Here’s part one of an interview with Sheree Nielsen,
freelance writer and blogger. She’s written for several publications, and frequently
can be seen riding around town with her Doggle-wearing Australian shepherd,
Sabrina!
1)
When did you become a writer, and what do you
write?
I suppose I had the desire to
become a writer as early as nine or ten years old. Back then, I wrote poetry. I stopped writing for awhile, but picked up
the pen again about eleven years ago after a life-changing event.
Some of my freelance contracts
include architectural tributes, travel stories, food reviews, fun things to do
in the area, historical and sporting events, inspiring people, and even a
series of articles on local gardeners and their gardens. I am constantly challenged by my assignments.
Just for me, I write inspirational
essays and poems about scuba diving, beach adventures, amazing animals, my
family and church.
2)
Your company, Ocean Spirit Photography, http://www.oceanspiritphoto.com
features beautiful images you have taken in your travels. How does being a photographer
help your writing?
I think the two go
hand-in-hand. I can’t imagine doing one
without the other.
What color was the sand before
sunset? What did the seagull’s wings
look like before landing? How did the
dolphin’s body feel as I skimmed my hand across its side? Pictures tell a story
and the images re-create colorful details.
Last fall I taught a workshop to
veterans with PTSD at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital that touched on the
importance of photography in writing. In
one of the exercises, I used a picture to prompt the veteran’s creativity. At the end of the afternoon, they walked away
with an essay or a poem they could polish in their own time.
http://warriorsartsalliance.com/187-2/
http://warriorsartsalliance.com/187-2/
3) Your spirituality is evident, is that the source of your creativity?
Yes, my spirituality plays a part
in my writing. Something deep within me
changed creatively when I put my faith in God’s hands. This may sound cliché, but I feel that
everything happens for a reason. There are no coincidences in life. Instead, I say, “It’s a God Thing.” We’re all connected to each other in this
world, and it’s our job to pay it forward.
Everything seems fresh in the
world around me. The ocean, birds, trees, our pets, friends and family are the
source, as well as the fuel, of my creativity.
An admitted treehugger, nature’s splendor cast a spell on me. I’m
mesmerized by dragonflies, and even take crickets and spiders outside if they
get in the house.
4) Who is your favorite writer and
why?
Boy, that’s a hard question. I suppose I have more than one. Looking at my bookshelf of favorite reads in
my guest room, a few authors come to mind.
In fiction, I suppose I love it when a character is vulnerable and
complex. In non-fiction, a writer’s
inspirational quality, honesty and openness come to mind.
Harper Lee, for her portrayal of
life and racism in the South in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Scout is one of my favorite characters of all
time.
Garth Stein. His novel told from the viewpoint of
the dog in “The Art of Racing the Rain” is one of my top five reads. I ran through so many emotions while reading
this book – laughter, sadness, surprise, joy, and more.
And I’m a sucker for beach
reads. I love Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s
honesty and openness in her memoir “A Gift from the Sea” and the magnetic pull
the beach and the ocean played in her life.
Also, author Karen White has a way of linking the past with present in
her “beachy” romance/mysteries.
Stay tuned! Part two will be
posted by Thursday.
Write soon,
Mary
A Missouri Writer’s Guild and
Columbia Chapter of Missouri Writer’s Guild member, she’s served as Membership
Chair, Photographer and Publicity Chair for Saturday
Writers. Publications include: Not
Your Mother’s Book on Travel, AAA
Southern Traveler, AAA Midwest
Traveler, Winghaven Life, The Abaconian, The Eleutheran, Missouri Life,
AOL/Patch.com, Whispering Angel Books Nurturing
Paws Anthology, Storyteller, C.H.A.M.P.
Assistance Dogs, Cuivre River Anthology
IV and V, Folly Current, St. Charles and Monroe County Suburban Journals,
among others.
