"Our writing doesn't always have to be productive...or a part of something else. It is important for writers to have that freedom, that exercise of writing."  --Annie Toro Lopez Boy, do I understand what she is talking about! Sometimes it feels so good to write with no expectations or goals! When I was a kid, I loved the idea of writing in a diary. As I got older, it became a journal. But that feeling of just writing for me, to get my thoughts down for its own sake has always felt powerful. Annie was older than the average when she graduated from college and became a middle school Literacy and History teacher. But then, a near-death experience caused her to re-evaluate her life and move in new directions.  Now, Annie is more interested in exploring and sharing her artistic loves. We talk about her photography and writing. She is the author of The Writer's Handbook: An Indespensibnle Grammar and Style Guide. She is also the owner of Seeds to Savor Farm where she is passionate about the legacy work of seed preservation.  In this interview, we get into her thoughts about writing your legacy from the perspective of a freelance teacher, writer, and proofreader. She has a beautiful story and a love for others who are interested in preserving legacies of all kinds.  Annie recommends this handbook for writers. She also loves Mary Karr's book.  You can find Annie Toro Lopez on FaceBook and at HighPrairiePress.org. Her book can be found here.