Chapter 1: Introduction to Dr. Adelia Ritchie

In my journey as a writer, editor, and curator, I aim to showcase influential figures in their respective fields through interviews. Since 2019, I have sought to connect my audience with remarkable writers, especially after joining Medium last year. Engaging with early adopters revealed that they value curated content and visibility into the work of prominent authors.

I take pleasure in highlighting impactful, insightful, and relatable narratives, introducing their creators to my readers while amplifying their voices across various platforms. This article features an enlightening discussion with Dr. Adelia Ritchie, PhD, a cherished contributor to the Medium community. Her pieces stand out for their depth, practicality, and engaging content.

Dr. Ritchie's unique writing style captivates our audience, as she shares her extensive knowledge and experience in a conversational manner, often infused with humor. Her ability to distill complex information into accessible formats makes her work particularly appealing to readers.

This brief interview offers a glimpse into Dr. Ritchie's background, allowing you to connect with her personally. I hope you find this conversation as enjoyable and enlightening as I did.

Interview Excerpt:

Hi Dr. Ritchie, could you share a bit about your background?

Where should I begin? I grew up as an Air Force child, born in Guam, and spent two years in Japan, where I learned Japanese from my nannies. Eventually, we settled on a large farm in northern Virginia when my father was stationed at the Pentagon.

My passion for science was evident from an early age, nurtured by my father. I vividly recall a day when, as a six-year-old, I asked him to bring me some atoms from the Pentagon to build an atomic-powered rocket, which made him chuckle.

In high school, I was the sole girl in physics class, which made me realize my path would differ from that of my peers. I pursued graduate studies at Northwestern University, focusing on organic and physical chemistry. My doctoral research centered on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of carbon-13 heterocycles. I later taught organic chemistry, worked at a Navy research lab during summers, and ultimately became a civil servant in the Department of Defense.

Over the years, I worked with multiple defense contractors, including a two-year tenure as Dean of Research at the Defense Acquisition University, and later contributed to the Ground-Based Missile Defense System with Bechtel Corporation. One of my favorite roles was with the International Defense Acquisition Resource Management team, where I spent a decade teaching military personnel in developing nations about acquiring and managing major weapon systems according to NATO standards.

After semi-retiring, I launched a pet product manufacturing company specializing in skincare products for pets, which I sold after a decade. Now residing in Costa Rica, I focus on technical writing while pursuing my passions for painting, gardening, and creating thoughtful essays for ILLUMINATION.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I find joy in painting with watercolors and pastels. For over 20 years, I’ve kept travel sketchbooks filled with colorful depictions of my journeys and experiences. Sketching allows me to retain memories more vividly than photographs ever could.

Gardening is another passion. As a Master Gardener in Washington state, I grew most of the food for my late partner and me—everything from berries and herbs to tomatoes and saffron. Now in Costa Rica, I grow various tropical fruits and vegetables. Despite challenges like iguanas feasting on my berries, my connection to nature keeps my spirits high.

What are three books that significantly influenced you?

One transformative book is "Ecology of Commerce" by Paul Hawken, which highlights the critical importance of sustainable business practices in a growth-focused global economy. I’ve applied its principles in various areas of my life.

Another book that left a lasting impression is "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari, which offers an awe-inspiring overview of human history and evolution.

Lastly, "1491" by Charles C. Mann reshapes our understanding of pre-Columbian Americas, challenging much of what we learned in school. Living in Central America has altered my perspective on colonialism and its effects on indigenous cultures.

Why do you write on Medium?

Writing is an intrinsic part of who I am. For decades, I have explored various forms, from scientific papers to poetry. After semi-retirement, I sought a fresh venue for my essays. A friend introduced me to Medium, and I found the community engaging and rewarding. The platform has allowed my audience to grow, fulfilling my desire to share my thoughts and experiences.

What values guide you as a writer?

Honesty, passion, vulnerability, and connection are central to my writing ethos. Readers can easily detect insincerity, and I strive to engage them genuinely. I also aim to entertain while educating, tackling complex scientific topics that resonate with daily life. My goal is to foster lasting connections with readers through meaningful writing.

Why did you join ILLUMINATION, and what has your experience been?

Since joining Medium in 2017, I have been part of ILLUMINATION for over two years. A friend recommended it due to its quality and reach, which I have found to be significant compared to other publications. I appreciate the wider audience and the prestige associated with being published under ILLUMINATION.

What are your top five stories to share?

Image courtesy of Adelia Ritchie, PhD

1. My Years-long Battle with Undiagnosed Endometriosis.

   This personal account addresses the often-taboo discussions surrounding women's reproductive health, highlighting the need for better awareness and research.

2. Blue Carbon: What Is It and Why Do We Want More of It?

   This piece explores the urgent need to confront climate change and the misconceptions surrounding it.

3. It's Not Writer's Block.

   I argue that periods of inactivity are natural and necessary for creative rejuvenation, much like refueling a car.

4. On Space/Time, Black Holes, and Consciousness.

   This article combines humor with complex scientific concepts, making them more approachable for a general audience.

5. What Is an Ecosystem and Why Does It Matter?

   Aiming to enhance understanding of interconnected systems, this piece emphasizes the importance of systems thinking in addressing climate change.

What do you recommend to new writers on ILLUMINATION?

Patience and persistence are essential for new writers. Building a dedicated reader base takes time, and maintaining quality should never be compromised. Embrace the editing process to ensure your work resonates with audiences.

What are your future plans as a writer?

Over my 50-year writing journey, my focus has shifted towards creating impactful content. I plan to continue writing about pressing issues while documenting my experiences in Costa Rica. My upcoming book, "The Accidental Expat: Adventures in Costa Rica," is currently in press, and I am also working on a memoir about my father.

Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Ritchie. Your stories resonate deeply, and I encourage readers to explore her work on Medium.

Quick Updates

Good news for writers: We have simplified the rules for ILLUMINATION and ILLUMINATION-Curated, streamlining the submission process without sacrificing quality.

Conclusion

I hope this interview with Dr. Adelia Ritchie inspires you to explore her writing and consider your own journey in the world of storytelling.

If you have any questions or wish to connect, feel free to reach out through my website. Thank you for reading!