Claudine M. D'Angelo-Dotzman's Page

About Me:

I am a writer and educator from New Jersey.

I can speak what my grandmother calls “good Italian” and understand my family’s dialect. I have had the amazing opportunity to live in Milan, Italy and loved it. We eat lasagna on Thanksgiving. Contrary to what the media says I have never overturned a fully set table in a fit of pique. So I guess Bravo isn’t going to be knocking on my door anytime soon. Especially when they discover that, none of my relatives is mob connected.

This year I founded an anual Italian American arts festival at the Watchung Arts Center here in NJ. In our inagural year we featured a contest in short fiction as well as a curated art show. Our next festival, scheduled for October 2011, will be even bigger and better. Hope to see you there!

Professionally, I am passionate about two things: writing and teaching. I love having the opportunity to help people gain new knowledge and skills while overcoming obstacles (both internal and external) that keep them bound to a status quo they would prefer not to live in. I take this role seriously. “If you’re not learning, I’m not teaching.” I currently teach at Passaic County Community College.

Writing is my lifeline, the deepest connection to my creative self. I love the artistry of creating through the written word. It is the truest expression of my soul that the world will ever experience. I write because I must

Website:

http://dangelodotzman.wordpress.com

Favorite Music:

A little of this and a little of that. Anything that grabs my fancy from classical to Italian opera to 40s standards to more contemporary music. I'm a big fan of Genesis, especially their earlier songs with their mythical overtones and literary narratives.

Favorite TV Shows:

Life on Mars (UK Version), Masterpiece Theatre, Doctor Who