June 2023

Alyssa Hazel 2018

DEGREES:
B.A. English in Creative Writing

CURRENT EMPLOYER
Downtown Bridal

CURRENT OCCUPATION
Author

DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
Post graduation, I've had a variety of pursuits: a machine operator, a lab tech in a horseshoe crab blood refinement facility and consultant work in the bridal industry. I know, a strange mix, but they've all been interesting in their own ways. However, my passion lies with writing. I've created three collections of speculative fiction in my Twitching Light Trilogy – Twitching Light, Pleasant Little Moments and Stress Fracture. Started in 2019, the series explores the horrific, the weird and the fantastical. From serial killers who collect doorknobs, to vampire-run blood banks, to a chicken's revenge, to a world where fish rule over all, the series doesn't shy away from asking questions into the dark … and then listening to what it has to say. I have been an invited guest for FantaSci 2023 in Durham, NC, and am slated to be the same at MarsCon 2024 in Virginia Beach. Two more books are currently in the works.

MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
I learned how to both give and receive useful critique from my peers. This has led me to the piece of advice I give most to young writers: Your first draft is a skeleton, not a full body. What do I mean by this? Our skeletons are meant to give our bodies shape, movement, but it was never meant to function on its own. I think a lot of writers, including me, get stuck on the first draft. We want flowing artistry from ourselves the first time in that moment. And if I'm honest, a great first draft can save a lot of time editing. Every story starts with just being written down. So just write! Even if it's awkward or clumsy. That's what we have editors, beta readers and second drafts for! So, if you're feeling bogged down and stuck, or are beating yourself up because the story isn't where you'd like it to be, remember this: Your first draft is a skeleton, not a full body!

WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
I was the fiction editor for the Scarab magazine. For those who don’t know, Scarab has been a student-run journal of creative writing on the Salisbury University campus for over 25 years. Since my time, the magazine has expanded its focus to all the liberal arts. In its new incarnation, Scarab is committed to publishing Salisbury University's best student writing and art, as well as highlighting student work in the disciplines of music, theatre and dance.

BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
Creating my piece “Modo Draco Est.” I crafted the piece for a course with Dr. John Nieves, someone who helped me grow as a wordsmith. I was able to read a portion at a college event that same semester. This piece became a fan-favorite in my first book Twitching Light.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
I'm originally from Salisbury, so the university felt like an intrinsic part of growing up in the area. Several members of my family and friends are alumni as well. I distinctly remember seeing The Pirates of Penzance with Catherine Thawley and portions of The Magic Flute.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Textured – There is a detailing to the place that is difficult to describe. You turn every corner and find a bit of art or history. Current students and alumni leave themselves within the landscape. It feels like a warm wool blanket of a place.
Diverse - From the students to the faculty to the courses, there's a distinct spectrum of culture, ideas and opinions. All of which sharpens the minds within.
Home - Growing up, my family often went to events or graduation hosted there. My sister Meredith was in the music program. Side note: She's fantastic at her own craft. As such, before I even started attending, there was a magic to the place.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
A beach town in the off season. Love the beach, but I enjoy the peace. There's something intimate about being the only one on a strip of sand. It feels like you and the ocean can finally have a nice chat.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Being invited to be a guest author at MarsCon 2024. MarsCon is a weekend-long party for people who enjoy science fiction and fantasy. It's a chance to gather with 1,400 or so of your closest friends (or make new friends) and talk about science fiction, fantasy, cosplay, gaming, your favorite author or whatever else you like to talk about. MarsCon is the largest and longest running fiction/fantasy convention in the Tidewater area.

WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I write horror and speculative fiction, but I have a soft spot for historical romance.

HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
Film history and cooking. Before the food allergies kicked in, I loved making a good stroganoff. Now I enjoy making a good potato salad.