We recently had the chance to connect with Amy Impellizzeri and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Before I was a writer, I was a practicing lawyer, including 10 years at a large Manhattan law firm. As I was applying to law school, I remember an older friend – a law student- telling me to focus solely on my client’s voices – not my own, in order to succeed as a lawyer. I listened to him and gave up my voice for a long time. In this chapter, I’ve been called to help others write their own stories, including lawyers. Or maybe – especially lawyers. Stay tuned.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a reformed corporate litigator turned novelist and writing instructor. I also work in development (which I consider the perfect intersection between law and storytelling) as I raise millions of dollars annually in scholarship funding for students in underserved areas of Pennsylvania (my home state). I’m also a regular contributor to GOOD DAY PA and a proud member of the Tall Poppy Writers, a marketing co-op for female writers.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In November 2001, I survived a residential plane crash on the ground – when a plane crashed into my Belle Harbor NY neighborhood,
2 months after 9/11.. Of the 4 corner houses at the place of impact, mine was the only one unscathed, and I carry the guilt and relief of that moment with me in all of my work and life.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After a painful divorce
In 2020, I had to face some very traumatic experiences both in the marriage and prior to it. I decided to incorporate and write some of those experiences and pains into my novels, and re-write new chapters (symbolically and literally!)
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! But this has been some time coming. There was a time when I was not willing to share my pains and vulnerabilities with readers, friends, or even my closest circles. That has changed for me recently, as authenticity continues to be my greatest goal!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Great question! I hope to die without a lot of savings accumulated and I often tell the kids, please don’t come to my will reading. You’re living it! So I suppose there are some who will say I lived without proper financial planning, but the truth is- I’ve worked hard, been generous, and spent money on the things that mean the most to me: my children, travel, and experiencing life to the fullest!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.amyimpellizzeri.com
- Instagram: @amyimpellizzeri
Image Credits
N/a
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
