The Writer's Lens: Recent Episodes
J.C.L. Faltot
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.
Talking about one of the best movies to come out in theaters in a long while. And it's got all the science you could ask for. Yet there's one thing I was hoping to hear more about - and since it wasn't - I'll be talking about it on the show.
Enjoy!
The story of the Roofman may sound like the makings of a B-level horror film. But it's more on the level of a tale about a polite criminal who, at the end of the day, is still just that - a criminal. My latest episode delves into what it often looks like to justify one's actions for the sake of one's own self preservation. And thereby, what consequences follow swiftly thereafter.
Enjoy.
In this 2026 inaugural episode of The Writer's Lens, we take a look at the latest Super Mario Bros. movie. I was always a big fan of Super Mario - and still am to this day - so I'll be diving into what worked, what maybe didn't, and what the future might hold for the Italian plumber.
In this reflective Short, I take a look back at when I was overeager and overly trusting of anyone I crossed paths with on my road to writing stories.
You publish something. Someone buys it. Maybe you know them. Maybe you don't. But does it matter if they read it so long as you sell it? Or at least know that they have a copy of it? Might seem pretty straightforward. This short little rant explores some of the psychology behind what happens when we know someone has bought, read, and then given feedback.
The news is always updating, always changing, and seemingly always in our faces. And there's a reason for that - we love to hear stories. Good, bad, ugly - it doesn't matter. This newest short on The Writer's Lens is about the news and how storytelling is intertwined within.
In this shorter episode of The Writer's Lens, I have some free form discussion on whether or not creatives should be working to attain mainstream recognition or not.
As always, I trust this will garner some further thought (and perhaps action) on the topic.
Enjoy!
Welcome back to The Writer's Lens!
In this end-of-year episode, I decided to kick the podcast back into gear by discussing a few Hollywood and movie reboots. And what these reboots might be signaling about our culture - and how we view what it means to be a "man" in the 21st century.
Enjoy and Happy New Year!
The Ninja Turtles are still - to some degree - a cultural phenomenon. A story about humanoid, mutant turtles who just so happen to know ninjitsu. But did you ever consider that it's a story about two fathers and how they run their households? I'm sure you didn't. So in this episode, I will attempt to lay out my argument as to why that is. And why the Turtles' story continues to be relative to each new generation that gets to know them.
The film "Remember the Titans" is mostly known for its brilliant way of portraying cultural race relations surrounding high school football in the 1970s. And though it's a very well-told and appropriate, the film is also a great example of what leadership can look like. What it takes to be a great leader and what sorts of intangibles are necessary.
And for the sake of discussion, I do reference Michael Jordan's quote from "The Last Dance" also.
What does a Dreamwork's movie have to do with dating and marriage? Or rather, what do dragons and vikings have to do with courtship? Well, here's my attempt to marry, uh, combine these two items into a singular episode. Enjoy.
It's the Christmas season. And in the spirit of Christmas, I'm doing a Christmas-themed episode by talking about A Christmas Story. This one is a bit jumbled in its approach, but in this holiday episode, I talk briefly about the infamous bully encounter within A Christmas Story and why overcoming our biggest detractors is a pertinent message for this time of year.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas everyone!
Godzilla is an international icon in monster movie cinema. Recognizable by millions and adored by multiple generations. His inception - to those unaware - was Japan's response to the first, and only time, nuclear weapons were used in modern warfare. The bombs that hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki devastated the country and its people. And simultaneously gave rise to all manner of "what if?" scenarios about what could happen next should the bombs ever be used again in combat.
Today's episode looks back at the horrors of war, the destructive nature of the bombings, and the movie monster that was birthed out of it.
SIDE NOTE: There is a bit of static towards the end of this episode. I trust it doesn't detract too much from the content so hang in there till the end!
Parenting is an easy task, isn't it? I mean, even a caveman could do it.
Dreamworks' "The Croods" features a family of cavemen struggling to survive in a world that is drastically changing. And in order to survive, the family's patriarch - and leader - must adapt to the changing world around them.
It might seem a stretch to use cartoon cavemen as a proper medium to discuss parenting, but this is The Writer's Lens, and by gosh, we're gonna do it. This episode is all about parenting and the many thoughts, techniques, and teachings on how to do it.
The Super Mario Bros. franchise is beloved from the east to the west. Its longstanding run in the video game industry has spanned nearly four decades and as of 2023, appears to have never been stronger.
Today's episode takes a brief dive into what I think helped to make Mario a household name in our culture. And it all started with jumping over barrels to save a princess.
The dystopian genre has grown exponentially in the Western world over the years. Book series like "The Hunger Gams" and "Divergent" have made people reconsider if the power structures in play are there for the betterment of all mankind - or to keep the masses in line.
Today's episode looks at dystopian storytelling - one of my favorites. Reason being how it pings the West's spirit of rebellion and its desire to be "free" from restrictive human governments. We'll talk some of the heavy hitters in this genre before talking culture towards the end as always.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln.
Writers have been trying their best to predict the future for generations. Hundreds upon hundreds of imagined worlds await within the pages of acclimated sci-fi and fiction authors around the globe. But of those who take a stab at humanity's future, who has been right? Who has been wrong? But more importantly, who has the most troubled outlook?
Today's episode is all about the future. The good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.
Aliens.
You hear the term and you instantly get an image of something otherworldly. Be it little green or gray men with giant eyes or terrifying insect-like beasts with acid for blood, the "alien" in most of the stories we know is exactly that: a creature we cannot define because we are unfamiliar with what - or who - it is.
This edition of "Stories I Like, Love, and Hate" features the little green men from Mars and what I am always sad to see missing from a good alien story.
Miss me? Well, even if you didn't, I have returned for this end-of-summer-return-to-podcasting episode. In short, my creative sabbatical has ended.
Within this podcast, I'll give you some updates on what's been going on with The Writer's Lens, what's happening now, and what's happening going forward.
- J.C.L.
As part of a short series I'll be doing this spring, here's the first "Stories I Like, I Love, and I Hate" - DINOSAURS edition.
Ever since I was a kid, dinosaurs have piqued my interest. And it's evident that these long extinct creatures are still pinging the imaginations of young people around the world.
With that in mind, I'd like to weigh in on some of my favorites and also one of the prominent franchises that nearly ruined it all for me.
A livestream follow up to my 2021 episode about the Heroes and Villains of our own stories. In this live episode, I look at why we might have more in common with the villains of our favorite stories than the heroes we admire.
Like the title implies, it's almost the end of January and I realized I needed an episode to kick things off. Get ready for some updates, looking ahead, and what to expect in 2022.
We all want to be the heroes of our own stories. So how do we deal with those who come against us? Is it right that we make them into the villains of our own tales? Or are there other ways to deal with them?
This episode deals with that idea head on and is as much a challenge for me as it is for any listener.
James Cameron's sequel to "The Terminator", otherwise known as "T2", is virtually the same tale as its predecessor, minus one very important detail: the father-son relationship explored between said terminator and the rebellious teen-turned-leader of the human race, John Connor.
