In Reply RHC

What type of writer do you feel you are?

What type of writer do you not want to be?

What do you like about yourself as a writer?

What do you look for in other writers?

What do you not like about yourself as a writer?

Which writing genre or category do you feel is your best?

In which genre or category do you feel the most challenged?

When did you first start writing?

Why do you write

This last question is off-topic. If you could be part of any television sitcom family, which one would it be and why?

I'm really struggling to answer these questions of yours, Rick! Maybe because I have never considered myself to be a writer? So, to be able to answer, I'm going to have to first think about what I have loved reading.

As a child, my mother used to read Bible stories to me. I was captivated by them because the characters were imperfect...well, except for Jesus, of course! There was always a struggle and a moral behind the lessons. Those stories taught me to be a better person.

As I got older, I was drawn to historical novels and autobiographies. I also liked Jack London's stories, full of history (Gold Rush) and struggles, and often told through the eyes of the beautiful soul of an animal. And I love the style and poignancies of author, Mitch Albom. These stories made me feel deeply.

I like honesty in writing, and depth, and plays on words. I like stories that make me think and feel. I don't need a lot of dialogue with words. I want to know what is going on in that person's soul...what they thought and felt. Tell me.

I think I mostly journal my thoughts and feelings with no said formula. (As I'm sure readers with any discretion, already know.) I sometimes do have an agenda or purpose in mind, though; but honestly, I don't write to impress others. I just hope they can glean some truth or relevance or can relate in some way. I write to heal. Maybe, in some small way, my stories will help others heal, also. That hope gives me satisfaction.

I mostly write stories about my life and my family. This is what I know best. I do try to challenge myself with Voice challenges...not for the pursuit of money, but to stretch myself. Writing fiction or fantasy does stretch me. I'm a realist. I'm in awe of others who can "see" the intricacies of everyday life and paint a picture of words about it...or imagine the what ifs and create new worlds. I'm stuck in this one.

On your last question, Rick...what tv sitcom family would I like to be on? Funny, but when my four children were teenagers, I was often told that we could/should have our own show. When others said that, we didn't know what to make of it at first, whether to laugh or to cry. Truth be told, there was always drama and a few good laughs in our home. I had to outsmart and out-maneuver them coming and going...I was out-numbered. I was a single mom. A working mom. I didn't know if they would survive or if I would survive. But I was determined. It wasn't the life that I had wished for them to have. I had not had that life, either. But, if wishes had come true, I would have wished for them to have a father like the one on the old show from the 70's, "Good Times."

Author Roland Warren eloquently wrote (in an article posted from the National Fatherhood Initiative,) this about fictional father, James Evans from Good Times: "You see, I grew up without my father, so James Evans became an aspirational role model for me in a very critical time in my life. I was inspired by how determined he was to provide for his family, despite significant obstacles, including periods of unemployment. He was a man of tremendous pride and character, who worked two jobs and would often say, “I ain’t accepting no handouts!” But, most importantly, he was a man who clearly loved his wife and children. This papa was no “rolling stone”; he was a solid “anchor” for his family who turned the hard times into good times. He chose fatherhood. I longed for and wanted to be, a father like him" https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/want-good-times-in-this-nation-again-choose-fatherhood