Poshcoffeeco Interviews Tracy Lynn Conway
Insights from a devoted teacher, mother, and writer
How did you come across HubPages?
At the time that I found HubPages I was actively looking for a place to publish articles, specifically about parenting. I began searching the web for possible platforms when I came across HubPages. I found myself attracted to what seemed like a supportive and inviting place. HubPages felt right to me from the beginning and my instincts have been right because I am so happy here.
What are your short term, medium, and long term goals here?
My goals have evolved over time. At first it was simply getting my feet wet with writing online. Now that I feel I have more of a mastery with both writing and getting traffic to my Hubs, my goals are to write and publish more Hubs to both expand on the topics that I have already written about and write on new topics. Over the long term, I would love to write for a magazine or maybe even write a book in addition to writing on HubPags, both for the challenge and for the exposure it would bring.
Your strongest Hubs are child and family-oriented. What made you decide to start writing on these topics?
My greatest passion is raising children and I seek to soar both as a parent and a teacher. I have always loved working with kids as a teacher, and now, as a mother of four, I get to experience the power that parents can have firsthand. I have a unique perspective in that I studied alternative methods of education in college and went on to enroll my children in schools that use different methods of education, including Montessori, Waldorf, and Traditional. I am continually fascinated by the concept of raising children to help them meet their full potential and I have spent a great deal of time trying to understand how to make this happen.
How much of your writing is based on real life experiences?
As a parent, a woman, and a person who has always been interested in all aspects of life, my life has of course been affected and guided the choices of my topics. Whether I am writing about parenting, health, marriage, technology, sex, or arts and crafts, I am compelled, just as any writer, to not only offer my views but the experiences which have shaped them.
What message would you give to anyone just starting out here on HubPages?
For anyone just starting out I would tell them to be patient. There is so much to absorb, and even after learning something, it takes a while to digest and to apply it. This has to do with many things, including writing, SEO (search engine optimization), promoting and interacting with other Hubbers and non Hubbers alike, and that learning process continues at each stage along the way. I continue to feel challenged while enjoying being a part of HubPages. There are a lot of dimensions to HubPages and it takes time to experience them all. Another thing I would add is not to give up. There have been times when I was plagiarized and even received hurtful and negative comments made about what I have written which made me feel like writing less or even taking a break, but I am so glad I learned to take it in stride and continue on.
Do you have a favourite HubPages writer or do you have more than one?
I think there are many great writers here on HubPages. One of my favorites is Ktrapp because she has the ability to take something complicated and break it down. Her writing has a great flow and rhythm to it. Another one of my favorites is Princesswithapen; her writing touches me on a more emotional level. Personally, it feels both gentle and beautiful.
Describe your driving force for your writing efforts.
I had never understood my passion for writing until I found my way to HubPages. Now my mind is constantly racing with writing ideas, and each time a new one comes to me, I feel a surge of energy and a strong desire to start writing and share them. It is a fun and rewarding process. I love the connection it gives me with the reader and in a greater sense with the world.
Have you written anywhere else on the internet?
I have not written anywhere else on the internet but I just signed on to write for Yahoo. I have, however, written for print newsletters in the past. I have also always had pen pals and I am still enamored with the prospect of handwriting a letter to a dear friend and waiting for a reply. It is for this reason that I also love stamps, calligraphy pens, and unique stationary and envelopes.
In general, which medium has provided you with the most satisfaction?
As an artist, I was initially compelled to express myself through my painting and other forms of expressive art other than words. I had been given so much encouragement with my paintings that I had neglected the written word. Still, I have always loved writing, but did not find a passion comparable to painting until relatively recently. Now, as with painting, writing feels just as satisfying and joyous.
I notice you were in AEvans' list of 100 great new writers of 2011. What does this mean to you?
I was taken completely by surprise when I found out that I was voted one of the top 100 new writers of 2011. I was walking on cloud 9 for a few days after that. But the real joy I experienced was in having been chosen and acknowledged by my peers and to know that it wasn’t just my aunts and uncles reading and liking my Hubs.
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