Interview with AC Contributor Ann Olson

I recently had the opportunity to interview Associated Content Contributor Ann Olson. This talented freelance medical writer is showcased on AC as a Featured Health and Wellness Contributor. She's been with AC since September of 2007. I enjoy Ms Olson's content because she writes about a variety of interesting medical subjects that I don't always see elsewhere. "Is She Vegan or Anorexic? 3 Signs to Watch Out For" is my favorite AC article of hers at the moment. She approaches a difficult subject very well with excellent, credible advice. Read on to learn more about Ann and please check out her AC work afterward.

How Did You Find Associated Content?
I discovered it through WAHM.com. I was reading through the forum posts looking for places to make money, and someone mentioned Associated Content. I joined very quickly but didn't get my first article published for another two months, mostly because I had forgotten about the site.

Is Writing a Hobby or Career for You?
Hobreer! It's both to me! I've been writing since I learned the alphabet.

Tell Us More About You
Besides writing, I'm a huge gamer and a fan of wrestling and mixed martial arts. Gaming got me interested in writing fantasy and sci-fi, and I've been writing it since I was 13. Someday I hope to publish a series of novels. When time allows, I also like to go on short trips with my husband Cal.

Does AC Assist in Reaching Your Future Goal of Novel Publishing?
Associated Content has forced me to learn how to write consistently without comprimising the quality of the article. This also helps me write more fictional pieces because I've trained myself to write even when I don't have the motivation.

Has Writing for AC Taught You Anything Important About Writing in General?
Associated Content has taught me that you don't just need talent in order to be an excellent writer. You need to be open to new approaches, new ideas, and that talking with other writers is a must if you want to improve your writing. I am an infinitely better writer than I was two years ago.

Does Writing Go Hand-in-Hand With Your Other Creative Talents?
When I was in elementary school I was known as either the writer or the artist. It's always been in my blood. Both skills involve a level of creativity and the ability to imagine things outside of the box. The better I become at writing, the better I become at other skills.

Which of Your AC Pieces Speaks to You the Most and Why?
My most recent article, "Schizophrenia and Anorexia: The Dopamine Connection" definitely really represents my innermost feelings. I am very passionate about eating disorders and the encouragement of healthy body types -- I think most people tend to gloss over them or contribute it to vainness, wanting to look like a supermodel, or just a phase all teenagers go through. To be quite frank, I'm sick of so much misinformation being spread about it and people treating it like it's just some silly disease. People die from it.

Name Three More Favorites From Your AC Library

5 Signs of Domestic Abuse in Men
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2480680/5_signs_of_domestic_abuse_in_men.html

5 Safe Sex Gifts for Valentine's Day
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2538621/5_safe_sex_gifts_for_valentines_day.html

5 Signs Your Teacher is a Child Predator
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2106233/5_signs_your_teacher_is_a_child_predator.html

What's the Most Important Thing an AC Newbie Should Know?
I cannot reiterate this enough: listen to the veterans. Listen. Don't insult them, don't think they're full of BS, and certainly don't think they don't know what they're talking about. They have helped numerous people succeed on AC, including me.

Anything Else You'd Like to Add?
I look mighty fine in a short skirt.