Writing Archives - Seams Like a Story

May 19, 2025May 18, 2025

Creativity or Skill? It Takes Both.

Last fall, I had the opportunity to visit Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It’s a breathtaking masterpiece of architecture the likes of which the world has never seen. A true work of art. So how does art come to life? Creativity to be sure. A flash of inspiration, a connection to your muse, a fearlessness to try something new and fresh. But there needs to be more. In reading Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit, I came across this quote:

If art is the bridge between what you see in your mind and what the world sees, then skill is how you build that bridge.

It’s interesting that Tharp uses the analogy of building a bridge. Besides creativity, Gaudi needed skills to make the outrageous ideas in his head come to life in the form architecture: knowledge of engineering, materials, drafting plans. When creativity and skill rub up against each other, magic happens.

I’m not an architect, but I thought about how this idea applies to my creative endeavors. When I begin a sewing project, my creative self picks out fabric and patterns, imagining how the finished garment will look and where I will wear it. Sometimes I will even go off the grid and modify a pattern or come up with a new one. But it takes skill to bring this garment to life. Basic sewing and construction skills certainly, but more than that. To take my sewing to the next level, I need to keep improving and learning new techniques.

My mother taught me to sew , and my foundational skills have served me well. But lately I haven’t been satisfied with my finished projects. I friend sent me a link to a video about perfecting the finishing details that take a garment from looking “homemade” to looking professional: interfacing, fabric choices, pre-washing, pressing techniques, different types of seams. Practicing, taking time to learn new things can get me to the next level.

Same with writing. It starts with creativity. A idea, an inspiration comes to my mind, the muse visits and I fly to the computer to capture the words. That’s the fun part. But I need skill to take it to the next level, revisions, editing, rewriting, then finally, publishing. As a self-published author I need to know or learn how to format a book, design a cover, and market creatively. According to Tharp:

In order to be creative you have to know how to prepare to be creative.

By that she means developing a habit of practice and skill building. Make a commitment to the art. Give it the time it needs to develop each day. Participate with other writers in writing groups and forums. Write a lot. Read a lot. It takes work.

So why? Why do it? Here’s a favorite quote from author Elizabeth Gilbert:

I thank creativity for allowing me to engage with it at all. Because it’s all pretty amazing–what we get to do.

That’s why.

the smiling author in front of her desk — Author at Work

Writer in progress: learning more about my craft, and myself, with each project. Check it out! You can find my books here!

Threads of Thought

Your turn. What creative endeavors do you enjoy? What skills do you have to support your creative work. Are there skills would you like to work on?

March 24, 2025March 23, 2025

Tucson Festival of Books 2025

Q and A with Indie Author Debra VanDeventer

People walking through the Tucson Festival of Books

The 2025 Tucson Festival of Books 2025 is “in the books!” It was a beautiful weekend in Tucson drawing an estimated 130,000 visitors to the University of Arizona Campus for one of the largest book festivals in the nation. This was my third time at the festival, once as a visitor, and twice to showcase my books as part of the Indie Author’s Pavilion. Many of you, family, friends, people who follow me on fb, instagram, or my blog are curious about my experience. So, in a weird sort of way, I’ll be playing the part of the interviewer and the interviewee as I fill you in on some of the questions I’ve been asked.

How did you get to be one of the Indie authors presenting at the festival?

I submitted my self-published book (Until Italy: A Traveler’s Memoir) to the TFOB Indie Author’s Committee for review by the September 15 deadline. The guidelines state that to be considered the book had to have been published within the past 2 years. The book then went through a selection process and in December I received notice that my book had been accepted as one of the books to be featured in this year’s Indie Author’s Pavilion. I was thrilled to be given this opportunity to sign books and meet readers face to face!

What did you do to prepare for the event?

Because this was my second time to appear at the event, I was better prepared. I knew what to expect. Prior to the event, I posted regular updates on my social medial (fb, instagram) accounts. I ordered author’s copies of my books, bookmarks, and invested in a table runner with my author name and logo. The Indie tent is set up with tables and tablecloths, and allows for a small amount of display space. The table runner was a good idea because it packed well, helped my space stand out, didn’t blow down (like some larger table top displays do) and didn’t interfere with the authors on either side of me.

a table runner with the words Debra VanDeventer author

Were you successful? (This is a tricky question, but what most people want to know is did I sell any books?)

