The Writer's Lens

The Writer's Lens - E17: Should We Separate Art From The Artist?

Like the titles says, should we separate what someone creates from what they do in his or her personal life? Every day it seems like more people of influence are falling from grace in the public eye. And with that happening, should we turn our backs on what these people have contributed? Or is that not up for debate at all? 

Well, in this episode, I make a debate of it. Through the writer's lens, of course. 

The Writer's Lens - E16: Who Is Rooting For You?

Who is rooting for you? It's not a question I'm used to asking myself. When it comes to writing, we tend to think of it as a solitary venture. It's you and your idea against the odds. The concept of having a team of people around you, helping you along the way, may seem like a foreign idea. Even a sign of weakness.

But, as I can attest to, it certainly is not. 

in this episode, I talk about the importance of having a community around you as a writer. Not just for the purpose of editing your work, but to keep you accountable. To stay motivated and on task. And to not give in to the voices that ultimately want you to fail. 

 

The Writer's Lens - E15: Can Writing Be Considered a Spiritual Experience?

Just like the title implies, could writing be considered a spiritual venture?

Recently, I heard that exact phrase from an individual I tend to admire. And thus, I wanted to delve deeper into what that might mean. In this episode, I look at why we might consider that to be true. And what modern science might have to say about it. What happens to our minds when we write and where inspiration might ultimately be coming from.

What do you think? 

Enjoy!  

 

The Writer's Lens - E14: Creatives and Their Priorities

It's easy to get lost in the woods. If you feel determined to succeed at something, you may find yourself making compromises you never thought you would: breaking appointments with friends to work on your craft, forsaking time with your kids or spouse, or spending money on anything and everything to get something done. 

As of late, I've felt convicted to do a reassessment of my own priorities. And how I've been managing them. Am I doing right by myself? By others? In this episode, I talk about how I try to align my priorities properly. And hopefully share some insight into how we can feel accomplished while still making our way up the mountain. Because as we all know, the top of the mountain isn't the end of the story: it's only the start of something new all over again. 

Enjoy! 

The Writer's Lens - E13: Dinosaurs... Wait, What?

I promised I would. Now, here it is: an entire episode dedicated to one of my favorite childhood pastimes: dinosaurs. I wasn't sure if I could tie in dinosaurs to the creative process; or storytelling - or anything related to this podcast, but with this episode, I certainly give it my best shot. 

Enjoy (and hopefully you learn something new about dinosaurs in the process). 

The Writer's Lens - Review: Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

Another review. And this time it's not a television show. In this episode, I tackle the story and plot of the Red Rising Trilogy, as written by author Pierce Brown. 

A dystopian society existing several hundreds of years in the future, Red Rising follows Darrow - a lowly worker on Mars who finds out his entire existence and life of servitude is a lie, as the people who live on the surface are wining and dining and living great lives; all within the Society's "Color Hierarchy". 

Aside from giving my review, I talk about the nature of relationships in big war stories like this one. I also touch on the nature of first-person versus third-person narrative as well as how one might view a book like this 20 years from now. 

Lastly, I hope to interview Mr. Brown at some point in the near future (The challenge made. The challenge accepted). 

The Writer's Lens - E12: How Story Affects Us - Part 2

Finally finishing up part 2 of storytelling and its purpose. This episode looks at the last 2 parts of storytelling as it is defined by our good friend, Webster, wherein story is often used to develop cultural values as well as morals.

Often a society's culture and its morals can intertwine. Where the culture is affected by its morals. Or its morals tend to be shaped by the culture that's created. 

And how does storytelling come into play here? Do stories play a role in establishing either of these? I would say the overwhelming answer to that question is yes. 

As such, I take - an albeit brief - look into story as it pertains to our culture and morals.  

The Writer's Lens - Review: Stranger Things, Season 2

It's Halloween night. Yes, I am doing a series on creativity and the writing process. And yes, I do interviews with other creative folks. But, I'm thinking that I can do reviews once in a while too (this is a creatively-based podcast, after all). 

So keeping that spirit in mind, I decided to do a quick episode on my thoughts / opinions / impressions of the latest season of "Stranger Things" on Netflix. Complete with SPOILERS. You have been warned.... 

What did the rest of you think? Check it out..."mouth-breather." 

 

The Writer's Lens - Interview 05: Brent McLaughlin, On the Importance of Journaling, Part 2

"Our memories aren't perfect."

Part 2 of my interview with fellow scribe, Brent McLaughlin, takes us down the rabbit hole of what can be truly beneficial in keeping a personal journal. As I stated in Part 1, Brent is the zen master when it comes to reflection and seeing growth in his life.

And in this section, Brent and I talk about the life-giving aspect of journaling. How our frustrations can help us gain insight into who we are. And how common themes tend to shape us. Kudos to my brother-in-arms for sharing some personal things with the Internet world in hope to encourage others.

Enjoy!

The Writer's Lens - Interview 05: Brent McLaughlin, On the Importance of Journaling, Part 1

My next guest comes as a two-parter. Brent McLaughlin, a fellow scribe, friend and co-founder of a local writer's group in Northeast Ohio, shares his insights on journaling and why sometimes journaling can be overlooked in a person's life. Not just for the creative in us, but anybody.

One of the things I've always admired about Brent is his purpose-driven lifestyle. Everything he does is with purpose. With direction. And with passion. Doing so with one eye on the future and the other on the past; careful and mindful of what he's learned and what's he's currently learning.

Having overcome several personal obstacles, Brent shares some insights he's had while keeping a personal journal for the past five years. Side note: I can't even keep one for a month!

Anyway, I'm excited to share part one of my interview with him. 

Part 2 to follow.