Ever wondered about the writing process? How does it work? I get asked about my writing process quite often and love having conversations about expressing one's thoughts. Writing is a solitary practice so it is more fun to have people around to inspire you along the way. So when one of my blog friends and fellow authors, Heather Grace Stewart, invited me to take part in this blog hop, I wholeheartedly agreed. How the blog works is that you mention the author who invited you (i.e., Heather) and then share your answers to the Blog Hop questions. Thanks for the invitation Heather! Prepare to be inspired and feel free to share your thoughts on the writing process!

I found this quote by bestselling author Anne Lamott about lighthouses and it really speaks to my heart. I have been journaling and reflecting on the meaning recently so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Ever wondered where a professional poet finds inspiration to write? I'm excited that today, Heather Grace Stewart, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us.

Heather Grace Stewart is a Canadian Poet and the Author of /Three Spaces, Carry On Dancing, Leap, Where the Butterflies Go, The Groovy Granny, & The Friends I've Never Met. Visit her website heathergracestewart.me and her blog heathergracestewart.com. I had to ask Heather to be involved as she continually inspires and encourages me on my writing journey.  Heather and I both grew up in the same city, and connected through blogging.  I consider her a "Friend I've Never Met" as we both live on opposing sides of Canada.  I can't wait to meet Heather in person!  

During my childhood, the lyrics of Raffi Cavoukian (a.k.a Raffi, the children’s singer) influenced me a lot.  Therefore, I was delighted when I randomly encountered him recently at the Salt Spring Island Market. I took the ferry over to the beautiful Salt Spring Island with some friends to check out the Saturday Market.  Downtown Ganges (the main town) is packed with local vendors displaying their crafts.  While I was wandering around, a friend pointed out Raffi selling his books and CD’s. 

Aloha! I’m back. Hope you all had a great couple of weeks. I had a refreshing vacation in Maui.

If you want to get inspired, you should visit the Hawaiian Islands. They have changed my life; they may change yours. We all have places that empower us. The Hawaiian Islands do this for me.  Maui has a special place in my heart; it is where I originally came up with the idea for my blog. So, I thought I should use my holiday as a chance to reflect on my blog, past and present.

Scott Vannatter is 54 years-old and has had several careers throughout his life.  He has been a programmer, worked in computers in several capacities, and was a teacher of special needs middle-schoolers.  On May 7, 2010, Scott suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke, which forced him to stop working in February of 2012.  At this point in his life, Scott maintains daily blogging on his website  and has, finally, earned one of his dreams:  that of being a published author.  He is published online at www.atomicavarice.com  (“The Way It Is”) and in print with his story “Sirens of the Undead” contained in the anthology “The Dead Sea” on sale at Amazon in print and on Kindle: Scott’s Story.  Scott lives in Middletown, Indiana, with his cat, Tamika.

 met author Heather Grace Stewart “randomly” last year through the blogging community on WordPress.com, even though we grew up in the same city.  We have never met in person yet have so much in common.  Therefore, when she asked me to take part in this blog hop – I jumped at the opportunity to get to know my new “friend” a little more.

I'm so excited! My book "Stand Tall & Speak From the Heart: How to Find Your Way" is DONE! I can't wait for you to read it.

I have to thank my amazing designer, Tara Jacek, who put this book together beautifully. I recommend her to anyone as she took my vision and turned it into reality - all without ever meeting me. She has been a loyal contributor to my blog and has really encouraged me to share my story.

Asnat Greenberg is an economist, an artist, and a writer. She worked in the Bank of Israel for 20 years as a Senior Economist, managing billions dollars worth of foreign investments. A few years ago, she followed her heart, left the Bank of Israel, and began to create art, exhibiting in the US and in Europe. Asnat is married, has three children, and lives in Jerusalem, Israel. Her art can be seen at: www.helen-and-asnat.com. Her book, Secrets of Kindness: A Journey among Good People, that has been published recently, is the story of her journey through the world of altruism. This fascinating mosaic of interviews with good people forms an impressive and inspiring document showing the human spirit at its best.

Do you ever feel like you get “random” messages from people just at the time you need them?

Ever since I made mention that I was writing and publishing my book, I was suddenly connecting with people and opportunities that would help me on my path. One of those opportunities was an invitation to share about my book through a game of “blog tag” sent to me by a fellow writer and coach. For “blog tag” (also referred to as The Next Big Thing), a bunch of writers answer 10 questions about their latest writing or writing-in-the-works. Then s/he tags five more writers, who repeat the process. It's a way for us to get our stuff out into the world and to find out more about this growing group of other writers — what makes them tick, why they write, what's new in their world and more.

I have interviewed many people for my "Profiles of Perseverance" series about how they persevere through many types of obstacles.  I thought it would be fitting to ask someone who loves the water and coaching as much as I do. Mercedes Maidana is a Motivational Speaker, Abundance Coach, and Patagonia Surf Ambassador.  I love the work she is doing! I really respect her and think she has a powerful mission. Thanks, Mercedes, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your life! Keep up the awesome work!

Claire Carver-Dias is an Olympic medallist in synchronized swimming, freelance writer and business coach (www.impactconsultinginc.com). She has a B.A. from the University of Toronto and a M.A. from McGill University. She is currently working on her PhD in English. Recently, Claire put the final touches on her debut novel, a literary thriller called "The Games" (www.thegamesnovel.com) which is now available for purchase.  Click here to find out more! Claire aspires to write more books and eat more baguettes (preferably while lounging in a Parisian cafe). She lives with her husband and three children in Oakville, Ontario.