Introducing Malissa Rodenburg and the Writers Who Run Column
By Allison Yates
Later this summer, Read & Run Tours will have a new column: Writers Who Run.
In this column helmed by Seattle-based reader, runner, writer, and bookseller Malissa Rodenburg, you’ll hear from people who not only write books we love, but who also run—and involve the sport into their writing process.
We asked Malissa about her background and relationship to reading and running, her inspiration for this column, and what she hopes you’ll learn.
Tell us about your background and your relationship with reading and running?
Reading, running, and writing are three activities that pretty much consume my life. I have two writing degrees, one focused on fiction and the other on science writing, which are two crazy ends of the spectrum from fantastical to factual. I currently work as an independent journalist, writing mostly about innovations in women’s health. Previously, I was on staff at Outside and Women’s Running Magazine where I had the privilege to write about running (talk about worlds colliding!).
Two afternoons a week I also work as a bookseller at a family-owned bookstore in my neighborhood in West Seattle. Reading is not only an activity I enjoy, but also makes me a better writer. There it is—the trifecta!
Tell us about your new column, Writers Who Run. What inspired it?
Writers Who Run is a series I’m thrilled to be launching with Read and Run, all about writers who work running into their writing process. I love the idea of connecting readers and writers in this way. As you’re out running these routes and discussing the books, we can imagine, too, how the authors may have also run those streets while threading the story together in their mind. We’ve got a really exciting and diverse list of authors in the queue, who all have different relationships with running, which I think will also be interesting to dive into.
What about the column is most exciting for you?
I’m most excited to talk with these authors who have written books that have blown me away. I know I’m going to learn so much from them. I’m also excited to hear about the places around the country (and world) that they recommend going for a run.
What do you hope readers will gain from reading your column?
I hope readers come away feeling inspired. Running is not only a practice that is good for our bodies, but it is an amazing way to connect with your community and also yourself. Whether you have a pursuit you’re working towards or maybe want to start, I think this interview series will help highlight how running serves to make us more creative by offering a space for meditation, to decompress, and to build resilience.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve always been someone who juggles multiple books. Currently I’m reading through the complete works of Sherlock Holmes and watching Sherlock the TV show as I get through the stories the episodes are based on. I wish Arthur Conan Doyle was still alive so I could ask him why he chose to tell all these tales from the point of view of Watson who is often sent on errands and then misses the action!
I’ve also just started reading Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford and Hang the Moon by Jeanette Walls. My favorite book of all time is TheSnow Child by Eowyn Ivey.
Malissa Rodenburg is an independent science journalist, poet, and writer of fiction. Learn more on her website.