Adegbola Ayobami
asked
Arielle Miller:
If you don’t mind, I’d love to hear more about your writing journey what inspired you to become an author and how your path has evolved over time? Thank you in advance for sharing, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Arielle Miller
Hello Adegbola! Well that's a long answer, but I'll try to fit it in here tidily! :)
I have always been an educator (as a childminder, elementary school teacher and college instructor) and writer. However, historically, I have written and edited textbooks and abridged versions of the classics, online educational content and teacher's manuals - that sort of thing.
I've also written a series of children's books - just for my kids, not for publication, and I've trained and worked as a birth and postpartum doula for a brief, but very meaningful time.
Then, after some devastating incidents in my life - including the loss of my father, covid, divorce and spinal surgery - and finding my way through them, stronger and happier than ever, I was inspired to share my personal story via memoir.
Just as being a teacher, working with children and supporting families through their birthing journeys helped me to support, educated and connect with interesting humans... publishing my memoir was a beautiful and meaningful way for me to connect with all kinds likeminded - or very much not-likeminded - people around the world.
It was also a way for me to bring awareness to the struggle, pain and confusion of being a single parent, learning to heal while also needing to move forward, possibly hindered by a case of "fractured identity," as they attempt to reconcile their true inner desires with the demands of society, their friends and family, and their deep-seated expectations of themselves.
I hope that answers your question as to how this project came about and how my career has zigzagged over the years... though always, it seems now in hindsight, towards a very clear goal.
I have always been an educator (as a childminder, elementary school teacher and college instructor) and writer. However, historically, I have written and edited textbooks and abridged versions of the classics, online educational content and teacher's manuals - that sort of thing.
I've also written a series of children's books - just for my kids, not for publication, and I've trained and worked as a birth and postpartum doula for a brief, but very meaningful time.
Then, after some devastating incidents in my life - including the loss of my father, covid, divorce and spinal surgery - and finding my way through them, stronger and happier than ever, I was inspired to share my personal story via memoir.
Just as being a teacher, working with children and supporting families through their birthing journeys helped me to support, educated and connect with interesting humans... publishing my memoir was a beautiful and meaningful way for me to connect with all kinds likeminded - or very much not-likeminded - people around the world.
It was also a way for me to bring awareness to the struggle, pain and confusion of being a single parent, learning to heal while also needing to move forward, possibly hindered by a case of "fractured identity," as they attempt to reconcile their true inner desires with the demands of society, their friends and family, and their deep-seated expectations of themselves.
I hope that answers your question as to how this project came about and how my career has zigzagged over the years... though always, it seems now in hindsight, towards a very clear goal.
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