We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherry Engler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherry, how do you think about risk?
In my mind, risks and risk taking is one of the biggest obstacles as an author and illustrator. Questions plague my mind: “What if no one likes what I write?”; “What if my illustrations do not reflect what the client has in mind?”; “What if I look vulnerable for posting my feelings? Publishing my first book, “Living with LEO: Law Enforcement Officer”, was a risk adventure because I share the experiences of being a wife and mother to law enforcement officers on a very personal scale, an adventure of the heart. Illustrating and writing my children’s book, “Daisy Doo! Daisy Doo? What? Who?” challenged me to take risks not only as a writer, but also as an illustrator. After publishing my third book, “Holden’s Magical Blue Marble”, and writing monthly articles for the publication Outdoors Southwest, I try to view the risks as challenges to enhance my writing and artistic skills. Sometimes, courage plays a major role in taking creative risks; but, I find taking one large leap of faith will help in taking the second step closer to successful creative adventures.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My passion for writing and art has been key in creating my books and writing pursuits. Passion of the heart, in my mind, is the crucial key to a successful adventure. For years, I studied Vincent Van Gogh, wondering how his paintings survived the test of time. After years of study, in an epiphany, I realized Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings stir emotions of the heart. In my book, “Living with LEO: Law Enforcement Officer”, I speak from the heart of being a mother and wife to law enforcement officers; the ups and downs, the challenges, the good and the difficult in an effort to help other law enforcement supporters in their journey facing the unpredictable life of a law enforcement family, sometimes using comical situations to do so. In my children’s book, “Daisy Doo! Daisy Doo? What? Who?”, I illustrate a little green caterpillar, Daisy Doo, as she pursues a quest to find her identity when she encounters others such as Leroy Lee, the little blue ant, and Pooter, the skunk. I delighted in writing this adventure in rhyme for the preschooler learning new words. I also enjoyed creating characters to interact with Daisy Doo. “Holden’s Magical Blue Marble” was also a delight to create. I wanted to address feelings of challenges presented to a youth and how wishing for good things make good things happen. The challenges for me is to never give into self-doubt. Know there will always be critics; learn the positive from the negative, but never let negative remarks stand in the way of your creativity from the heart.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Arizona is a majesty of beauty and history. I love the outdoors and hiking, perhaps indicated by my articles in Outdoors Southwest. Tonto National Ruins located near Roosevelt Lake is a hike of pristine beauty climbing the hill of the desert above Lake Roosevelt into the historical era of the Salado natives, dating back to the 14th Century. The ruins are stunning. There is a Salado handprint left in the mud structure, evidence of a time long, long ago. This scenic adventure is a trail for the memories. Also, on my list of must see places is Tonto Natural Bridge, ten miles north of Payson, on Highway 87. Mother Nature and Father Time created what is believed to be the world’s largest travertine bridge. This gorgeous landmark is the product of Pine Creek and the elements of limestone and calcium deposits dissolving, eroding and forming a natural travertine bridge in Pine Creek Canyon. Beauty beyond description! And let’s not forget Sedona! And the Grand Canyon! And the Superstition Mountains!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family deserves an ENORMOUS shoutout for being very supportive and encouraging. My husband, Don, my children, my grandchildren, parents, and other family members have encouraged me many times with the words, “YOU CAN DO THIS!” When I step back, perhaps because of self-doubt, they have been the ones to push me forward in completing a challenge by giving strong words of support. Having a strong support system has been the key to my successful achievement of projects and I will always cherish and treasure my family’s invaluable inspiration. My cup runneth over.

Website: https://sherryengler.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherryengler/
Linkedin: Sherry Engler
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/Sherry Engler@sherryengler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherryEngler.Author.Illustrator/