RPLA SHOWCASE: Rachel Elizabeth Printy

Short Published Nonfiction

Rachel Elizabeth Printy

At the 2017 Royal Palm Literary Award Banquet, author Rachel Elizabeth Printy won First Place for her (short) published creative nonfiction book, Polepole. Each year at the RPLA Banquet, authors experience the joy of earning accolades for all the hard work that is often done in the privacy of the home with little to no recognition. We’re showcasing the best of the best with our First Place winners spotlight. Not only does RPLA recognize extraordinary talent, but we’re giving readers an opportunity to sample excerpts from the winning stories. PolepoleA young girl takes on Mount Kilimanjaro and comes face to face with the most terrifying obstacle she’s ever known: herself. Rachel Printy lives in NYC where she spends her free time reading, writing, salsa dancing, and drinking entirely too much coffee.

Polepole.  A young girl takes on Mount Kilimanjaro and comes face to face with the most terrifying obstacle she’s ever known: herself.

Click here to read Polepole.

An interview with Rachel Printy:

Q: Where do you get your story ideas?

A: The fiction I write tends to be inspired by true events or people I come into contact with – beware, friends and family! “The Coffee Artist” was born from a conversation I had with a gifted stranger during a bus ride across central park. My experience waitressing at Applebee’s ten years ago led to “Canon in D with a Side of Tomato Soup,” a flash fiction piece loosely based on an elderly couple who dined there once a week. The husband was so attentive and patient with his wife who struggled with Alzheimer’s dementia, and I was struck by their enduring love and his selfless commitment to their marriage. Traveling through Africa gave me the foundation for “Queen Asanda of the Purple Toes.” And I wrote my short story, “Sucia,” after witnessing a young immigrant girl delving through street trash in my East Harlem neighborhood, trying to earn a few pennies from the salvaged cans and bottles. I wanted my readers to spend a day in her shoes and see the world through her eyes. As Madeleine L’Engle once shared, “Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.” 

Q: Anything in particular about your award-winning RPLA entry that you’d like to share?

 A: Although I’m an avid journaler, “Polepole” was the first memoir piece I’d ever written with the intention of making it public. I had this incredible physical, emotional, and spiritual journey climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and when I came back I was excited to share it with those around me. Kili will always be my reminder that even when this chaotic life leaves me feeling lost and broken, God has not abandoned me. His strength to endure is just a prayer away, even during my darkest moments. My mother was the one who encouraged me to write out my experience (thanks, mom!), and after doing so, I decided to submit it to Chicken Soup for the Soul’s upcoming Think Possible book. I’d read their books as a teenager and had always found their stories encouraging. The moment I saw the email saying that my piece had been chosen, it felt like I had reached the top of Kili all over again! 

Q: Who do you credit with inspiring your writing?

 A: The world around me and the Creator of it all. 

Q: Any tips for new writers?

 A: Don’t be afraid to fail. You will get rejected from literary magazines and publishing houses. It’s part of the process. KEEP. GOING. ANYWAY. Read Stephen King’s memoir, On Writing. You’ll see how this famous author coped with dozens upon dozens of rejections early in his career and realize that it happens to the best of us. And speaking of not being alone – join a writers group. It’s scary as hell and I didn’t feel comfortable sharing my work the first couple times I went, but thankfully my St. Pete writers group was super encouraging and brought my writing to a whole new level. Another thing I would suggest is setting aside a dedicated, routine time to write. Like every morning between 6-7am, for instance. This is something I struggle with, but when I don’t habitually block off a chunk of time, the writing does not get done. Lastly: read, read, read. Besides being fun it will also improve your own craft.

Rachel can be contacted at: https://rachelprinty.wordpress.com/