In today's episode, we'll look at this crucial piece of the Terminator universe. And why it's the best part worth examining (outside of all the iconic catch phrases, of course).
What is one's fate? What is one's destiny? These two ideas often run side-by-side in our culture and are also oft-presented as a means to direct someone's path. So what's the difference? And how does that affect us in our own stories?
101 Dalmatians is a beloved Disney tale. And upon watching it again as an adult, I can say it's even more beloved. Why? Because of its portrayals of positive parenting, what a caustic marriage looks like, and on an even darker note, the underbelly of child trafficking.
Don't think so? Well, take a listen with me and see if you agree. There's a lot to unpack and plenty of reasons to give this oldie but a goodie a second glance. Not 101 reasons, but at least a few. Enjoy!
Clay Myatt is a new author and my latest guest on #TheWritersLens. His first foray into the book world brings a unique perspective: exploring the foundations of the most successful book series of all time: Harry Potter; while simultaneously referencing one of the most successful books ever written: the Bible.
Together, we talk through what inspired him to write this particular book, why he chose to do it now, and what he hopes his readers will take from his work.
Clay's book can be found online with most distributors but for a direct link to what he's been up to, you can head over to wipfandstock.com for the best details.
Enjoy.
Pinocchio is one of Disney's greatest animated films. And though it's been analyzed up and down for its themes of morality and lessons on life, there is one such perspective that has hit home for me personally - and happens to be the topic of this episode.
A reflection episode on what (most) every creative feels when it comes to the content we create. As a storyteller, I believe we are all part of a bigger story. But how can we be most effective in that bigger story at play?
Talking about one of my favorite A.I. films, I, Robot and more specifically, a scene where Sunny (the good robot), shares an exchange with V.I.K.I. (the bad robot) about her decision to lock up humanity so that it can no longer hurt itself. Considering the list of lockdowns we've endured during the pandemic, this one felt strangely relevant and in need of some deeper analysis and discussion.
Going back to my teenage days and a popular show at the time. Tenchi Muyo! was a popular anime that caught my attention and has just recently been making the rounds again on social media. This is me diving into the source material and discussing how its main canon has come to a close and what I think of this old tale.
Ah, Star Wars. The biggest, the baddest, and the most heavily distributed franchise that Hollywood has to offer. What could go wrong with that arrangement?!
Anyway, doing hindsight on one of the most influential and popular franchises might seem like a daunting task...And you'd be right - it absolutely is. But just for the sake of this channel and because I'm a glutton for punishment, here is a take on George Lucas' highly loved, highly watched, highly followed, oft-criticized, flagship series, Star Wars.
Dinosaurs have been a fascination of human beings for a long time. They've inspired writers and creatives to imagine what life would be like if these massive creatures were still alive today. Perhaps the most well-known attempt to mainstream that idea is the franchise, Jurassic Park. Originally penned by the late Michael Crichton and later adapted for the big screen by Stephen Spielberg, Jurassic Park is a monster-sized film franchise. With five movies, novels, several video games, and countless amounts of toys and merchandise, Jurassic Park - if nothing else - is one of the most recognizable film series in the West.
That being said, how has it done over the past 25 odd years? Is it still as fantastical as it was when it first premiered? Or is the franchise better going, er, extinct? Today's episode is a riff on what Jurassic Park could have been...in hindsight.
Today's episode on Hindsight is 20/20 is the recently finished "MonsterVerse". With Godzilla vs. Kong officially released, the four-film series has come to a close. Or has it? Or better yet, should it be finished at this point?
As a monster movie fan, I've been looking forward to all this giant-monkey-on-giant-lizard action. But does it conclude the series well? That's what #Hindsight is all about.
GodzillaVsKong #MonsterVerse
The Writer's Lens returns this spring with a new mini-series!
For the next few (perhaps even more) episodes, I'll be riffing on some of my favorite franchises, films, and stories - doing so with the intent of reorganizing and analyzing what I thought worked; what didn't; and ultimately what could have been.
So to cap things off, we'll be looking at the DC Extended Universe. Timely for me in the wake of the controversial #SnyderCut of the Justice League. Full disclaimer: any and all spoilers abound if I happen to touch on any.
Welcome to The Writer's Lens alternate reality: the Hindsight is 2020 series. Emphasis on hindsight with hopefully some emphasis on good discussion too. Enjoy the first episode of this short mini-series I'll be working on over the next few weeks.
Imagine two brothers trying to appease the ruler of the universe. One does what is asked of him while the other does what he thinks is best. As a result, the former is rewarded and the latter is turned away. And due to the latter brother's disgrace, he takes out his jealousy, envy, and anger upon his own brother, killing him; thus, inviting even more darkness into his already fragile world.
This is the story of Cain and Abel. And though it may not seem like the thing of heroes and villains, there is something remarkably familiar about this ancient tale. Something that resonates even in today's superhero and supervillain-obsessed culture.
"God bless us. Everyone." - Tiny Tim
It's the annual holiday episode of The Writer's Lens. And this one is packed with an analysis of the famous line from Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol". We often hear about 'God's blessings' but what does that look like? What is it supposed to mean? Tiny Tim's perspective is a unique one in spite of his circumstances, serving as a great foil to Scrooge's selfish and embittered nature.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Writer's Lens. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe if you haven't already and enjoy!
The first Terminator featured an unstoppable killing machine. The 2nd film had a similar villain, but in a stroke of creative genius, the previous film's antagonist was transformed into the hero of the 2nd. Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800 has long been lauded as an iconic character in cinema. His portrayal as a man with a plan toes the line of what it means to be a "man's man". But as far as I can tell, the Terminator holds a unique space in the quest for what constitutes the true measure of a man. And if this machine, played by a man, has anything to teach us, the "man's man" is more than big and strong. He invests; he is attentive; he protects; and he knows what his priorities are. The "macho Dad" is more than machine, he's something more.
You probably thought the Ninja Turtles' greatest enemy was the Shredder. And if you did, you wouldn't be alone in that assumption. The Shredder has always been touted as the greatest threat to the Turtles' livelihoods, if not the city in which the Turtles reside. But I happen to see a much greater nemesis at play. A true arch rival lurking behind the scenes, snatching up the outcasts and downtrodden youths of New York; all in exchange for family and community. Buckle up - or should I say 'shell up' - for this latest episode of The Writer's Lens. #PardonThePun
Robin Hood is a beloved, if not timeless, character that has become part of American folklore. Though the character's origins cannot be found in American culture, the idea of an outlaw who steals from the wealthy and gives to the poor has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. From Disney's animals-only musical, to the comedic "Men in Tights", Robin Hood challenges its viewers to consider what it means to stand up to those in power. Moreover, to stand up to those who hoard their riches and refuse to share the wealth.
But is the idea of Robin Hood inherently 'good'? Can we be thieves and maintain our moral righteousness? This episode will explore that idea in depth.
