Some of our NAWA Signature Artists are also recognized authors who have published their work in books, articles, and papers both online, and offline. Their writing is as diverse as their artwork, covering fiction, non-fiction, academic research, poetry, children’s books and more.

A standard set of questions has been proposed to each of our Artist/Authors. These are Jen’s replies.

Jen Haefeli photo by Master Photographer Marie Sales

NAWA IS PLEASED TO INTRODUCE JEN HAEFELI.

1. What are you focused on in your writing?

I’m fascinated by history, events, people, and sometimes even animals that change how we live our daily lives. In addition to creating books on topics intended to widen awareness of small, familiar spaces, and the inhabitants within them, like a small backyard garden, I’m also interested in addressing politics and equality in creative ways.

2. What drew you to the subject matter of your work?
   

   Jeremiah in the Rosemary – Art Page

The inspiration behind my book, Jeremiah in the Rosemary, was a small garden frog. It lived under the rosemary in our backyard herb garden and would hop out to bask in the sprinkle of water when I’d tend to the little plot. Over time I taught my kids about the growth of our plants and the significance and importance of what we call “garden helpers”. The story organically evolved, and naturally came together. I decided to create a downloadable packet including a paper doll version of Jeremiah, a DIY mini garden set with a fruit and veggie guide for STEAM-minded individuals, which includes information on how our bodies benefit from the foods we grow and eat. I intended to provide content that was tactile and screen-free.

My most recent book focuses on forty-five individuals who immigrated to The United States and improved our world through scientific breakthroughs, inventions, and incredible “firsts” such as becoming the first woman from a continent to go to space.

What type of writing do you do? Fiction, non-fiction, sub-sections, etc.

Fiction with a base of non-fiction facts supporting the narrative as well as historically based non-fiction biographical content with full illustration.

4. Who are you writing for? Who is your target audience?

While my books are illustrated picture books and generally target a young to mid-age child audience, they are intended for all ages.

5. Is your written work related to your artwork? If so, How?

I created Jeremiah in the Rosemary based on an idea and then wrote a poem supporting the idea. The images are painted for the pages of the book in support of the storyline.

The images illustrated for A Nation Crafted by Immigration were created entirely to utilize them for biographical content. The process is a bit different as the illustrations were done before the content and structure of the book were formalized.

In both cases, my illustrative work is vastly different from my fine art.

6. How often do you write?

I write often. Much of my written work is not meant for publication, though I am considering a screenplay and have been casually working on pieces of it for a few years.

7. How do you balance your writing with your studio practice?

Jen-Haefeli-Lady Pink

As an InterArtist, I think that part of what balances one method or medium is allowing the creative flow of a medium or studio practice to share its voice. Bottling it, and suppressing it will result in blocks. Though I don’t always pursue every project, I may take notes or begin an inspired project knowing that sometimes the energy is going to end and it might have to simmer while I await the inspiration for a way to complete it. Sometimes the writing is fleeting. I’ve had some of my most inspired writing moments in the shower when I’m ill-prepared to write down the thoughts that stream with reckless abandon. I’d try to memorize the lines and stanzas that seemed to flow, but somehow no matter what, by the time I’d get to my phone or computer to try to record what I’d been thinking they’d be gone or partially gone and not make much sense. The best of what I’d come up with was no longer sounding the way it had upon that first round when it was inspired from a deep well of somewhere unrecognizable and wonderful.

I purchased a big container of shower crayons. Now I write things on the walls when the moment hits. I highly recommend it.

8. When did you write your works?

Jeremiah in the Rosemary was written in one day and the paintings were done over a few weeks. The STEAM content took several months to create. The project was finalized in 2021 and published in 2022.

A Nation Crafted by Immigration was intended to be a collaborative project in 2018. We received feedback about the poems my friend was writing to compliment my illustrations. Two years into the project, after an agent we worked with in NYC was not able to place the book with one of the large publishers, my friend asked me to continue with a re-direction of my work and create a different book. She wanted this work to be published, and I am incredibly happy to honor her wish and bring these illustrations to life on the page in 2023.

9. Are you currently writing articles or books for publication?

I am currently working on my third book, which focuses on women in flight and the space age.

10. How and where have your works been published? Online? Print?

Jeremiah in the Rosemary was originally available as a downloadable book. I applied for a copyright and self-published the physical book in 2022. It is now only available in physical form with accompanying downloadable material.

11. Do you self-publish your writing?

Yes, I published Jeremiah in the Rosemary under a copyright, and A Nation Crafted by Immigration is registered with The Library of Congress.

12. How do you market your written work?

Facebook: WildlyRooted1

Instagram: WildlyRooted1

Website: www.WildRootCreations.com

United Way: (future proposed events)

Harvest107: (future events)

13. Do you do book readings? Promo tours? Library lectures?

I have not done these, but I am very interested in doing some. I am sending copies of both books to locations that are interested in having a copy in their collection and am willing and interested in participating in events relevant to the topics.

14. Where can people access your publications? Links? Libraries? Etc.

www.WildRootCreations.com

The Library of Congress

Registration # 9798987225417

Hardcover: ISBN: 979-8-9872254-1-7

Softcover: 979-8-9872254-2-4

15. In a few sentences tell us who and why people might feel compelled to read your publications.

Illustrated works are filled with visual representation. My goal is to provide the reader with a straightforward message that allows them to absorb the content while analyzing the creative media and allow themselves to step into the narrative, and make it their own. I enjoy transporting imagination to a world of drama and exploration where a gnome, butterfly, earthworm, and deer all welcome a frog and it seemed quite natural to name it Jeremiah. Perhaps that’s not the end of the story. Imaginative play can take it anywhere from here.

Our nation wasn’t built by our forefathers, but rather with ingenuity and on the backs of those who have poured sweat equity through toiling and grinding. It has taken willpower and a diverse range of minds from around the globe. This country was crafted by immigrants. My latest book, A Nation Crafted by Immigration, focuses on a small group of intrepid and impactful people who have accomplished incredible goals that were claimed in the name of The United States. If we as a country would like to lay claim on what they have accomplished, we must recognize the cultures and races they represent and honor and celebrate that with inclusivity, rather than work to prevent future generations of great minds from entering this country under the guise that we are protecting ourselves. This book celebrates what really makes America great, immigrants.

Jeremiah in the Rosemary

https://shop.wildrootcreations.com/products/jeremiah-in-the-rosemary

A Nation Crafted by Immigration

Hardcover

https://shop.wildrootcreations.com/products/a-nation-crafted-by-immigration

Softcover

https://shop.wildrootcreations.com/products/a-nation-crafted-by-immigration-1

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Congratulations Jen and Thank you for sharing!

Mary Ahern – Chair: NAWA Public Relations Committee

National Association of Women Artists

NAWA. Empowering Women Artists Since 1889