Was it only by dreaming or writing that I could find out what I thought? ~ Joan Didion

Part of my writing practice involves searching for new writers and delighting in the discovery of the stories they have to tell. Scouring the internet for blogs and searching the shelves of my public library for inspirational words has been a hobby for over three decades now and one I’ll never grow tired of.  In my connecting online, I was happy to be given the opportunity to participate in a “blog hop” among writers, like myself, by author, Debbie LaCroix. I thought it would be fun to try something new on my blog!

What are you working on?

Presently, I’m working on a creative nonfiction account of the journey that led my husband and I to adopt our oldest daughter (referred to here on my blog as “The Girl”). Our story is unique, as we faced almost five years of infertility and I had four miscarriages before welcoming The Girl home. Two years followed before her adoption was finalized, and during that time, I became pregnant again, but carried to term for the first time, giving birth to “The Boy” after a rather difficult pregnancy. In the years since, I’ve had one more child and lost another. My hope is that my words will affirm and comfort other couples struggling with infertility and miscarriage, and inspires others to adopt—especially domestically and/or from foster care. When I’m not working on this book, I keep up my personal journal, write journals for each of my three children, and write poetry. I aspire to write about the challenges and joys involved in raising a child with multiple special needs, and dream about publishing a book of poetry.

How does your writing process work?

My writing process always begins with a free-writing exercise. Coming to the computer and first clearing my mind of the day’s clutter helps me to remain keenly focused on my story. Being a stay-at-home mother to three young children makes it difficult to find much time to write. So, I’ve become quite adept at squeezing writing in small pockets of time throughout the day. Finding more than an hour of uninterrupted time to write is a gift, and when I get large chunks of time like that, I relish in the delight of my luck and use it to my advantage by not wasting time away. Late at night, when everyone is sound asleep and the house is subdued and calm, is my favorite time to write and the time of day when I feel the most productive.

Who are the authors you most admire?

I would not be a writer today without being inspired by the magnitude of authors I have been privileged to read. Every week, I read at least one book, if not more. My husband says my reading addiction keeps me from writing more, and in a sense, he’s right. But, I just can’t help myself! Reading enriches my life and inspires me in countless ways. That being said, I enjoy reading a variety of genres and re-read classics and favorite stories, as well.

Some of my favorite authors include: Anne Lamott, Ann Patchett, William Wordsworth, William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Jodi Picoult, Anita Shreve, Leif Enger, Joan Didion, Dodie Smith, John Keats, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Lauck, Heather Vogel Frederick, and Kate Morton. Every week, I look forward to discovering new favorite writers and stories.

Here is a similar list of some of the blogs I frequently spend time reading. Hop on over! I hope you find a new favorite author among these wonderful sites:

Hands Free Mama http://www.handsfreemama.com/

Hannah Nicole http://blog.imhannahnicole.com/

Heidi Hess Saxton http://heidihesssaxton.wordpress.com/about-2/about-heidi-hess-saxton/

Motherhood & Words http://motherhoodandwords.com/

Finding Joy http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/