Veronica Allen interviews Fastfreta
A grandmother shares pearls of wisdom from her rich experience
First of all, thank you so much for agreeing to participate in this interview with me. This is my first "official" interview, so I'll try to be as professional as I can.
1.) Fastfreta, you write on a broad range of subjects. Everything from recipes and how to create work from home, to interesting trivia and phobia facts. Tell me, how do you choose the subjects you're going to "Hub" about?
When I write a Hub, it’s usually based on something that I experience just before I write the Hub. For instance a friend was confiding in me about another friend’s constant dependence, and out of that arose “Don’t be an enabler.” One day I was beating myself up for being late for an appointment, so after I got home I wrote the Hub “Why Am I Always Late?” So when you look at my Hub titles, just imagine that I’ve recently had an experience that caused me to write that one.
2.) You have an installment that I endearingly call, "Fastfreta's life lessons" (i.e. Jealousy is Rottenness To The Bones Part I-IV), in which you provide your readers with scenarios that enable them to evaluate their own situations in the hopes of making any necessary improvements. What is your inspiration behind these life lessons?
Again as I stated above, I am inspired by situations that occur in my life, or by requests for advice. For this series a friend asked advice on what to do about someone that was jealous about their friendship with others. So after giving her advice, I decided to write about it.
3.) Last year you were nominated to be amongst the top 20 and top 200 Hubbers of 2009 by your fellow peers. Has this served as a catalyst to help you continue your writing career at HubPages?
I am so totally honored by the nomination, and the subsequent win, that I am determined to try to live up to the honor. I'm not trying to be modest. I really don’t feel that I deserved it, because there are so many writers that are far superior to me. So I feel I should improve to be able to measure up to the honor that was bestowed upon me.
4.) While reading up on your profile (yes, I did my homework), I read that although you hold strong religious and political views, you don't care much for controversy. Have you always been of the "less controversial persuasion," or have life experiences influenced you to feel this way?
Actually I was not always this way, although, I’ve never been overly controversial. I used to confront situations that I didn't agree with, and it always produced arguments, so as time went on I realized the folly of controversy and decided I'd much rather be a peace keeper. Unfortunately religion and politics at times seems to bring out the worst in people, especially if they don't agree with your views. I read somewhere here on HubPages that people like me are controversy-challenged, so I guess I will own that.
5.) No doubt you have had your share of problems, yet your positivity consistently shines through your Hubs. In addition, you always seem to have an important message to convey to your readers. With that said, have you ever considered writing a book that instills a more proactive approach to dealing with life's ups and downs?
I have been encouraged by friends and family alike to do just that, and I’m seriously considering doing so.
6.) Who, or how were you introduced to HubPages, and how has the time you've spent here been thus far?
I was researching making money on the Internet by blogging, and I came across several sites. I tried about three others, but they were too difficult to navigate. Then I came upon HubPages and it was so user friendly that I decided to settle down here. And I’m glad that I did. I can honestly say that I am totally addicted to the “Pages,” as I have dubbed the site. The friendly Hubbers are a major reason that I refuse to go anywhere else.
7.) Fastfreta - I'm sure you have accomplished many things in life, but what would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?
I would say my greatest accomplishment as of today, is being able to live alone. The reason I say that is, I married young, leaving my mothers house and going right into my husband’s house, I was never responsible for myself, always depending on someone else. But I have learned over the last four years what a joy it is to be my own person. So I feel a greatest accomplishment is my ability to take care of myself.
8.) You've been with HubPages for 9 months now and have written over 70 Hubs. Hands down, which one of your Hubs would you say is the one you're most proud of?
I probably wouldn’t say proud, but the one that I like best is, Oh What A Beautiful Day, Yeah But and another similar in makeup is, They Make Me Sick, I Loathe Her, He’s So Irritating. Oh, sorry, you said one.
9.) Since you are a grandmother to five grandchildren, what are your top five advice tips for all the new grandparents out there?
I can't come up with five, but what I do say, kiss them, love them, spoil them, then send them home to their parents.
10.) We were all newbies here at HubPages one time or another, if there was one thing you could say to a new Hubber, what would it be?
My advice to new Hubbers, is to write quality Hubs, make friends with, but most of all show respect to your fellow Hubbers.
Thank you Veronica, for choosing me and I hope you find these answers satisfactory. Now on to pay it forward.
And I thank you Fastfreta for gifting us a small glimpse into your insightful world.
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