A Chat with Maria Jordan

If you’ve ever read anything by Maria Jordan you know that kindness emanates from just about every word she utters. In my experience, that’s just who she is. But Maria is more than kindness and compassion. She is a nursing instructor, a wife, and a friend, among many other roles. She is also the survivor of a traumatic workplace hostage situation. Rather than allow her close call with death to make her bitter and withdrawn she became a stronger champion for kindness and compassion. Each new day she practices what she preaches as she teaches nursing students how to be the best caregiver they can be.

Her writings are further proof of her kind spirit, reflecting her wisdom about the importance of life, self-care, and care for others. They are for anyone, young or old, who may need a gentle reminder to be compassionate with yourself as well as the people around you. In fact, her answers to these interview questions further attest to her big heart.

Author Basics:

1. How would you describe your writing style?

With both fiction and non-fiction, I strive for an authentic, credible, thought-provoking and inspirational style.

2. Who or what inspires you to write?

I started writing beyond my journals in 2011 - a healing mechanism, honoring the wisdom and inspiration my Mother passed on to me. Today, life, family, friends and my nursing students inspire me.

3. What is your favorite genre to write about?

Depending on my muse's timeframe, memoir or essay. A Toolbox For Nurses - From A to Z combine both styles. This was the end product - not necessarily the intention.

4. Is there a genre that you are unable to write about?

While I believe I am able to write most any genre of books, graphic (criminal or sexual) fiction is not my cup of tea. If I don't choose to read it, I'd be just as unlikely to write about it.

5. Do you believe in writer's block?

No. However, I believe in the "not enough time in the day" syndrome...!

6. What is your personal writing process?

I am typically slower in the planning/organizing of my thoughts than in the writing (book, post, paper). I do create a (very) flexible outline of the entire project. It's difficult for me to forge ahead without an overall plan/plot. I carve out a daily time block and try to honor it - allowing for life events that find a way of foiling the best-laid plans. I write my first draft with wild abandon - getting on the "proverbial roll". I have learned not to get mired down in details when writing. I will likely have _______s or paragraphs with (insert ____here) in my initial draft(s). I know myself and honor the way I'm feeling. Some days I will write with broad strokes, while other days I'm wired to research and reflect on those areas that need elaboration.

7. How often do you edit? How many drafts before you publish?

I edit/revise my writing no less than three times. I allow a few days to pass between edits and I take full advantage of my early morning eagle eyes. I also have one or two sets of additional / trusted eyes edit along the way.

8. What does literary success look like to you?

A heartfelt book review. When someone gifts or recommends one of my books. Receiving a handwritten note or email telling me that my writing has been of help or is inspirational.

9. How often do you people watch?

Whenever my eyes are open and people are around me. People watching is in my blood!

Reader Questions:

1. What are you reading right now?

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. A fascinating read about a girl, written by a man.

2. What is your all-time favorite book and why?

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. I'll never be too old to read the magic, wonder, and love written in this book for children of all ages. The following exchange says it all...

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." 

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. 

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.

3. What is your favorite genre?

Classic or Realistic Fiction.

4. If you could be any literary character, who would it be and why?

Jo March in Little Women - I love that Jo never settled. She was true to herself, courageous and very loyal to her family.

5. What literary location would be the ideal place for you to live and why?

An English countryside cottage - both inspirational and off-the-grid

6. What was the best book series that you’ve ever read?

The Wicked Years by Gregory Maguire - As a kid, I connected more with the Wicked Witch than Dorothy. In Wicked, I grew to love Elphaba.

7. Who is your favorite author?

Maya Angelou.

8. What genre will you not be caught dead reading?

Graphic (criminal or sexual) fiction.

9. Do you hoard your books?

Yes, I call that "collecting" books!

10. What makes you love a book?

I need to get hooked by the end of the book's first chapter. I especially appreciate credible character development.

