Writers learn by reading. Despite her busy schedule, Wilson has a healthy appetite for good books. “I’m currently reading Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott, one of my writing heroes, also The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing. I like John Cheever, May Sarton, Pat Conroy (before Beach Music!), John Irving, Bill Bryson. As for magazines, I think Outside has some of the best writing going, even if you’re not an outdoors type. And a new one I love is Spirituality and Health.”

“As a writer, my most comfortable format right now is the personal essay. Soon mine will be appearing on a regular basis in Clarity, a magazine for women from Guideposts. Two pieces sold to that magazine so far – “Baby Shower Blues,” about being the only single, nonmother in a room of 15 lactating obsessed women, and “Two Women and a Colon,” a humorous (I promise!) look at my colonoscopy, which I had to have because of family history.”

Maintaining balance in life is critical for writers, she adds. Wilson volunteers several hours a week at a hospice, working with patients and their families. She practices yoga and meets with a writing partner once a week to read manuscripts and discuss their work. “Having a writing partner is great,” she says. “It makes me stick to deadlines.”

Reflecting on the people who have shaped her passion for writing, Wilson recalls her years at Millsaps. “Transferring to Millsaps from Ole Miss was one of the smartest decisions I ever made,” she says. “The entire English department influenced me in a positive way, although I could have done without those comps. The best thing about Millsaps was the spirit that seems to pervade the entire campus – one that encourages you to become your own person, while surrounding you with challenges, interest, and concern.”

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Millsaps Magazine  |  Millsaps | Last Edited August 12, 1999