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Nancy L. Houser has been a freelance writer for years and has had several hundred of her articles published all over the internet. She is also a freelance artist who illustrates for magazines ad children's books. She's recently decided to start her own blog at WayCoolDogs.com where she's  showcasing her talents and her passion for taking care of dogs. You can view her artwork here houserandmarquiss.blogspot.com.

1. Hello Nancy, thank you for taking the time for this interview. You've been freelancing for many years -  what do you like most about it?

I have been into art since the second grade, winning my first art show in California's National Bell  Telephone Art Contest in junior high. Does it come easy? To me it does, as long as I am doing what I want to do and not what someone else wants. A talent is natural born, and basically so is how you approach it from day one. After awhile, it becomes part of you and what you do best...fine tuned into your own artistic style developed over the years. If someone who wants your work doesn't like your style, they need to go to someone else for another style of art. Never change who you are or what you do.

2. What advice can you give to others who would like to get started with freelance writing?

Don't give up. The road is long and exhausting at times, and at times you will wonder if it is worth it. But the longer you freelance and the more art you do...the better it will get. I had an art teacher who once said if he gave us an assignment to do in art, by the time we repeated that same assignment 50 times...it would be the best it could be.

3. Where should they start?

I would suggest starting local, even if  you have to do it for free. Get your name out and don't be afraid to blow your own horn.

4. How did you get started?

I never quit drawing after second grade. I spent my waking hours drawing and all my weekly allowance on art supplies and oil painting kits. My answer is to always keep going. Due to my health, I have had to give up for quite awhile but am now back into it full blast. Like riding a bike, it never leaves you.

5. You have articles and art published. Which projects did you enjoy the most or were the most satisfying?

I enjoy the ones that I do from my style of art, and when people see that style...that is the one they want. I have two styles: cartoons and children's illustrations and a fantasy fine art which has the same looseness and channeled thinking. I recently signed a small contract with a writer to illustrate her poem "Stallions". It was based on my own fine art so I do not have to come up with someone's elses style but can simply relax and get into the thinking of the poem, which is excellent.

6. How do you switch easily between writing and drawing?

I use one as a break over the other. When I tire of writing, I switch to drawing...and vice versa. Do you prefer one over the other? Not really. They both satisfy me tremendously as I seem to have two talents I love. I never think of how long I do one or another, I just follow my moods and desires.

7. Do you have a favorite quote or words that ring home to you?

"There comes a time in every life when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you’d better learn to know the sound of it. Otherwise you’ll never understand what it’s saying"...sent to me out of a book my granddaughter Cassie Houser was reading.

8. Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

My mom and Sandra Marquiss. Whenever I would get discouraged and become depressed, they always had something to say to motivate me.

9. Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud? 

I never sing. I HATE singing! LOL. Meanwhile, Sandy sings all the time which I enjoy listening to. My brother, Steve, also sings which I enjoy listening to. So I guess I am halfway there!

Thanks Nancy for your insights - we wish you great success with your future projects!