assist me in finishing my memoir and preparing it to submit for potential publication.
Elizabeth Rosell lives in Northern Ontario, Canada, with her cat Belle. She has spent her life working in the non-profit field, inspired by her own mental health issues with borderline personality disorder. Elizabeth has been published in Amsterdam Quarterly, Literary Cocktail, Juste Literary, Argyle Literary Magazine, and Yale’s The Perch. When not writing, she spends her spare time crafting and baking.