Friday Feature: @AlessiaDiCesare

Alessia DiCesare is a first-year student at the University of Ottawa where she is specializing in English Literature. After receiving her degree, she plans on teaching high school English. She says this goal will give her the chance to be “a pivotal person in someone’s life.”

P: What is your relationship with writing and how has it evolved?

A: I’ve written my thoughts down ever since I can remember…in journals, mostly. It wasn’t until I was 14 that I took an interest in writing poetry. I cannot recall exactly where this need to poetically express myself stemmed from.

I just remember, one night, weaving some metaphors together in order to make sense of the complexities of the world, and I instantly fell in love.

I fell in love with the way I became aware of who I was while writing, and the adrenaline rush that happens as I piece each sentence together. It’s a difficult thing to explain…writing is sort of an instinct for me.

I feel like if I don’t answer to its call, it becomes so overwhelming, I might just throw up.

When I first started writing, I kept my poetry mostly to myself, sometimes sharing my work with a few close friends. One day, I decided to share a handful of my poems with my high school English teacher, and it was she who encouraged me to share my work with others.

I now post my poetry on many social media sites, as well as partake in a few poetry events at the university I attend.

Sharing my work has provided me with a greater sense of belonging in the world, and I am incredibly thankful for my English teacher’s encouragement.

P: Briefly discuss the value that reading adds to both your personal and professional life.

A: I’ve always been amazed by the way reading has helped to enrich my life--the perspectives I have gained from reading are extremely valuable to me. Reading (and writing) have helped me stay dreamy, while still being in tune with reality: it allows me to connect with characters in a world that may only exist within the novel, but ultimately help me make sense of the world I live in.

I’ve become more empathetic by reading. Being able to put myself in the shoes of others has definitely helped to improve my writing, and my reactions to different life experiences.

P: How would you describe your current literary ventures and what can we look forward to in future posts?

A: Recently, I’ve been struggling to get my thoughts down…I’ve been in a really long, drawn out ‘writing funk’ that I can’t seem to shake myself out of. I’m thinking this block is mostly due to the amount of stress I’ve been feeling at school. I’m hoping that when the summer comes around, I’ll have time to fully focus and dedicate myself to writing.

I would love to publish a book of my own poems, but I don’t think the timing is right. I’ve put a few manuscripts together, but something always seems to be missing.

I don’t want to settle for a manuscript that seems ‘okay’ just for the sake of publishing. I’m sure if I notice that there are pieces missing, my readers will notice as well.

P: What does Prose. mean to you?

A: Prose. has become an intimate literary world where artists and readers come together to share their love of literature. It has introduced me to so many incredible writers and their work. I am very happy to have come across this wonderful community.

P: Where else can we find you and your writing?

A: You can find my writing on my personal Tumblr account at www.featherumbrellas.tumblr.com and follow me on Twitter @adicesaree.

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