Interview with Cheryl Wright [cherylwright] on Whohub

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What did you first read? How did you begin to write? Who were the first to read what you wrote?

I remember reading Pilgrim's Progress when I was seven years old. I've been writing all my life. I used to write letters to my mother after a scolding. That was the only way I felt comfortable sharing my feelings. I wanted to be a writer. I kept journals which helped me understand and deal with all kinds of life circumstances as I grew older.

I misplaced the dream somewhere in my journey to be what and who I was expected to be. When in my late thirties I decided to reclaim my life, I developed an interest in interior design. After I studied and began working in that field, I began writing a monthly decorating column for a local print magazine. Two years into that endeavor, I re-discovered my childhood dream to be a writer. The decorating column continued for eight years, during which time, I studied for a freelance writing diploma and found my true voice and passion for writing self-improvement, inspirational and lifestyle articles.

In 2006 I retired from fulltime employment to devote my time to freelance writing. I'm living my dream.

What is your favorite genre? Can you provide a link to a site where we can read some of your work or learn something about it?

What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

When I am working on an assignment, I chose a topic and draft a tentative outline to help me keep focused to that I can meet my deadline. I simply work at it. When I am working on a piece to shop around, I jot down in my notebook, whatever thoughts come to mind during the day. Then at night I transfer them to a word document and expand on them.

What type of reading inspires you to write?

Biographies are my greatest inspiration because they are life stories and life stories always teach lessons. Life stories inspire my writing because they are indicative of the commonality of our lives.

What voice do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

First person plural (we) is the voice I am most comfortable with. My writing is geared to encourage and inspire readers so the first person plural works best.

What well known writers do you admire most?

May Sarton, Sue Monk Kidd, Natalie Goldberg, Bonni Goldberg, William Zinsser, Anne Sexton, Dorothea Brande, Eric Maisel

Are you equally good at telling stories orally?

I am comfortable speak on the topics I write about.

Deep down inside, who do you write for?

Deep down, I write for myself first. I must come to terms with my own experiences before I can attempt to help readers with similar stories. Then
I write for the readers who are bogged down by the complexities of life. I write to encourage them tohold on, to keep going, to pursue their dreams and live full and purposeful lives.

Is writing a form of personal therapy? Are internal conflicts a creative force?

Yes, personal writing is a form of therapy. Journaling is my favorite form of therapy and I always encourage people to write through their difficult life experiences. Yes, internal conflicts drive my creativity.

Does reader feed-back help you?

Definitely. It validates my passion for the topics I write about. Reader feed-back encourages me to keep writing.

Do you share rough drafts of your writings with someone whose opinion you trust?

No, I do not share rough drafts of my writing with anyone. I sometimes share what topics I am working on with another writer but never the drafts of my work.

Do you believe you have already found "your voice" or is that something one is always searching for?

Yes, I believe I have found my voice and it came through the process of writing about the issues in my own life and how I approached and dealt with them and the lessons I learned.

I won't be surprised if later in life, I unearth a different voice from future life experiences,

What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?

I make time to write in the morning. If my day is busy with other responsibilities, I feel satisfied that I spent some time writing early in the day, which is my most creative and productive time. Then I write at night for a few hours.

My goals are simple: write every day, always meet deadlines and always be professional.

What do you surround yourself with in your work area in order to help your concentrate?

I surround myself with books about writing and the writing life. They keep me informed, focused and inspired to be persistent, disciplined and passionate.

Do you write on a computer? Do you print frequently? Do you correct on paper? What is your process?

I do most of my writing for my weekly column on the computer. I rarely print anything but I edit mercilessly with Microsoft Word features and TextAloud. I write in my notebook when I am away from home and get sparks of inspiration.

What has been your experience with publishers?

All my experiences so far have been positive. I have an editor from heaven for my weekly column. For miscellaneous assignments, I have been blessed to meet professional and courteous editors.

What are you working on now?

My weekly column has been running for three years with no end in sight. Thank God. I am always working on a couple of articles at a time for other print and online publications. I've been making small deposits for a book on lifestyle choices.
Several months ago I merged my four blogs into one http://cherylwright-perspectives.blogspot.com.

What do you recommend I do with all those things I wrote years ago but have never been able to bring myself to show anyone?

Take them out. Dust them off. Clean them up (re-read, edit, re-write, re-slant - whatever they need to get into shape). Identify a few markets and begin sending them out.

What is your blog address? What subjects do you deal with?

http://cherylwright-perspectives.blogspot.com

Cheryl Wright - Perspectives is a one-stop shop/blog to share my overriding passions. I post my perspectives on life, writing, home and design and spiritual reflections.

So I write self-improvement, inspirational and general life issues (finding and pursuing our dreams, setting goals, writing and the writing life, personal spiritual reflections, home and design, work/life balance, etc.

What was it that made you create your blog? On what date did you start it?

I wrote my first post on May 1st 2007. My friends encouraged me to create a blog to share my perspectives on life and writing.

What blogging system have you adopted and why?

I chose Blogger because it was simple enough even for a technology-challenged person like me.

How has 'having a blog' contributed to your life?

It never ceases to amaze me how similar our lives are. The connection and community is wonderful. It seems as if the predominant comment is, "Me too."

Have you created relationships with other bloggers or readers of your blog?

Yes, yes, yes. I've developed some cherished friendships with other bloggers and readers as well. A few of them have become such good friends that we email each other regularly. Having discovered that I enjoy handwriting letters, one blogger requested that we be penpals. Now we write letters to one another on a monthly basis.

How often do you post? Does regular posting of your blog require a lot of effort on your part?

Several months ago I merged my four blogs into one
http://cherylwright-perspectives.blogspot.com.

I envisioned one blog being easier to keep updated. So far, that vision has not been realized. I don't want to post every day but even with one blog it is a struggle to post even twice a week, with a weekly column to write, miscellaneous assignments, a book in progress and life.

I haven't given up. I believe that in time, I will find the rhythm to post more regularly.

Does blogging bring in income for you? Can one make a living from posting?

I recently regularized my Google Adsense account to have ads on my blog. I'm yet to earn any money. The experts say that it is possible to earn a good income. I'll see.

How do you promote your blog?

I promote my blog on Facebook, other network sites and any place where it is acceptable and tasteful to do so. Also, I have the name and URL as part of my email signature.

How would you define your readers? Have you got a faithful audience?

My readers are like-minded people. Some I'll describe as kindred-spirits. They faithfully visit and leave comments.

Are there any blogs you follow daily or regularly?

Have you ever received gifts for blogging about your opinion of products or services? What do you think of bloggers who do that?

I've never blogged about my opinion of products or services for compensation. However, I have not problem with bloggers who do.

How do you see your blog evolving in the future?

I dream that my blog will grow into a hub-nub of activity (timely information and inspiration), with several posts a week, more faithful readers who join in the discussion with their comments, featured guests and earning me a nice little income from the ads that appear after every post.

What advice would you give to someone who wishes to begin a blog?

Keep it simple. Focus on your passion or passions. Find a happy balance between friendly and professional. Write from your heart and reply to the readers who leave comments.

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