Pamela Zendt
Pamela Zendt’s journey as a writer and artist is deeply intertwined with her roots in a hardworking farm family and a lifelong love for the natural world. Raised in an environment that valued creativity amidst the demands of physical labor, Pamela found early inspiration from her parents. "My dad was a singer and loved music of all kinds. My mom is a self-taught artist, and her beautiful paintings are displayed proudly here in our house," she shares. This blend of creativity and hard work laid the foundation for Pamela’s own artistic and literary pursuits.
A Unique Spark in Writing
Pamela’s journey into writing took a memorable turn during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Working in Atlanta, she had the chance to win a spot to run with the Olympic torch—by writing a winning essay. "My essay was chosen as the best, so I earned a half-mile run with the torch," she recalls. This experience not only left her with a lasting memory but also served as a tangible example of the power of writing, one she would later share with her children to illustrate the value of learning to write well.
Today, Pamela is a graduate student at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a master’s degree in professional writing. "Working with the other students and the great professors at KSU sharpens me and my work," she says. Her academic journey is a testament to her dedication to continuous learning and refining her craft.
Exploring Creative Mediums
Pamela’s creative journey is not confined to writing alone. "Besides writing, I sometimes go on a binge of quilting, making abstract art paintings, doing pencil house drawings, or maybe creating field journals with colored pencils," she explains. This exploration of different genres and mediums is driven by the joy and relaxation she finds in creative expression, even as she consciously tries not to get too uptight about the results.
Her writing has evolved from early journalism work to a focus on creative nonfiction, with a special emphasis on environmental issues. "Today, my work has one foot in journalism and one foot in creative nonfiction. My special focus is on environmental issues; the big issue of our time. I can't look away," she asserts. This deep connection to the natural world is a recurring theme in her work, reflecting her commitment to raising awareness about environmental challenges.
Pamela draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including contemporary writers like Annie Proulx, whose works she finds particularly "prime the pump" for her own writing. "One of my professors, Garrard Conley at KSU, advised us to always read before writing to prime the pump. Her work is great for that," she notes. Other influential reads include A World on the Wing by Scott Weidensaul and All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley, which help to shape her thoughts and approach to writing.
For the past two years, Pamela has edited and published The Everyday Scientist on Substack, a newsletter focused on community science. This platform has allowed her to reach a global audience, sharing her observations about nature and the environment. "By now, I have a global following and a readership in the thousands," she says, proud of the impact her writing has had in encouraging others to engage in community science.
The Creative Process
Pamela’s creative process is closely tied to her morning routine, which includes ample coffee and a focus on getting ready for the day. "My creative work is best with bountiful coffee in the morning hours," she notes, though she balances this with her love for cycling and exercise. To overcome creative blocks, she employs methods like the Pomodoro technique or draws inspiration from Anne Lamott’s advice to focus on small, manageable pieces of writing. "I even have a homemade paper one-inch frame taped here on my desk," she shares, a tool that helps her narrow her focus when feeling overwhelmed.
At the heart of Pamela’s work is a deep commitment to the natural world. Through her writing, she hopes to inspire her readers to take hands-on actions that can help the environment, reduce eco-despair, and encourage others to do the same. "I hope my readers can learn some hands-on way to help the environment," she says, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact through her work.
Looking ahead, Pamela is working on her graduate thesis at Kennesaw State University, which will focus on community science designed to help the natural world. She also continues to collaborate with fellow writers, particularly through a writing group formed after attending the Orion Magazine Writers' Conference. "The project has been so much fun and has made me more productive," she says, highlighting the value of collaboration in her creative journey.
Final Thoughts
Pamela Zendt’s journey is one of continuous exploration, learning, and a deep connection to the environment. Her work as a writer, artist, and community scientist reflects her commitment to fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world. As she continues to develop her craft and engage with her audience, Pamela remains focused on her mission to inspire meaningful action and create a positive impact through her creative endeavors.