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Wenona Napolitano is a freelance writer, poet and the author of The Everything Green Wedding Book. She writes everything from articles to web content. Her specialty areas include: natural health, green living, gardening, crafts and wedding planning.
 
Wenona’a writing has appeared in several local magazines and newspapers, on many web sites including Clubmom.com and FundsforWriters.com, and in the magazines Pack-O-Fun, Indiana Living Green, Writers’ Journal and Today’s Creative Home Arts.
 
Wenona is a regular writer for several Green Options Media blogs including EcoChildsPlay.com, FeelgoodStyle.com and CraftingaGreenWorld.com
 
Her book, The Everything Green Wedding Book, was released in December of 2008 and since then she has been interviewed and quoted in numerous publications as a green expert and her book appears in best of lists and green books to read lists.

Visit her at everythinggreenweddings.blogspot.com or creativelygreen.blogspot.com

Thank you Wenona for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

The The Everything Green Wedding Book: Plan an elegant, affordable, earth-friendly wedding came out this past December. It's all about planning the wedding of your dreams while being green. It shows couples how to plan an eco-friendly wedding and even shows then how to live an eco life after the wedding.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

I have taken many writing, journalism and communication classes which have been extremely helpful in furthering my writing career.

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

A little bit of everything. I write it all from articles to web content, even poetry. I've been published in magazines and all over the web. Currently I write for four green options media sites including CraftingaGreenWorld.com and EcoChildsPlay.com

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

The blogs and web sites I write for put me right there with the reader opening up communication with comments.

What will your next project be?

Hopefully a couple more books. I am working on several proposals and queries.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

My family inspires me. My three beautiful kids are the reason I work so hard to make something out of myself so they have a mom they can be proud of.

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

I love being creative, whether it is writing, crafting or other artwork- creating something out of nothing is amazing.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Build a platform, connect with other writers and just get out there. Don't be afraid and take every rejection with a grain of salt don't take it too personal. If you make every rejection or every bad review personal then you'll just be miserable all the time.

How did you get started as a writer?

I think I was born with a pen in my hand...seriously. I've been writing as long as I can remember. My first published work was a poem in a local magazine when I was 11 years old.

What does a typical work day look like for you?
 
Up and dealing with kids, getting my caffeine fix, checking email then into whatever work I have scheduled for the day. Could be promotions, could be articles that have deadlines could be a book in progress day. I don't make myself have a set schedule unless I am working with deadlines but I always have a list that I create the night before on everything I need to get done the next day. It is my official must do list. Chances are if it is not on that list it is not going to get done.
 
Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
 
I had several teachers in high school: Mrs Heath, Ms Rossi, Mrs MacDutton- they inspired me and encouraged me with my writing and my art. I also had a couple college professors who also inspired me but it's the high school teachers that really helped shape me.

Who is your favorite writer/author?
 
Too many. I have stacks and stacks of books everywhere. My favorite genres are paranormal and urban fantasy so right now just a few of my favorite authors are Jeaniene Frost, Chloe Neill, Kimberly Frost, Kim Harrison and Kresley Cole.
 
As far as literary classics Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead intrigued me.

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

Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi. I was a Bon Jovi fan like no other back in the day. My childhood bedroom was plastered with Bon Jovi posters. When I was flipping through radio stations and came upon that song I cranked it loud and sang along.

Thank you Wenona! Congratulations on your Everything Green Wedding Book!