Just for Fun:

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Cruelty, meanness, rude behavior of any kind to man or beast.

2. How would you describe your favorite color to someone who is blind?

Combining the softness of a cloud with the refreshing clarity of the ocean. (Powder blue is the color).

3. If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?

Balsam pine and lilacs.

4. Name one thing you would NEVER do again. Why?

Work as a manager ... life is way more important than this type of work.

5. What TV channel does not exist but should?

Although there seems to be way too many channels as it is, how about a news channel for the good and inspirational things that are happening around us?

6. What is the title of the current chapter of your life?

"Teach Your Children Well"

7. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you would unlearn if you could?

No. Even mistakes and hurtful times have served a purpose for me in some manner.

8. If life is a game, what are the rules?

Play/practice the "Golden Rule" at all times.

9. What funny quirks do you have?

I will spontaneously burst into song at the least expected times - usually to cut the tension.

10. If your life were made into a move what actress would play the role of Maria?

Meryl Streep - if she had the time ...

A Chat with William D. Holland

Bill Holland, otherwise known as William D. Holland, is a man of many talents. He shares his wisdom about writing in his weekly Mailbag series on Hubpages, his thoughts and lessons about life via his Artistry with Words blog, and even manages to channel some of the darker truths about life into more meaningful life lessons that bring hope to humanity. His talent as a writer is put to good use creating life-affirming novels, such as Resurrecting Tobias, as well as in his smaller novelas. Even through the minds of some of the most infamous characters imaginable, Bill has a grip on both the good and the bad of worldly reality. If you have not yet read one of his works, I highly recommend that you do. You will not be disappointed.

In the meantime, however, you can get to know this author by reading his responses below. And if you are lucky enough to already know him, you will no doubt still enjoy a further glimpse into this author’s mind.

First Things First

1. Most of us who already know you and your work call you Bill. However, your books list the author as William D. Holland. Why is that?

I thought it sounded more formal and business-like, Shannon. It was one of those random decisions we all make along the way which probably don’t affect a darned thing.

Author Basics

1. Why do you write? Yes, I know that this question can go off on so many tangents. What are yours?

It’s a way for me to express myself. I’m an introvert with a desire to be heard and noticed, and writing gives me a platform where I can accomplish that.

2. How would you describe your writing style?

Conversational and introspective! How’s that for succinct?

3. Where is your favorite place to write?

In my office. It’s the only place I write. I’m a creature of habit.

4. Do you follow a certain routine when writing? Can you walk us through your creative process?

The creative process is a tough thing to describe. It is so individualistic, isn’t it? My creativity comes from so many sources, and ideas rarely come to me when I’m trying to be creative. Ideas come to me from songs, from tv shows I watch, or from nature walks. I never know when an idea is going to pop into my head, and I’m always surprised when it does.

5. What is your worst writing habit?

I’m not sure I have one. I used to allow writing to take over my life, but I’ve curtailed my writing over the past couple of years, so now my obsession isn’t so consuming.

6. Do your books ever require research? If so, how much and what kind?

Hardly ever, and that’s because I’m basically a lazy researcher. I write about things I know about and places I’ve visited or lived in. That way I don’t need to do research.

7. Do you remember what it felt like to publish your very first novel? Please share. And does that feeling still hit every time you publish something new?

Oh my God, I was excited about that first novel. I don’t think any novel after that first one can compare. Sure, it’s nice to finish others, but that first one dispelled all self-doubt about whether I could do it or not. It established, in my mind, that I might have what it takes to be a writer.

8. What is your favorite piece of writing - authored by yourself, of course?

My favorite novel is “Resurrecting Tobias.” It is an introspective character study and there is a lot of my life in that book. It was therapeutic to write. As far as short stories go, or reflective pieces, I’m not sure I have a favorite. I did a short story about a little girl named “Hope,” which was important to me, so maybe since that’s the first one I thought of, it is my favorite.

