It Takes a Village

If you read my last post you know that apparently, it takes a village to optimize your website for search engines. So, I'm building myself a little SEO village.

Meet Alison Dalafave, an intern who is helping me navigate the rough seas of SEO. Alison is entering her junior year at Fordham University, Lincoln Center with a major in English and a minor in business. Here's a little more about her....

Why/when/how did you become interested in writing?

I've always been interested in storytelling; I used to only be able to fall asleep if my sister told me stories she'd made up. I've been interested in writing ever since I discovered that someone actually wrote all the books I would devour as a kid. Since then, I knew I wanted to write stories of my own. As I grew up, my love of fiction only grew, but so did my love of nonfiction. I discovered the power of writing to develop my ideas, to inform others, and to initiate change. Now, I'm excited to continue to develop my writing skills in both fiction and nonfiction.

What kind of writing do you enjoy most?

I definitely prefer fiction to nonfiction. I've always had a soft spot for sci-fi, fantasy, and mythology. As far as nonfiction goes, I love to read memoirs and essays, but I also won't say no to an expository book about science and space.

What are your favorite things to write about?

I always have characters and plot lines bouncing around in my head, and I definitely love to explore them in my writing. My favorite genres are sci-fi and fantasy, so I tend to veer in that direction. When I'm writing an op-ed, I generally try to focus on important social issues facing our society.

Favorite book?

At the risk of sounding clichéd, I'd have say the Harry Potter series is my favorite--book 3, if I have to pick just one. I also love The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Oh, and Pride and Prejudice.

Favorite author?

Rick Riordan. Not only because he wrote the Percy Jackson series (which was also a favorite when I was growing up and remains so to this day), but also because of his dedication to inclusiveness and intersectionality in his books.

Who was your earliest "writing coach"? How did s/he help guide you?

My earliest writing coach was my sixth grade reading/writing teacher, Ms. R. She taught me the power of transition words, for which I will be forever grateful.

Anything else you want to include?

I'm so excited to be involved with Coach Cutler!