Interview with Beckie (Guest Blog Post #9)

Hi Everyone, this month I got the pleasure of interviewing Rebecca (Beckie)  L. (Torres) Holland. She has her own blog and her own book. She also writes for the magazine Captivating. Please be sure to check out her book, website, articles in Captivating, and her  social media links. Many thanks to Beckie for featuring me on her website as a guest blogger.

1. What is your name?

My name is Rebecca L. (Torres) Holland. I am a writer, disability advocate, and pastor. A small book of my poems,  Through My Good Eye: A Memoir in Verse, was published in December of 2018.  All the profits made from the sales of that book are being donated to the church where I serve. I am also a staff writer at CAPTIVATING! Magazine.

2. Age?

I turned 30 in July of 2018; however, many people tell me that I look younger.

3. Who has inspired you the most in life and your blogging?

There are many people who inspire me. The person who has inspired me most in my life is John Wesley. He and his brother are the founders of the United Methodist Church. The ministry of the Wesley brothers inspires me to live a life rooted in love and service.

Stephanae McCoy from Bold Blind Beauty is the blogger who inspires me the most. She is also the editor and co-founder of CAPTIVATING! Magazine.  I admire the work she does to raise awareness about sight loss, educate people about disabilities, and empower members of the disability community.

4. Besides writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I am a voracious reader. I love to read and last year I read over 120 books. I also enjoy running, yoga, and making music. I play the flute and sing in a choir. This year, I am training for my first marathon.

5. Name a bad habit that you have?

I have a tendency to worry and to over think things. Sometimes, I worry so much that I can actually make myself ill. When I control my tendency to worry, it can become a strength. This habit makes me conscientious and attentive to detail. It also inspires me to plan to and to consider decisions from many different angles.

6. Name your best quality?

I am kind and empathetic. I always try to see human beings as multifaceted individuals. I try to view the world from the perspective of other people. My natural empathy is a valuable attribute in both my ministry and my writing.

7. If you could interview anyone living or dead who would it be and why?

I would interview my favorite poet, Mr. Alexander Pope (1688-1744). His poetry defined the neoclassical age and it is the most beautiful thing that I have ever read. His work inspires me. He led a fascinating life. He  knew many interesting people and had a variety of interests. I would love to ask him about his thoughts on writing, the publishing industry, art, geology, philosophy, theology,  and horticulture.

8. What is your college major/Minor?

I have a Bachelor in the Science of English Education and a Master of Divinity. I am a certified and licensed English teacher for grades 7-12; however, I have put my license into inactive status because I am not currently teaching.

9. What school (college or university) did you go to?

I attended Millersville University of Pennsylvania for my undergraduate degree and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. for my master’s degree.

9. What is the title of your blog?

My blog is entitled Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray

10. When and why did you start your blog?

I started my blog in October of 2018 as a way to share my writing, talk about books, and raise awareness about issues related to disabilities. Along the way, I’ve met some wonderful people from all over the world. I have also learned a great deal about writing.

11. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’m very happy where I am right now in life. I have a loving husband, a lovely place to live, and I’m working at my dream job. In five years, I hope that I will have written two more books. I also dream of one day being published by a traditional publishing house.

12. What is the name/cause of your visual impairment (or other disability that you may have)?

I was born with cataracts on both eyes (bilateral congenital cataracts). I needed nine surgeries before I was a year old in order to remove the cataracts and the secondary membranes that grew back over my eyes. When I was four, I developed glaucoma as a complication of surgery. I have had thirteen surgeries on my eyes.

13. How does your visual impairment (or other disability that you may have) effect you on a daily basis?

I think about my visual impairment every single day. It inspires me to work harder in order to achieve my goals. I know that as a female of minority descent with a disability in a profession dominated by men, I need to work ten times as hard to be taken half as seriously as many of my colleagues.

14. What do other people feel about your visual impairment (or other disability that you may have)?

My family was very supportive of me when I was growing up. My mother worked hard to instill in me the belief that I can do anything that anyone else can do- I just might have to do it a little differently.

15. If you had to give one piece of advice to others about having a visual impairment (or other disability that you may have) what would it be?

Work hard and always put your best foot forward. I truly believe that success is composed of a little bit of luck, a lot of perseverance, and a ton of hard work.

Where can other people find you on Social media (Please list and provide links)

Blog: http://www.BeckieWrites.com

Amazon Author Page: Rev. Rebecca L. Holland

Goodreads: Rebecca L. Holland (BeckieWrites)

Twitter: @BeckieWrites

Instagram: @BeckieWrites

Facebook: Rebecca Torres-Holland

Linked In: Rebecca (Torres) Holland 

If you are a disability writer or blogger and you would like to be featured on my website please feel free to reach out to me via email at: amanda@amandagene.com