Feature Writer of the Week – Amy Sharpe

When did you start blogging and why?

In my head….YEARS ago. On “paper” if you will, this new journey just began last fall. I’ve always loved to write. I used to keep a journal as a teenager (Lord, help me if that ever gets in the hands of the wrong person!!). I went onto make a career of writing, as a television reporter and news anchor for sixteen years, to most currently in my position as Video Specialist at my church. During the “in between” of my old journaling days and now, I usually created stories in my head, or dreamed of writing a book about my experiences in television news. When I had my first two girls, I started writing letters to them on their birthdays (to be read when they were older). Sadly, that dwindled when we added our third daughter, and life got very busy. Of course, the guilt builds on me daily, but I digress. When I noticed that Her View From Home was seeking writers in their “40’s”, well, not only did I fit the bill, it also inspired me to write for ME once again. My hope is, that even if my girls are too preoccupied to read my posts now, they’ll someday see the value in their mothers written words and cherish them too.

What are some of your favorite sights on the internet?

Again, that whole “time” thing prevents me from doing too much casual reading, but I do enjoy checking some favorites out when I can. Of course I love Pinterest. I also love the Naptime Decorator,  HGTV, and any of my friends’ personal blogs—especially my dear friends Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper. OK, I don’t really KNOW them, but I feel like I do, and I WANT to know them. Does that count? Along with those, I just enjoy any good quality writing I come across that I can relate to. That’s what good writing means to me anyway. If I can relate, or it reaches deep down into my heart and touches a place I never knew existed, then the words were worthwhile.

 

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’ve prided myself in never having “typical” days. For this reason, I wouldn’t be very good at a desk job. I’m too busy (in my head), to sit still. Besides, I’m usually more organized when I’ve got more on my plate. With three girls in our family, mornings are always complex (that’s a kind way to put it, right?). Once everyone gets out the door, my day can go in a number of directions. I work part-time (mostly from home), as a Video Specialist at St. Mark’s church in Lincoln, Nebraska. Once I left television to make the move to Nebraska with my family, I began looking for a new challenge with more flexibility. I write, shoot, produce and edit videos that correlate with our church’s weekly mission offerings. I still get to tell stories, but let’s be honest, they’re much more uplifting than many I used to tell on the evening newscasts. On any given day, I may also be working on a freelance project relating to voice or video work. Then, when the “bell” rings at 3 o’clock, it’s all about those girls of ours. My husband, Greg, works evenings, so I’m usually the chief transporter. Our oldest, Emily, is 16 and a junior in high school. Thankfully she drives now, which is a blessing (despite the stress and worry it puts on her parents). Our middle daughter, Campbell, is an 8th grader, and Miss Taylor is in 1st grade. Soooo, three schools, and a multitude of activities makes for busy nights. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

 

What advice would you give someone who wants to blog or share his/her story?

I’ll be the first to admit, that even with my background in writing, I still question whether my words matter to others. And maybe they don’t always. That’s OK. No one can feel what you feel, or say it the way you can. With words, there is power within. A power only you have to express what matters most to you. You may struggle in the beginning, but if you’re honest and willing to share, the words will flow easily. My greatest joy is the moment when I realize I can’t stop writing. I have more to say, and am struggling with how to stay within my space limit. That is when I know it’s coming from my overflowing heart. I think what drives my desire to write the most, is knowing my story is written down. It may not be in my handwriting, but it’s there for me or others to see later in life. We all have a story. Whether you choose to share yours in its entirety, or just with glimpses along the way, is up to you! But my guess is, you’ve got a story that someone can relate to—so why not share it!

 

How can people follow you?

Sadly, I haven’t taken the time to create my own personal blog (only that one in my head!)  I should probably get on that! You’re welcome to catch up with my crazy life on Facebook (although you won’t find out what I had for lunch or dinner, and I’m a not a controversial or political post kinda gal…if that’s what you’re looking for!)   Just me, and the loves of my life…living fully, one day at a time!