Monday's Q&A, with Beverly Burmeier

Beverly Burmeier is the next author in our Q&A series about Fits, Starts & Matters of the Heart. Here is what Beverly has to say:

How long have you been writing essays?

Seems like almost all my life.

When and where was your first essay published? (If you haven't been published before, how did it feel when you discovered your essay had been chosen for inclusion in this book?)

I started writing seriously about 10 years ago and had essays published soon after in regional and parenting magazines.  My first essay in a national publication was Christian Science Monitor in 2005. 

What inspired you to write it?

I've had a pen pal for more than 50 years.  We've never met but still stay in contact, especially through Christmas cards.  I wrote about that enduring relationship.

Tell us a bit about the essay published Fits, Starts & Matters of the Heart. What is it about and why did you write it?

My oldest daughter is adopted, and I wrote about how her journey to find her birth mother affected our relationship.

Had you tried the essay market before?

Yes.  A totally different version published in Woman's World was one of my first sales.

What does it mean to you to be published in this anthology?

I'm very pleased to be in the company of some wonderful essay writers.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with someone who says "I don't have anything to write about."?

Life is full of story ideas, so take time to put your thoughts and feelings on paper (or at least the computer).  Just let the words flow; you can edit later.