Meet AC Contributor Rebecca Caroll

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Associated Content Contributor Rebecca Caroll. She's had experience in a variety of careers and is a proud parent, both of which are part of what's reflected in her writing. Rebecca joined AC in August of 2009 and is quickly succeeding on AC. My favorite article of Rebecca's is A Simple Christmas: Tips to Bring the True Meaning of Christmas Back to Your Family because too many people get caught up in the gifting and decorating part of Christmas. Mrs. Caroll brings us back down to Earth and reminds us what the season is truly about. Read on to learn more about Rebecca Caroll and please stop by her AC page afterward for some great reading.

How Did You Find Out About Associated Content?
Literally, I read about AC in a magazine article! I've always enjoyed writing and have a few topics about which I am passionate, so I thought I would give it a try!

Is Freelance Writing Your Career?
Interesting question. I have had several careers. For twelve years I was an investment advisor, my first career. Then, I went into our family business in orthopedic surgical supply sales. I loved this, but when our daughter was born, I made the decision to stay home with her. I consider being a stay-at-home mom to be my most important career choice. Once both children were in school, a close personal friend who is an addiction medicine doctor, asked me to help her start her private practice. I work with her 1-2 days per week. I began freelancing because the economy has been affecting my husband's small business. I enjoy writing so much that I intend to expand to other online writing venues! So to answer your question, yes, I suppose it is!

Tell Us About Yourself
I guess I just filled you in on my career history in ample detail! I am married to a wonderful man and we have two incredible children. I am passionate about topics that have changed our life such as adoption and special needs advocacy. My faith is also very important to me. Photography is my favorite hobby, in addition to reading.

Does Your Role as a Mom Help Your Freelancing?
Yes, I suppose it does, in that it provides me with a myriad of experiences that I use as inspiration for my articles. Most notably, I have written about adoption and advocacy for special needs children, two of my most favorite topics and those topics pertain to my children.

Does Your Wide Career Experience Give You Extra Insight for Articles?
As a writer, I believe all of our experiences provide a knowledge base that we can expand on through research, if necessary. I hope that writing about topics related to my career history will lend credibility to my articles.

What are Some of Your Favorite Writing Topics and are They Similar to Your Favorite Reading Material?
Interestingly, no! I prefer historical fiction when I have the opportunity to indulge my passion for reading. I am not a fiction writer and truly do not aspire to be. I am pretty opinionated about topics I feel strongly about and writing allows me the ability to express, share and perhaps educate on those topics! My favorite topics are all things that pertain to Religion and Spirituality, Adoption, Special Needs Advocacy and Politics. However, I have to say I have really enjoyed writing Haiku over the past couple of weeks!

Which Piece of Your Content Published on AC Means the Most and Why?

This is easy! My favorite article is

Dear Birthmother: Thoughts from an Adoptive Mother

because this is literally something I have wanted to write and express for 11 years. Associated Content gave me the venue for producing that piece and sharing it with the world. I hope that people considering adoption and birthmothers will find this letter comforting and helpful. I also hope it educated those whose lives have never been touched by adoption.

List Three More Favorites You've Published on AC

Handicapped or Disabled: How to Refer to a Person with Cerebral Palsy or other Disabilities

Top 10 Historic Hotels in the US

Cerebral Palsy: What to do After Your Child is Diagnosed

I think these are some of my best because they are informative and educational, but also because they are written directly from personal experience as well as solid research.

What Was The Most Intimidating Thing About AC in the Beginning and How Did You Get Around That?
For me, trying to learn SEO would be the most intimidating part of writing online for AC. I had to realize that writing online is completely different than writing in other venues. One of my other favorite articles that I didn't choose above is a good article, but not so good for online writing. My best advice is to read some of the great SEO articles written by experienced AC writers and then continually strive toward writing concise, tight articles with the optimal SEO principals. I fear I have a long way to go on that learning curve!

Is There Anything Else You'd Like to Add?
I have been writing for AC just over two months and I have met some of the most fabulous, interesting and helpful people at AC! The community camaraderie is what makes Associated Content different and rewarding. I plan to be here for a long time.