Q & A with Marilyn R. Wilson

Freelance Writer | Passionate Interviewer | Published Author | Speaker

Photo credit: Kristy Powers Photography

Interview by: Jennifer Angers Daerendinger

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

Honestly, it chose me. I literally fell into this career by answering a Craigslist ad on a whim. So many things came together when I began to pursue this career - a love of hearing people’s stories, a desire to write, a racing mind that proved an asset when interviewing and a desire to help people (not only by promoting their work, but sharing the wisdom they handed me in interviews.)

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM FAILURE?

Failure is never an end game, it’s a chance to learn and grow. I would never have become a writer, author, magazine co-owner, poet and speaker if I hadn’t leapt with blind faith and learned to fly. That meant making mistakes and for me that meant making them in the public eye. It wasn’t fun, but it was a trial by fire where I honed my skills.

ON THOSE TOUGH DAYS, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET UP AND START YOUR DAY?

Fifteen years into this career I made a discovery. The secret to success and longevity is simply showing up. Every day, whether I am inspired or not, I show up and write. Every opportunity to connect with other writers, to learn something new, to expand my skills - I show up. Every opportunity to share what I do - I show up. When it comes to producing new work, that meant creating a habit which pulled me to the computer every single day automatically. I found the book Atomic Habits helped me figure out where to place this new habit in my day.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL OR FAVOURITE MOTTO?

Every interview over the last 16 years offered a new inspiring motto. One still stands out. “There is no secret, just do and be brave!” This was handed to me in an interview with Canadian tap icon, William Orlowski. He was brilliantly talented. As he aged, he began to struggle with Dystonia which limited the amount he could work. Despite the limitations, he still found a way to create new work, to paint, and to perform. His creative to-do list was so long, he admitted he would never finish it all. No matter what question I asked about how to deal a difficulty, this was his response. I repeat it often and every time he comes to mind.

Connect With Me

www.marilynwilson.com

IG: @MARILYNWILSON_OFFICIAL

TW: @OLIOBYMARILYN