Spark Spotlight - Writer Angie Mizzell

Photo Credit: Jody Mack Photography

Angie Mizzell is an author, speaker, and conversation catalyst who encourages women to break cycles of the past, pave their own way, and come home to themselves. Angie connects with her community through her weekly newsletter Hello Friday, and her coming-of-age memoir "Girl in the Spotlight" was recently released by Publish Her press.

"Girl in the Spotlight" examines a pivotal moment in Angie's life when she left her rising career in television news to pursue a path that felt more authentic and fulfilling. Angie takes a look back at how unprocessed childhood loss shaped her views of success, performance, and self-worth and highlights the turning points and realizations that led her to take a major leap of faith.

1. How did you become interested in writing? 

My 9th grade English teacher made us keep a daily journal that we had to turn in at the end of each week for a grade. I noticed that when I put pen to paper, my thoughts and feelings about what was going on behind-the-scenes in my life came easily. When I wrote, I felt a shift inside: I felt honest, free, and more like myself.

2. What style of writing do you most enjoy? 

I've always gravitated towards personal essays and memoir. I like to share relatable stories about my life to encourage and inspire others and remind them that they're not alone. 

3. Where do you find your inspiration as a writer? 

In the midst of day-to-day living. I can be going about my day and something about the moment will illuminate—it starts playing out like a scene in my mind. 

4. What is the most rewarding part of being a writer? 

When a reader tells me how my words helped them make an important connection in their own life. 

5. What is most important to you in your writing? 

It's important that my writing "voice" closely reflects the truest and most honest version of myself. I try to give my ideas enough space to develop beyond my initial raw and unprocessed reactions, but I don't overthink it to a point that my words lose their vulnerability and relatability. 

6. What are you currently working on? 

I'm launching a podcast in early 2024 and it will be a deeper dive into the themes and topics presented in my memoir, "Girl in the Spotlight." It will be a mix of solo episodes and interviews with guests.