C.S. Lewis is one of my all-time favorite authors. He's written many stories that are internationally known (and loved). But one in particular he's not as well-known for: his Space Trilogy. Three stories about our solar system and the spirits who are waging war over our planets. In Lewis' second of the three, Perelandra, Lewis explores the planet Venus through the eyes of his protagonist, Ransom, who has been sent there to keep Venus' inhabitants from turning into another "bent" world like Earth.
Spoilers aside, Ransom eventually encounters some high order angels who are the embodiments of Mars and Venus. And when he does, he sees something on display that he can only recount as being the "spiritual expressions of gender" - male and female, or rather, masculine and feminine.
This fascinated me and thus, wanted to dive into Lewis' explanation a bit further with this episode.
Tombstone is one of my favorite movies of all time. Which is saying a lot as I'm not the biggest fan of western films. Packed with an ensemble cast, Tombstone tells the story of Wyatt Earp, his brothers, Doc Holliday, and the cowboy gang whose hatred for law and order clashes with the Earp brothers and Holliday.
This episode explores Wyatt Earp's quest for a rich and exciting life while ignoring his past as a peacemaker. Can he actually achieve a life of fine wine and riches without law and order? This arc of human experience will be the focus on this edition of the Writer's Lens.
Adam and Eve. Two people synonymous with what many consider to be humanity's greatest mistake. By taking fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam and Eve catalyzed humanity's fall from grace. They ushered in a world where we experience suffering, pain, and loss of identity. All sons and daughters who descend from these two have to experience a world less than ideal, but still beautiful in its own right. It's just not quite as good as it could be.
Netflix's "Dark" recently finished its three season run and though it's one of the greatest time travel stories I've ever witnessed, that topic is not one I'm going to tackle with this episode. Instead, I'd like to discuss one of Dark's core components: the issue of causality and choice. Can one choice create a ripple so drastic that every other person, whether they know the origin of that choice or not, become affected by that choice? Can we adequately pin the centuries of undue pain on two people we've never met but only read about?
This episode is as deep and engaging as the show itself. Promise. #NeverBelieveAnythingElse
Forrest Gump stands as one of the great cinema treasures. It's a story about a simple man navigating his way through one of the most turbulent times in American history: the 1960s. And during that journey, Forrest remains unchanged. Whether it be his naive nature, his inherent understanding of what is good, or his limited mental faculties, Forrest experiences some of life's harshest trials yet remains seemingly unchanged by them. A trait of his that causes those around him to ask, "are you stupid or something?"
But who are the truly foolish ones in this story? Is it Forrest or the ones asking the question? This episode unpacks one of my all-time favorite films and its portrayal of one of mankind's oldest enemies: the world.
Netflix's Bodyguard is a story about gentleman tasked with guarding the life of another human being. Hence the name, "Bodyguard." Short observations aside, I sat down and watched this show alongside my wife and was pleasantly surprised by it. And what does a storyteller who has a podcast do, post-show? Well, he does an episode about it, of course.
In this short episode, I talk through some of the highs and lows of the Netflix drama. Warning, #SPOILERS are ahead.
In case you've been living under a rock for several years, there was this global phenomenon called "The MCU", aka the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that swept through movie theaters. Within that universe is a character called, "Captain America." Now, I was never a big fan of the Captain, but after seeing him on the big screen and doing more research on his inception and history, I've grown to really like him. You know, as far as fictional character-liking can go....
In his second movie, "The Winter Soldier", the Captain is confronted with an interesting dilemma. He is face-to-face with new and dangerous technology, the kind that is aimed at stopping criminals before they even act. This poses as a major conundrum for the Captain as he stands for the ideals of freedom, not fear. His observation is the catalyst for this episode, where I'll discuss the implications of personal freedom, oppressive government action, and whether we are being paranoid about the freedoms we covet. Doing so through the lens of a writer a writer and in just about a half an hour (simple, eh?).
Enjoy.
C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors of all time. His literary works are popular outside of even the Christian community, for which he is most known. But one such title that is often overlooked is a short story called, The Great Divorce. It's about about a man riding a bus to somewhere. And that somewhere just so happens to be heaven. For those who get off, it's a path to hell. But there are more than a few ways to get off the bus and head to the underworld.
This analysis I attempt is a true deep dive. So it's lengthy, but like any of Lewis' works, it's chock full of meat to chew on. In particular, the topic of heaven and hell and why we might forget about one while in pursuit of the other.
It's one of the most watched documentaries in history. Though I had no intention of ever watching Tiger King, I found myself tuning in this past week. Maybe it's been the quarantine; maybe it's the stir-crazy environment I'm in; or maybe it's the endless memes and allegations about a certain character potentially feeding her ex-husband to a tiger.
No matter, I watched the series and have come away with some thoughts. Tiger King is a global phenomenon, but why? So again I'll ask: is it the quarantine forcing us all to watch it? Or is it something else that has caused so many to tune in?
Here's my review / observations on Netflix's Tiger King.
Many Americans (and others around the world) are shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. And by shaken, we mean that many are without work. Income streams are not as plentiful as they once were and the sobering reality that things may not go back to normal soon has become a real fear.
So with that in mind, what becomes of art and literature? Do our favorite paintings, stories, music, and other forms of expression have a place in the midst of a crisis such as this? A crisis that genuinely requires material resources to keep us going?
This episode is dedicated to looking at just that.
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting every human being on the planet. And in the midst of this crisis, voices are speaking to the pandemic in one way or another. Some are telling a story of fear, others a story of hope. It's caused me, a storyteller, to take pause and ask a question, "What story do I feel is being told right now?"
In times like these, there are servants, leaders, and voices waiting to step up and cut through the panic. Cut through the haze. It's what every great story is made of. So in this episode, I spend some time talking through that and how we might put our sights on a bigger picture as we move day to day through this storm.
In case you didn't know, Disney has been remaking its animated classics into live-action films (well, sorta. The Lion King isn't exactly 'live action' but you get the idea). And if you're still tracking with me, Mulan is the latest film to get the "live action" treatment. It's currently slated for a release later this year.
So far, the film looks good. The cast is impressive. The cinematography appears to be top notch too. So what about the story? You know, the one where a woman sneaks into the highly elite Chinese fighting force, pretends to be a man to save her aging father, is found out, but ends up saving the whole kingdom? Yeah, that one. But wait, there's more: she falls in love with her commanding officer. A man named Shang. And yet, this part of the love story, at least according to this most recent news story, is not gonna happen.
Why do you say? Well, that's what this episode is all about. So tune in, enjoy, and if you feel led to do so, let me know what you think of this latest creative decision by Disney.
It's another Narrative Wars! And this time we're talking about one of the oldest institutions of human experience: marriage.
There are a lot of narratives out there about marriage. There's the fairy tale, there's the broken-but-being-repaired, there's the "it's going to be another 1-in-2 divorce for these two" - the list goes on. So with this episode, I'll be zeroing in on which particular narrative I've found to be a myth. The myth being that 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Say what now? You're saying that they don't?
