Some More Tidbits About Me

In response to Flint and Steel’s interview

Have you ever had those moments where you want to write, but your mind is running rampant circles with no clear vision of a topic, thought, or opinion to put a solid piece out for publication?

That’s been me the last few days. I don’t have the energy to share some sentiments that have been plaguing my mind because they need some in-depth research to make them pertinent and read-worthy.

I just want to write! Let words flow off my fingers.

Whenever I read the news and discover a topic of interest, I send the article to myself for future inspiration. I do the same with publication prompts; I keep them in a private list to go back to when I have the inclination — or remember — to participate.

Ellie Jacobson sent me an email on February 24th, 2022, with a list of questions to answer to be a featured writer on her pub, Flint and Steel. No disrespect to Ellie, but I read it and filed it — then completely forgot about it!

Honestly, I think I filed it because I felt I’d rabbited on enough about myself. But reading over her questions tonight, there are some I haven’t touched on, so why not? It may just break that darned writer’s block; let the thoughts flow freely and just allow me to write.

So, here goes for some answers in response to Ellie’s questions:

How did you discover Medium, and how long have you been writing here?

I started writing on Medium in April 2021 after a brief stint at Vocal Media. I was more than disillusioned with stories getting lost over there, and there was no sense of community, no commenting or following.

I googled writing platforms and discovered Medium. I was more than intimidated at first, and it took months before feeling comfortable to comment honestly — and diplomatically — and feel like I had something to offer here.

A year later, I feel like I’m part of the furniture. Is that a good thing?!

What are you reading, listening to and/or watching these days?

I’m reading ‘Looking for Jane’ by Canadian author Heather Marshall. It entwines fiction and non-fiction as it delves into women’s rights on contentious subjects of choice; motherhood, adoption and abortion. It’s somewhat ironic that it is a historical account, yet we still battle the right to choose.

I’ve spent a lot of time watching some shows the past week as I was trying to finish my daughter’s mohair cardigan that I’ve been knitting since Christmas. I threw on a documentary series called ‘Little Miracles’ on Prime that showcased children undergoing surgery to correct life-threatening health issues.

It was sobering, even to me as a nurse. As a parent, I can’t imagine dealing with a sick little one, and more than anything, it made me realize how lucky I am to have three healthy kids.

I couldn’t bear to be a paediatric nurse; my heart would be torn too much.

What is around you while you write?

Oh, to have a zen space that is all mine! Unfortunately, my writing spot is my dining room table. I usually have a favourite playlist on — it’s company, not a distraction, although there are enough of those from my kid(s) and the kitties!

I find the writing part easy; it’s thinking about what to write that’s my problem, especially of late. I guess we all go through ebbs and flows depending on our mood.

What is your guilty pleasure(s)?

I can easily binge-watch a show if I’ve nothing else pressing to do. Otherwise, I hate to admit it, but I love getting up in the morning, eating breakfast while checking Medium, and then going back to bed and sleeping another couple of hours. Horizontal time is underrated, you know?

What must be in your fridge (and/or cupboards) at all times?

There’s always way too much food in my fridge, but a fridge is not a fridge without wine and cheese, as far as I’m concerned. Nothing is worse than going to cook and missing a key ingredient. I restock as soon as I finish something or see that supplies are low.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

I would love to head back to Europe. Now that my daughter is living in Paris, it’s the perfect excuse to escape there, but I’ve no firm plans to do so since I (still) don’t have my teaching schedule for the year.

Of course, Australia is also on my list — my Dad and his wife live there, not New Zealand — and I have booked to travel there in late November, so it doesn’t count!

I’m saving my Medium earnings to travel. Like many, I’ve missed exploring new places with the stranglehold of the Pandemic. I do need to get back to NZ, but my priority is clapping my eyes on my Dad right now!

Tell us about one of the Medium articles that you loved writing and that you are the most proud about?

There are at least three stories I wrote when I first joined Medium that I’ve reread repeatedly and wouldn’t change a thing, even a year later. I find that rather odd; I would’ve thought I’d rip them to pieces, having learned so much after countless stories.

But, to choose one? Well, it’s none of those three, but my Open Letter to My Brain story was fun to write, and it’s all so true, even months later. I was disappointed it didn’t get many reads. Maybe I just have a warped sense of humour?

Tell us about your favorite Medium writers, ones you read on a regular basis.

I have many go-to readers I love supporting because they are fabulous writers, and they reciprocate the love. They also inspire me which I am eternally grateful for.

In no particular order, these peeps are the best! Karen Schwartz, Thief, Rodrigo S-C, Raine Lore, David Perlmutter, Chris Zappa, Adrienne Beaumont, Anne Bonfert, Dennett, Jim Parton.

And your favorite Medium publications to write for and why?

#1 is The Daily Cuppa; Katie Michaelson is the main reason I am still writing. She believed in me and gave me a daily slot that enabled me to build my audience and perfect short-form writing. I’m indebted to you, Katie.

#2 Snapshots and Weeds and Wildflowers; I love sharing my photographic journeys.

#3 Travel pub, Globetrotters; I’ve many vacation tales to tell.

#4 Nursing Notes; It’s my baby!

#5 Catness; I adore my furry babies and love sharing their antics.

Where else can we find you outside of Medium?

I share some of my writing on Facebook and Linked In, but not very often. I also have an Instagram account that I use more to stalk my daughter (lol) and also have a Twitter handle, but I am not a tweeter. Those hashtags will be the death of me.

Thanks, Ellie Jacobson, for the interview — even if I’m a bit late for the show! I’m a huge fan of your publication and writing too!