Yes! Enough to fund a European vacation? Well no, but enough to cover the cost of my registration fee and a nice dinner out. (or maybe lunch at the local sandwich shop, when you factor in cost of the promotional materials.) In all I sold 7 books at the festival and a few more online this week that might have been a result of the dozens of book marks I handed out with a QR code to my author’s page on the back. My books went home with a man from Italy (what will he think of Until Italy?), a couple that was heading to Italy in a few weeks, a fellow writer from my local writers forum, an author who knew me from facebook, an author who had written a book and was interested in self-publishing, and two retired teachers. But here’s the real payoff:

Writing, putting thoughts to paper, is a solitary act, but to be a writer you need a community. This means being there for writers, learning from those who have more experience, encouraging emerging writers, participating in critique groups and writing organizations, buying and reading books, attending workshops, and yes, celebrating reading and writing. At the Festival of Books, I truly experienced this. Friends and family came to cheer me on, and I met new people, fellow published authors, who had come from all over the country. We shared tips and celebrated each other’s successes.

Participating in TFOB gave me the opportunity to send my words out “gloriously traveling to all sorts of places” (SARK) and touching the hearts, minds and imaginations of other people….this, this is why I write. This is what success means to me.

the author standing in front of her book display at the Tucson Festival of Books

What’s next?

Another book is in the works. I don’t want to give too much away, but it is centered around my experience with the 52-Hike challenge Ed and I completed last year. Lots of nature writing, adventure and introspection along the way. This work is taking me places I hadn’t expected, and I’m curious to see where I end up. I hope to have the rough draft completed by summer, then edits, more edits, more edits, into the hands of my editor and beta readers, cover design, formatting…there’s lots for an Indie author to do, but I have a great support team, and I love the creative process. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be back at Tucson Festival of Books someday! Watch this space!

Threads of Thought

Be part of the literary community! Celebrate reading and writing! Support local authors and local bookstores. Buy indie authors books and leave a review. Write your own stories or books. Be a part of the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books! http://www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

2 Books, Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life...and Until Italy: A traveler's memoir

Missed the festival, but would still like a copy? Easy enough! Click here.

November 4, 2024November 3, 2024

Hearts in Bloom

the world needs them

a heart shaped stone with blooming flowers

I used to think that in order to be a memoirist one had to have led an extraordinary life, and indeed there are many amazing authors out there who fit this description: Cheryl Strayed (Wild ) and Tara Westover (Educated) come to mind. But I’m an ordinary woman. Do I have a story to tell?

This week I was thinking about my latest work in progress and wondering if it was a story worth telling. When stuck, I often find inspiration from other writers. This quote from Rupta Sepetys in You: the Story grabbed my attention:

“Country life, cosmopolitan life, quiet life- all can be equally fascinating based on the writer’s perspective and the details chosen. Remember: it’s not what you’re writing about, it’s how you’re writing about it.”

Quiet life. Small moments that bloom into words. Taking readers along with me on a journey and discovering “ah ha” moments together. This. This is my voice. The voice I’m seeking each time I sit to write. It doesn’t always come easily, in fact, it rarely does, but with time, critiques, editing and revisions, I hope… I know, I will have a story worth telling.

And finally this, from Clarissa Pinola Estes:

I hope you go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you and that you will work with these stories…water them with your blood and tears and laughter till they bloom, till you yourself bust into bloom. The world needs them. The world needs more hearts in bloom.

So here’s to ordinary women, who through the magic of words remind us that all women are extraordinary! If you have a story to tell, tell it! The world needs more hearts in bloom.

Threads of Thought

What makes your heart bloom? Is there a story there?

Click here to find my stories!

September 23, 2024September 6, 2024

The Writing Studio

A Look Behind the Scenes

After retiring from teaching 6 years ago, I decided I wanted a space to write and sew. Not a room, but a studio…as in “a place where an artist works.” You can see my original post with a detailed description of my space here. Why was creating a space important to me?

In a recent read from Natalie Goldberg’s book Writing Down the Bones, I came across this thought:

“Creating a Writing space is an indication of your increased commitment.”

