Meet AC Contributor Loraine Alkire

Associated Content Contributor Loraine Alkire recently allowed me to interview her. She joined AC in November of 2008 and has been consistently publishing since that December. Loraine writes poetry and articles about health, spiritual reflections, nature, beauty, travel, and more. Her topical experience is very diverse. My favorite two pieces by Loraine are Spring Cleaning Your Spirit and Eyes to See Through the Haze . Both of these speak to me about the strong and beautiful person that she is. Read on to find out more about Loraine Alkire.

How Did You First Find Out About Associated Content?
I found out about Associated Content through Freelancewritinggigs.com. I decided it would make a good portal for existing clientele and at the same time, (in time), allow me to earn some decent passive income. This overall has worked out well. I'm happy to say that I've met some wonderful people here right from the start, including Amy Brantley. As busy as she was she took the time to tell me about AC and its advantages.

Do You Freelance For a Living or Do Something Else As Well?
I freelance part-time at the moment. I'm hoping this will work into a career that will allow me to continue to increase revenues as I age.

I have Psoriatic Arthritis and some other problems related to the disease. It's doubtful that I'll be able to work full time at any job. I see writing as my best option, simply because I have a passion for it and because I can rest when needed, work from bed or take a break from it and pick up when I'm feeling better.

Tell Us a Little More About Yourself
Well, my earliest memory is at the age of two--I was standing at the screendoor in my underwear... (okay we won't go back that far). Honestly, I've lived a very full life workwise and playwise. I started off in manufacturing operations and pretty much hung out in that field for around eighteen years; everything from biologics to furniture. After that, I became a chef and started my own catering company with a close girlfriend. Arthritis won out in the end and I was forced to give up that dream. I began my writing career with 944 magazine, about four years ago, doing a monthly humor column and other assignments, including restaurant reviews. I have two wonderful daughters and three amazing granddaughters. I consider each of them to be my greatest reward in life.

Do You Feel that Psoriatic Arthritis Limits You or Motivates You?
Definitely both. Yes, it limits me. I fatigue easily, I have mobility issues, constant doctor's appointments, infusions every five weeks, medications that don't agree with me, the list goes on ad infinitum. I'm sure most people with a serious physical condition can relate.

At the same time it motivates me to live life and cherish each moment to the best of my ability. Having suffered from this condition in one form or another since childhood with it's ever changing landscape on my life of what I can and cannot do, I've learned acceptance and relearned it over and over. Each day and each person in my life is a blessing- (Even the days and people that aren't so much fun as annoying.)

Psoriatic Arthritis has taught me to be compassionate and forgiving of myself and others around me. I am weary of the trite expressions, though. I'm no Stephen Hawking or Job. I wish I were but I'm not. I'm just an ordinary person, with an annoying affliction that is both a blessing and a curse. If you'd like more information on Psoriatic Arthritis, contact the NPF, the National Psoriasis Foundation . National Psoriasis Day is October 29th.

What Do You Like Most About Publishing With Associated Content?
I really like the other AC writers and the friendships I've developed with them. I also, like the freedom of publishing on almost any topic I choose. I think I have writer's A.D.D.- if there is such a thing, haha. My topics are wide and varied- I'm definitely not a niche writer. So AC is a great portal for me in that they do not expect, consistent subject matter but rather quality work.

What Message Do You Like to Convey to Readers?
Follow your dreams, though your life's landscape may change consider it an opportunity. Our greatest blessing is that we don't have to be tied down to one persona or goal for life. Be flexible, continue to dream, have hope and cherish those around you.

What is the Most Meaningful Piece of Content You've Published at AC and Why?
An Interview with my daughter, Julia Alkire McConnell, titled 'From Small Apartments Without Computers These Twenty Somethings Created Their Entrepreneurial Destiny.' I loved writing it and hearing her candid answers. I'm a very proud mom as I've stated. But really it's the article within the article that I've touted as 'The best article I never wrote.'; Entrepreneurs: Success At Every Age, Part 1 written by Jenna Goudreau, of Forbeswoman, that makes me so proud. In fact both of my daughter's have exceeded my wildest dreams- They are without a doubt my closest friends and the two people (My first born, Angela Alkire Middough,fantastic mother, volunteer extraordinaire and beacon in her community)that I have the highest regard for on this earth.

Name Three Other Favorites You've Published on AC
The Off We Go Travel series - these are my favorite ones.

Off We Go Travel Expert Sara Leonard Discusses Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Off We Go Travel Expert Sara Leonard Discusses South Korea and the DMZ

Off We Go Travel Expert Sara Leonard Discusses New Zealand's- South Island

These all made links in USA Today. These interviews allow me to travel vicariously through my client, Sara Leonard.

What Have You Learned at AC That Would Benefit Other Writers?
I think for most of us, what you put into AC is what you get out of it. I'll likely never be a Lyn Lomasi or an Amy Brantley or so many others with page views in the hundreds of thousands. I haven't the energy for it. I think of my time here on AC as a time for communing with other writers and doing something I love, when I am up to doing it. My point of view is best reflected in this article: Page Views Your Interest Earned.

Is There Anything Else You'd Like to Add?
Thank you Lyn for taking the time to interview me. I'm humbled as a writer by most of my favorites here, you among them. I'd also like to say to people that don't really know I'm reading, Maria Roth- I read and follow and I care about you and your daughter more than you know. There are so many people here like Maria Roth, that have no idea how they have touched my life and for that I really have AC to thank.