5 Best Stories of MaryJo Wagner, PhD

Summary

MaryJo Wagner, PhD, shares a collection of personal essays covering a range of topics from World War II to modern social issues, adoption, and ADHD, drawing from her experiences and expertise.

Abstract

The website presents a curated selection of five compelling stories by MaryJo Wagner, PhD, which reflect her diverse interests and experiences. These narratives span from the historical significance of D-Day and the evolution of television to the personal accounts of teaching in a Black school during the 1960s and the impact of COVID-19 and the George Floyd protests. Wagner also delves into the literary strategies of Louisa May Alcott and the emotional complexities of adoption and ADHD. The essays are a testament to Wagner's broad spectrum of knowledge, her commitment to social issues, and her insight into the human condition, particularly within the realms of adoption and ADHD, which are central themes in her work.

Opinions

The author holds the heroes of World War II in high regard, as evidenced by the memorial piece on her father, a paratrooper killed on D-Day.
Wagner emphasizes the importance of television as a source of information and connection, especially during significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
She reflects on her early teaching experiences in a Black school, highlighting the lessons learned about racism and poverty.
The author advocates for the repurposing and widespread dissemination of written content, drawing inspiration from the successful publishing strategies of Louisa May Alcott.
Wagner touches on the personal impact of adoption, suggesting that fear and guilt can have profound effects on the lives of adopted individuals, as seen in the story of an adopted daughter's struggles with her Master's thesis.
The author's commitment to addressing adoption issues is evident, as she offers coaching for women and resources like the "Adoption Checklist for Women."
Wagner acknowledges her own ADHD and its influence on her writing, which covers a variety of topics that resonate with her both personally and professionally.

Random Reflections on What’s Important (in addition to mountains)

Licensed from 123rf; copyright welcomia, “Colorado High Country”

The following compilation moves From D-Day in 1944 to a sweeping history of TV from the 1950s to Covid and George Floyd. From a Black Kindergarten in the 1960s to a torched Master’s Thesis. Even Louisa May Alcott. It’s eclectic, a little ADHDish, touches on adoption, and offers up a bit of history. (Don’t want to waste a PhD in American history!)

Freely licensed from Wikipedia

John Derrick Halls, a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, was killed by Nazi gunfire on D-Day, June 6, 1944. And actor played his part in Steven Spielberg’s HBO Series “Band of Brothers.”

TV hit Denver in the 1950s but I didn’t care until I became a TV addict watching for the latest news about COVID 19, the murder of George Floyd, and protests for justice.

In 1967 we moved to Alexandria, Virginia for my husband’s year-long internship on Capitol Hill. I applied for a teaching job and ended up in an all Black school receiving Head Start money for kindergarten. A first lesson in racism and poverty.

Put Your Content Everywhere What Can a Writer Learn from Louisa May Alcott?

overwhelmedtoaction.com — Photo courtesy author (author’s copy of Little Women).

Repurposing what one writes and publicizing it everywhere isn’t new. Discover how Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women, became a millionaire from her writing.

Shooting Myself in the Foot An Adopted Daughter Works on Her Master’s Thesis for Four Years

How an adopted daughter destroys four years of work because of fear and guilt that her Father would disapprove . . . and she could be taken back to the orphanage.

These stories represent issues I care deeply about: The forgotten heroes of World War 2, Black Lives Matter, adoption trauma, the pandemic that continues to rage in the United States and around the world, history, and good writing about everything.

Because I’m an adoption coach for women, my writing, as one might assume, focuses on adoption. In addition, I offer words of wisdom for adult ADHDers. (Not only do I suffer from and celebrate ADHD, but so do many adopted folks.)

Watch for my forthcoming eBook: Oh, Look There’s a Squirrel and Other Stories.

Given raging ADHD, it’s no surprise that focus does not come to me easily! In addition to adoption and ADHD, I also write random stories from my life, what I’ve observed, what’s in the news, about writing and editing, things I care about, and what tickles my fancy.

D-DAY | SCHOOL | FAMILY | LOUISA MAY ALCOTT | COVID-19

5 Best Stories of MaryJo Wagner, PhD

Random Reflections on What’s Important (in addition to mountains)