I’ll admit, that there are days I don’t feel like an artist. Words don’t come or sewing projects require more seam ripping than seam sewing. But having a dedicated space motivates me to continue. Goldberg goes on to say:

“A little apparent disorder is an indication of the fertility of the mind and someone who is actively creating.”

Whew! Oh good, because I usually work in “a little apparent disorder.” According to Goldberg, my clutter is fertilizer for my creative process…apparently. Let’s take a closer look at my “compost.”

a reading corner in my writing studio studio

My favorite reading spot, journal open, shoes kicked off.

The end table…fertile ground? Hmmm…photo of grandchildren, cup of day old tea, cell phone stand , assorted pens and highlighters, dental floss (pitched from my purse after a recent trip to the dentist), random bead, seam ripper and thread, Kleenex, fabric book mark I made years ago (but it’s too thick and I don’t like it as a bookmark… I don’t really know why it’s still on the table….)

My desk. Ergonomically lifted laptop open to current WIP, today’s cup of tea, assorted office supplies, post it notes, a note card containing haiku submissions, my hiking journal, Rick Rubin’s book, The Creative Act, sharpened #2 pencil (teacher habit).

All this is well and good, but it the end Goldberg says:

“Finally, there is no perfection. If you want to write you have to cut through and write. There is no perfect atmosphere, room, notebook, pen or desk. Train yourself to be flexible.”

So there you have it. If you want to write, cut through and write from your studio, kitchen table, on a notepad while waiting for an appointment… Simple enough. Let’s go! Just imagine what we can create!

two books against the backdrop of a sewing machine

You can find the recent works from my studio here!

Threads of thought: Tell me something about your “studio.” Do you have a special place that you like to read? Write? Create?

September 9, 2024September 6, 2024

The Mouse of Doubt

Changing your inner dialog

a tote bag for Debra VanDeventer Author with a mouse — My new tote bag with logo. (mouse added for effect)

Several weeks ago, I designed a logo for myself. Taking advantage of a Shutterfly special offer, I transferred the image to a mug, a notepad and a tote bag. On the morning of my writer’s forum meeting, I packed my new tote with a few copies of my books, a notebook, assorted pens and pencils and my critique folder. “This will be great!” I thought.

I couldn’t do it. I unpacked my bag and stuffed my gear in my old generic tote bag. Sigh.

In my former life, I never hesitated to say “I’m a teacher.” In fact, I was proud to announce this on several tote bags and mugs, many of them gifts from students or colleagues. But now, even though I’ve published two books, have written articles for magazines, and author a bimonthly blog, I often find it difficult to say “I’m a writer” or “I’m an author.”

Self doubt, imposter syndrome. Common, I think for writers and other creatives. Yet negative thoughts can cause one to stall, want to quit, question…”Why am I doing this?!” What to do?

The Mouse of Doubt

Natalie Goldberg, in her book Writing Down the Bones calls this feeling ‘the mouse of doubt’, and offers this advice: “Avoid getting caught by that small gnawing mouse of doubt. There is nothing helpful there. Instead, have a tenderness and determination toward your writing, a sense of humor, and a deep patience that you are doing the right thing.”

Anne Lamott has a more graphic mouse analogy. In Bird by Bird, she says to picture those nagging inner voices as mice. Pick them up by their tails, drop them into a mason jar, put the lid on tight, and “watch them lunge at the glass trying to get to you.” Then, go on with your writing.

Mice in a mason jar lunging at you. Try putting that image on a mug or tote bag, but hey, it just might work.

So take that, oh Mouse of Doubt! I’m a writer. I’m an author. I am a blogger. And you can’t stop me!

an author's mouse of doubt in a jar on a tote bag

Click here to get your copy of Out of the Crayon Box or Until Italy! (mouse not included) Disclaimer: No mice were harmed in writing this post. The mice portraying The Mouse of Doubt in my photos are Canva images that I superimposed on my original photos. (Creepy, but so fun!. If you haven’t played around with Canva yet, you should!)

Threads of Thought

Your turn….How do you overcome self doubt? What would you say to others experiencing this?

And keep Goldberg’s words in mind, “have a tenderness and determination toward your writing, a sense of humor, and a deep patience that you are doing the right thing.”

Now go out there, make yourself a logo and slap it on a tote bag!