( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Keesey Is The Author of “Always Think of Me”
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
A former NASA Media Professional and Journalist, Lori Keesey has over 40 years in her career and is now retired. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.S. in journalism. She’s written for daily newspapers and trade publications, and her freelance work has appeared in regional and trade magazines. Keesey is a writer through and through her writing journey. She is now taking a sky-time high with her novel “Always Think of Me,” an uncommon love story about resilience, actualizing your dreams, and discovering your purpose. Keesey is married and a mother of three boys. A tragic incident has caused one of her sons to pass away at the age of 33. Through the power of her words, she could turn her pain into purpose, showing strong resilience in the face of adversity.
From her experience, she has helped others through the power of resilience. Another form of writing she has created is her blog, The Accidental Blogger. The majority of her blogs discuss three main topics: celebration, hope, and trauma. From blogs such as “God Didn’t Make Her Sick; Anxiety Did” or Bad Things Come in Threes” to heartwarming pieces such as “Dogs Are People Too,” there is something for everyone. Keesey’s way of sharing other people’s stories will intrigue readers along with her own, which helps others face trauma, reflect, grow, and think deeply about their lives and themselves.
Keesey will share her years of journalist experience and transition into a NASA media professional, along with her challenging tasks in journalism and media and how it has grown her career. In addition to the struggles and uplifting moments in writing “Always Think of Me,” Keesey shares her inspiration for her writing and blog. The book she envisioned and how it helps promote self-care and mental health conversations is an important discussion she taps into.
Could you describe your years of experience as a journalist and NASA media professional and how it impacted your career?
It showed me just how little I know. I’ll never discount higher education, but most learning comes from hands-on experience, lots of study and research, and, yes, mistakes. I’ve certainly made my share. But every time I embarrassed myself, I learned . .. painfully.
What were the challenging tasks in journalism and media? How have you adapted and grown from your career?
Everyone has opinions. But if you’re working as a journalist, it’s paramount that you keep yours to yourself. Your job is to tell both sides without bias and let your readers decide for themselves. Journalists have become advocates for certain ideologies, and that’s not their job. How have I grown? I’m more aware of how our media tips the scales in favor of one position over another. All good to know when evaluating the truthfulness of what you read and hear.
What were the struggles and uplifting moments when writing “Always Think of Me?” What did you learn from that experience?
Writing “Always Think of Me” was cathartic for me. I based the novel’s protagonist, Tyrus Cal, or TC, on my son, who died tragically six years ago. After his death, while navigating unimaginable grief, I started thinking about life’s purpose. What was my son’s? Why did God take him from us?
From these reflections, the novel and its central message took shape. We all have a purpose, large or small, and failure to achieve the mission could mean that someone else might not accomplish his or hers. No one is random, and the people who come into our lives aren’t coincidental. They came for a reason. Even in our darkest moments, we can find hope if we remind ourselves that we have a job that only we can do.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing your characters?
Write what you know. A creative writing teacher once told me that. Great advice. That’s why I base some of my characters and scenes on real people and situations. However, I’ve also learned that making up stuff from whole cloth brings tons of joy. But even then, I think about the colorful people I’ve met and the funny things they’ve said to create the people who live in my fictional worlds.
How did The Accidental Blogger start, and what message do you share with readers?
The Accidental Blogger started with one goal in mind: Establishing a platform to introduce potential readers to my writing. Because the novel addresses adversity and resilience, it made sense to focus the blog on real people who overcome hardship.
In recent weeks, I’ve concluded that the blog must go on a brief hiatus. My batteries need a recharge, and so does the blog’s focus. Writing about ordinary people who do extraordinary things now tugs on my heart. I call these people the extraordinary-ordinary. Their stories inspire. If you know someone who fits the bill, let me know! I’d love to tell the story.
How do you envision your book contributing to self-care and mental health conversations for those who want to practice resilience in the face of adversity?
“Always Think of Me” deals with hardship in many different forms, everything from suicidal ideation and substance abuse to abandonment and toxic people. But the book also offers hope.
Through the eyes of TC and Ginny—a deeply traumatized woman whom TC meets by happenstance—both discover their purpose and why their paths crossed. In the end, the novel is an uncommon love story about friendship and do-overs. I hope readers understand and consider their own specialness when they face hardship, which is inevitable.
Any advice for those who want to pursue journalism as a career? What are key things to keep in mind to help new writers stand out in the industry?
Learn your craft. Get a mentor or an internship. Remember, too, that everyone needs an editor and accept constructive criticism for what it is: necessary feedback meant to make you a better writer. And once you’ve achieved your professional goals, forget your agenda. Ask tough questions and then report the truth.
Keesey has overcome adversity through her words and experience. She has turned her grief into resilience and self-discovery. For more information on Lori Keesey, visit https://lorikeesey.com/ or check out her blog, The Accidental Blogger. To buy her book “Always Think of Me,” click here.
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