Terri Steel became a published writer after she turned 50, and will use her story to inspire others during this year’s HippoCamp. She will be presenting on the panel, “Breaking Into Writing After 40” and we’re excited to hear her speak! In the meantime, we asked her a few questions about her upcoming participation in our writing conference.
Hippocampus Magazine: What are you most excited to share during the panel?
Terri: I am known for my wanderlust and as a traveler and adventure seeker, I found a niche in selling my stories to magazines while checking off my personal bucket-list. Surfing in Costa Rica, road-biking from Baltimore to Key West, and exploring Beverly Hills hot-spots are just some of the stories I have freelanced. They are written with a personal narrative that readers are drawn to, and in addition to the pay received, the travel expenses can be used as a tax expense.
Why do you love true stories?
I love the depth and honesty in nonfiction narrative. Humans are looking for ways to connect, and when a personal story is written courageously, I believe it opens that portal to vulnerability that we are all searching for.
Share a fun fact with us—something attendees may be surprised to know:
I graduated with my BA in English at 50, my MFA at 53, and learned to surf in between. I believe you can do anything you set your mind to.
Aside from preparing for HippoCamp 2018 (of course!), what are you working on? Any recent or upcoming projects/publications you can share?
I just completed my full-length memoir, which started as a thesis project for my MFA, and am looking for an agent. I have a story for my Baltimore to Key West road-biking experience due for an upcoming publication.
Since you’ll also be attending the conference, what are you most looking forward to learning or doing when you’re not wearing your “speaker hat?”
I love meeting with fellow writers, sharing stories and feeling like I’m home again in my literary world. The challenge is always which sessions to choose because I want to be everywhere at the same time!
We love introducing Lancaster to attendees. What are you looking forward to?
I love the indoor market, especially the pies. I leave with at least a half-dozen.
Advice for other writers?
Spread yourself wide, share your stories with other writers, take notes and have fun! This is my favorite conference and I go to many!
Terri, thanks for sharing more about your session! We hope you get to sample some delicious Lancaster pies! See you at the conference!
Register to reserve your place today.
–Compiled by Megan Kane, Hippocampus Intern
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