CREATIVE CORNER AUTHOR INTERVIEW SERIES
Ellie Laks Amplifies Animal Voices in Her Book Cow Hug Therapy
“Write from the heart, be vulnerable, take risks, and speak directly to each reader as if they are right there in front of you!” — Ellie Laks
This standard Creative Corner interview is a prelude to our long-form interview coming out later this month.
I had the great joy of interviewing Ellie Laks in early February about themes in her most recent book, Cow Hug Therapy. She founded The Gentle Barn, inviting people from all walks of life to find therapeutic healing in hugging a cow and other barn animals.
Laks has written both My Gentle Barn and Cow Hug Therapy. My Gentle Barn is about how Laks ended up on this wild, heart-filled journey. It’s on my To-Read list. The Gentle Barn is about how the organization came to be while Cow Hug Therapy focuses on the animals’ stories.
In Cow Hug Therapy, Laks listens to her animals and conveys their wisdom to the reader. It’s a beautiful piece of work.
In our video interview, we discussed the uncomfortable parts of growing in self-care, veganism, boundaries, meditation, intuition, healing modalities, and of course, animals.
Why do you write creative nonfiction?
My purpose is to show the world how beautiful animals are in any way that I can. Writing nonfiction gives me the opportunity to tell our rescued animals’ stories, be their voice, and share their wisdom with my readers.
When and how did you break into writing?
I remember as a child I would narrate little things that I was doing in my mind, as if I was creating a story. I loved my english classes, was an avid reader, and enjoyed my writing assignments. I always knew that I would be a writer. My first book, My Gentle Barn, was published in 2014.
Where have you learned the most about writing? For example, from reading other writers, advanced education, workshops, or elsewhere? For aspiring writers, are there resources you’d recommend?
The biggest lesson I have learned about writing is to be as transparent, vulnerable, and honest as I can or don’t write the book at all. Sometimes it is scary to feel so naked and open, but that is what people relate to and are inspired by.
Who are some of your favorite writers?
I enjoy reading biographies and memoirs the most. Especially those who have lost themselves, struggled, and come through to find themselves in deep ways.
What are your tips on writing outstanding material?
Write from the heart, be vulnerable, take risks, and speak directly to each reader as if they are right there in front of you!
What are the pitfalls to avoid in writing?
I think the biggest pitfall is caring too much about what others will think of you, or being worried about your own image. Put pen to paper and let the words flow without worry or judgment.
What are your future projects?
I know there is at least one more nonfiction novel in me, but, for now, I am writing picture books for children and am very excited to share the stories of our rescued animals with little ones and inspire their own life lessons.
Gentle Barn Socials
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