Short answer: yes.
In addition to that, we'll be looking at how our culture develops these narratives. And what is a marriage anyway? What is the significance of it? And why would there be so many stories surrounding this ages-old commitment?
These are a few of the topics covered in this episode's #NarrativeWars.
Question: can a story about a fawn teach us lessons about what it means to be a man? Well, I happen to think so. In this episode of The Writer's Lens, we're taking another deep dive into an oldie but a goodie. It's the story of a baby deer and his coming-of-age journey into...um, staghood.
And as we work our way through this story, how can we humans - specifically those of the male gender - learn a thing or two from Bambi's journey? Tune in to find out.
Lastly, be sure to bring some tissues. We'll be talking about that infamous scene with Bambi's mother too.
Did we evolve from some breed of advanced hominid? Or were we plucked from the dirt by a divine being and made into the people we are today?
The origin of mankind is one of the most hotly debated issues of our time (or any, for that matter). So in this episode I attempt to solve all of those quandaries in a mere 30 minutes or less. Kidding, of course. Or am I....
Some chief questions to consider in this episode are: who is winning the culture on Evolution vs. Creationism? Who has the better narrative? Which is more appealing to you? And why? A lot of it comes down to story. How effective is the story being told from either side and how effective are the ones listening to these arguments. As always, a worldview can be at the center of the conversation.
Hope you enjoy.
For the sake of keeping algorithms in my favor, here's a brief update on what's going on with The Writer's Lens. I promised it would be brief and it most certainly is.
Catch all of you sooner than later!
It's one of the most iconic; most recognizable; most pilfered-for-all-its-worth franchises of all time. If you were born on or after 1977, then you have probably heard of the film, "Star Wars". And for this episode, we're talking about the OG Star Wars. That's right, Episode IV - the one that started it all - A New Hope.
But this discussion isn't going to be about wookies, lightsabers, or warp travel. No, we're talking about why human beings have such a fascination with deep space. What's out there? Are we alone in the universe? And perhaps most pressing of all, what if there is nothing out there at all?
This is my deep dive into the world that is Lucas' original moneymaker, "Star Wars: A New Hope". May the odds be ever in your... wait, no. That's not right. Wrong episode.
"May the Force be with you". Yeah, that's the one.
Enjoy!
Rudolph is as synonymous with Christmas as the jolly elf himself, Santa. But is this timeless tale of overcoming the odds really just a pale cover for a story that encourages bullying and non-inclusiveness?
Well, I have a few things to say about that. Stick with me as I do a rather thorough analysis on one of my favorites from my childhood - and now my adulthood. Just in time for the holidays, no less.
Credit to Burl Ives for his rendition of "Rudolph: The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and 1964's television special of the same name.
The Narrative Wars returneth....
You may have never heard of Amelie Wen Zhao (or maybe you have?) but just in case you did or didn't, this episode was catalyzed by a recent ordeal involving the up-and-coming YA fiction writer. Ms. Zhao was the subject of some harsh criticism for her new book, Blood Heir, which hadn't even hit the shelves yet. Her book, as described by her earliest of critics, was said to be "racially insensitive" and was encouraged to the point of not releasing her book. Here's the catch though: many of her detractors had not even read the book. Apparently hearsay and a few buzzwords had caused many to take to the social media to block the Blood Heir release. Much talk and discussion over Zhao's ordeal followed.
Yet after the social media mob settled, she decided to move forward with her book anyway and not give in to earlier pressures to not publish it. Her book was published mid-November 2019.
This episode is an attempt to talk through artistic expression and how creatives can face a lot of external pressure - even before their idea is off the ground.
Hope you enjoy.
The Writer's Lens returns!
In my first episode in over a month, I take a look at one of my all-time favorites: Tolkien's first of three stories in the Lord of the Rings trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Lovers of the fantasy epic recognize LOTR for its dramatic visuals, beautiful descriptions, and downright awesome story. For this episode, I take a deeper look at Tolkien's theme of fellowship. As a man who lived through some of the most horrific wars in human history, Tolkien understood the need to band together for the sake of a larger cause. As such, his first entry into the series explores the dynamics of group membership and how it can unravel when leadership is lost or when selfish desires take hold. And even more so, how do we even get into the group in the first place?
These ideas and questions I attempt to tackle in about 30 minutes - which is a significantly less amount of time than the extended edition on DVD or Blu-Ray. Enjoy!
My latest interview is with a couple of gents I got connected with recently. Erik Marti and Stephen Lauterbach are the voices of "Despite Popular Belief", a podcast that tackles several interesting topics, like the Leviathan, Salem Witch Trials, and predestination; doing so through a Biblical worldview.
I was on Despite Popular Belief talking about the power of storytelling. Now, I get to ask Erik and Stephen about their own stories. How they came together, how they developed the idea for Despite Popular Belief, and how they see the podcast in the future.
You can check them out on Spotify, Google Play, and iTunes. Or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @DespitePopularBelief.
I'm not a big fan of scary stories. They aren't the type of story I indulge regularly.
However, that's not to say that I'm antagonistic towards scary moments. If a story is good; if a story is intriguing; if it seems to be headed somewhere other than just another scare, then I'm better at accepting the scares when they come.
That being said, I wanted to comment on the recent reimagining of Stephen King's "It". Not the story necessarily, but whether or not the onset of terror is more intense when a) it's a child or b) it's an adult. The answer might be obvious, but what does this mean outside of fiction? What is the truth behind a child's helplessness and the responsibilities we have as adults to watch out for them? This episode is an attempt to scratch the surface on perhaps several more conversations.
My latest interview was with Sam Eldredge, co-author of the bestselling book, "Killing Lions"; a book that was co-written with Sam's father, founder of Ransomed Heart and bestselling author himself, John Eldredge.
Taken literally, "Killing Lions" might appear to be a tactical guide on how to hunt the king of the jungle, but the meat and bones of "Killing Lions" deals with a very different issue: how do boys become men? And even more importantly, how do they transition into manhood well? "Killing Lions" explores a series of conversations between Sam and his father, John, and what the rites of passages look like for young men. Having gone through the book a few years back, I was elated to speak with Sam about the origins of this book and what it was like for him to co-publish something with his own father - who just so happens to be a published writer in his own right.
Sam is one of the minds behind And Sons magazine and is currently working on a few other writing projects (a couple of which I tried to get out of him, but you'll just have to listen to see if I succeeded).
Either way, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For more on Sam, you can go to andsonsmagazine.com
One of my favorite films of all time. Arguably one of Disney's greatest works of the past 30 years, The Lion King is the coming-of-age tale of Simba, a lion cub destined to be King of Pride Rock, who is framed for murdering his own father, Mufasa. Whose evil uncle, Scar, takes over in Simba's absence, runs the Pride Lands into famine and death, but is confronted by an aged and courageous Simba, who has spent years running away from his problems.
