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We hear and tell stories every day. It's an integral part of the human experience. And what's more, we are living out our own unique stories too. The Writer's Lens is hosted by author, Josh "J.C.L." Faltot and discusses the importance of storytelling, publishing, passion and failure, and what it's like to view the world through the guise of a writer.
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 22, 2019
Tuesday Jan 22, 2019
When it comes to using the term, "creative", I'm still a newbie. I happen to think I'm creative (I'm a writer, after all) so tying those two concepts together isn't a problem. When it comes to other creative types, I - like many others - tend to recognize someone for a single gift: making a craft, making music, writing, etc. These all make up the "creative" part of our persona. But is that all we are made for? Just one facet of creativity? For sometimes we encounter someone who is not only creative in one area, but in several different venues too.
Cue the guest of my next interview: Willie Scott, aka FOLD.
Willie is a return guest on The Writer's Lens and in addition to being one-half of Better Than Blended and co-founder of TKI Publishing, Willie is also a recording artist. He truly puts the idea of putting one's creative interests to work while simultaneously debunking the notion that we have to be so singularly focused on one aspect of our creativity, thus starving our other creative outlets. So in this interview, I explore with Willie all the dynamics that come with being an entrepreneur, a creative writer, a father, and a husband.
This was a fun interview for Willie and me and I think you'll find it equally enjoyable.
For more on Willie and his music, you can check out these links below:
Better Than Blended - Website, Facebook, Instagram
TKI Publishing - Website, Facebook
Matlock and FOLD - Facebook
Monday Jan 14, 2019
Monday Jan 14, 2019
It's hard to believe 2018 has already come and gone. So with 2019 here, it's time to do that age-old favorite: make a confession.
Wait, you mean resolutions, right? Well, not really.
Whenever a new year comes around, we are quick to make lists of what we want to change in the year ahead. We make big - and small - life-altering goals that we hope and pray will come to fruition in the year ahead. And though I'm no stranger to doing such a thing, I thought it might be good to look at the year behind me too. Where did I "miss the mark" on my creative goals? Was I following my own advice? The advice of others? Turns out I have some work to do (don't we all?).
There were certainly some wins and some misses from 2018. So in this episode, I take a closer look at where things went well and not-so-well as I look ahead to take on 2019.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
2018 "Wins":
- Podcast still alive
- New logo
- Downloads only increasing
- Journaling
- Reading more
2018 "Misses":
- Missed launch date - The Shadow Of Mars
- 1st reason: I backed myself into a corner creatively
- 2nd reason: Not at peace with product
- Less interviews
2019 "Looking Ahead":
- Re-purposing The Writer’s Lens - storytelling is paramount
- Guests (new and old)
- Keep cultivating good habits
- Hitting that Deadline for The Shadow Of Mars
Monday Jan 07, 2019
Monday Jan 07, 2019
What is a digital footprint?
In part 3 of this "Pens of Steel" group discussion, we wrap up our conversation about digital voices and what each of us is doing in our pursuits to hone our unique digital footprints.
As this is part three, be sure to check out our earlier discussions (if you haven't already) by clicking the links below.
Part 1: What Is A Digital Voice?
Part 2: Competing In The Sea Of Digital Voices
Brian Del Turco, owner/operator of LifeVoiceQuest
Website: http://www.lifevoicequest.com/
Podcast: http://www.jesussmart.com/
Willie Scott, co-founder of Better Than Blended and T.K.I. Publishing
Website: https://betterthanblended.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterthanblended/?hl=en
Brent Mclaughlin, writer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brent.mclaughlin
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
To bring in the new year, here's something a little different from The Writer's Lens. This episode deals entirely with soundbites from each of my various interviews. And though there are plenty of other good nuggets from the full interviews, these clips were pieced together around a common theme: what's it like to be a creative who is looking to hone his or her voice and garner an audience.
Perhaps this is something you are looking to hone in 2019? And beyond? These voices, and other guests I plan to have on this program, will be speaking into these areas so stay tuned in 2019 for more! And stay up to date by subscribing to The Writer's Lens.
Links to the full interviews:
YouTube Channel (audio and video)
Podcast Channel (audio only)
Guests on The Writer's Lens
- Willie and Rachel Scott, Co-founders of Better Than Blended and TKI Publishing
- Darrick Dean, Fantasy author; Among The Shadows
- Daniel Luketic, Entrepreneur
- Dr. Robert Snyder, Author of various children's books, war veteran, and speaker
- Brent Mclaughlin, Writer
- Immanuel Mullen, Co-founder at TheStoryIs
- Colleen Ward, Owner at Colleen Ward Studio
- Brian Del Turco, Jesus Smart: The Podcast, SubstanceTV, and owner at LifeVoiceQuest
- Kay Smith, Content creator and art teacher
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy tale that has inspired millions. Its story of good versus evil transcends generations. And it uses rather unconventional forms to do it: with fictional beings like hobbits, dwarves, and elves.
But there are men and women in this fantasy too. And orcs. And goblins. And trees that talk and walk. And...racism? Wait...what?
