Meet Cindy La Ferle of Royal Oak, MI, our newest author here at Yellow Door. In addition to writing for national magazines and her own blog, she writes a biweekly column titled "No Place Like Home" for Royal Oak Patch. Her book, Writing Home, is a collection of personal essays, many of which were previously published in national magazines, newspapers, and popular anthologies.
What makes your work unique or distinctive?
The stories in Writing Home are about what it's like to work from home while raising a child and living a juicy, creative life. The stories are short and can be read at random while waiting for your kids in the school parking lot, or in bed before you drift off to sleep. Each piece will inspire you to find the beauty in everyday moments, and to treasure all that you already have. It's a celebration of creative living.
How long have you been writing books?
I began my career in publishing, then became editor of a travel magazine in the early '80s. When I decided to start a family, I began freelance writing from home for various newspapers and magazines. All in all, I've been writing professionally for nearly 30 years.
What inspired you to be a writer?
Reading the works of beloved authors such as Louisa May Alcott and Laura Ingalls Wilder was such an uplifting experience for me that I wanted to be able to do the same for readers one day. Authors have an opportunity to inspire others to live better lives, whether they are writing fiction or newspaper columns. I want to do the same.
What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a writer and an artist, or Pippi Longstocking, depending on the day you asked.
What do you enjoy doing besides writing?
I'm a mixed media collage artist, and many of my pieces have been displayed in juried competitions throughout Michigan. Most of my artwork has something to do with the writing life, or was inspired by favorite books. I also teach creative writing workshops. It is a joy to help new writers pen their own family stories and record precious moments in their lives. I work as a film extra in Michigan movies as well.
What do you most love about the creative process?
Every blank page is a chance to begin again.
Quotes you love or live by:
"What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" -- Mary Oliver
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Be sure to come by and check out Writing Home in our Michigan author corner at Yellow Door, and take a peek at Cindy's blog too!
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This is a good post on this topic.
Regards
Posted by: hotel sur paris | 09/24/2012 at 10:43 AM
This site won't be this good without its great authors and another great author is here to share good writings with us. Welcome Ms. Cindy. I look forward to seeing your post especially your personal essays that I may use as a reliable source for my school essays. Good luck and more power.
Posted by: school papers | 10/30/2012 at 11:35 PM