CP Spotlight: Afton Nelson

Afton Nelson and I met at an online community focused on business and product reviews. It is a large community yet we often found ourselves in the same circles. I admired her style of writing and we often had similar opinions about products. I believe that we were drawn together because we are both moms to three boys. Only another mom with three boys really understands what it's like to live in a house of males. We share stories of our boys' daily antics and accomplishments.

Afton is a dedicated mother, wife, friend, and writer. Afton's commitment to writing inspires me to be a better writer. We share ideas and we provide honest feedback to each other. She has proofread my writing and I her writing. I recently sent Afton these questions and now want to share her answers with you!

What really inspires you to write? What is the one thing that draws you to the computer and really gets your fingers moving on an article?
My family is my inspiration. Mostly my 3 active boys: Ethan is almost 9 years old, Jonah is 4 and Isaac is 2 and a half. I find that the moments when I think things just couldn't get any worse often turn out to be the moments that spark and idea for writing. Writing has really helped me to change the way I think about these stressful mothering moments. Now when my kids clog the toilet with half a roll of toilet paper 4 marbles and a star wars action figure, I think of how I could turn that moment into a funny story, or at least a review of toilet plungers.

The other day, I threw a load of laundry into the wash with out really looking to see what was already inside the washing machine. I knew, and could see several dirty dishtowels I'd thrown in there and I just tossed in the rest of the clothes and started the load. When I went unload, I noticed there was a lot more than just clothes in the washer. There were also a lot of Legos, Mr. Potato Head and many of his body parts, various McDonalds Happy Meal toys and a few other things. I was so irritated as I started to pull out the very wet toys one by one. Suddenly I thought it would be funny to use this mothering moment in a future story, so I went and got a piece of paper and actually counted and recorded every single toy I pulled out. (By the way, there were 71 Lego Duplo blocks, among other things).

So how did you get into writing?
I clearly remember the proverbial light bulb coming on when I learned how to write a 5 paragraph essay in 6^th grade. At first, I mumbled and grumbled about this new task with the rest of the class every time we were assigned a topic. Then one day, everything became so clear. The 5 paragraph essay seemed so simple and I could quickly complete the writing assignments.

When I was in 8^th grade, my sister, who was in 6^th grade, brought home a writing assignment with the question: Would you rather be a rock star or an author? Well, the answer was a no-brainer: obviously everyone would choose rock star. There were far more exciting things to say about being a rock star and probably many of the kids in the class really, honestly did want to be rock stars. But the thought occurred to me: How much more would her paper stand out if she chose "author" instead? I've never been so excited about a writing assignment, and it wasn't even mine. I sat down and wrote with my sister the funniest thing I'd ever written. I got quite impassioned about "taking pen to paper and creating something that would affect the lives of others." It was done in a very sarcastic tone and I remember my parents reading it and laughing. Their reaction made me feel so great and I knew, at that point I wanted to make writing a part of my life.

Tell us one thing about yourself that people might not know.

I did volunteer work in Alaska as a missionary for my church for 18 months.

What has been your greatest success in life?
Definitely my family. Hopefully if you ask me the same question in 10 years, the answer will be the same.

What goals are you trying to achieve with your writing?
I would love to write children's literature or some kind of parenting column. I really love Mary Roach's writing style in her monthly column in the Reader's Digest. That kind of gig would be nice! I would really like to make people laugh with my writing. I would like to be able to make a living as a writer.

If you where trapped on an island by yourself what 3 things could you not live without?
Well, my first thoughts are water, food and shelter, but I know that wasn't what the question had in mind. I would definitely have to say my family, a laptop and an internet connection. I think I could live very comfortably with those things for a long time.

Name 5 songs that you would include on your personal life soundtrack.

James Taylor - You've Got a Friend
Sting - I can't decide which song
U2 - Something to really rock out to...maybe Vertigo or Desire
Amazing Grace
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl or Beck's Sun-eyed Girl

Are these song titles supposed to be meaningful? I just like the songs and artists. I don't really think about the words much when I hear a song. I mostly think about how the song makes me feel...you know...it has a good beat and I can dance to it!

What actor would you want to play you in your life story and why?
Joan Cusack. I love her sense of humor and timing. There was a moment during a movie called "Raising Helen" where she told off a young man who had brought her niece to a hotel room after the prom. In the movie she played a "perfect" mom who was attentive to all of her children's needs. But in that moment in the hotel room, she was strong and passionate and authoritative. I have never had to face a moment like that, but deep down, I hope and feel I have that kind of strength in me. Plus, if she was playing me, then maybe I could meet her brother John, who as an actor, I really enjoy!

What made you start writing for Associated Content?
I really wanted to take my writing to the next level. I feel like I'm getting to the point in my career as a mother where I can start thinking of me just a little bit more. I enjoy writing and I enjoy getting paid for my writing. I'm hoping that by writing for Associated Content I will develop my writing skills even further and be ready to pursue other writing opportunities that may be more lucrative.

What color best describes your personality and why?
Green is my favorite color. I think it describes my personality because green seems to be a laid back color, but full of life at the same time. It's fresh and alive. I think green has a hard time asserting itself, but rather sits back and waits to be noticed. I am not a natural self-promoter and do believe that my work will magically speak for itself and draw people to it if it's good enough. This is one of my weaknesses.

This concludes my interview with Afton Nelson. If you gotten this far then you really need to take it a step further and read a bunch of her work, it will speak for itself!! What a fun opportunity this has been. Thanks Afton!