Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, writer, wife, and mommy, living the serendipitous moments of God’s divine intentions.
Over the last sixteen years, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples through private practices, group homes, foster family agencies, community based services, and wrap-around programs. In addition, my husband and I have fostered multiple children over the last decade, in addition to adopting two and birthing two.
My writing has appeared in newspapers, magazines, blog posts, children’s books, and books for adults. I have one published children’s book with SNAP Learning (and one on the way!) as well as two chapters published in Becoming Women of Worth: Stories of Hope and Faith and Becoming Women of Worth: Stories of Trauma and Triumph.
I currently have a memoir called, “And Then There’s Hope” about the murder of my mother-in-law and a Young Adult novel called, “Forever Homes.” Both are in revision. I also have numerous picture-books on submission.
I live in the Black Forest of Germany with my husband and four children (two of whom are adopted through foster care). I work as a counselor for the local English-speaking community in their German village. I also volunteer at our local refugee camps (I’m sure you’ve seen the news about the huge influx of asylum into Germany), as well as serve as a local writer for the Art Factory in my town.
I blog inspirationally about my work, writing, and other resources at www.marcypusey.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Reclaiming Hope: Overcoming the Challenges of Parenting Foster and Adopted Children” is a little like a memoir and guidebook wrapped in one. It is NOT a how-to parenting book. However, with my experience as a foster mother, adoptive mother, biological mother, friend to families like ours, and counselor, I saw the need to be a voice on some issues that are otherwise unspoken. We found ourselves struggling deeply in ways we assumed must be unique to us… but the more we talked with other families, the more we realized that many of us struggled, and many of us felt alone. Thus birthed the idea of Reclaiming Hope- a book about the 10 greatest challenges of fostering and adopting, infused with HOPE. Sometimes this was an accountability practice for me. For some chapters, I didn’t know what the hope was. But after digging deep, I found it… and I share it with my readers. So what inspired this book? My children. The children of our friends. And my desire for us all to know that we are not alone and our work is not in vain.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My favorite place to write is sitting in bed, just about any bed, with classical music playing (so I don’t get distracted singing the words) and a nice cold glass of Wild Cherry Pepsi (with shaved ice, preferably). I can’t find WC Pepsi in Germany so I have to settle with regular ‘ol Pepsi. Fortunately I’m surrounded by the beautiful woods of the Black Forest of Germany to hike off the weight of my writing habits!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors right now are Shauna Niequist, Lysa Terkeurst, Lisa-Jo Baker, and Anne Lamott. I love each of their styles of writing. I love their tell-it-like-it-is mixed in with grace and acceptance and a sense that you would feel right at home around their dinner table. I love when they’re a little rough around the edges because it gives me permission to be also. To be a work-in-progress. They inspire me to offer the same to my readers (which is my heart… to offer hope, encouragement, and camaraderie)
What are you working on now?
I am currently revising a Young Adult novel called, “Forever Homes.” I also have a few picture-books underway. 😀
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still working on the best way to promote my books, but so far my community friends (and their friends and their friends) on Facebook has been the most successful place of promotion. Otherwise, I’ve tried Buck Books, BKnights, James Mayfield, and a handful of others.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You have a story and you have a desire to tell it. So tell it! Don’t let the fear of what others will think stop you, because SOMEONE out there needs to hear your story and they are WORTH it. They are worth the possibility that someone else might NOT like it. They are. That one person. Or maybe they’re more. But your story has a purpose, or it should anyway… so get it out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Laure Halse Anderson, best selling author, talks about art-dates. In a workshop I attended with her, she told her audience to date art. That this is how we prevent burn out and writer’s block… to keep filling our art-tank. It could be a visit to a museum, or a concert, or a new gallery. It could be taking out a paintbrush instead of a pen, or reading a new book, or ANYTHING that allows art to feed into YOU. Because only then, with your art tank full, will beautiful art overflow from you onto others I LOVE this.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “The Best Yes” by Lysa Terkeurst and “Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, El Sistema, and the Transformative Power of Music” by Tricia Tunstall
What’s next for you as a writer?
I also help others as a freelance editor, so I have two projects I am working on for others. Of my own work, I plan to finish the revisions of my Young Adult novel, “Forever Homes.”
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible, a family photo album (I know, I know, it’s not a “book” but I’ve journaled in the books and want them FOREVER), Hunger Games (I’d need the trilogy in one big book so I can count it as one) and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (that’s how much I love it, Anne!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Marcy Pusey Website
Marcy Pusey Amazon Profile
Marcy Pusey’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account