Interview: Dana Strang

I first met Dana Strang, also known as DanaTeresa, when my friend Linda (Sunshine625) introduced us a couple months ago.

From Haiku's to her Crazy Cemetery Series, I have found Dana's writing to be fresh, creative and most interesting.

I also appreciate Dana's commitment to writing. In the short time I have been reading her work, I see a strength and confidence emerging in her that is a joy to behold.

I think y'all will enjoy reading on and seeing how Dana proved some college professors very wrong in their creative writing assessments:

When I am near water. Those are the times it is easiest for me to let go of everything and just enjoy the moment. The sight, sound, even the smell of being near water is so relaxing to me. It can be the ocean, a lake, pond, pool, fountain. I even like puddles! Splashing in rain puddles after a storm is such a simple joy.

The times I feel saddest are...

I suffer from bipolar disorder. I can honestly say that a period of bipolar depression is the time I feel the absolute saddest. It is the kind of core shaking, unrelenting sadness that makes every other kind of sadness seem trivial.

Something I'd like to teach others...

To be their very best self and to live the very best life they can, and to encourage others to do the same. It is something that I have just started learning. Those times I get it right are amazing.

My secret passion ... my dream job...

I keep very few secrets. I pretty much put it all out there, including my passions. At the very least share it them my closest friends. So if I do have a secret passion there is a reason its secret and I’m not about to let the cat out of the bag now!

My dream is to break out of the 9 to 5 office gig. It is just not for me!

Most hated gift I ever gave someone ..

I honestly don’t have an answer to this. I really enjoy giving gifts. I put my heart into it. I am sure there are things I have given that were “less than appreciated” but I hope no one hated them! And I never hated giving them.

The gift I could have done without ...

I really don’t get a lot of gifts. I appreciate every gift I have ever gotten. Even if the object is something I could do without, the act of gift giving makes it mean more than the object, and that is something I could never do without.

If you peeked in my junk drawer, you'd be surprised to find ...

Ha! Which junk drawer?! I am a bit of a packrat. I have a feeling I would be more surprised than anyone else by the things hiding in the backs of those drawers.

My date from Hades ....

I don’t have a real date to talk about here. Just like anyone else, I have had some great dates and some I’d rather not relive. One thing that makes for a hellish date is bad conversation. I would rather NO conversation. At least then I can listen to the voices in my head. J

My worst/ or funniest vacation story ...

I have a million vacation stories. All of them too are long to do justice in a short answer. I love a good vacation, especially road trips. You wouldn’t believe the things you can get at a truck stop! Let me just say, if you go on a vacation with me, you are coming back with at least a few stories, among other things.

I actually don’t have a bucket list. The one thing I absolutely wanted to do was to go to Kenya. I was lucky enough to do that in college.

I would very much like to publish a book. Poetry or short stories. An actual physical book. Not an e-book. Nothing against those and it would be great if I could to do one. I just have this thing for books. I love them. To see my work in print and bound, to hold it, and open the cover and turn the pages…That would be the most amazing thing!

What I most look for in a friend...

Someone that I can be completely myself with and that will be completely themselves with me. Sharing everything - good or bad, happy or sad, sane or crazy, right or wrong. We love and understand each other unconditionally. Those are true friends. And I am lucky to say I have a few.

Something I will never part with..

My integrity.

.Listen to my inner voice more. I am still learning this one. That little voice is a better decision maker than an infinite amount of thinking.

The worst part of getting older...

Failing health.

A writing lesson I learned the hard way...

That I can really write and even possibly be a writer. Even when college professors were asking for copies of my papers I never thought anything more than “I am good at writing research papers”. Any sort of career at writing seemed as improbable as me being a Hollywood actress.In school, I got horrible grades in creative writing. I dropped out of a writing course in college out of pure terror.

But there was always that little voice that kept telling me maybe I could do it. When I came across HubPages, I listened to it. As usual, the voice was right. I have finally started exercising my voice as a writer. Shockingly, I enjoy creative writing more than anything else. I have a lot of learning and growing to do. Fortunately I have found a community where I can do that surrounded by talented and supportive people. I am excited to see where the journey takes me.

My favorite movie and why...

That is like putting me in a field of wildflowers and asking me to pick a favorite. There are so many wonderful movies, for so many different reasons.

I am oddly fond of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I think I could watch it every day. It has such a wonderful feel to it and Audrey Hepburn is just brilliant.

And then there is Gladiator. I have seen it well over one hundred times. I like the simple yet powerful story line, the action, the romance, the casting, the incredible cinematography and just the sound, look, and feel of the entire film. Plus, I adore Russell Crowe. OK. I admit it. I went through a brief obsessive phase. But I swear I like Gladiator for all those other reasons, in additional to Mr. Crowe.

What subjects / genres do you enjoy reading/ about ?

And here I am in that field of flowers again. Trying to decide which patch of flowers I like to look at best.

I enjoy good writing. It can be a poem, a novel, a romance, a mystery, a comic, even a textbook. If it has that certain something that captures my attention and pulls me through it, if I can get lost in it, that is what I enjoy reading most. Even better is when I am left with a feeling that lingers, or if I learn something. Those things stay with me long after I am done reading. That is what I really enjoy.

What would be a subject/ genre that you would like to read more/ about..

Again with the “pick one out of an infinite number” sort of question. Really? I was recently reminded how much I love mythology, especially Greek and Roman. It has been a while since I have read any. The stories and characters are captivating.

Can you take us to a favorite piece of writing on HubPages by you that does not get much traffic..

Can I say all of them?! My hubs really don’t get much traffic. I am horrible at self promotion. I spend absolutely no time on key words and SEO. I don’t tweet. I don’t have a website. I do participate in a fabulous facebook group. Guess if I want more people to read all of this drivel I am throwing out there, I better get on that. When I signed up for HubPages I told myself I could have about 6 months to get my feet wet and have fun. Time’s more than up. I better get to work!

Me, leave the party? You must be joking! I stay until the party’s over. Or until I am dragged out.

If you are asking what song I hate or what kills my party mood – I have a hard time listening to Van Halen. Not because the songs are bad. They are a talented band. I dislike David Lee Roth immensely. There is just something about him that makes me feel like he is an arrogant prick (can I say that?) {well, yeah, you just did...!!} and it ruins it for me.

Yes, I am a fan of “Van Hagar”. And yes, I am aware this is complete nonsense!

OK, I am feeling like a little Sammy Hagar: "I Can't Drive 55"...! I guess cuz I just can't either...!

I have selected "Dance Fever" by The Supremes for you, Dana. It seemed like the perfect choice.

I have very much enjoyed getting to know you better. I also appreciate your heartfelt expression of gratitude:

Thank you again, Maria, for this amazing opportunity to share a little about myself with my fellow hubbers. I am truly honored. And to those of you who made it through to the end of this peek into my odd little world, thank you for stopping by! Oh, and go read some of my hubs! Please. Thank you.

You are most welcome, dear lady and I hope many will check out your amazing writing.

© Maria Jordan ( revised January, 2015)