It's a great story, further accentuated by its iconic music and iconic voices (James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, and Nathan Lane, to name a few). And though its popularity is undeniable, does The Lion King truly offer up a redemptive narrative? Simba regains what was rightfully his - the throne of Pride Rock - but is that all there is to a good redemption story? This is my analysis episode for Disney's The Lion King.
The animated one. Not the live-action-which-wasn't-live-action version of 2019. Enjoy.
In the first episode of a new series, I take a look at themes supporting popular books, shows and films.
First up is the Netflix original, "Dark"; a show that puts a twist on time travel. Or rather, puts its audiences minds in a twist with its complex characters and increasingly complex plot developments. Great writing aside, it made me wonder something, which became the catalyst for this episode: What would we do if time travel was possible?
After a couple weeks' break, we're back to finish this small series on Exploring, Exposing, and now, Exalting Ideas. What does it look like when an idea is glorified? And how might we be more cognizant of the ideas we are ingesting?
This one got a little ranty, but that comes with the territory.
Ever have a conversation where you couldn't convince the other party of something? You have all the facts. You have all the information. But for whatever the reason, the other person just won't see things from your perspective.
Never? Yeah, me neither (insert sarcasm).
Changing someone's mind is hard. We aren't really as open as we'd like to think (cruel irony there, is it not?). New ideas can rock our worldview. And it can make for some rather uncomfortable situations if we're discussing them openly with another who thinks differently than us.
From a writer's perspective, storytelling - effective storytelling - is a powerful means by which to change the course of someone's mindset. A great story can make someone aware of something he never knew or even cause him to consider making a 180 on his own thinking.
This episode of the #NarrativeWars is a deep dive so be sure to stick with me till the end.
In my last episode, I talked about exploring ideas in story. In this one, we'll talk about how stories can bring to light something that might be wrong. Whether it be from a personal, subjective experience, or from a seemingly large scale issue.
And I also give some insight into what I used to binge on when I was a poor college student.
What is a life worth? More importantly, what is a human life worth?
This episode attempts to explore the many narratives which surround this very energized topic. A bit on the ranty side, I'll admit, but my hope is that you will hang with me throughout. Especially if you're someone who enjoys a good rant. If not, just do your best. That's all anyone can ever ask.
Ah, Stranger Things. The biggest franchise on Netflix and one of the most highly anticipated binge-worthy shows of 2019. So how does Stranger Things do in its third go-round? Is it the best ever? Or is it the worst of the bunch?
This episode is all about the good, the bad, and the ugly of season three. Full disclosure: SPOILERS are ahead. You have been warned.
A writer may have a new idea and think it the best thing he's ever conceived. Yet if he is unable to make it believable, he's sunk. His audience will leave him before he even gets going.
In the first of a three-parter, I talk about some of the ingredients for exploring new territory. For example, the importance of developing tension between good and evil and why we must acknowledge that humans are corruptible, foul creatures.
Or something like that.
We get bombarded with commercials and ads daily. Buy this thing. Check that item out. If the tactics were that simple, no company would go to the effort of creating mascots or telling unique stories to gain the attention of their potential customer base.
But we know that's part of what gains customer loyalty - a good story; a testimonial; some good word-of-mouth from recent buyers. Companies have to be able to tell a good story on top of making something useful.
So if a company tells us something that speaks into what they believe - how do we respond to that? We may enjoy what they make, but do we also endorse what they believe in too?
What do you think about that?
People curse and swear. It's a vice that's been popularized and acceptable when trying to make a point. Or when emotions are running high. Our favorite stories - and by default, our favorite characters - might exhibit profane language.
The use of vulgar language has been present in all forms of media for decades. And regardless of how you feel about cursing, we have to acknowledge that language - the how and what we say - matters.
In this episode, I piggyback off of an article I wrote on this topic; discussing whether cursing and swearing is a sign of realism in a story - or if it isn't.
You can find the original article here.
Ever since I was a kid, I've been told I could "change the world". And like most writers-in-training, this concept spoke to me deeply. If my words were delivered well, then perhaps I could make that dream a reality. I could "change" the world for the better. I could be of influence. I could be of some impact in this place while I'm here.
But who says the world is bad to begin with? Is there truly a responsibility we have to fix the world if it is? These are some narratives I'll be exploring with this episode of the #NarrativeWars on The Writer's Lens.
You may or may not know the story of the Hitchens brothers - Christopher, the elder, and Peter, the younger. Christopher was a prominent figure in the anti-religion, pro-atheistic worldview camp while Peter is a well-known voice for the pro-faith, Christian community. Their philosophies would have them at odds, but both men share the same mother and father. Their bloodline could not be tighter. And yet, each man arrived at a very different way to interpret the world.
How did this happen? Aren't we all just slaves to our DNA? Or is there something else at play rather than blood and guts and bone?
On this episode of the #NarrativeWars, I begin to unpack what causes us to formulate our worldviews. And how stories tend to reflect and / or challenge our personal ideologies in the process. Keyword here: personal.
I'm proud to consider myself a writer. I throw ideas into the abyss and see what others think. It's fun, if not terrifying, at times. If you have something you enjoy, then you're likely to have a sense of pride about it too.
Which is why we don't think of Pride as being a negative; it's almost always associated with something positive. Our mainstream attitudes view Pride as something which gives us strength. It gives us identity, even. But as I've explored with every other vice, Pride doesn't always yield positive results.
So to wrap up my Seven Deadly Sins series on creativity, I find it fitting that I cover the sin of Pride last as it's the one we'd least like to part ourselves with.
Recently, I've been talking about my first two books - The Epiphanies, Theories, and Downright Good Thoughts... series and I realized that I need to address a couple of things. Namely, 1) why I stopped writing them and 2) why I am not ashamed of them either. Like any other writer / artist, we all have growing pains, but sometimes the growing is something a little more drastic than changing a couple sentences.
Sin number six of seven is Sloth. Probably the one vice least associated with anything really bad.
But since it's on the list, I unpack how Sloth and laziness - surprise surprise - thwarts our creative journey. There's a little more at stake than mere procrastination. There's calling, giftings, and missed opportunities to inspire others for the creative who has a unique message.
Jordan Raynor is the national bestselling author of Called to Create, a book that was birthed out of Jordan's desire to speak into the reasons for why we create what we create. Over the course of several years and even more interviews, Called to Create was released in November of 2017 and will now be followed up by Master of One, due out in January 2020.
Jordan is a speaker and self-described serial entrepreneur - a title he says applies to anyone who writes; for all writers are entrepreneurs at heart. My interview with Jordan was a special treat as I have read his book and felt strongly impacted by it. We discuss a wide array of topics including how to be more disciplined, our identities apart from work, and Jordan's path to publication.
You can find out more about Jordan by visiting his website at www.jordanraynor.com and follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
We don't always agree with the stories we're told. Some we brush off as insignificant while some require further inspection on our behalf. But sometimes we might feel compelled enough to go out and counter what we've heard. In essence, something has stirred us to action.
