CP Spotlight: Heather Shockney

When I signed up to be Heather Shockney's buddy at Associated Content (AC), I hardly expected that I'd be getting daily tips and information on topics ranging from practical advice on PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) to the humor of "Things to Do at the Store." However, that's exactly what has happened. Nearly every day I look forward to an e-mail notice that Heather has written yet another excellent article.

The eerie thing about it is, although we have never met face-to-face, Heather's articles are very much on target for what I need as I go about my daily activities in real life!

If I'm planning Thanksgiving dinner, Heather has an article for me on "Thanksgiving Menu Ideas" (complete with yummy recipes). Heather even tells me how to use the inevitable Thanksgiving leftovers in her "What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers" article. If I need to make an inexpensive gift, I can always refer to Heather's "How to Make a No Sew Fleece Blanket." Heather's articles warn me about dusting, mail scams, and food related illness.

From reading her articles, Heather seems to me like the kind of person I'd want to make friends with if we did meet face-to-face. In short, she seems kind of like a cross between your next-door neighbor, Martha Stewart, and Carol Burnett - funny, creative, and down-to-earth-all at the same time.

So, when Associated Content announced the opportunity to interview a content producer, I couldn't wait to contact Heather. What I discovered from our interview is that Heather Shockney is just about as down-to-earth as her articles make her seem.

Don't take my word for it, though. Read the interview and decide for yourself.

Is there any other place online (blogs, websites, etc.) where we can
read your writing?

"At this time the only place I write is Associated Content. Hopefully in the future this will change."

You seem to write really quickly. Do you have a particular process
that you would care to share with AC readers?

"I set a goal each week of how many articles I want to write. Then each day I will try to write at least two or three articles. I try to choose topics I have knowledge of. This helps in making the writing process go faster than if I had to spend time researching. I also jot down any ideas I have for articles whether it be a topic for the article or information I want to include. This way I can refer to it when writing."

What are your writing goals?

"Right now my goals are to keep writing for Associated Content and then branch off into other writing venues. I would love some day to write a mystery novel, but as of right now I don't have time to concentrate on it. I want to write to make enough extra money to allow me to continue to be at home."

Can you recommend any resources for writers who are just starting to write for AC?

"I would recommend reading every article about writing online that you can. There are great resources on Associated Content that will help someone new learn about keyword density and where to get ideas for writing. I would also suggest checking out the forums, they contain a great wealth of information from some great writers. My most important tip when starting to write would be to write, and write, and then write some more. The more experience you have, the better you will become. If you find yourself dealing with writer's block, step away and take some time to recharge your batteries. Then come back and pick up where you left off."

What really inspires you to write?

"I have always loved to write, even in school when we had papers to do I always enjoyed them very much. Everyone would come to me for help with his or her paper. I also enjoy expressing my opinion on a variety of subjects. It has always been easier for me to express myself on paper. If I have a disagreement with someone I have a hard time saying what I need to, so I write it down. I guess you could say writing has always been an outlet for my feelings. If I feel down I can write about my problems and then I feel 100% better. I can't pretend the money doesn't help to inspire me to write as well. It lets me stay at home and make some extra money. I don't have to worry about my daughter getting on and off the school bus because I am here. I can still get the things I need to do around the house done as well."

What is the one thing that draws you to the computer and really gets your fingers moving on an article?

"If I feel really strongly on a subject or it's something I have a lot of experience with then I have no trouble getting the article finished. The one thing that motivates me the most to write is being able to make some extra money while doing something that I love. If I weren't writing I would have to go out and find a job outside of the home. Right now that's not something I want to do. I want to be able to be home and raise my daughter. I have worked outside the home for too much of her childhood as it is. Children are only young once and if you miss out on a special first in their lives you can never have that again."

So how did you get into writing?

"As I said earlier I have always enjoyed writing, when I was a teenager I would write short stories at home and dream of becoming a writer. Getting my feelings out has always been easier for me to do on paper. I had put writing on a back burner for many years until I came across Associated Content. I had been signed up a couple of months before I even started writing. Once I had my first article published it gave me the desire to keep going. Now that I am writing it just seems like second nature to me. I am always looking for ideas for articles and when I hear about some new product or topic in the news I try to figure out how to include it in an article."

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

"I have an anxiety problem. I guess that's part of the reason it's easier for me to express myself through words on paper. Sometimes I still can't express the way I feel even on paper. I will read an article and maybe not agree, but I will not comment because I don't want to hurt someone's feelings. I take other's needs and feelings and put them before my own. Some see this as a strength, but I see it as one of my weaknesses."

What has been your greatest success in life?

"My greatest success in life is my Daughter. Doctors told me that the likelihood of me having any children was slim. I had been through several fertility treatments and had pretty much given up all hope of ever holding a child of my own. Then my daughter came along. She is the greatest thing I ever have done and probably ever will. She keeps me going everyday. When things go wrong or are looking bleak I know I have to keep going and try harder for her. My biggest fear in life is letting her down. Everything I do in life is for her. I want her to know everyday that she is the most important person in my life and I would do anything I could for her. I don't judge success as being the best or having the most money or material items, I judge it as knowing you did the best you could and you helped to make someone else's life a little better."

What goals are you trying to achieve with your writing?

"I hope to share my opinions and maybe help a few people along the way. I also hope to be able to write enough so that I can continue to stay at home and see my daughter grow up."

If you were trapped on an island by yourself what three things could you not live without?

"My computer so I can continue to write. Chocolate to feed my addiction (lol), and pictures of my family and friends."

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

"This is a tough question. I guess I would have to say "From this Moment" by Shania Twain, "My Front Porch Looking In" by Lonestar, "You and Me" by Lifehouse, "Angels Brought Me Here" by Guy Sebastian, and "Do I Make You Proud" by Taylor Hicks

What actor would you want to play you in your life story and why?

"I would have to say Thelma Harper (aka Vicki Lawrence) because, while her family drove her crazy at times, she loved them and would do anything in the world for them and her friends. Helping others was a big part of her life as is mine."

What made you start writing for Associated Content?

"I started writing for Associated Content because they provide an opportunity to write about anything you want and they give you a chance even if you are not the best writer out there. If I feel like writing about current events I can or if I choose to write about my feelings about a certain subject I am free to do that. Plus I can write whenever I like instead of having to stick to a schedule. I've also got to meet a bunch of great writers that are incredible people."

What color best describes your personality and why?

"Purple, because its a color that most people like .My personality is one that most people like. I go out of my way to help people and truly care about the way they feel."

What are your favorite articles?

My favorite articles would be the one on why I love Myspace, "My Feelings of Dealing With Infertility," and "The Truth about Owning a Guinea Pig." "

Conclusion

If you aren't reading Heather's writing, I'd suggest you head on over to her content producer pages and check it out.