Name: Nancy Copeland-Payton
First clue you wanted to be a writer; summarize the situation: Actually, becoming a sometimes writer was more like backing through the back door. In high school, writing was “fun”, an imaginative creative break from calculus and physics. On a lark, I entered and won an essay contest while in high school. One of the judges said, “Well, it’s obvious you’re going to be a writer as an adult.” I thought I was going to be a scientist.
After practicing medicine as a physician for about 20 years, I started writing again as a creative break from medicine. Eventually, I changed careers and writing is a part of my vocation. It’s interesting how insights into who we are may appear early in life. We may put these insights and feeling pulled toward an area in a “back pocket” while pursuing other interests. But eventually, if we pay attention to our inner urges and in the fullness of time and our lives, they resurface.
Earliest remembered writing and publishing experience: That lark of a high school essay that was published.
What part of your education helped you most on your path to writing? While formal education is certainly helpful, it’s the informal education of daily living. It’s the rubs and tensions, the wonder and joy, the playfulness and surprises, the profound times of sorrow that taught me so much. It’s also in the paying attention – the being acutely aware of what is happening inside me and outside me in every situation. And then taking the time to ponder, and explore those inner and outer landscapes.
Who influenced you most along your way and how? The spirituality of living, of taking the time to know myself and others and creation, of looking beneath the obvious at the mystery of all the layers underneath.
Most satisfying piece(s) you’ve ever written----its audience: A recent piece for a publication on spirituality – telling story while exploring the paradoxical blessing of lonely places, of loss and grief.
Your publications or venues for writing: Every Sunday sermon, church and spirituality publications.
Nuggets of advice for young writers in middle school and high school: Pay attention to what brings you joy – there are deep insights there for your adult life. And be patient – it may take a lifetime for it all to come full circle.
