new year resolutions – INGRID E FABER

It’s ok to not write.

Posted on January 17, 2022May 9, 2022 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.

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On Writing

12 Days of Writing

Posted on January 3, 2022May 9, 2022 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.

New Year, New Decade, Same Me.

Posted on January 4, 2020May 9, 2022 by iefaber

“Be sure to poop before midnight so you don’t carry your old sh*+ with you into the new year.”

A bit much? Perhaps, but really there are just some things we can’t control. It’s a New Year AND a New Decade and everyone is filled with motivation for self-improvement and success, but what of those who are not or cannot? Some things aren’t as easily shed, some pasts, some habits, some hurts, are not as simple to dispose of. Continue reading “New Year, New Decade, Same Me.” →