Look and Listen

Biography

I think I used to be a Mermaid
I'm really not quite sure
It seems like I'm coming home
When I walk the ocean shore.


I wrote this epiphany more than a decade before I felt confident enough to announce to the world, "I am a writer. My original mermaid poem was an epic, a discovery, and a keyhole that unlocked the door to my creative other Self.

A poet, essayist, biographer, novelist, and teacher, I can't stand to be categorized or pigeon-holed. I'm a dabbler, but I'm very good at my dabbling. My husband calls me his monthly gourmet, because he's longing to nurture the cook within me. Once upon another life, I could have taught Betty Crocker and Martha Stewart a thing or two about housekeeping, cooking, and entertaining. Stymied by a husband who thought my writing was a time-wasting hobby, I turned my creativity outward to display in ways he felt were productive and useful. When that marriage ended, I found the mermaid and muse within who have given me the courage to proudly admit the truth of my being: I am a writer.

I am also an editor, a teacher, and public speaker. I embrace each role with passion and enthusiasm. Whichever role I am in is the only role that counts at that moment. I facilitate workshops, am the acquisitions editor for a magazine, and give presentations at schools or business organizations. I’m co-writing two books, editing a third, and have many personal writing projects simmering.

I have been a features writer for Senior Life of Florida since 2003. My association with this publication provided a private interview with Della Reese in 2006. As leader and facilitator of the Florida Writers Association Melbourne group, I organize monthly workshops geared toward writing mechanics that appeal to writers of all skill levels and I direct the annual Brevard County one-day mini conference.

I am the acquisitions editor for Literary Liftoff, the only literary magazine in Brevard County. I take this important role very seriously, and have learned that others in the organization do, also. I've been told that as a result of my AE position, I am "in the muckity-muck" and "have clout." Until I heard that, I was just enjoying the work and the contact with many new writers. I still enjoy myself; I just am now more mindful of how others view me and my work.

Because of my involvement with the Children’s Writers division of Space Coast Writers’ Guild, I often give presentations to students and judge writing contests. I've been asked to read publicly and present "as a writer or editor." Presenting at Career Days is always a joy and an honor. Learning that I inspire youngsters to write feeds my ego and encourages me to always be mindful of my audience.

My first husband thought my writing was a nice hobby, something I did in my spare time, and he did not encourage me to "waste time" writing. My last, and current husband proudly tells people, "My wife is a professional writer. You've probably read something she has written." He not only encourages me to write as much and as often as I can, he has created a home that inspires me, and he fully supports my efforts.

Our vocal orange tabby seems to understand how my moods change if a story isn't coming together as it should right at deadline, and has learned when he should lie quietly in the "inbox" and when he can prowl over my feet.

I have three sons: two that I gave birth to, and one who calls me his "Red Headed Stepmom." The oldest is a career member of the US Navy, an aviation mechanic. He is the father to my grandchildren and has a vocabulary that often sends me to the dictionary. My middle son believes all words should be spelled phonetically and does not have time for words over two syllables. He is an illustrator struggling to find his way in the graphic world, so works in a variety of day jobs. My youngest son will soon be a freshman in high school. He's an athlete as both his brothers were, and knows more about computers than either of the others. An avid gamer with a vivid imagination, his father and I are trying to encourage and inspire him to use his storytelling skills in a more literary sense.

I've just recently launched my professional website and am very proud of the work that has gone into it. I'm anxious to watch it grow into an online writing community with an active forum. In addition to my personal sites at places such as myspace and xanga, you can always visit me at www.marybrotherton.com.

Inspiration

Many things inspire me,
As you will clearly see.
I'll list them here for you,
Beginning with the color Blue.
It's a favorite color of mine,
But so is food on which I dine.

Chocolate is one of my muses, As are long ocean cruises.
Every day job I've ever had
Reminds me of good times and of bad.
Those memories become my story;
They add flavor, and bring me glory.
Waiting tables or selling retail
Somehow cause my imagination to sail.
Substitute teaching for over ten years
Provides volumes of story ideas about the dears.
Teaching children of all ages
Gives dialogue and drama to fill my pages.
As a school bus driver-yes I did that too,
I learned so much that I could tell you.
Another decade as a social working fool
Provides inspirations and many a writing tool.
In addition to my day jobs in those places,
I worked in offices and saw many faces.
Each face brought along a story to tell;
Some fit into my writing very well.
But in addition to my job diversity,
Are other inspirations, as you will see.
Walking barefoot in the grass or sand,
Or watching a high school marching band,
Sitting in a boring meeting,
Sometimes sets my pen to paper fleeting.
If I had to pick just one thing as my muse,
I guess music would be the one I'd choose.
I don't like to write if the room's too still.
I guess I like the noises, if you will.
Because the ocean takes a close second place,
And my meowing cat puts a smile on my face.


I'm inspired by so many things:
Bells, chimes, and finger rings,
Mozart, Vivaldi and that singer Pink
Free my mind when it's too tired to think.
Walking alone in my neighborhood park,
Or listening to someone's dog bark,
Strolls on the beach or by a river bed
Seem to put new characters inside my head.
When no new thoughts come, but the old ones flee,
That is just as inspiring to me.


I suppose my inspiration comes from life itself
And my wish to have my books upon your shelf.
One husband's support and none from the other
Encourage me, and so does my mother.
Encouragement is almost as important as inspiration
Both aid in my creation.