Elizabeth Louise Douglas is a recent journalism and creative writing graduate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, who is using her education, personal experiences and connection to nature to further her writing journey both journalistically and creatively.
If I could give my younger self some advice, I would tell that little girl not to let the opinions of others determine her future. To pursue whatever dreams fulfill her, and to always be her own best advocate.
One of my more recent influences is Suleika Jaouad, author of ‘Between Two Kingdoms’ and the New York Times column ‘Life Interrupted’. Through the ‘Life Interrupted’ series, she was able to turn her battle with leukemia into a creative and informative outlet for other patients, survivors, family members or those who simply wish to experience her beautiful, raw and powerful writing. I have always wanted to be honest in my writing, whether it be in a journalistic or creative form. Suleika’s honesty has inspired me to write more openly about my experiences and hardships surrounding mental health and abuse.
In September 2021, I started working on a poetry chapbook called ‘From Roots and Remedies’. I presented this collection in a reading at the end of my final semester of university, which was an opportunity for me to challenge myself both in the poetic form, but also with the deep, personal experiences I wove into my work.
In five years, I see myself having a number of original works published by reputable literary journals, as well as expanding my portfolio of journalistic articles, photography and potentially audio and video content. I hope to become a well-rounded journalist, writer and artist, yet I don’t want to ever feel like I am just one of those things. Rather to explore many different avenues and embrace wherever those roads take me.