9. Does inspiration strike anywhere at any time or does your muse have discipline?

My muse has zero discipline and she keeps very odd hours. I have no idea where inspiration will come from, or when it will arrive. All I know is I’m very happy with my muse. She’s done a fine job.

10. Does your muse have a name?

No, that would be a bit scary if she did….I’m afraid someone would suggest a padded cell for me if I start naming imaginary people. LOL

11. Do you have any secrets for overcoming writers block?

I’ve never had it, so any advice I would give would be a bit silly . . . but I do think it’s important to just keep writing. Sooner or later the wall will come down.

12.  In general, as a writer, do you think you see the world differently than others?

I think writers have a keener sense of the world, and I think they interpret what they experience in a different way. Most people see something and that is what they interpret, the actual physical thing they saw. I see something and I interpret it with a metaphor or simile. It’s not that we experience more deeply than others, but rather we express that experience in a different way….artists do the same thing, I think.

13. What author would you love to be compared to and why?

Two, actually….Harper Lee and James Lee Burke. Harper Lee because of her simplistic storytelling talent, and James Lee Burke for his ability to describe a scene in stunning detail.

14. If a movie were made to tell your life story, what actor would portray you?

The first person I thought of was Tom Hanks, so I’ll go with him. If he was unavailable it would be Matt Damon.

15. Is there a writing type or genre that you cannot do even to save your life?

Romance novels…it will never happen for this boy!

16. What is the most cliche opening line that you can think of?

“It was a dark and stormy night!” Shoot me if I ever write such doo-doo!

17. If you could go back and time and tell writing self something just before writing your first novel, what would it be?

I would go back thirty years instead of ten and tell that idiot to start writing sooner. Time’s a’waistin’, Billy Boy, and you have too much to say and not enough time to say it!

Reader Questions

1. Do you prefer a tangible book in your hand or an ebook online somehow?

I’m a tangible book guy. Hate may be too strong a word, but I dislike ebooks intensely.

2. What is your favorite place to read?

Anywhere that’s quiet!

3. What genre will you never read?

Romance novels!

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

Mysteries!

5. What is your all-time favorite book?

“To Kill A Mockingbird.”

6. Do you have a favorite author?

Harper Lee…first time out of the gate, she wrote one of the greatest books ever . . . pretty cool!

7. If you could be any literary character in the world, who would you be?

Atticus Finch from Mockingbird…it would be cool to have that much wisdom for a little while.

Just For Fun

1. You’re standing at the edge of a cliff, ocean below. Do you jump?

If I’m drunk, yes; otherwise, no friggin’ way!

2. If you could live in any time era, which one and why?

1840’s and 1850’s, wagon trains moving west into the Great Unknown. I would have done that. The chance to see a new land, start over somewhere never seen before…that is attractive to

me.

3. Sum up your life story in one sentence.

“Trip, stumble, and fall, but always moving forward in love.”

4. If you had the chance to meet any historical person who would it be and why?

Abraham Lincoln . . . again, wisdom . . . and strength of character . . . he strikes me as our most human President in history.

5. How would you describe your favorite color to someone who is blind?

A combination of several other colors, borrowed, mixed together, creating a pleasurable experience like walking through a field of wild lavender.

6. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

A St. Bernard . . . slow but reliable!

7. What is your all-time favorite memory?

Playing catch with my dad on a warm summer evening.

8. What is your most annoying habit to yourself and to others?

To others, my inflexibility about my daily schedule, and my insistence to follow my routines. To myself…my inability to ignore stupidity and rudeness. I wish I could just let it be, but it annoys me that some people are so stupidly rude.

9. What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?

What the hell????? I came up blank on this one . . . sorry!

10. Name one thing you think everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.

Go to Yellowstone National Park! A random answer for sure, but it’s one of my all-time favorite experiences, a rare opportunity to see wild animals in a natural environment, where humans are the guests, a place we have not managed to ruin yet.