Last month, I came across an article on the Internet that caught my attention. A fellow science fiction writer was being interviewed for a podcast and when the topic of Tolkien's classic came up, the author went on to say that the Lord of the Rings has "hard to miss" themes of racism throughout. Considering how I'd never heard this claim before, I did some research and found that there have been others who have felt the same way (not a lot, but they are out there if you look). So I did what any social media personality with a platform would do: I did an episode detailing what I thought of this accusation.
Because this is a serious thing to say. Not just because the Lord of the Rings has birthed an entire genre or because it made millions at the box office - it's because of the nature of the claim. It touches deeply on sacred grounds. And if tossed around flippantly, we run the risk of being short-sighted on what could be considered "racist" and what is not.
So, is Tolkien's work racist? Enclosed in this episode are my thoughts on that matter as well as why I felt the need to address it.
Monday Dec 10, 2018
Monday Dec 10, 2018
The Internet is a sea of voices and narratives.
In part 2 of this group discussion special, the Pens continue the dialogue on "what is a digital voice" - while transitioning into another frequently asked question: how do we compete with so many other messages? Should we be focused on beating other voices? Or should we just focus on our own message?
Jump back in with Part 2 and just in case you missed Part 1, you're in luck - you can click here to check it out and get back up to speed.
And for more info on the rest of the group, here are some links below:
Brian Del Turco, owner / operator of LifeVoiceQuest
Website: http://www.lifevoicequest.com/
Podcast: http://www.jesussmart.com/
Willie Scott, co-founder of Better Than Blended and T.K.I. Publishing
Website: https://betterthanblended.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterthanblended/?hl=en
Brent Mclaughlin, writer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brent.mclaughlin
Monday Dec 03, 2018
Monday Dec 03, 2018
Welcome to the Rise of Digital Voices!
In case you didn't already know, the Internet is FILLED with competing messages. Thanks to the onset of social media platforms, more people than ever have the ability to share their unique voice with the rest of the world. And in doing so, can create online communities where similar minds (and interests) can congregate. To share ideas. To share insights. To share individual stories.
This is the Age of Digital Voices - a time when the gatekeepers of information have been usurped by the end user.
In this very special episode of The Writer's Lens, I sit down with three other creative voices: Brian Del Turco of Jesus Smart: The Podcast and owner/operator of LifeVoiceQuest; Willie Scott co-founder of Better Than Blended and TKI Publishing; and Brent Mclaughlin, aspiring writer. These three gentlemen make up our Cleveland creative group otherwise known as the "Pens of Steel" and for the first time, we are recording our conversation concerning this growing phenomenon of the social media landscape.
This will be the first of a three-part discussion on the topic so stay tuned for more to follow in the coming weeks.
And for more info on my fellow conversationalists, here are some links below:
Brian Del Turco
Website: http://www.lifevoicequest.com/
Podcast: http://www.jesussmart.com/
Willie Scott
Website: https://betterthanblended.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterthanblended/?hl=en
Brent Mclaughlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brent.mclaughlin
Sunday Nov 11, 2018
Sunday Nov 11, 2018
What does it do for us when we finish what we start? If you're the type of person that struggles with unfinished projects, then maybe you are in need of a morale boost. Or a gentle reminder of what you feel strongly about. Something to kickstart the juices and make it to the finish line.
Or perhaps on an even deeper level, maybe your unique message just isn't clear yet.
In my case, finishing a book is what I aim to do. Not an easy task; not something one does in a weekend. For writing a book can feel like running a marathon. But here's something to remember: we aren't alone in our pursuits.
In this episode, I talk in depth about the things we can learn about ourselves as we work through our passion projects. And how there's a unique voice each of us can cultivate by bringing that message to completion.
Website: www.jclfaltot.com
Facebook: J.C.L. Faltot
Instagram: The Writer's Lens
Thursday Nov 01, 2018
Thursday Nov 01, 2018
Kay Smith worked for 13 years at a reputable marketing firm in Cleveland, OH. And though she loved her work, Kay began to feel something tugging her in a new direction. A tug strong enough to make her consider leaving her established career behind and start anew - in art education.
But, it wasn't a completely foreign space. Kay had always held a strong interest in art, even as a little girl. And with some proper coaching and encouragement early in life, she fostered that passion. Kay is a wife and mother of four children so leaving a steady job was not an easy feat.
In this interview, I talk with Kay about her transition from her corporate office space to her new office space. And how her faith in God has enabled her to discover what it is that makes us all creative; how we can cultivate that creative spark; and ultimately use our gifts to help others.
For more on Kay, you can check out the links below:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.smith.art
Website: www.katherinesmithstudio.com
Saturday Oct 27, 2018
Saturday Oct 27, 2018
Anxiety plagues more people today than ever, it seems. We live in a fast-paced society with ever advancing technology. And as complex and impressive as our brains are, we can only take so much.
That's why the need to be focused and free of distraction is imperative - not just as a creative but as anyone who wants to be productive. In that way, we can work at our best. At our utmost capacity, which sounds like a simple thing to do. Actually executing it though? That's another battle entirely.
This is the first half of a two-part discussion on anxiety. And how anxiety affects our creative pursuits.
Website: www.jclfaltot.com
Books: here