Monday, February 18, 2019

A Chat with Maria Jordan


The Rain and Everything
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 Rather than allow her close call with death to make her bitter and withdrawn she became a stronger champion for kindness and compassion.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 ...






6 comments:

  1. Thanks for your kind words and for featuring my interview, Shannon.

    This has been a pleasure and I look forward to sharing on my website this Wednesday.

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    1. The pleasure was mine, Maria! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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  2. Hi Shannon and Maria

    This is a brilliant interview! Mar's wisdom and compassion shine from beginning to end.

    Shannon, I like this new blog of yours. The green has a calming effect.

    Hugs,

    Martie

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    1. Thanks, Martie! Yes, I agree that her wisdom and compassion comes through in every answer.

      I'm glad you like the color theme here. Green is my favorite color. Usually, I like the dark greens like emerald or hunter, but I do agree that this color is soothing. My birthday also happens to be in August so I was looking for something similar in color to the peridot birthstone when I chose this one.

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  3. I'm so loving that mar's a fan of "Jo March" and cottages in the English countryside. I share similar love for both.

    Excellent job on your interview, Shannon, and Prof. Mahreer makes an excellent topic to showcase on your site!

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    1. Hello, Angela. Jo March is a classic and an excellent choice! Gosh, it's been so long since I've read that book. I was a teen. And I remember the movie.

      Thank you for your kind words about the interview.

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