That being said, what are some things we do when we don't like what we are hearing? And how might that response tie into the way we write and tell story?
This is number five of seven on the road to completing the "seven deadly sins" series here on The Writer's Lens. And as such, I'm almost certain this week's topic will entice people's interest for probably the wrong reasons. Because this week's sin is the sin of Lust; a state of being which incites thoughts of physical euphoria - not about the hindrance of writing pursuits.
However, I think I found a way to tie this one in. And though this won't be an exercise in writing erotica or anything like that, it will be an exploration into what we can become infatuated by. Namely, our ideas, our processes, and our identity as writers.
Ever wonder who is responsible for making the big narratives? Is it a person? Is it people? Is it merely an idea that gives a narrative legs and makes it run?
This episode of The Writer's Lens explores these questions in Episode 3 of the #NarrativeWars.
Two things that naturally seem to go together - anger and written expression. Many artists find their inspiration in the bowels of deep-rooted anger. And for good reason: anger can be a powerful tool in the hands of a writer. It can make us feel like we have direction; like, we have a grander purpose moving us forward.
Wrath, as it were, takes that angry feeling one step further - it gives justification to the anger we feel. A crime has been committed and is in need of being rectified. This episode is an exploration into how wrath integrates itself into our writing pursuits. And how that can be a detriment in the long run.
Do you feel that is true? Do you feel like it's not true?
Whether we choose to admit it or not, our lives are entangled in bigger stories. In this episode, we'll explore the concept of a Macro-Narrative - the 'big picture'; and the Micro-Narrative - the individual's actual experience.
This episode is all about Greed - another of the Seven Deadly Sins most commonly associated with a love of money.
So, keeping that in mind, how might we avoid the pitfalls of becoming too "Greedy" with our creative works? Let's discuss and find out.
Facebook: Link
Website: Link
Welcome to the #NarrativeWars.
There are stories happening all around us. And they are all competing for our attention. Some are explored in book or film format. Others are occurring in real time. And some walk the line between fiction and fact.
In these shorter episodes, I'll be exploring some big (and small) narrative ideas; starting with the narrative of our own lives. What does that look like? Is my personal story true of whom I want to be? Or am I trying to be something else, driven by someone else's words?
These agreements can shape our identities. The story we are living can be out of a true self, or a false one. So with this episode, I start exploring this concept and why we latch onto certain narratives.
Gluttony is yet another member of the seven deadly sins. A sin most commonly associated with eating excessively, but Gluttony can also be associated with chasing after status or symbols of status and power. So, keeping that in mind, how might 'gluttonous' actions cause our creative and / or writing ventures to get derailed?
That's the focus of this episode, as well as being part of my continued exploration into how each of the seven deadly sins can hinder our writing and creative expression.
And in case you missed it, I tackled Gluttony's close cousin, Envy, in a previous episode.
Austin Gohn is the author of the (now available) book "A Restless Age: How St. Augustine Helps You Make Sense Of Your Twenties".
My interview with Austin focuses on his path to publishing as well as his individual story - what inspired him to write a book for young adults and why the words of St. Augustine find relevance even in the 21st century.
For more on Austin, you can visit www.austingohn.com or go to his Twitter account @austingohn
You may have heard of the seven deadly sins. There's Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Wrath, Sloth, and...Envy. Of those seven, I find Envy to be the least talked about. Or rather, it's the least recognized of the seven. In this solo episode, I talk about why I think Envy can be a major hindrance on our writing pursuits.
Website: www.jclfaltot.com
Facebook: JCL Faltot
Podcast: The Writer's Lens
"A Mistaken Identity"
That's the name of Eric "EG" Graves' upcoming play, which will be featured at the Breen Performing Arts Center in Cleveland, OH on Saturday, March 23, 2019. I was fortunate to chat with Mr. Graves prior to the release and get his thoughts on playwriting and how he came to become one.
My interview with EG expands upon the story of the man behind the play and what inspired him to come up with the name "Mistaken Identity". And as I discovered while interviewing Mr. Graves, one does not require a degree in performing arts, creativity or even writing to do something like this. Yet what one does require is a vision, a purpose, and some persistence.
Tickets for "A Mistaken Identity" can be found on their website.
"Your Digital Voice Matters"
With so many voices out in the Internet space, it makes for a confusing and LOUD environment. The casual podcast surfer or YouTube searcher could be overwhelmed in mere moments. Who is worth listening to? Who is not? And if I feel I have a voice of my own, should I consider sharing that message with the world? Considering how many voices that are already out there?
In my round 2 discussion with fellow creative voice, Brian Del Turco, we delve into the dynamics of the "Digital Voice" age. And what that can mean for emerging voices who are considering putting their unique message out there.
Brian is the voice of Jesus Smart: The Podcast as well as being one-half the voice of SubstanceTV.
You can also find the full video interview over at YouTube.
As a writer, I tend to handle criticism and feedback quite well. Nothing ever gets to me. There's no negative press I can't manage; no scathing review I can't brush off as nothing more than white noise....
...or I could just be lying to myself.
If you've ever written a story - especially something you feel strongly about - and had someone give you a negative reaction, you've probably felt like me: crushed. You may consider never writing again. You think it'd be best if the world never heard your voice. Your message. Ever.
That's a tough place to find one's self, but hey, you're not alone. Even the most seasoned of artists feel some pressure to appeal to their audiences. Yet putting our creative selves "out there" is only one part of the process; standing strong in the wave of responses is another. So, with this episode, I talk through some of the filters I've developed for dealing with the good, the bad, the ugly, and frankly, the apathetic.
And though you don't have to use any of my tactics or filters, what I do hope is that you find this particular episode to be encouraging in your own creative journey.
David Ramos has been writing for years. He's published nearly two dozen books (thus far) and for his efforts, has built a small community of readers around him. He even has a new book on the way, Magnetic Faith, due out in March of 2019.
But, David didn't just "fall into" publication. He sat down and made it happen. He learned what worked; he learned what didn't work. And let's be honest, he's still learning as he goes.
And that's the theme of my next interview with David Ramos on The Writer's Lens - staying persistent and being disciplined about your goals. David and I discuss what it's like to face rejection and how we, as writers, grow and develop as we continue to put ourselves out there. It's a valuable life lesson and one that can't be ignored if one is to cultivate a life's work of writing and publishing.
For more on David, you can check out the links below:
Website - Ramos, Author
Facebook - Link
YouTube - Link
And P.S., don't forget that David has a new book coming out this year called Magnetic Faith. It will be available through Amazon for purchase.
Does music tell a story? This was a question I posed as the primer for my next interview with fellow creative, poet, and voice teacher, Mr. Loren Reash-Henz.
