Debra VanDeventer, Author at Seams Like a Story

March 26, 2023March 26, 2023

Write it Real

Why Authors Should Journal

Write it real…

That’s what a friend and a valued member of my critique group said to me last week. The chapter that had just been critiqued was “entertaining and well written,” my friend remarked, yet something was missing. “It needs more of you,” he’d said. “Write it real.”

This is exactly what you want from a critique group. Honest feedback that will help you bring your writing to the next level. Yet hearing these words is especially painful for a memoirist like myself, because really…it’s all about me. (that’s what the genre implies) I think my friend was saying my work needed less fluff… more emotion, more authenticity. In my heart of hearts, I knew he was right. But no matter what your genre, how does one go about “writing it real?”

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March 16, 2023March 17, 2023

DIY Drop Hem Capri Jeans

the author models capri jeans and a white linen top

A New Look for an Old Favorite

Hi friends! If you’ve been following Seams Like a Story, you know I often turn to sewing when I need a creative break from writing. https://seamslikeastory.com/writing-and-sewing/ Today I’m getting inspiration from my closet, and a fun, no-sew project.

It’s that in-between season. I’m ready to shed my heavy winter clothes but not quite ready for summer styles. Today I raided my closet and found an old pair of capri jeans and a tee shirt, ususally an outfit reserved for stay-at-home days. The jeans are pull on “jeggings” that I’m pretty sure are out of style. They’re comfortable, but I feel kind of dumpy in them.

Before tossing them in the donate pile, I did some research on Pinterest and found that with a no-sew, simple modification I could easily update them. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/485896247291178984/

What you need to make your drop-hem capri jeans:

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February 22, 2023February 22, 2023

Finding Inspiration for Creative Work

the sun breaking through the clouds symbolizes where to find inspiration for creative work — **Does an idea descend from the cloudy sky that is our brain and burst forth as a golden ray of artistic expression?**

Finding inspiration for creative work…For the purpose of this blog post, I define an artist as a person who ‘ practices any of the various creative arts.’ Painter, sculptor, dancer, sewist, photographer, chef, architect, designer writer…

Though the process may vary depending on the individual and their medium of expression, every creative work begins with an idea. But, where do ideas come from?

Does an idea descend from the cloudy sky that is our brain and burst forth as a golden ray of artistic expression?

Well, actually…. that’s literally what happened to me as I sat down to write about inspiration this morning. I was looking out of the window in my writing/sewing studio and the sun broke through the clouds. Knowing that the moment was fleeting, I ran outside to snap a photo with my phone. That photo was the catalyst, the inspiration for this post. Of course, this doesn’t always happen and to me. I wanted to explore this topic more. Through my reading, I came across some thoughts about how other creatives find inspiration for their work. Read on to discover how some famously creative people find inspiration:

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February 15, 2023February 15, 2023

Why Writers Should Blog

Why blog?

Why should writers blog? Blog…blog..blog. It’s a funny word (short for web log). What does that mean anway? A blog is a regularly updated website or webpage usded by individulas or businesses to reach a broader audience, connect with people, enlighten, entertain or inform. Think James T. Kirk’s Captain’s log in Star Trek, but down to Earth.

So why do writers blog?

To answer this question I turned to my writing friend, fellow author, and colleague from the Oro Valley Writer’s Forum, Diana Kinared. Here’s what she has to say:

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February 3, 2023February 3, 2023

Why Write? Here are 5 Good Reasons

If you are a writer it is inevitable that at some point you will be asked “Why Do You Write?” I’ll bet you’ve even asked that of yourself when the writing stops flowing, your trash bin is littered with rough drafts, and you’d really rather be doing something, ANYTHING but sitting at your desk.

“Why am I doing this!” you scream in silent (or not so silent) agony.

Can you answer this question? If not, you need a list. Something you can post by your writing desk to keep you going or pull out when that celebrity podcaster wants to interview you. I promise you, it will make your life as a writer so much easier.

During a recent meeting with my critique group the why do we write question arose. We threw around some thoughts, all of us agreeing that it’s not for fame and money (though admitting that we harbor those secret thoughts). But I realized I didn’t have a good answer. After giving this some thought, I’ve come up with 5 REASONS WHY I WRITE

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