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Carma Haley Shoemaker by Lisa Beamer

Even if she hadn't won the 2001 "Heart & Soul" Golden Pen award, it would be hard to argue that Carma Haley Shoemaker is anything other than that for her fellow Momwriters. She manages the Secret Friend program and picture exchanges twice a year, she is the MW Yearbook editor, she's on the MW Gathering committee and acts as the North/South Carolina Regional Host. She has long been Nikki's right hand woman, in moderating the list, and until recently, when some personal issues drew her away from MW's for a while, she has always had positive words of encouragement and wisdom for this list of writing women and men. In short, if she can give it, she does. Carma holds nothing back.

Though originally from Ohio (where she admits that her heart remains) Carma currently lives in Weaverville, NC with her husband, Chris, and their three boys, Alec, Cody and Robbie. From there, Carma pursues her multi-faceted career as a writer.

"My writing covers a lot of territory," says Carma. "From nonfiction, informative pieces to children's folklore -- I write on many different planes and in many different genres. But if I were told that I could only do one "type" of writing for the rest of my life...I would have to choose poetry. It is where my heat and soul are."

Carma doesn't remember a time when she didn't write, but recalls that her interest in it truly exploded in the sixth grade when she turned in an assignment and her teacher responded telling her that this is what she should be doing -- writing. Her first published piece was a poem she wrote in her high school freshman English class, which went on to be used for the graduation announcements and was later published in a regional poetry magazine. "Seeing my name in print was like winning a trip to the moon!"

Carma has had many more publishing successes since that time, but the thing she is most proud of is just having written at all. "I grew up in a house where things either were or they weren't; there was no in between. So, when I talked of being a writer, I was told 'to get a real job' or 'stop dreaming and start planning for a future with some meaning.' For me to be able to get by all of those negative messages, to turn off the tapes in my head of all those who told me I shouldn't couldn't, or won't, and to actually do it -- write and be successful at it -- it's the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But knowing I my heart that I don't just write, but instead that I AM A WRITER, it is something that I had to do in order to continue to live."

Her husband and children are Carma's biggest cheerleaders when it comes to her writing. No matter how bad she thinks something she writes is, Chris always tells her how proud he is of her for sticking with it. Her oldest son, too, is quite an encourager.

"One time, one of Alec's teachers asked me what I did. I answered her saying, 'I'm a writer.' Her response was, 'No, I don't meant hobbies, I mean what do you do for a living?' Before I could even think of a response, Alec, coming to my defense, said, 'My mom is a writer and a really good writer, too. She is going to be famous someday really soon. She probably makes as much money as a math teacher but she gets to stay home and be there for us, do what she loves and she only has to put up with three kids. ' I was speechless -- and so was his teacher."

In addition to being a writer, Carma is also a nurse, a great profession for her since she is good at taking care of people and helping wherever she can. "I've always said that I'm a nurse by trade and a writer by nature. Nursing is just another little piece of who I am."

Carma acknowledges Momwriters as being a big reason why her writing has excelled. "The people who belong to this list are some of the most insightful, helpful and knowledgeable people in the writing world today. Knowing them has not only allowed me to expand my writing horizons, but also to have the faith in myself and my writing, to know that the only limits are the ones you place on yourself."

When asked what one piece of wisdom she would share with a new writer, Carma responded, "Listen. Listen to everything and everyone. Whether it is to get advice on writing or to get story ideas, if you open your ears, shut your mouth and listen, the things you will learn and gain are absolutely amazing."

Some fun facts about Carma:

Favorite Authors: Judy Blume, Erma Bombeck and Dean Koontz. "Of course, I love Shakespeare, Day, etc., and I read any poetry I can get my hands on."

Favorite ways to relax: "I love to bake, cross-stitch, play volleyball, listen to music and watch my kids play soccer."

Last movie she saw: A Knight's Tale. "I loved it. It was fun, witty, original and creative. One minute you were laughing, the next dancing and then crying. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. I would give it two thumbs up for sure."

Favorite quote: "Some are scared of chance. They fear it. But in our lives, we all must take chances. Each night, when we go to bed an close our eyes, we are taking a chance that they will never again open." From Eleanor Roosevelt (a paraphrase).

If she could meet any person -- past or present -- in the writing world, it would be. "Charles Dickens. He has a certain style that is unique and fresh, even now. His choice of words offers both emotion and vision and makes you feel and see the story. I have always wondered where he got his inspiration."

Carma's latest endeavors include two non-fiction books that she is working on, and she just completed the last in her series of children's book. Her web site, www.CarmasWords.com, features a lot of her work. You can reach Carma at CarmicWords@aol.com.

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