Loren and I connected at a book signing last year and as I've come to find out, Loren has a real penchant for all things music - teaching, theory, its roots, and its expression. In this conversation, Loren and I sit down to talk about all things music and writing. And how we are all striving to be original and authentic, but oftentimes, we get mixed up on what this can look like. I found this to be a fun and engaging dialogue that opens up a lot of boxes on what we think creativity and art do for a person's soul. And, ultimately, for our culture.
Loren also works for Apollo's Fire, a baroque orchestra, here in Cleveland, OH. You can find out more about them here.
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
YouTube Matlock and FOLD - "Favor" Matlock and FOLD - "ICIT - In Christ I Trust" Matlock and FOLD - "Turn up"
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
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
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
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Willie and Rachel Scott, Co-founders of Better Than Blended and TKI Publishing
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Darrick Dean, Fantasy author; Among The Shadows
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Daniel Luketic, Entrepreneur
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Dr. Robert Snyder, Author of various children's books, war veteran, and speaker
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Brent Mclaughlin, Writer
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Immanuel Mullen, Co-founder at TheStoryIs
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Colleen Ward, Owner at Colleen Ward Studio
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Brian Del Turco, Jesus Smart: The Podcast, SubstanceTV, and owner at LifeVoiceQuest
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Kay Smith, Content creator and art teacher
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with Brian Del Turco, the voice of Jesus Smart: the Podcast, one-half the voice of SubstanceTV, and owner of LifeVoiceQuest Publishing.
Brian is a believer in emerging voices. He has a high interest in helping people find their voice in publishing, developing their own platforms and digging deeper into the #Narrative and #Content wars. Both of which are areas of major interest for me as well.
You can find more of that in our first conversation.
In the second half of our dialogue, Brian and I go deeper. This time we talk about how creative pursuits can foster not only our personal lives, but our relationships too. How we must guard our time wisely. And the importance of communicating our messages clearly; as a clear message commands presence.
For more on Brian, you can check him out at the links below:
LifeVoiceQuest website: http://www.lifevoicequest.com/
Jesus Smart: The Podcast: http://www.jesussmart.com/
SubstanceTV: https://www.substancetv.org/
I ran across an article recently with an "interesting" announcement. The ever-growing entertainment giant, Netflix, has decided to give creative license to its viewers. In other words, Netflix will allow its viewers to control the endings of their favorite shows.
How this is going to be done has yet to be released, but even so, I have my thoughts on this sort of thing. And I'm not overly optimistic. So, in this bonus episode for this week, I give my thoughts on what I think this shift in entertainment may mean for Netflix and its audience.
Here's the article I'm discussing in this episode.
Brian Del Turco is a fellow creative based in Cleveland who has a heart for emerging voices. His company, LifeVoiceQuest, works with aspiring authors who are looking to find their voice and project that voice into the world - a world that is constantly filling up with more and more voices by the moment.
It's no secret by now that the Internet is filled with competing voices. And within those voices are content creators and big narratives. So it's easy to think we will lose ourselves in the midst of that storm. If we intend to fight with every cultural hot button or social movement, we'll get discouraged quickly. Then lose our voice altogether.
In this discussion, Brian and I begin dialogue on the topic of #VoiceWars. What that might look like. How we have to be our own best advocates (especially when looking to make a dent in the marketplace of ideas). And why it's imperative to not let ourselves get lost in the vacuum. We need accountability. Even us crazy authors who work in solitude need a team, or at the very least, a group that can be our champions when we move forward.
For more on Brian, you can check out the links to his work below.
LifeVoiceQuest website: http://www.lifevoicequest.com/
Jesus Smart: The Podcast: http://www.jesussmart.com/
SubstanceTV: https://www.substancetv.org/
Enjoy part 1 of our discussion and like, share, comment and subscribe to stay up to date!
Distractions, distractions, distractions. They're everywhere. The battle for our attention is happening daily. Hour by hour. Minute by minute.
Knowing this to be the case, how does anyone stay focused? And how does any one person stay focused long enough to finish what he starts? Especially when it comes to writing a book.
This episode deals with distractions and how we might recognize them - telling the difference between what's a distraction and what's a priority. And how I'm doing with distractions myself (the good and the bad and the in-between). All on the road to publication #2, The Shadow Of Mars, of course.
For more info, be sure to check out www.jclfaltot.com and enjoy!
Writer's block to a writer is like a debilitating injury to a pro athlete. It sets you back. It keeps you from moving forward. And no matter how hard you try, you just can't "break out" of the funk you are in.
In this episode, I press on through the process of publishing my second book, The Shadow Of Mars, by talking about my own struggle with that enemy of creativity, "writer's block." I talk the causes, ways to remedy writer's block, and what NOT to do in order to deal with those moments of uninspired, non-creative hell.
And for the bulk of this episode, I'll be using author, speaker, and podcaster, Jeff Goins' methods as a template. Jeff has built a successful author platform over the years and I find his work to be top-notch so I'll be talking about his ways of dealing with writer's block along with adding my own to this episode.
Lastly, there is a bit of a rant at the end of this episode, but I decided to keep it in. Understanding our priorities is another way of keeping our creative juices flowing. We are all creators in some regard. But, we also have other priorities we must attend to - school, work, family, relationships, God, etc. One way to become more productive is to put our priorities in line. So, I trust that my rant at the end of this episode ties back in the best way possible to what we can do to alleviate writer's block.
Here is a link to Jeff Goins' blog post on Writer's Block: here. Enjoy!
If we're going to publish something, then we ought to know what we are talking about. Or at the very least, have some knowledge of the things we are speaking to. Building credibility and rapport is imperative for a writer. For a creative. For an artist. For a business owner.
In the last episode, we talked about getting an idea out of our head and on to paper. For this next episode, we explore the necessity of building rapport with your prospective audience. And one of the best ways to do that is to present ourselves as a credible source.
But, how do we achieve this exactly? I've had my fair share of failed experiences in this area. That being said, there are a few (possible) ways I'll explore to alleviate this struggle. And I invite anyone else to give his / her own insights too.
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We all have that ONE idea. We all have something we think is worth sharing with others. For a writer like me, I have lots of ideas; ideas I'd like to see become a book someday. Maybe even a feature-length film. But, before any of those things can take place, I have to do one thing: get started. I have to put my thoughts to paper (or keyboard) and then see how my idea is coming together.
On the surface, this sounds simple; maybe even easy. Yet as we go through the process of fleshing out our thoughts, we find the further we go, the more difficult things tend to get. Or disappointing. And even downright demoralizing.
For this new series on The Writer's Lens, I'll be starting at ground zero. Specifically, starting and (hopefully) ending with the self-publishing of my next novel, The Shadow of Mars. So the format for the next line of episodes will be centered around this process. Hope you enjoy and find some great takeaways from this new series I'll be tackling. Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll hear:
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Have an idea you think / feel is worth sharing (and one that YOU are interested in)
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Start writing it down - outline or "by the seat of your pants" start writing it out (Outliners vs. Pantsers, per Jerry Jenkins)
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Plan a time of day to work on your project (tough one for creatives)
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Learn what parts of the day you work BEST (efficiency, without distraction, free flow, etc.)
