Liz Zelvin
Elizabeth Zelvin (click on her name for a link to her webiste) is a New York city psychotherapist and author of a mystery series featuring recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler. Death Will Help You Leave Him, out in October 2009 from Minotaur Books, is a traditional whodunit about addictive relationships and hard choices. Liz's debut mystery, Death Will Get You Sober, was nominated for a David award for Best Mystery Novel of 2008 and for an Anthony award for cover design. Bruce also appears in three short stories, one in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine (August 2009) one nominated for an Agatha award for Best Short Story, and a third in The Gift of Murder, the 2009 holiday crime anthology to benefit Toys for Tots, and coming out soon.
Liz's majored in English at Brandeis University, graduating magna cum laude. Next, she spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, where she taught English to French-speaking students. She also performed her own songs on Ivoirien radio and television. On her return, Liz found a job in publishing and began writing.
After fifteen years as a textbook and reference book editor, Liz attended Columbia University, earning a master's degree in social work, and also obtained redentials in alcoholism counseling. Liz directed a treatment program on the Bowery for homeless alcoholics and drug addicts for six years and has worked with many couples and individuals with relationship issues in her private practice as a psychotherapist over more than twenty years.
In 2001, Liz launched an online therapy website She maintains a practice on the Internet with clients all over the world and trains experienced traditional therapists in online clinical skills. Her articles have appeared in professional journals in both the US and the UK, and she contributed to a groundbreaking textbook on online counseling.
In her spare time, you can find Liz blogging on Poe's Deadly Daughters. When asked what advice she might have, or what she might share about her life experiences and how they have helped shape her as a writer, she says,
"I've heard women over 50 say that they have become invisible. At 65, I don't feel one bit invisible. My visibility is no longer all about sex and desirability. It's been rechanneled into a kind of charismatic networking energy that helps me promote my work, and it's a lot more fun than being whistled at on the street. I was born to schmooze. I was shy for many years--another form of invisibility--but between all those years of life experience and the necessities of 21st century publishing, that's a thing of the past. Older women say what they think--which could be one reason we're better writers.
"Liz, Wisewoman (I'm not crazy about the term "crone") and Outrageous Older Woman (I've got the T-shirt)"
Photo used by permission
Don't miss getting your copy of Death Will Help You Leave HIm, coming out Oct 09.
Comments
Liked this interview! Liz sounds like an author I'd like to meet at a conference or conference sometime.
Me, too, although I have no problem with the word Crone! LOL
I'm not too fond of "crone" either. Makes me think of a witch stirring something vile in a steaming cauldron.
Looking forward to reading Liz's books. I had already heard good things about Death Will Get You Sober, so I guess I'd better catch up.
Thanks, Patricia and Madeline--and Sylvia for inviting me. :) I do go to mystery conferences. :) I'll be at Bouchercon in Indianapolis in October and will also be doing some signings in Ohio and Pennsylvania, then in North Carolina and Atlanta in November. And if you're within range of New York City, you're definitely invited to my launch party on October 27 at Partners & Crime. More info on my website. :)
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