We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful A.M. McPherson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with A.M. below.
A.M., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As someone who has struggled with mental health, I hope to show that it’s always possible to work on your dreams. That it’s never too late to start doing what you love, and it’s okay if it takes some time to figure out who you are. Writing was something I always wanted to do, but it wasn’t until I suffered from postpartum depression that I finally jumped in and did it. Before I was always scared that I wouldn’t be good, of what other people would think of me, and I’d fail. Something about hitting rock bottom finally gave me the freedom to let go of those negative thoughts, and pursue something I’ve always secretly wanted to do. I want my story to help anyone who may be going through something similar, and hope that I may help encourage them to work on their dreams, no matter what.
A.M., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Have you ever had to pivot?
For the last ten years of my life I worked in the financial industry. When I decided to self-publish my book I suddenly found myself balancing life with working full time, learning how to publish a book, and trying to be a good mom and wife. I would wake up at the crack of dawn to have time to write, post on social media, figure out how I was going to market my book, and then clock in at my job to work eight hours. I was a Marketing Director at the time and I could feel my creativity being spread really thin. It didn’t help that I was still working in the world of finances, a world I never wanted to work in, but it was where my opportunities were at when I was younger. It didn’t help also that I was good at my job. I loved the technical aspect of everything I did, and I loved creating graphics, but internally I was screaming at myself. It was the job I felt like I was supposed to want, but I didn’t. I always felt like my job was a puzzle, and I was a piece that didn’t belong, but I kept trying to force my way to click anyways. In the end though I just didn’t fit.
Writing and publishing my book was the the first career that felt natural to me. That it was what I was always meant to do, so I was stubborn to not to let it go even when I knew I was pushing myself too hard. A pivotal moment happened at work, funnily enough the day after I released my book, that caused me to reevaluate everything. It was like life was giving me a huge sign and I knew I needed to listen to my gut. I was burnt out, exhausted, and my mental health was spiraling downwards. It was a hard decision, but I decided it was time I truly listened to what my body was telling me, and I needed a break. I turned in my notice and said goodbye to the career I had been working on for ten years. It was tremendously hard, and I went through a grieving period after leaving my job. It was one of the most strangest experiences of my life. I was happy, yet sad, and very mad.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Writing is my imagination’s playground, and every time I work on a story it’s so much fun. There’s something so satisfying about letting your mind go and explore a world you’re creating. There’s no one there to tell you that you’re doing it wrong, and I use that to help me process thoughts and feelings. That’s a huge reason why mental health is such a strong theme in my writings. It’s my way to process my emotions, and also to write them in a light that it’s normal for humans to experience these things. What’s most rewarding is when others connect with your story as well, and you realize there’s power in your art. In everyone’s creativity. That sharing your art or story you in fact can help someone else. That’s why no one should ever feel like they should hide their creativity. You never know when you may inspire someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ammcpherson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amcwriter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amcwriter
- Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21612185.A_M_McPherson