We were lucky to catch up with Heather Rose Artushin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Heather Rose, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’m currently writing my first novel inspired by my best friend who was from Nepal and battled lupus, an autoimmune disease that can have serious implications. I remember even back then, the light and presence she brought to the world around her was truly one-of-a-kind; she always knew she wanted to make a difference.
Now that I’m a little older, I realize how precious these close friendships can be, and that they don’t come along often. Sometimes it is the people we least expect to connect with that become like family and end up changing our lives forever. I see this book as her legacy, and I hope that anyone who ends up reading it will find it relatable, thought-provoking and inspiring.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a writer and poet in Charleston, South Carolina. I always knew that I wanted to be a writer, but my professional path has been anything but linear. I studied social work at the University of Michigan and became a licensed therapist, because like writers, therapists are adept at observing people, asking good questions and listening well. I love helping people unfold their stories in therapy and decide where they want their next chapters to go.
I’ve written for magazines and newspapers across the country for over a decade. These days you’ll regularly find my work in Charleston Women Magazine, Mount Pleasant Magazine and Lowcountry Parent Magazine, among others. My motto is “Write for good: Making a difference one word at a time.” I am committed to lifting up nonprofit organizations in the community that are making an impact, telling inspiring stories of the resilience of the human spirit and using my platform to inspire others to keep reading, learning and improving their lives.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve always been an avid reader and full of ideas for great stories, but never really considered that I could write a book. It seemed too lofty a goal, especially for a mom of two young children. I felt unqualified, missing an MFA. So, I continued growing in my career as a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines, nonprofits and websites, until one day I heard myself say, “I believe that everyone has a unique and valuable story to tell.” It struck me that I was so confident that others have valuable stories to tell, but I doubted this truth for myself. It was then that I felt a conviction to honor my own stories. I realized that there could be space in the world, on the proverbial bookshelf, for what I have to share.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
As a writer, I’m often out of the spotlight, a black-and-white byline underneath the title of an article. But in my interactions with editors, sources for articles and potential clients I try to go the extra mile to exude professionalism, gratitude and grace. I know that being featured in an article is an opportunity for someone to feel appreciated, important and honored, and I do my best to make them feel all of those things in the process.
I love following up with a handwritten thank you note when I can to express gratitude for the opportunity to write someone’s story. I’m always humbled how generous people are with their time in this busy, fast-paced world. I hope people know the impact their vulnerability and courage can have on readers who often feel validated and inspired by their stories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
heatherrosewriter.com - Instagram: @heatherrosewriter
Image Credits
Photos by David Artushin