The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How

The journalist buried deep within me insists that I make the story matter to my readers by covering all of the important aspects of it. This is accomplished by answering: Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why? and How?

Who? My name is Jessica. I am the oldest of three girls. I am a preacher's kid. I am a native Alabamian, transplanted in Indiana just shy of 12 months ago. I am married to a wonderful Indiana native, Mr. Love, a gift to me directly from God. I will not say I deserved him; but after a terribly rough first marriage, many have said those words for me. I am extremely grateful that Mr. Love is the wonderful man he is and loves me the way he does.

What? This blog has no defined intention, except to serve as an outlet for me to write and share my life. In its infancy, it is mostly not a specific type of blog. I realize it may grow into something more or different; but for now, it cannot be typecast by subject matter. So, while I do watch sales and coupon, this is not a couponing blog. I work full-time and depend on couponing bloggers to supply me with such information. And while I cook most nights of the week, this is not a cooking blog. I take many recipes from online sources, but do not aim to be one. I mostly aim to be the same person and do the same things and earn my income the same way that I would without a blog. The only difference is, I will begin sharing some of these experiences and important memories in this venue for posterity sake.

When? I've been thinking about doing this for a while. And then, two days ago, I stopped thinking and started doing. The stories I share mostly will be about my life in Indiana, but also about my friends and family back in Alabama and my experiences along the way to this place. I envision that, at times, I will write about current day experiences; other times, I may go nostalgic or share a deeper part of my story.

Where? I have lived in a number of places, but only in two states: Alabama and Indiana. I grew up in Selma and Butler, Alabama. Went to boarding school in Mobile, attended college in Upland, IN and worked in Selma and Montgomery before landing a husband and job that relocated me to Indianapolis. My stories will mostly take place in or near one of these locales.

Why? Because I have a story and a need to share it. At one point in my life, I had a story that people said should be written. A story that Oprah would love. But alas, I chose to start writing about my life in a post-Oprah show world. But the story is still mine. And if I choose to tell it in this venue, or if this process leads to me telling it in hardback, then so be it. If I choose to only ever tell stories of current day bliss and heartaches, then so be that as well. That's part of telling my own story - I can share as much or little as I like.
How? Awkwardly at first. And then, hopefully, with ease.