Q&A with Elizabeth Winder

Elizabeth Winder is the author of the biography “Pain, Parties, Work: Sylvia Plath in New York, Summer 1953″ and one poetry collection. Her work also has appeared in the Chicago Review, the Antioch Review, American Letters, and other publications. She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University. She lives in Virginia Beach, Va.

What are the best books you’ve read recently?
I just re-read Joan Didion’s “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” — I love it, and always have.

What was your favorite book as a child?
“Anna Karenina” — still my favorite.

Why do you enjoy attending book festivals, either as a presenter or audience member?
Book festivals are great because it’s so much fun to meet other writers and readers!  All of that passion and energy– it makes me happy and motivated.

Have you been to the D.C. area before? If so, what is your favorite thing about it?
I love the architecture in D.C.  There’s all those gorgeous neoclassical buildings, the Old Stone house in Georgetown, the National Cathedral– the Victorian looking houses downtown.  Watching the opening credits for House of Cards makes me want to move back there.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a writer?
The backache I get from typing!