When it comes to being an all-around multi-talented artist, 24-year-old Isabella Preisz seizes that title, and her efforts to create stellar content go above and beyond. She clearly doesn’t avoid the hustle, and as a result we have seen Isabella write two books, become an established influencer on multiple platforms and most recently, launch her highly praised podcast, Give Space.
In 2019, Isabella earned her degree in creative writing, focusing mostly on poetry at the University of Southern California. She began writing her first poetry collection at 18-years old, and on her 19th birthday published her first book 7,300 days, a compilation of her exceptional and artistic words. She then went on to publish her second poetry book, hours inside out in May of 2020.
Not only is Isabella Preisz an incredibly talented author, but an eye opening podcast host too. Give Space is the perfect podcast to give your head some space from life’s daily stress and turmoil. Isabella’s vulnerable attitude allows her to share a rather honest and complex series of ideas through exploring topics like finances, mental health, relationships and career goals.
Isabella Preisz undeniably works endlessly to achieve her dreams, which leaves us wondering: how does she do it? Sheesh Magazine searched for the answer in an exclusive interview with Isabella. She spoke to us about pursuing her dreams, her novels and podcast, and her favourite must-have items at the moment.
When did you first know you wanted to pursue writing as a career?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “Growing up, I would write small poems all over my school assignments and random sticky notes. Writing has always been a pulse I’ve had inside of me. My love for the craft really grew during my freshman year in college. I found myself in a new place surrounded by new people. I craved a pastime that offered solitude, reflection, and connection. Before I knew it, I was filling up journal after journal. After my freshman year, I decided to leave California and embark on a two month trip to Indonesia instead of attending summer school. I don’t know what it was about that place, but it changed something inside of me. I woke up every morning to watch the sunrise, drank a cup of tea, and wrote. Once I returned, I decided to leave university (I was studying Communication) and go to a school where I could major in creative writing.”
What is the best environment for you to write in?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “It changes daily. But my favorite environment to write in is silence. I love museums, book stores, or the back of a stuffy cafe. Or the park. I do like to write out in the world, though. My desk at home is for editing.”
Can you share a little bit about what your book ‘7,300 days’ is about?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “I wrote 7,300 days when I was 18. It’s a coming of age poetry collection that deals with my experience with what it felt like to come into existence as a young woman. I describe my relationship with watching my mother go through breast cancer, letting go of my first love, and my relationship with my father. I wrote it as if the reader is overlooking my shoulder as I’m writing in my journal.”
Could you share a little bit about what your most recent book ‘hours inside out’ is about?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “‘Hours inside out’ is vastly different from my first collection of poetry, but it pulls themes from it as well. I would say that the biggest difference between the two is how much my relationship with language and my body changed. Because I wrote 7,300 days before attending university, my ability to access certain subject matter was limited.
In ‘hours inside out,’ I am unafraid to unlock the sexual abuse that I was unsure how to explore, sculpt, and address in my first collection. While writing this book, I was unafraid and ready. And the poems punch, but in a way that still calls on the reader to do the work and make sense of the world I have created.”
You recently launched a podcast! How was the whole experience launching that into existence?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “It has been absolutely lovely. I feel so excited to be working on this project. My biggest goal and purpose with this podcast has been giving myself the space to freely explore what is going on inside my mind as well as hand the mic over to guests and let them roll with it. I’ve wanted to start a podcast since my junior year in college, but felt so much resistance to the idea. Once I was able to break through the fear and doubt, I started to see how effortless the process can be when you stay dedicated and committed. Also, I’m learning how to be gentle on myself. Podcasting is such a relaxing format and I try my best to let go and have fun with it.”
What themes and topics do you enjoy talking about most on your podcast?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “Give Space is a podcast that’s in the name, really. It’s a space that’s all about giving ourselves the time to air out all the questions, thoughts, and transitions that we go through as we move towards a path that most fulfills us. Whether you’re an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or someone navigating an impasse in a relationship — I created this podcast to be a home for those who want to talk about what it means to be a work in progress. A space to come to when we have more questions than answers.”
What is your favourite episode you have recorded so far?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “I loved having Kate Glavan on the pod. She’s a hoot and also incredibly intellectual. She inspires the hell out of me. I love how well she navigates conversations online and shares her knowledge with the world. But to be honest, every single human I’ve had the honor of connecting with on the pod has been life changing in the most subtle, and yet revolutionary way.”
In what ways have you learned to stay motivated to create throughout this pandemic?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “I wake up early, drink water, and get to work. And by work, I mean finding a gentle purpose for myself that fuels me with intention. If my intention for the day is rest, I hold space for that need. If my purpose is cleanliness and organization, I honor that and get to dusting. I just try my best to show up for whatever my gut is asking for. I follow my intention to the best of my ability and on the days that it’s extra hard, I let go and remind myself that we are living through insanely unprecedented times.”
Can you share your best memory during this pandemic?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “Even though these have been some of the toughest, unequal, despairing times, I have tried my absolute best to remind myself to see the light and have gratitude for what I do have. In the beginning of the pandemic, LA was a ghost town — naturally. On a day that my partner and I felt extra stir-crazy, we packed up the car with lunch and all the necessary writing materials and drove towards PCH. We drove until we found a completely secluded area and sat on a blanket on the side of the highway. My partner pulled out the typewriter and we started writing a poem together while gazing out on the ocean. It was such a present moment contained within the hell-hole of 2020.”
What is the first thing you are doing once this pandemic is over?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “I honestly cannot pick between 1) Going dancing or 2) Going to a cafe and sitting next to a stranger. I crave small, intimate, fleeting smiles and conversations with people so much. And being able to bump up against someone to get a drink.”
Can you share some of your favourite feel-good items of the moment?
ISABELLA PREISZ: “I am absolutely loving the Chlorophyll Cocokind Mask. It’s the refresh my skin is craving. Also, Prospect Farms “dream” CBD oil for relaxing and letting go before bedtime. I’ve also been really into colorful anything — eyeshadow, hair ties, sunglasses. I think it’s because I want to play and be funky even though I’m still in my bedroom!”
Keep up with Isabella Preisz on Instagram and YouTube. And don’t forget to check out her podcast and poetry novels.
