Essay Writer Kate Roselli Shares Her Non-fiction Literature with Battersea Anthology
How Battersea becomes this New Yorker’s creative outlet
Battersea Anthology aims to raise profiles of writers associated with the Battersea and Nine Elms area, and foster a strong artistic spirit and community. Learn more about Kate’s work and her literary pursuit in this interview.
About Kate Roselli
Kate Roselli is a native New Yorker living in London with her Patrick Swayze throw blanket.
Q: Do you always have story/poetry ideas in your head?
Yes, the inner world of my brain has always been quite rich since I was a child. I am constantly thinking of ideas and writing and editing whole paragraphs in my head, much to the chagrin of my partner who is always wondering what I am daydreaming about.
Q: How did you decide to start writing this time around for Battersea Anthology?
The Battersea area has been a core part of my relationship with my partner and since moving back to London and Battersea in 2023, it felt like the perfect time to tell its personal significance in my life.
Q: What was the experience of coming up with the idea and putting it down to paper like?
As an essayist, I find the overall process of putting my words to paper simultaneously soothing and distressing because you're releasing your inner-thoughts outside of your audience of one, but it's invigorating in that it's the beginning of a conversation with readers. Those conflicting feelings are reflected in how I get those words down - there are moments of euphoric triumph as I quickly write a few lines, then there are periods pacing back and forth as I think about what to write next and structure, and there's a whole lot of scrunching my hair.
Q: How do you feel when the final word is completed?
The emotional cocktail for that particular moment is joy, content, and fearful anticipation as you release something of yours into the world.
Q: How did you find the editing process - both self-edit and working with an editor?
The process was much less intimidating and vulnerable than I thought it would be, but I had to learn to practice restraint because it's so easy to keep editing yourself over and over again. To be able to walk away and be confident in what you have produced at a certain point in the process requires confidence and restraint.
Q: How do your friends and family feel about you taking on this challenge at your age and your stage of life?
All of them have been thrilled that I have finally taken to publishing work in my own voice and have been so supportive. During my professional career, I have had to write for others in very sanitized corporate speak that doesn't really say much. My writing voice has always been quite distinct and I am so happy to have taken this step in sharing that voice and perspective.
Q: Would you do it again? Has writing this piece activated your desire to write more?
Heck yes! I am working on a few essays at the moment and hope to share them soon.
