Category: On Writing

Posted in On Writing

It’s ok to not write.

Posted on by iefaber

Looking at writing differently this year.

Forgive me as I spew out some old ideas in an attempt to inspire myself. There’s so much advice for writers that it’s hard to figure out which is best.
This feels like cleaning out a closet. When looking for old clothes to donate, you find items you forgot you had. Perhaps you were saving them for a special occasion that never happened. In this way, I am trying to figure out what works for me as a writer and human.
I read somewhere or heard somewhere, I wish I could remember, about how this day in age is too focused on productivity. We even have to monetize our hobbies when hobbies are supposed to be a free form of expression, a way to not be work, a way to reconnect with ourselves. I know this is why I lost my vibe in writing. Not that I was trying to monetize, but I was trying to prioritize it in all the wrong ways.

Continue reading “It’s ok to not write.” →
Posted in On Writing

12 Days of Writing

Posted on by iefaber

Twelve Days of writing for writers. It’s an annual event that Julie Hedlund of 12×12 Picture Book Challenge offers. We were asked to put together many lists, and she suggested we post our “successes” list. I did that last year with what felt like a rather pathetic list. This year is no better. Although I have successes, nothing is worth sharing and, nothing is inspiring. She also asked us to create a cover for this project we’re creating and, although I do not consider myself an artist, I did sketch something.
Creativity feeds creativity, so on occasion, I bust out some pencil or charcoal to make something when words are giving me trouble. Which they are today and have been for a while. Not exactly what you’d call writer’s block. I have several ideas and stories bouncing around loudly in my mind, but sitting down and concentrating on them has been a challenge. Drawing and seeing more immediate results can help me feel accomplished somehow. It feels like my creativity still exists and takes the sting out of my low word count.
I warn you again, I am no artist, but I share this sketch because the idea of sharing our personal stories is helpful. Yes, read the blogs and websites of successful writers and illustrators, listen to the podcasts of their journeys, follow them on Instagram. But also know there are others out there like you still stuck in the darkness, trying to keep their creativity lit.

Perhaps this year will be our year, whatever that means for you.

Happy New Year.

Posted in On Writing

my Anti-Success story.

Posted on by iefaber

Children’s author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year’s resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity – what DIDN’T get done or achieved in the previous year. Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. Even though any successes I have had are NOT related to writing, I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! I am pushing through the extreme lack of successes and taking part. Not just for myself, but for any other disheartened writers that may stumble upon my blog- I’ve a crappy list but I’m still sharing it. Here is my list for 2020. Continue reading “my Anti-Success story.” →

Posted in On Writing

Get Some Help

Posted on by iefaber

When I groom dogs sometimes I simply cannot finish a face. I look at the dog and know something is off but I can’t see why. It doesn’t help that this piece of art moves around and doesn’t sit still, no matter what, it really is an art form. Sculpting dog fur on a live canvas is not easy. Neither are words. Sometimes that sentence or plot point feels off, yet you are incapable of knowing exactly why. In both vocations, you have options to deal with this dilemma. Continue reading “Get Some Help” →

Posted in On Writing

NO DOGS PLEASE (says the dog lover)

Posted on by iefaber

Earlier this month I went to the Rutgers Writing Conference. It was a fantastic experience and I came home with plenty of inspiration and advice. One thing that came up during a conversation about author bios and what to put in there, I was told that including my day jobs was ok because they are “interesting”. I was also told that I should be writing about dogs because I am a dog groomer and dog trainer. They said I “must have tons of stories about dogs”. When I mentioned that I feel the children’s book market is already saturated with dog stories and no one wants another, everyone seemed to disagree. The real problem, however, is that I write to escape dogs. Continue reading “NO DOGS PLEASE (says the dog lover)” →