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Nancy Christie is a  freelance writer, author of the inspirational book The Gifts Of Change (Beyond Words/Atria) and e-host of the Community of Change web site. She also teaches writing and "rut-busting" workshops nationwide and is currently working on two new book projects: a self-help book and short fiction collection.

Hello Nancy, thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  Please tell us about the latest project you've worked on. 

I divide my time between writing articles for print magazines and informational web sites and handling copywriting projects for advertising agencies and corporate clients. I'm also coming into the home stretch on my second book and hoping to land a publishing contract by the end of the year!

What kind of works (books, articles, poems etc.) have you had published? 

While I write on a wide range of topics, much of my work centers around health and wellness and energy efficiency/green living. I've been fortunate to interview fascinating people, from Melissa Etheridge and Sally Field to Dave Dravecky and Morrow Wilson. My work has appeared in publications as diverse as Natural Home, Woman's Day, Kitchen & Bath Ideas and Cancer Fighters Thrive (to name a few).

My fiction has been published by literary journals such as Wanderings and The Chaffin Journal.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

While I enjoy article writing and find corporate work satisfying, my passion has always been for fiction. Quite simply, I love making stories up, although most of the time the characters take over and surprise me!
 
Do you have a favorite niche you like to write for, or are you interested in different topics?

Health and wellness is a particular favorite of mine. I believe in gaining as much information as possible to live as healthy as we can - and this information is so empowering should a health problem arise.

Do you write for print or the web or both?

I do both print and online writing. Web site writing can be challenging because you need to be "short and sweet" - no one wants to read long paragraphs online!

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I teach a variety of writing workshops, both at conferences and at educational facilities. As a matter of fact, in August I was at the Willamette writing conference in Portland OR - a great conference, by the way, and worth attending!
I also hold "rut-busting" workshops, designed to help people break out of their rut and make the changes needed to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers?

The workshops offer a great venue to meet my readers. I also get e-mails from those who have read my book or my blogs: The Writer's Place for writers and the Make a Change blog for those who need inspiration, support or just a metaphorical "kick in the pants" to get moving!

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

So many people, starting of course with my father, Joseph Ress, who handled a major life change after my mother's death with grace and humor and strength. I meet people every day who are dealing with personal or professional challenges and don't give up. And the interviews I have conducted for my second book have been equally inspiring, as people have shared their stories of triumphing over adversity.

How did you get started as a writer?

I  don't honestly know. I have just always written, since second grade, as a matter of fact. I wouldn't know what to do if I wasn't writing - or couldn't write.
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Work at it every day. Practice writing, read other writers to learn what works and what doesn't, and be prepared for the long  haul. While we hear about writers who succeed overnight and get those huge advances or awards, for most of us, it is a day-after-day process. If you aren't prepared to work and can't keep your motivation alive even when you are rejected, you'd better find another line of work!
 
How do you make sure you have a steady stream of work? Do you work with agents, rely on referrals, or have accounts with freelance websites?

I spend much of my time (especially this year) cold-calling, either by phone or e-mail. It's been a challenging year since many publications have shut down or cut back so marketing is a daily essential task.

What advice can you give to others who would like to get started with freelance writing? Where should they start?

Start with what you know best, where you have a strong base of knowledge.  If you are interested in writing for magazines, be sure you can not only write well but interview well. If you want to do corporate writing, understand that it's all about what the client wants and satisfying that want. And above all else, be professional.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I'm usually in my home office  by 8 AM - sometimes earlier if I can't go out for my morning run. I usually work every day, even weekends. And when I travel, I take my laptop unless I'm just gone for the weekend. I generally shut down at dinner time unless I am on a roll or on deadline.

How has your education helped you in your career?

I  had a great grounding in writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Sounds basic, but so many people just don't know the rules ("it's" vs. "its" for example).

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

Not so much a mentor as other writers such as Carolyn See, Morrow Wilson and Mark Helprin who definitely inspired me. Which leads right to the next question...

Who is your favorite writer?

Okay, if I can only have one....Shirley  Jackson. I love her writing!

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

Right now the radio station is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Woodstock so I have been singing all those great songs from that event.

Thank you Nancy for an inspiring interview! We wish you great success with all your writing projects!