Meet Missy Stone | Freelance Writer & Homeschool Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Missy Stone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Missy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Truth be told, I am typically not a “risk taker.” I am usually the one who appreciates plans and backup plans. But when I saw that there were writing opportunities in Charleston, SC, I decided to go for it. I applied to two different online publications and now am writing for them both. Now before you think I have made a profitable career out of this, I can tell you that is not the case, nor is it the reason I write. I actually love writing! Ever since I was a child, one of my dreams has been to write a children’s book. It is still a dream of mine that I hope will come to fruition at some point in time. But now that I have articles published, it has given me more confidence not only to continue writing articles but also to pursue writing a book.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My full-time job is actually homeschooling my two children. My degree is in special education, and I was able to teach students with autism and other learning differences for several years before having children of my own. It was a privilege teaching these students, and I hope they know how much they taught me about life, love and pursuing dreams. Even though it was never my original plan, I have been homeschooling my own children for ten years now. The Lord made it very clear that He wanted me to be a homeschool mom all those years ago when I was searching for the best kindergarten for my daughter, and I am so grateful He did. Financially it has not always been the easiest lifestyle, but it is one full of time well spent with my kids. It is a lifestyle I wouldn’t trade for more money or a big career. My writing jobs are actually part-time in comparison but give me such a wonderful creative outlet to pursue each week. Writing is something I enjoy doing for myself. It is challenging, yet rewarding. I am constantly trying to better my writing abilities and I appreciate the opportunities to do this. My children may not understand why I enjoy writing so much, but I hope to instill in them a love for creative writing. I want them to see their finished compositions and be proud of the work they have accomplished. I hope that my small but mighty writing career inspires others not only to pursue their dreams, but to take on opportunities that involve their specific passion. It may not make you millions of dollars, or any money at all in the beginning, but it can bring so much joy to your life. Speaking of things that bring joy, I also love photography. Ever since I took a photography class in college, I have enjoyed the challenge of capturing scenery, special places and more on my camera (now iPhone). Charleston is full of beautiful places that I can photograph, and I love sharing them on my Instagram page, momaboutcharleston. I cannot wait to keep sharing more experiences, events, personal stories, beautiful places in Charleston and more in my writing and photography.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Charleston, South Carolina is a true destination city, and for good reason. The views, the food, the history, and the Southern charm all co-exist in this delightful city I am blessed to call home. I would definitely take any visitors downtown to show them the beautiful homes and churches that make Charleston, or the “Holy City”, so special. Maybe they would enjoy a walking tour or carriage ride where they can learn all about the rich history of the city. I would also show them the famous Rainbow Row, City Market, St. Michael’s Church, and the Battery. In Mount Pleasant, they can see the USS Yorktown, or take a stroll in the Old Village. I would take them to the beaches in the area, such as Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, or Sullivan’s Island. There is a very unique beach just outside of Charleston at Botany Bay on Edisto Island. It is a gorgeous place to visit, and I definitely recommend a stop at “Boneyard Beach.” I would take friends to a plantation or two, such as Magnolia Plantation and Gardens where they could see the beauty of the lowcountry, pet some rescued deer and maybe see an alligator or two. Or maybe they would like to visit Cypress Gardens and take a boat ride on the swamp as depicted in the movie, “The Notebook.” I would take them to see the Angel Oak Tree, which is the largest live oak tree East of the Mississippi River, and hundreds of years old. I would definitely take them out for some amazing Southern food as well. I don’t think bad food exists in Charleston! I’ve only lived here for about three years and still have SO much to learn and explore. You simply cannot do all the “Charleston things” in a week, so my biggest advice to visitors is to plan on returning. You will want to return anyway after you experience the natural beauty here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to highlight here for their support, mentorship and encouragement to me in my small but mighty writing career. First, I would like to dedicate this piece to my father who passed away in January of 2023. He was the one who edited all of my school papers growing up, and challenged me in my writing abilities. First, I would like to dedicate this piece to my father who passed away in January of 2023. He was the one who edited most of my school papers growing up and challenged me in improving my writing abilities. In the last few years of his life, he enjoyed informing others about my published articles and sharing my blog post entries online. He was probably my biggest encourager in pursuing writing as a career, and I hope I continue to make him proud. I would also like to thank Lowcountry Parent Magazine for their faith in me and for taking me on as a contributor before I had any official published works. It is a joy to write for this organization. And most recently, to Charleston Moms for also taking me on as a writing contributor for their online publication. It has been a such a wonderful experience to write for two local online publishers, supporting Charleston events, and establishments but also for the opportunities to write about travel, experiences and so much more. Finally, I am thankful for my husband, children and mother who constantly support me by giving me time to write, traveling with me to explore new places to write about and encouraging me to write a children’s book someday.

Website: https://missystone927.wordpress.com

Instagram: momaboutcharleston

Linkedin: Missy Stone

Facebook: Missy Stone

Other: Lowcountry Parent Bio: https://www.postandcourier.com/lowcountryparent/contributors/missy-stone-contributor/article_baad333e-218a-11ec-b2e8-c78a82f71232.html Charleston Moms Bio: https://charlestonmoms.com/about-us/meet-our-contributors-3/

Image Credits
Missy Stone