Continuing our series of motivating interviews with inspiring women over 50, inspiring writers, and inspiring bloggers over 50, please meet talented writer (and dog walker) Harriet Arden Byrd.
As Harriet Arden Byrd (H.A. Byrd) I write fantasy stories in a literary style. I love to share interesting experiences from my life, adorned with magic and pure self-expression.
Readers describe my book Aru’s Realm as engaging. And unique. There are hints and clues right from the first page to help the reader realize that there is a magical difference between Aru’s world and our own.
I have fun with my life, and, although I do tend to take things too seriously, I’m always on an adventure of some kind. I’ve traveled widely on pocket-change, and lived in many places.
Why did you start a blog?
I’ve always loved to write.
When at last I decided to publish my work, I sought to expand my online presence.
I joined Facebook groups full of readers but saw that promoting my upcoming book would be considered rude in those groups.
I had no online community. I wasn’t sure where to start. I decided to create a group in which mature women are encouraged to showcase their work.
What is your blog is about
When we write— when we produce any sort of art— the joy is in the sharing.
In Crones With Pens older women can show off their personal power.
Anyone of any age can join the group as a reader to support the writers. We are here. We are ready to be recognized! We have so much to share!
Crones With Pens, the directory associated with the Facebook group of the same name, is on Blogger.
It is not technically a blog. It’s a searchable list.
This directory celebrates the life experience of older female writers. Each writer has a short bio and links to her books or blog.
Why Crones With Pens?
We are daring old ladies. We have seen astounding change during our lifetime.
What great and lovely courage it takes to trust the wild internet with our precious brainchildren.
Yet we offer them up, and hold our breath…. The term crone, used contemptuously in the past, is a brave choice for a brave set of women.
These days the word is used to describe strong women with powers of endurance.
What inspires you?
Nature inspires me.
I was driving an eighteen-wheeler among the spectacular red rock formations of Moab in the state of Utah, when it came to me that it was time to write my book.
Since then, I’ve chosen to work in home health care because it allows me some time to write while at work.
A couple of years ago I started my own dog walking business, partly because of scar tissue from DVTs I experienced after surgery.
Walking is good for my circulation. Dog walking is the perfect complement to writing, giving me inspiration and exercise. And I’ve connected with some wonderful women who are my customers.
Do you have any skin products to recommend, and why?
I love the way that my customers have become my friends.
My doctor recommended I see an esthetician for a skin complaint.
The very next day my customer who is an esthetician offered me a large discount on a facial because, she said, she so much appreciates the job I do with her dogs.
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic, healing, experience!
And she introduced me to a product line, Skin Script.
These products contain as much natural ingredients as possible in producing clinical effectiveness.
I’m happy to know about this brand, especially the face wash and moisturizer.
Even pure avocado on my skin irritates my eyes. These products don’t, because they are absorbed well. The sunscreen, essential to a dog-walker, feels nourishing.
Tell us a little about your style, or your beauty routine
Most of my life so far has been spent within the culture of the traditional Native American community.
I’ve also spent time in the Sami reindeer land in northern Europe. In traditional societies, elders have an important role.
Because of these influences in my life, I’ve never seen growing older as a negative, and I’ve never questioned my value to society as an older woman.
I don’t worry about looking old. I wear my hair long because I like it that way. I don’t wear makeup. I don’t want to. It looks lovely on my friends, but it’s just not for me.
I do take good care of my skin, though, because to me healthy is beautiful. All my life I’ve been a wash-and-wear sort of person. I do own an iron, but I’ve no idea where it is.
I’ll never impress anyone with my sense of fashion, but in my simple world as a writer and small-town dog walker, there is no reason to care.
I wear a huge broad-brimmed sun hat in the summer to shade my face and neck during the many hours I’m outdoors. People stare a little, but hey, these hats will be in style soon enough.
What is your favourite quote – or just a quote that fits today.
In my college days I spent the summers harvesting fruit in Eastern Washington. One of my apple-picking buddies was an artist named Tom. Tom’s slogan, which he repeated often and also wrote here and there, was:
“Enjoy Life!”
These words have stayed with me through all these years. Such a simple, and yet profound directive. Remember, each day, to truly live your life.
Where can we find out more about you?
Pop to my webpage for my fantasy novel Aru’s Realmand here’s the Crones With Pens directory.
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