Our series of writer interviews is intended to show the wide variety of work involved in being a writer, as well as the highs and lows of the writing life.  I also hope that these interviews will help to dispel many of the preconceptions and myths that some new writers hold, only to have lead to disappointment later when reality hits home. 

What is your primary type of writing (e.g. sci fi novels, articles, legal papers, poetry)
I mostly write non-fiction articles, personal essays, fiction and poetry.

Is writing your primary source of income?
I support myself doing full-time freelance writing.

Do you have a favorite writing quote?
I believe it is about writing because it from Anais Nin, but it has become my mantra because I use it to keep myself taking risks with writing:  "And the day came when the pain it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than it took to blossom."

 What is your biggest day to day challenge as a writer?
My biggest day-to-day challenge as a writer is to keep writing from my authentic self.  When I attempt to stray from what is genuine, I get lost and write blather.

When did you start writing?
I really started writing in grade school.  I always put my whole self in the essay assignments we were given to do.  I always kept diaries too.  It grew into a life-long journaling habit.

Why do you love writing?
I love writing because it frees me.  It opens my soul's doors.  My possibilities grow and expand.  Writing brings me intangible rewards.  It heals me and makes me whole.

Can you share one of your milestone moments from your writing journey?
I read Little Women by Louise May Alcott when I was around 11 or 12.  I knew from then on that I wanted to be a writer and I wanted to write a novel.  I  put "write a novel" on every goal list I wrote for the next 48 years.   I wrote my first novel this past fall.

Do you keep a set writing schedule?
My set writing schedule is to do my morning routine of spiritual reading, journaling, reflection, prayer and meditation and then be at the computer for about the next 16 hours or so.  I'm not writing the entire time, but I write. 

What big writing goals do you still want to accomplish?
I stepped on this question.  Yes, I want to begin a second book--a non-fiction book for which I plan to soon submit a proposal.  I want to write some e-books and give them away.  I want to use my Web site to promote my business.  I want my "business" to be  helping writers and helping others expand and  develop all of their gifts and promise.  I believe we all need big dreams at every stage of our life.  I have already fulfilled so many that I positively know more will come true. 

You can find out more about Maryellen at her website, http://msrefusenik-msrefuseniktellsitall.blogspot.com

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