Nurse Practitioner Lydia Commissaris
This week’s Writer Wednesday features nurse practitioner and growing writer Lydia Commissaris of Royal Oak, Michigan!
Lydia recently joined The Detroit Writing Room to enhance her writing skills and pursue her dreams of becoming a published author. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys traveling and finding inspiration in nature. Read more about her below!
What writing projects are you currently working on?
Since I am just starting out in writing with a goal to publish, I am working on a book on something along the lines of a memoir sharing ‘Windows of Humanity’ — what I have learned from various patients and situations that have shaped my development as a nurse/nurse practitioner. I also am dabbling in some poetry. It’s too early to see if I have enough to get published.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I have two. First, when I have a sudden inspiration, and I just sit and write everything, not worrying about the end result — it feels so good to get it down on paper. Second, I like to read my work aloud to myself like I am reading a book to my grandchild with all the voice inflections — makes it feel very exciting.
What does your writing workspace look like?
Currently, I have been very comfortable on our family room couch with my laptop on my lap. I think this came because it was most comfortable when I broke my right hand in mid-July. On the coffee table are my poetry books and several journals I have been writing in. I will eventually move to my reclaimed wood desk in our office to be able to see out the picture window once I can write with a pen without pain again.
When did you first discover your love for writing? Were there any key moments or influences that sparked your passion?
I wrote a poem about the Seasons of Life in grade 7 and won a poetry book for it.
My grade 11 English teacher encouraged writing. Every Friday, we had to turn in a double-spaced lined filler paper on whatever topic we wanted and another answering a question about whatever we were reading in class. I also went on several writing retreat weekends where I received a lot of positive reinforcement from others affirming my ability to write well.
What is your favorite non-writing hobby?
I love to travel with my husband on road trips — especially being in nature — watching sunrises and sunsets.
What is your favorite piece of writing advice?
Pay attention to the details all around you all the time. Live like everything has potential to be part of a writing piece. If you want to write, do whatever it takes to make time to do it. Do not hold your dream inside thinking you will start when you retire!
— Interview by DWR intern Jenna Hausmann.