Meet Debbie Graber | Writer and Production Accountant

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

Hi Debbie, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Staying true to oneself – there are so many obstacles to this, as we have to fund our existences, which can take precedence over doing what we want to creatively. But creativity can be about feeding a passion, despite where it might get us materially. I think we’re all artists at heart, and we owe it to ourselves to make the time to find what inspires us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always wanted to write fiction, but like a lot of people, I was easily put off – mostly by the prospect of failure. I procrastinated getting started for years, really until I moved to LA, but once here, I found a creative home. I first found inspiration taking classes at UCLA Extension, and then I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the low residency MFA program at UC Riverside, Palm Desert. I was working a full time day job (and still do), but oddly, it somehow started to feed my artistic impulses. This creative burst culminated in the publication of a book of short stories, entitled Kevin Kramer Starts on Monday. The book was published by an independent publisher here in LA, The Unnamed Press – check out their amazing catalogue at www.unnamedpress.com. I’m currently writing another book of short stories and am actively submitting individual stories to literary journals, as well as trying my hand at a novel. If I could offer any lessons learned, I guess I would say that if possible, try not to let anything stop you from expressing your creativity. Artists aren’t “creating” up in some ivory tower – we’re all artists, every one of us. We all have something to offer, to ourselves and to each other.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d try to show off LA’s architecture and green spaces. LA is often caricatured as a huge suburb, full of strip malls and concrete parking garages, but it really isn’t true! Hiking Fryman Canyon or Griffith Park are great options, along with taking an LA Conservancy Tour – the Angelino Heights one is terrific, but they are all worth checking out – and the docents are amazing. Along those lines, the tours at the Getty Villa are spectacular, as are the Malibu beach views. The Descanso Gardens are also beautiful – spend some time in the rose garden! Food wise, choose literally almost any sushi or Mexican restaurant in the city and you won’t be disappointed. If you like a bit of history with your steak, Musso and Frank in Hollywood, the oldest restaurant in LA, is a must – the drinks are superlative and the building itself will transport you into the past. The Farmer’s Market is another piece of LA history to check out, but go early before the crowds. And if you get a chance to see the Dodgers or Angels play, by all means do it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A shout out to UCLA Extension, the UC Riverside, Palm Desert, Low Residency MFA, and Writing Workshops LA, which unfortunately is no longer. A huge Thank you to the amazing writers and teachers who gave so freely of their time and creative energy! You are all inspirations.

Website: https://www.debbiegraber.com

Image Credits
Headshot: Joanna DeGeneres