Interview With Stacey Meservy

I am a 35 year old SAHM to seven children. I never in a million years thought I’d have this many children, but they are my pride and joy. We have 4 drama-queens, 3 grubby little boys, 3 cats, a tortoise and a fish. I constantly threaten to move to Africa and change my name to George, but I secretly love the chaos my kids create.

I began blogging four and a half years ago and have found it to be a wonderful outlet for my creative side, as well as a way to connect with other mothers in an effort to support each other and know we aren’t alone in our insanity! I love to look at the humorous side of parenting, but I also love the tender moment on occasion. I also try to occasionally share tips that have helped me organize my home and my life through my Mayhem Management feature.

My hobbies consist of chasing children, playing the piano (with a child on my lap and two more pounding on each side), running, triathlons, reading (when I get 1.2 seconds) and chatting with any willing adult. I am also a published writer and dabble in both fiction and non-fiction.

1. How long have you been blogging?

Almost 5 years

2. How long have you been writing fiction?

I have been writing fiction only for about five years. I never wanted to be a writer when I was young and I always hated having to come up with a story for projects at school. Now I have so many stories constantly floating around in my head that it drives me crazy sometimes!

3. I love the silhouette of you with your seven kids! Did you do the artwork?

Thank you! My brother-in-law does my artwork and he is amazing!

4. Why do you only have one fish?

My eldest wanted a beta and two of them would just eat each other!

5. What is your Mayhem Management Feature?

I talk about different ways that I manage my large family. Sometimes I will do an update when one method stops working and we try something new.

6. What is the An Hour in a Day linkup?

A sad attempt at a linkup that failed miserably because I gave up.

7. If a 25yo bride asked you for advice about starting a family early in the marriage or waiting five or ten years, what would you tell her?

There are pros and cons to both. I think when you are young, you are less set in your ways and aren’t used to your own space/time/etc. But there is a lot of maturity that comes with age and ultimately you have to figure out what will be best for you and your future family.

8. Did you write Upside Down before or after you heard the call for submissions to Precipice?

Before. It actually started in response to a prompt for Write On Edge.

9. Precipice came out just a few days ago. What did this anthology mean to you in your writing career?

For me, this is my first publication and a huge step for me. I have been seeking publication off and on for at least 5 years and this just gives me the boost to keep going!

10. My husband and I found a babysitter and went out to dinner to celebrate the release of Precipice, which is also my first published story. Did you celebrate the release in any special way?

I jumped up and down and forced everyone who knows me to buy a copy. Just kidding. Actually, we haven’t done anything to celebrate other than to look at my name next to a copyright repeatedly!

11. How much do you interact with other Write On Edge participants?

Not as much as I would like to. Whenever I participate in a linkup for a prompt, I do my best to visit as many blogs as I can. The kiddos often hinder that effort. There are some amazing writers who link up to Write On Edge.

12. What is your favorite electronic or digital writing tool?

Just plain old Word. I have looked into other organization type writing tools but I haven’t made the leap yet.

13. What is your favorite non-electronic writing tool?

What? You can do that? I’m not sure I remember the last time I did anything other than type. Writing with an actual pen aggravates the carpal tunnel in my wrist. (I know how old that makes me sound.)

14. What is the most persistent distraction from writing?

The three year old singing her ABC’s in the other computer chair while I write.

15. Many writers go through a stage when they hate what they’re writing. Do you ever feel this way?

Not yet. I go through stages where I just feel totally uninspired and can’t find words for anything.

16. What are your writing goals?

I have a nonfiction, humorous mothering book I am working on as well as a couple of longer fiction pieces.

17. What is your greatest wish for your children?

That they will learn that they can achieve anything they want in life through perseverance and hard work.

18. Are you able to write while your kids are around, or do you have to hide yourself away?

Surprisingly, I do well with distraction. I guess it is out of necessity because I don’t have a lot of time to myself.

19. What is your editing and revision process?

I read aloud a lot when I am editing. I have found that is the best way to catch mistakes and awkward sentences. I also have a sister who plays editor for me on a regular basis. I couldn’t have edited Upside Down without her input!

20. Who shot first, Han or Greedo?

I have seen Star Wars, but it’s been a million years, so I pick Han. I always liked him better than Luke Skywalker. He was less whiny.

The shortlink for this post is http://wp.me/p1qnT4-XL

I have a short story entered in the America’s Next Author contest! You can read and download that story for free on the website. I’d appreciate your vote (just takes a click on the site, no log in) and if you’re feeling very generous, please leave a review! (requires a log-in with basic info)