Meet Nora Hill | Clinician, author, yoga teacher, and mom of two—loving this beautiful, messy life.

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

Hi Nora, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk.
Consider your definition. Merriam-Webster defines it as the possibility of loss or peril. The word likely conjures images of the stock market, Mount Everest, and surgery.

Risk implies danger and evokes fear—an evolutionary response meant to keep us safe. But like most powerful concepts, risk contains polarity. Love and hate. Loud and quiet. Divergent and convergent thinking. Risk and certainty.
Risk and certainty may seem a natural pairing. But take pause to consider certainty. Does it evoke feelings of safety or rigidity? Does it limit opportunities for growth?

Lately, I’ve been answering ‘yes’ to the latter. Odd, perhaps, as I’ve never considered myself a risk-taker. I’m an introvert by nature. Yet the more I’ve reflected, the more I’ve wondered: Is there a clearer lens through which we can redefine risk? One that softens its edges?

The word faith settled into my mindscape. Not in a religious sense, but as a quiet trust in life, Earth, Spirit? From there, I found myself landing on trust. One implies belief in the unseen; the other implies learned experience. But when both are directed inward, they merge beautifully; with faith taking the first step, and trust carrying it forward.

The point to my ramblings is that we are all risk-takers. Falling asleep is an act of faith that we will awake the next morning. Offering a small kindness to a stranger is an act of faith that your input will be welcomed. If we think hard enough, every breath, every heartbeat—each a quiet venture into the next moment—are acts of faith or risk. Opposite sides of the same coin.

So rather than catalog the risks I’ve taken, I offer instead an invitation:

Pause.

Notice the paradigms in your own life.

And perhaps, the next time the word risk tightens your chest, consider what it might feel like to soften, and call it trust.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I suppose I’ve begun to view my entire life, as well as my mind, as works of art. I always seem to paint in broad strokes, and I believe every human is an artist with an intrinsic curiosity and desire to create.

Writing, for me, has always allowed me an opportunity to learn as well as to create questions and connections. Writing a novel requires me to be fully engaged and present, but also to soar into the vast sky of inspiration. That’s what I love about historical fiction. Answers to questions beget more questions and it is a delight to skip from one to another unfettered.

In my debut novel (historical medical fiction,) Eve’s Rib, I loved weaving psychology, surgery, and Victorian society together, and incredibly generous academics while researching. I practice in the medical and mental health field, and it was such fun to use my real-world experience to influence my imagination and vice versa. I am most delighted by the authenticity my training gives Eve.

Over the past few years, I’ve truly learned that when I find my heart in a deathgrip of fear, I simply must do the thing I fear in that moment. In that aspect, I don’t see myself as much of an artist, but a craftsperson, putting on my worn coveralls and steel-toed boots, when I write, practice, teach yoga, parent. . . Pragmatism and self-reliance are two of my favorite attributes in myself and others. The humility this approach fosters has helped me ignore fear of failure and judgment, while opening my mind and heart to unexpected possibilities and joys.

That is my brand. Nothing fancy.

And have some darn fun along the way!!

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.
I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life. I now live in the capital, Madison, a charming college town. I consider myself well-traveled, and each trip strengthens my love of the area. While there are no mountain ranges or ocean shores, Wisconsin is full of lakes, bluffs, rolling fields, and wooded landscapes that I never tire of appreciating.

For a weekend trip, I recommend coming in early summer AND fall. Starting with a leisurely morning at the Farmers’ Market around the capital. The wide range of local products is extraordinary, and the atmosphere filled with people enjoying the market and their loved ones is wonderful. Then a stroll to Picnic Point along Lake Mendota with a mid-afternoon stop at the Union for a beverage and people-watching on the water. A little window-shopping around the downtown before checking out one of the many restaurant options would wrap up the day. Sunday, a brunch at Sardine, a brilliant French-inspired bistro, is in order, before taking a trip to the Chazen Museum of Art or the Museum of Contemporary Art, depending on the weather, or a side-trip to historic Paoli for some toe-tapping local music would round out the weekend.

Midwest Nice is alive and well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It is impossible to pick a singular person!! I’d love to send much love and thanks to Rachel Werner, a well-established author and a terrific literary mentor. Rachel and I connected at a local yoga studio where we both taught and practiced. Her energy, enthusiasm, and terrifically authentic personality are SO inspiring!

Rachel’s confidence, candor, and joy about the literary world must have rubbed off on me =) Recently, I was able to connect with Amanda Skenendore, a well-known author of historical fiction. Amanda is warm and down-to-earth, and her writing is extraordinary! She has kindly encouraged me and is now reviewing my debut novel, Eve’s Rib.

I immensely appreciate these wonderful women who have helped me turn my fear of risk into trust!! xx

Website: https://www.norahillwordsmith.com

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