Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sherry E Engler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sherry E, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
As an author, illustrator, and writer, creativity is a crucial element in producing an eye-catching illustration or writing an informative, yet interesting article. There are days as a writer, I experience thoughts of what to write; just as there are times as an illustrator, I think, “Oh my, what should I draw?” Writing for Outdoors Southwest, a monthly periodical for outdoors enthusiasts, is challenging. How do I keep my articles interesting? How do I attract readers? How do I inspire readers? Perhaps, the most powerful tool for me to be creative is to rely on my heart. There have been moments when working on an article or illustration, I struggle with inspiration. I realize if I struggle with the inspiration to write or illustrate, so too may those who review the work. Therefore, I redirect, analyze what inspires me about the subject, and write or create with originality sparked from personal emotions, inspirations, or aspirations. As the author of Living with LEO: Law Enforcement Officer, it was not until my third version of writing the book, I truly found my voice of speaking from the heart. Sometimes, persistence is vital.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My passion for writing and illustrating has been key for the success of my books; it also inspires the desire to create more books and articles. Accentuating the positive is important. In Living with LEO: Law Enforcement Officer, I write of my experiences as a wife and mother to law enforcement officers; recounting my challenges, the ups and downs involved in daily life, in an effort to help other law enforcement officers’ supporters on their journey in this unpredictable way of life. I use humor and sometimes comical situations to find this connection. Humor has also helped me in the creativity realm of writing articles for Outdoors Southwest. Connecting with Cowboy Talltale in his adventures in the Southwest is amusing, as well as informative and entertaining. My children’s books, Daisy Doo! Daisy Doo? What? Who?, a book of a little green caterpillar pursuing her quest to find her identity, and Holden’s Magical Blue Marble, a book of a youth overcoming obstacles to believe in positivity to make good things happen, were a delight to create and illustrate. In my latest children’s book, Princess Dixie, Princess Ella & 7 Crazy Hens, a positive lesson comes forth when Ogre Greedy learns the importance not to steal. Once again, I rely on humor to help promote the underlying lesson. Future projects are in the works; currently, I am working on writing another adult book depicting a woman who tries to help others in her own unique and individualistic way. Love projects! Love to illustrate!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities or skills which have been most impactful for me on my journey as an author, illustrator, and writer are: creating from the heart, persistence, and positive thinking. Creating from the heart is essential, as I believe it is the drive to continue to generate inventiveness, regardless your field of expertise. If you believe passionately in your craft, so will others; and most importantly, they will believe in you. At times, goals and ambitions may become arduous; but the true believer will prevail through persistence. Persistence is not always an easy route: there will be negative comments; there will be negative critics; and there will always be the nay-sayers. Persistence is rising above, having faith, listening to the negative, learning from it, and charging forward, never letting negativity stand in the way of progress. Positive thinking helps tremendously in this area. So, you need to learn a computer program to enhance your work? Don’t know how to do it? Positive thinking will push you forward to learn. Although a couple of my goals seem arduous, I cannot help reflecting on the infamous words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Encouraging words never fail to inspire; my family is a fountain of encouragement and deserves recognition as does the community of writers, friends, and well-wishers in our town of Payson, Arizona. I am blessed to credit so many as helpful and supportive in my creative endeavors. And they do not only inspire through words but through actions. Over the years, my husband, Don, has been a motivation, often enduring long hikes as my hiking buddy to trek trails for my articles submitted to Outdoors Southwest. His words of wisdom and widescale viewpoint often open a view which I may have neglected to see if not for him. Don, our daughter and our son have been unending support sources for my book, Living with LEO: Law Enforcement Officer. Our grandchildren have nudged my creative talents to produce children’s books of which I am grateful for their words of encouragement, “Grandma, you can do this!” Perhaps, there is no denying the conviction of small children. As my journey has brought me thus far, the community of Payson has been a treasure, not only supporting me, but other aspiring authors by hosting the Payson Book Festival, presented by the Rim Country Chapter of Arizona Professional Writers. What a wonderful family event! One of the precious assets of the Payson Book Festival is meeting other authors and vendors, ready to help or eagerly give assistance to promote the valuable gift of reading. With such a large support group, there is the encouragement to go forth, to follow dreams and words of inspiration, to believe in your heart, be persistent, and be positive. For I believe it is not how old or how young, it is the youthfulness of your soul and determination. Embrace the support and be grateful for those who lift you up. My cup runneth over! Godspeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sherryengler.com
- Instagram: sherryengler
- Facebook: Living with LEO: Law Enforcement Officer Sherry E Engler Author/Illustrator
- Linkedin: Sherry Engler
- Twitter: Sherry Engler@SherryEngler
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Personal photo: Sherry E Engler Sherry and Don @ Payson Book Festival July 2022 Covers of Books: Living with LEO: Law Enforcement Officer Daisy Doo! Daisy Doo? What? Who? Holden’s Magical Blue Marble Princess Dixie, Princess Ella, & 7 Crazy Hens