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Do not prematurely share your work with others (those who aren't editors, nay-sayers, etc.)
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Find a community of like-minded creatives; those who could protect your ideas as much as they will give honest feedback
For more info, be sure to visit: www.jclfaltot.com and like, follow, subscribe to The Writer's Lens or Facebook page here.
Do writers have a unique burden? And when we say, "burden", are writers charged with reinforcing - and defining - how to fight the evils of the world?
Storytelling, much like art, is left up to the individual's interpretation. Yet, if we follow our most popular stories closely, there are prominent themes that continually pop up. Themes of virtue, righteous acts, humility, and courage, to name a few. In this way, stories reflect something deep within each of us. And each generation presses into the greatest aches and pains of its lifetime by exploring these in story form.
So, in this episode - as I wrap up this short series on heroes and villains - I talk through the (possible) responsibility of writers in this area. How it's more than just therapy and self-exaltation. How, as we write about what ails us, we learn what we perceive to be the evils worth fighting in this world.
For more info on The Writer's Lens, be sure to check out www.jclfaltot.com
"Truth is stranger than fiction." - Mark Twain
This old adage, as coined by the late Mark Twain, speaks about the nature by which truth can sometimes outweigh our sense of imagination. What happens in our waking life can seem more incredulous than the most extravagant and imaginative fiction.
And with that in mind, are fictional villains just constructs of our darkest imaginations? Or are they proper reflections of ourselves? And if the latter is true, why is it more fun - from a writer's perspective - to come up with a really good villain, as opposed to a really great hero?
In this episode, I unpack some of my own experiences with writing villains. And why - from a creative standpoint - making a great villain can sometimes be more enjoyable than writing a great hero.
Just as the title implies, what makes up a villain anyway? I'm sure if we all thought long enough, we could come up with various versions of what we thought a villain was. What he looked like. What he sounded like. What his motivations were. And even what story he'd fit in best.
In this episode, I take a break from talking about heroes and dive into what makes a really good villain (strange or exciting as that may sound). Is it looks? Is it speech? is it a really cool weapon? There are plenty of factors that can make up a really good villain. But, if there's one thing that unites them all, it's this: a forceful opposition to the hero of the story they are a part of.
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We idolize heroes. We emulate them too. But, which is easier to do? Not a trick question - it's the former.
When it comes to heroes and the heroic deeds we read about, it's easy to sit back and marvel as a bystander might. Yet, something inside all of us tugs at our hearts. We yearn to not only see and pay witness to heroes; we want to be heroes too.
But, as our lives unfold, we learn how being the hero is no easy feat. As Joseph Campbell points out in his "Hero's Journey", the first test of any great hero tale is when the ordinary character crosses the threshold from the familiar to the unfamiliar. From the known to the unknown. From the predictable to the unpredictable.
And that's what this episode is all about: moving from what's known to what's unknown. I take a deeper look at why it's so hard for us to be heroes in real life. How we love predictability and how, if we can, we'd prefer to stay with what's comfortable rather than what's uncomfortable but potentially good for us in the long run. Additionally, I share some of my own experiences where I've seen real heroism in action. Namely, from my own parents.
Oh, and I give a plug for why I consider writing to be heroic in its own right. Because, well, of course writing is heroic in some way, shape, or form...right?
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The late Joseph Campbell, a former professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College, coined a popular phrase in the mid-20th century known as "The Hero's Journey." Campbell had been studying the significance of storytelling. And how we tend to gravitate towards a particular formula - one which Campbell authored with The Hero of a Thousand Faces.
In this episode, I go through Campbell's outline of the Hero's Journey. Thanks to movieoutline.com for providing a handy 12-step guide on how to assess Campbell's monomyth, aka the Hero's Journey. This will be the beginning of a multi-episode section where I talk about heroes and their impact on culture and society.
And P.S. if you'd like to support this channel, then please do so by heading over to my crowdfunding page. You can find it on patron.podbean.com/jclfaltot.
Enjoy!
We love heroes. We aspire to be like them. We adore what makes them great. And we want to be around them.
Yet, as much as we love heroes, we also have an adoration for anti-heroes too. You know, the lone wolves. The girls who diverge from conventional attitudes; the single-minded warriors. Anti-heroes have as much sway in our culture as the tried and true heroes.
But, why? What makes them attractive? If the anti-hero is not the standard of excellence, then why gravitate towards them?
In this episode, I take a deeper look at why we love both types of heroes. And even how the time of our life can be a big reason for it.
P.S. be sure to check out my Facebook live launch party with Dr. Robert Snyder and his book, Why Did Daddy Have to Leave? This book is a follow up to What Is A Veteran, Anyway? - a children's book detailing what veterans are and what those in the armed services do for the United States.
You can find Dr. Snyder at https://www.robertsnyderbooks.com/.
"You complete me" - Jerry Maguire.
It's a famous line from the '90s. One that spawned a great many parodies and memes in its wake. It's a statement of love from one person to another. That without you, I'm not me. Or at the very least, I'm not the me I'm meant to be. You're my soul mate - the one who completes my existence.
Yet - at the risk of sounding like a major Debbie downer - is this concept really true? Be it in the context of a fictional story or our waking lives. Truth can be stranger than fiction, but fiction can communicate truths in indirect ways. So, in this - rather ranty - episode, I dive deeper into what constitutes a "soul mate" in story. What does it look like? Why is it so attractive? And from my own perspective, does such a thing actually exist (fictional or non-fictional). And if you disagree, let me know. As a writer, I'm open to critique.
Mostly.
Enjoy!
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There's an old adage in storytelling: "show, but don't tell". It basically means this - when telling a story, it's better to let your reader decipher the emotions, motivations, and settings rather than telling him what he ought to think or believe is happening. Sounds easy, but in practice, it's harder than you may think.
In this episode, I explore the nature of "show, don't tell" and give some examples of what this looks like. Granted, there are times when "show, don't tell" is appropriate. And there are times when it isn't.
Going deeper - what is it like to show people what they've never seen before, yet still tell them what they already know? What does that mean? And should writers, authors, storytellers be aware of this dynamic? Well, that's another topic worth discussing in this episode.
Enjoy!
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You gotta have thick skin when you're a creative. If there's one thing I lacked early on, it was thick skin. The ability to take criticism - good or bad - and keep moving forward. Taking criticism is paramount to a writer's long-term success. Hearing it; absorbing it; applying it.
But, there was another thing I lacked even more: patience.
I've always possessed a strange anxiety about my writing. I've often thought that if I didn't write my book fast enough - or publish it quick enough - then some other author might steal my idea. And therefore take my place in whatever niche I was trying to fill. Ultimately, this kind of worry is unnecessary. And highly toxic to a creative's craft.
And in hindsight, as much as I needed to learn the value of criticism, I also needed to learn the value of taking time with my ideas. Not just the good ideas, but my best idea.
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