How do I do it?

Please stop by Debora Rorvig's blog at the link below. Scroll down her blog a little bit and read her right sidebar: I am

When I first read that, it touched me very deeply. I encourage all of you to do an "I AM" of your own.

http://thingsthatarelovely.blogspot.com/

Readers, I'd like to thank all of you who nominated me as the next person to reveal something about myself as a writer. I also need to apologize for not doing this sooner and for turning some of you down. The writing life for me is wild-crazy at the moment, not to mention preschool.

What are you working on right now?
I am doing a final edit on the book above. Not Your Mother's Book...On Family has been a labor of love. Its release date will be June 10th. I am a co-creator of this anthology which means I aided publishers and owners of Publishing Syndicate, Ken and Dahlynn McKowen on the selection, and layout of stories. I was one of many editors who looked over the book. The publishers had final say, of course. I am busy setting up book signings and preparing for a launch along with Dianna Graveman who is co-creator of Not Your Mother's Book...on Being a Mom.

I would also like to do a book signing for the Chicken Soup Alzheimer's and Other Dementias book. If anyone has contacts, please let me know. Proceeds to benefit the Alzheimer's foundation.

I am also editing a book length manuscript for a writer. It is a fun read because I recognize some of the "fictional" characters in our community. No, I cannot reveal any details.

I am trying to meet April 15th deadlines for freelance opportunities, and I am also trying to keep up with blog posts.

How does my work differ from others in the genre?
I am a multi genre writer but I write mostly creative non-fiction and personal essay. I write from my heart with the intent to engage the reader using sensory details and life-like dialogue. I touch on human emotion and write slice of life vignettes. I try to add a dash of humor and use metaphor to address an issue.

I write and release, knowing some of my stories will fill a niche while others will not be considered for a particular publication. Rejection only means recycling for me.

Why do I write what I do?
I write to touch others. I write because I want to share my experiences. I keep my circus drama and monkeys to myself, but in everyone's life a few clown's must come, so I often bare my soul to connect with the reader. The broad range of human emotion has touched all of us. I want my work to be relatable.

How does my writing process work?
I write best under pressure. Today was the deadline for an assigned six page article. I tackled it last night and put the finishing touches on it a few minutes ago. That's how I operate. I edit as I go and then lay my work aside for a few hours, or a day, and I come back and edit again.

I do not write everyday, but when I do write, I write intensely.  I go like gangbusters in January. Typically I submit anywhere from 15-20 pieces in January.

Then, reality hits me. I try to send out at least five submissions per month. That is my personal quota, although I have submitted more in spring, and less in fall when I am returning to a new school year.

I wake early, around 5:00, peruse the internet for writing markets and sometimes get lost on social media. If I see a particular call out  that appeals to me, I will begin right away. I may only write a sentence or jot an idea and allow it to germinate into a story. But it is right there on my desk top beckoning me to add details.

I do not like writing on command, and I find it difficult to write in workshops and produce something in fifteen minutes. I need to think it through, find a direction, and then follow the path it takes me. Sometimes I surprise myself.

I am passing this on to anyone who wishes to participate. Please link to my blog if you do. I would appreciate it.