Lynn is a freelance writer and mother of four. She authors the blog called Virtual Wordsmith where she explores her experiences as a writer, interviews other authors, and also reviews books. She also has a blog, Family in a Blender , which explores the joys and challenges of Stepfamilies, also known as Blended Families.
wfg: Describe your family life.
Lynn: I am a happily married mother of four children, a daughter – just shy of 18, a stepson – 16, and two sons – 10 and 5. We have a yours, mine and ours dynamic, as three of the children are from previous marriages or relationships, the youngest child being “ours”. We do, however, refer to all of the kids as ours.
wfg: What special joys or challenges accompany having your children’s ages spread between almost 18 and 5?
Lynn: There are so many joys it would be tough to choose just one.
One of my favorite memories is of my daughter, holding my youngest son in her arms when he was just a baby, and dancing with him. He was sound asleep on her shoulder and she was singing to him. I had this super-imposed vision of her dancing with him at her wedding, with her head on his shoulder.
The challenges are many. Each child is unique, and alike, in that they are all strong personalities and leaders in their own ways. We run into issues with bedtimes, because the older two want to stay up later. I run into issues with the 10 year old, because he wants to do the things the 16 year old does, but he’s not quite old enough yet. Committing the entire family to one activity is also a trick, because the older two already have their own lives, with friends and jobs.
wfg: How would you describe your parenting style?
Lynn: My parenting style is semi-attachment. I breastfed all of my babies (the first two for 6 months each, the last for 9 months), but did not co-sleep. I have been a stay at home or work at home mom for what seems like forever.
wfg: What are your hobbies?
Lynn: I love to read. Lately I’ve had 2 or 3 books going at once, which is new for me. Cooking is one of my great passions. I also love to hike in the woods.
wfg: What kinds of things do you like to cook? Will you share a favorite recipe?
Lynn: I love to bake. Cookies, sweet breads, cakes, candies. I do not bake breads, though. I leave that up to my husband. Yeast and I do not get along. I also love to do the “home cooked meal” thing – Pot Roast, Turkey with all the trimmings, Soups, Roasted Chicken, Lasagna.
My favorite recipe is Guinness Pot Roast. You can find the recipe here.
wfg: Are you living the life you thought you’d be living?
Lynn: I am living the life I envisioned, in many ways. I always knew I’d have at least 3 children, I’d hoped to be married to someone who was my best friend and partner, and I wanted to raise my children in a small town. I have achieved those things.
I didn’t expect to be living in the Mid West, raising a step child and only seeing my parents and siblings once every 5 years or so.
wfg: You said you didn’t expect to live in the Mid West: What’s your favorite thing about living there now?
Lynn: My favorite thing about living here now is the land. Rich, dark fertile soil, beautiful and varying scenery no matter which part of Minnesota you travel, the power of the Summer storms, the quiet after a 12 inch snowfall. If I had to live anywhere other than where I grew up, Minnesota is the best place I could have ended up.
wfg: Describe your average day.
Lynn: My average day begins with coffee and checking emails. Then, I make sure the kids are up and out the door to school with everything they need. Once the kids are on their way, I take a shower, wash dishes and prep things for dinner. I do a couple of loads of laundry a day.
The remainder of my day is spent reading, writing and researching for my blog and freelance writing. I have surrounded myself with words, in one way or another, and I am loving my work!
wfg: How did you decide to become a freelance writer?
Lynn: I became a freelance writer because I’d read through magazines and think “I could’ve written that.” I love words, I love playing with words, and I love sharing my thoughts with others. I describe it as a compulsion.
wfg: What do you find most satisfying about being a writer?
Lynn: As an avid reader, I find myself educated, entertained and moved by other people’s words. If and when I accomplish those same things with my writing, I am elated. I also love the research part of writing. I am perpetually curious, a life-long student and writing gives me an outlet to discover information and then share it with others.
You can find out more about Lynn from her website and from either of her blogs.
Thank you, Lynn, for finding the time to talk to me about your interests and family!
My daughter, who is nine, set a gift on my keyboard for me to find this evening. Upon opening it, I found a piece of blue construction paper cut into a shape resembling a wide and bushy evergreen tree. Upon its branches was glued a computer printout with my name, “Beth”, at the top. Curious, I began to read:
