One of my true joys in life is keeping an eye on fashion – both the stylish trends of the industry itself and the full history of where style took residence in people’s lives simply by creating their own take on what they felt would work best with their bodies and spirits. I love watching Turner Classic Movies for this one reason (even though I typically lament it’s the solid story-telling and the emotional connections you get to the characters!), as a beautiful arc backwards into how fashion and the clothes people wore not only defined who they were as individuals but how clothes defined entire generations.
When I set down to write the questions for this interview, I kept it in mind to ask pertinent questions about the industry at large but also, to take the conversation to a personal side of reflection and insight that my readers would welcome seeing by today’s guest Marilyn R. Wilson who has started to write a serial collection of stories garnished out of her experiences and interviews with the people who have inspired her the most.
Real Stories about Real People to Entertain, Inspire and Challenge You.
Get inspired to step out of your box and into a world full of potential. From the corporate world, to the arts, to working with the disenfranchised – the message is clear. There is no such thing as a normal way to live your life and no one right solution to any problem. Selected from amongst over 100 interviews, the stories shared here open a window on the journeys of seven women and three men who have charted their own path, including Ruthie Davis – top U.S. luxury shoe designer and the winner of the 2014 AAFA Footwear Designer of the Year award – and Geir Ness whose perfume is a staple in Nordstrom, Disney World and on Disney Cruise Lines. Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes into the unique ways these individuals chose to deal with life’s challenges and how they define success in their careers.
I can directly relate to ‘owning your own truth’ as far as your artistic light shining out of your soul via your choices in fashion. Clothes are intricately attached to the artistic fire of our spirit because clothes help define our spirit in an outward method of communicating a piece of who we are on the inside. I love how you previously conveyed in an interview (via Vancouver Fashion Week) about ‘defining your story in clothes’ as clothes can paint a story in a way words cannot. What do you hope your clothes are saying if if you were write a synopsis for their story?
Wilson responds: I think this one of the most interesting questions I’ve ever been asked. My hope is that my clothing would define my story as unique and that my decision to wear things that I loved regardless of what was dictated as currently “IN” by the fashion world would be an example of how I embrace life and success in a way that is meaningful to me alone. As my favorite garments are ones with their own story – I know or have interviewed the designer, the concept was truly inspiring, etc. – I hope they would also share how I choose to live my life the same way, by drawing in experiences that support my decision to embrace a life and definition of success that makes my heart sing.
I was drawn into wanting to read Life Outside the Box because I grew up ‘living outside the proverbial box’ whilst attending traditional schools (as the 80s/90s were not as friendly towards homeschooling) wherein I was surprised how other children were not as keen on the living through experience and seeking out adventures where they could challenge their thinking of their environment, world, and sort out where they lay thought towards who they want to be based off their interests, motivations, curiosities, and passions. How did you develop your approach towards embracing the ‘discovery’ aspect of what your book solidifies through biographical sketches of artists you’ve interviewed? Did the research inspire your own path to alter or did you bloom later in life embracing the more authentic ‘you’ who was waiting to take flight?
Wilson responds: I am totally “Leo The Late Bloomer.” My original goal was to be a counselor and I was a third of my way through my masters before realizing this wasn’t the right direction. Many years later I realized one day my kids didn’t need as much of my time, so I decided to answer a Craigslist ad asking for magazine submissions. Two of my story ideas were accepted. It was while conducting my first interview that I realized I had found IT! I loved interviewing! The writing took longer to polish and the road from first interview to publishing my first book was filled with some great highs and some really dark lows. I truly stumbled onto this life-changing path. I think the awareness of what I had gained while listening to others stories – such as the freedom to let go of outside expectations – came about slowly over time. Somewhere in the process of writing Life Outside The Box, I finally fully realized how much I had personally changed. It took my breath away.
I love how you talk about the concept behind ‘The Artist Journey’ and how artists are influenced by a variety of source materials and avenues of artistic inspiration inasmuch as they view art as a lifeblood of creative synergy. Being both an artist (photography, fiber arts, and mixed media collage) and a writer myself, I can appreciate a duology of passionate living whilst expounding on your strengths. Did you find a baseline commonality amongst those you’ve interviewed to key into the authentic cause and effect of what gave them the strength to be who they are whilst creating art which left behind a piece of their soul?
Wilson responds: Not all in my book are artists, although many are. They are each so unique in how they pursue their passion as well as the business of art. Which artistic form calls them is driven by how they express themselves – a dancer through movement, a painter through canvas, a designer through clothing and/or accessories, a spoken work poet through both the written work and performance. For some it is like leaving a piece of themselves, for others it’s a way to express their thoughts, for some it’s therapy and for some just a joyous, energizing connection with creativity. Probably the only things I see they truly have in common are determination and drive. I cannot imagine one of them ever stopping. Their art is an intricate part of who they are and it must find expression. No doesn’t exist. It just means try another direction, push a little harder.
Your concept of turning a non-fiction collection of interviews into biographical essays centering on a snapshot portrait of 10 individual lives is quite a wicked spin on the norm. Is this the beginning of a series of books containing these types of portraits or is a one-off and your next book will tackle a different vein of thought? How did you cull together the collection when you had such a deepened well of inspiring stories to pull from!? What was the one connective thread which unites them all?
Wilson responds: Thanks for the compliment. This is a new type of book and that means you have to work harder to build your readership. The answer is yes. Life Outside the Box is the first in a series under the label Real People-Real Lives. I have several ideas in development including a second with the same format as well as perhaps a few targeting specific journeys – fashion, dance, etc. There is also one hush-hush idea in the works that I can’t share now. Crossing my fingers it comes together. Choosing ten for this book was difficult, but in the end I had to trust my instincts. I ended up doing a few new interviews to get the balance right. Looking towards book two, I hope I can achieve that same balance. The connection – each of these people inspire me and almost all give back in some way.
I had to smile into a smirk whilst reading in your Author’s Introduction you couldn’t wait to jump out of high school and get-on with your life. Ironically or not, I graduated a year early whilst I skipped my 11th grade year one daring Summer when I took a full load of college. Sometimes you have to find freedom from what is not working in your life and dive into a new chapter. I am a firm believer in taking risks and pursuing your heart’s direction, as our heart never steers us wrong. Each moment which alights in our life is meant to be just as it is with the full intention of ‘making sense’ when we’ve entered into a new understanding of where the journey led us to traverse. What has been your greatest takeaway from walking your own path and seeking out what motivates your joy now that you’ve published Life Outside the Box? What surprised you?
Wilson responds: This might surprise you, but as I didn’t fit in growing up, I never really learned how to make true friends. I left home at 17 and moved about every four years until I was married. This was pre-internet, so staying in touch was difficult. Knowing a lot of people isn’t hard, but making life long connections is. Those I did have came about through sheer luck. I was introduced during an interview to the concept of Ujamaa (cooperative economics). The person who shared it was using it as guideline to create a charity where everyone came together to raise the group as a whole. It struck a chord. I began to let one-sided relationships go, spent more time on those relationships where we supported each other equally and suddenly one day realized I was surrounded with an amazing group of friends who I trusted entirely. Wow. This is only one of many lessons I have embraced over the last few years and my greatest joy is passing the lessons on. Giving others permission to tune out the naysayers, to stop trying to make everyone happy and to embrace their dreams is a privilege.
Like you, I share a joy in being able to interview people, which is why I love having opportunities to host authors, editors, and foodies on my blog in conjunction or in lieu of reviewing the books I am showcasing on my blog. I love the research behind the interviews to the moment where I sit down to write-up the questions. What were some of your most favourite memories of interviewing people who inspired you by their responses to your questions? Did anyone take you off-guard or happily surprise you by their replies? What was your approach to getting to know your subject pre-interview?
Wilson responds: I spend little time in research beforehand to make sure I have no preconceptions. Each interview starts the same way – Where were you born? Where did you grow up? What were you like as a kid? From there I let the interviewee lead me to what they want told about their life. We have shared laughter, tears and hugs along the way. I have a special place in my heart for William Orlowski as I met him before I ever started writing. His humorous story of dancing with a bottle of Pepsi (in the book, so don’t want to spoil it) is a favorite as well as his ultimate advice which has carried me through many tough moments – “There is no secret, just do and be brave.” I learn about things I did not know such as wet plate photography and get insight into worlds outside my reach. Every interview is like taking a wonderful trip to a new location. To this day I still get goosebumps if something special is said – something important I need to listen to and understand.
I truly appreciated hearing you talk about the trend to pursue a career by taking a non-traditional route towards achieving a professional endeavor. Mostly as I can directly relate to this as I regularly talk openly about being a writer but at the same time, I stress that this is my season to be a book blogger. I truly love being a book blogger and realize the rest will follow when the timing is right for me. I’m in my mid-30s and never once thought ‘am I too old to become a book blogger?’ rather I approached it knowing that it was my time to blog about books! What do you think has given all of us at different ages to be bold in our choices and believe in our ability to write our own path at a time in each of our lives where others might feel we’re taking too great of a risk?
Wilson responds: I cannot answer this for others. My entire life has been led by intuition. If it felt right, I jumped in without thinking and dealt with the consequences. This has taken me on several really tough roads that I might not have walked if I had known, but they all led me to this moment. One day I was bored and needed a new direction, so threw caution to the wind by answering an interesting Craigslist ad. I had no idea how this one simple act would change everything. The other side note is my mother also came to her career at a late age – so I knew it was possible. She was forced out into the workforce in her mid-fifties when my dad died unexpectedly with no pension. She found a job at a university where she worked for ten years in the office. Then in her mid-sixties she developed a new program for them – what would become her life’s work – which she ran for the next 20 plus years. So for her, the journey started with necessity and grew into something much more.
I completely agree with you about defining your own success and being humbled in your spirit to recognize how to give service back through your community. Rather than asking you about success, I was more curious about what has been your favourite bits and bobbles of feedback by early readers of Life Outside the Box? What stood out to you the most?
Wilson responds: I have had several reviewers state they only read fiction or disliked autobiographies, so was very nervous that they were going to read and share their thoughts. Every single one ended up giving it a positive review and recommending it to their readers. My goal was to make Life Outside The Box easy to read, entertaining and accessible to those with limited time by making each chapter a stand-alone story. I achieved that. But to have reviewers who did not usually enjoy this genre give me a thumbs up was a remarkable moment for me.
As you’ve become embraced by the Fashion Industry and have found your own personal niche inside it’s world, of whom would you say are your own personal favourites when it comes to designers and fashioners who create styles you feel resonate with your own flair and spirit of tangible stories?
Wilson responds: I prefer not to name names as there are so many within my world I want to support. So let me take this moment and encourage everyone to step out of the regular retail stores and see what local talent you can find. Try to buy one garment each season from a local designer. Attend grad shows at design schools. Like what you see? Try and support that student in whatever way you can. I initially worked with a single designer over several seasons to build a solid basic wardrobe that worked and now have the freedom to make random additions from a wide variety of sources knowing they will tuck into my current wardrobe easily. My craziest purchase? I loved an unusual jacket I saw on the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week created by a young Japanese designer still in school. I managed to track him down and try it on. When it fit like a glove I bought it. I’ve never done this before or since, but it is a cherished moment and a cherished jacket.
What are your favourite materials and textiles to wear as much as which emerging styles do you feel give back a sense of femininity that is representative of the clothes the Golden Years of Hollywood were known for showcasing in film? (i.e. such as the designs by Edith Head, etc)
Wilson responds: I live by no rules when it comes to clothes. My wardrobe has a bit of everything – silk, wool, linen, bamboo, cotton and even synthetics. Each has its own place and time. I love color, but also have a great selection of white/gray/black. I really don’t have a good answer for your second question. I am in the fashion world because I love interviewing artists, but I am not a serious fashion trend follower or stylist so I leave those questions to those with a lot more knowledge that I have. It’s the artist behind the designs that draws me.
What are your top five favourite accessories to cross-coordinate with your wardrobe as I listened to how you only add a few pieces here or there to spice up the essentials in your closet?
Wilson responds: I really only have three. I love big, dramatic costume jewelry. I tend to hit big stores during a sales and walk out with a bag of treasures. These get broken and lost over time allowing me to do it all over again. Then I have a few great pieces from local artists that I cherish and carefully protect along with surprising finds at craft fairs or ethnic markets. Next I have come to love shoes. Around the house I am barefoot or in sandals, but when I go out I wear heels of all types. As you age, it’s harder to find the right clothes, but shoes are ageless and great conversation pieces. I have classic shoes of high quality and low-end trendy shoes for fun (including a steam punk pair with a spinal cord shaped heel). Lastly I keep a variety of long scarves handy. I tend to use these more for day meetings. They just add a special pop to a plain outfit.
Outside of writing and interviewing people to listen to their oral histories and inspiring modes of creative voice, what do you enjoy doing to uplift your own spirit?
Wilson responds: I found out just a year ago I love riding a bike outside – hard – with the wind in my face and the landscape flying by. It’s a great stress reducer and a wonderful way to deal with writer’s block. Somehow the words just sort themselves out. Daily pleasures also include reading (almost every genre), crossword puzzles in the newspaper and music (Motown, blues and jazz). I also get inspired by attending live theater, dance and music or even just checking out a great movie. Last but not least is having friends over for food and laughter. Sometimes the simple pleasures are the best.
About Marilyn R. Wilson
Marilyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for interviewing. It all began in 2006 when she answered a Craigslist ad from a NY magazine asking for story submissions. Two were accepted. The first live interview was life changing and Wilson has never looked back. With over 150 interviews now behind her, the love of interviewing is still as strong as ever. Whether through a random encounter on the New York subway or via a “one-on-one” interview with an internationally recognized artist, the goal is the same—to share the unique journeys of inspiring individuals.
In 2007, this goal led the author to co-launch a successful, innovative magazine focused on professionals working in the fashion industry, paired with photography and illustrations by local artists. Now on staff at Raine Magazine (NY/Miami/LA), as well as freelancing for other publications, Wilson has taken her passion to a new audience with the release of her first book.
This author interview is courtesy of: iRead Book Tours
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Similar to blog tours where I feature book reviews, as I choose to highlight an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog. I provide the questions for interviews and topics for the guest posts; wherein I receive the responses back from publicists and authors directly. I am naturally curious about the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of stories and the writers who pen them; I have a heap of joy bringing this content to my readers.
{SOURCES: Cover art of “Life Outside the Box”, book synopsis, author photograph of Marilyn R. Wilson, author biography and the tour badge were all provided by iRead Book Tours and used with permission. Conversations with the Bookish Banner created by Jorie in Canva. Comment Box Banner made by Jorie in Canva. Tweets embedded due to codes provided by Twitter. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Rainbow Digital Clip Art Washi Tape made by The Paper Pegasus. Purchased on Etsy by Jorie and used with permission.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2015.
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@iReadBookTours @JLovesAStory @DebraiReadBook Thanks for taking time to read and give you honest review as well as the truly unique Q and A
— Marilyn R. Wilson (@oliobymarilyn) June 22, 2015
My bookshelves always charm me simply because they are overflowing with books I love and have read and even more I hope my life allows time to read, though I don’t think it will. That’s what saddens me, but such is the life of a bibliovore who reads with average speed and has a busy life, right? So glad you’re enjoying your books again :D
Just stopping by to say “hello,” Jorie :) It’s been so long! You have a whole new look? I like it! Not that I didn’t love the other ones, too :D I do hope you feel better soon, my dear :) You really are a die hard!
Hallo, Ms Donna Marie!
I’m an artsy kind of soul – I love the flexibility to switch things up a bit time after time. This motif suits me as it is a counter-reflection of my current banner & colour settings in the twitterverse. I love being able to use the different backgrounds and then *tweak!* my blog a bit to play up on the colours & patterns!
Hmm,… I was unsure what you meant by ‘die hard’ – complimenting me on being a 2nd Year Book Blogger OR something less complimentary!? If it’s criticism, could you explain? I’d like to know what you meant as it was left a bit open to understand directly.
Yes, it’s been awhile for sure — I know you are sorting out your own level of ‘balance’ between your public and private worlds as much as I am, therefore, it was quite serendipitous I met-up with you shortly after #KidLitChat this week! Wicked awesome having a place to ‘hang’ after Rizzoli & Isles!
You’re always welcome as I do appreciate your feedback and enjoy your visits.
It was a compliment, dear :) I wouldn’t have said something that wasn’t. I meant you were a die hard in the respect that, even though you were feeling so sick, you still posted!
In this regard, you were right — I simply didn’t want to let more time slip past me; when you come out of a bad virus you just want to take back your life ‘so to speak’. I’ve been a busy beaver attempting to right the sails of my blog since this posted; I’ve been reading up a storm and appreciating the chance to soak into some pretty impressive story-lines! Tomorrow I get to release some more reviews, and the weekend is happily stacked with interesting reads, too! May your bookshelf have kept you equally charmed by the story-tellers who cross your path! :)