Shows
The Power SeatThe Power Seat: Reclaiming Your Voice, Safety, and SelfIn this first episode of The Power Seat, Colleen Faltot invites you to stop outsourcing your worth and start leading from within.
You’ll discover what “The Power Seat” really means, why so many women unknowingly give theirs away, and how to reclaim your voice, safety, and sense of self. Through her own story and the lessons she’s learned in love, loss, and leadership, Colleen shows you that true authority doesn’t come from titles or approval — it comes from the moment you decide to take your seat and stay in it.
2025-08-1419 min
MoneyRx for CRNAsMentorship, Money, and Making an Impact with CRNA Kathy FaltotHost Brett Fellows sits down with Kathy Faltot, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist based in South Florida. Kathy shares her inspiring journey from Colombia to the United States, highlighting her pursuit of financial independence and dedication to mentoring Spanish-speaking healthcare professionals. The discussion also covers practical financial advice, focusing on managing student loans, smart investments, and maintaining a balanced life. [05:32] Kathy's early life and career path.[09:47] Kathy Faltot on the importance of mentorship.[14:11] Balancing life and career as a CRNA.[18:53] Financial insights and strategies.[27:41] Kathy's future goals.For more information and r...
2025-01-0830 min
The Writer's LensHindsight is 2020: Jurassic ParkDinosaurs 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...
2021-04-2519 minThe Writer's LensHindsight is 2020: The MonsterVerseToday'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
2021-04-1823 minThe Writer's LensEP77: "Cain and Abel" and the Origins of Heroes and VillainsImagine 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 a...
2021-01-2430 minThe Writer's LensEP76: "A Christmas Carol" and Whether God Blesses Us All"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...
2020-12-2321 minThe Writer's LensEP75: "Terminator" and the Near-Extinct Macho DadThe 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...
2020-11-2622 minThe Writer's LensEP74: "TMNT" and the Fight Against NihilismYou 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...
2020-11-1628 min
JesusSmartXGrow Up! You're Not Voting for Prom King -- J.C.L. Faltot (Ep 156)Here's a dialogue, a confabulation, a royal riff with J.C.L. Faltot! We are called to lives of influence ... salt, light, Kingdom leaven, all pointing to the coming Kingdom. And, yes, this includes political engagement. How do we think clearly and navigate this? Upstream from politics is culture, then worldview, and then belief systems. And upstream from it all ... the unseen spiritual domain.
See the show notes page for this episode on JesusSmart.com
Get the Jesus Smart eLetter and keep current with podcast episode releases
Podcast Archive >> JesusSmart.com/category/podcast
2020-10-2931 minThe Writer's LensEP73: "Robin Hood" and the False Virtue of Stealing From the RichRobin 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 H...
2020-10-2528 minThe Writer's LensEP72: "Perelandra" and Gender, As Told By C.S. LewisC.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 o...
2020-09-0229 minThe Writer's LensEP71: "Tombstone" and The Necessity of Law and OrderTombstone 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 b...
2020-08-2320 minJesusSmartXFree Thinking About Racism, the Protests, and Rioting (Part 2) — Willie & Rachel Scott, J.C.L. Faltot (Ep 137)Catch the 2nd part of this important conversation with Willie and Rachel Scott, along with J.C.L. Faltot ... they bring a fresh Kingdom point of view to racism, the protests, and rioting. Jesus is the Ultimate Free Thinker. And we're pretty sure he intends for those who follow him to be free thinkers too. Higher thinking. Includes a short audio excerpt from Dr. Michael Brown. (You can hear the 1st part of the conversation in episode 134.)
See the show notes page for this episode at JesusSmart.com/kingdomrace
Get the Jesus Smart eLetter and...
2020-07-0839 minThe Writer's LensEP70: "Dark" and the Mystery of Original SinAdam 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 g...
2020-07-0842 minThe Writer's LensEP69: "Forrest Gump" and the World as Our VillainForrest 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 i...
2020-06-3039 minJesusSmartX139 Free Thinking About Racism, the Protests, and Rioting -- Willie & Rachel Scott, J.C.L. Faltot (Ep. 134)Jesus is the Ultimate Free Thinker. And we're pretty sure he intends for those who follow him to be free thinkers too. Higher thinking. Kingdom perspective. In this open discussion, Willie and Rachel Scott, along with J.C.L. Faltot, bring a fresh point of view to racism, the protests, and rioting.Get the Jesus Smart eLetter and keep current with podcast episode releasesPodcast Archive >> JesusSmart.com/category/podcast
2020-06-2442 minThe Writer's LensReview: Netflix's "Bodyguard"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.
2020-05-3115 minThe Writer's LensE68: "Captain America" and the Freedom We All Want for Our LivesIn 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...
2020-05-2430 minThe Writer's LensE67: "The Great Divorce" and Why We Don't Take Hell So SeriouslyC.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...
2020-05-0940 minThe Writer's LensReview: Tiger King...and Some Other ObservationsIt'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 e...
2020-04-1528 min
Despite Popular Belief PodcastEpisode 32 - Vigilantes with J.C.L. FaltotJ.C.L. Faltot from The Writer's Lens Podcast joins us again this week to discuss vigilantes. Scripture has several accounts of vigilantism, and our modern mythology definitely includes superheroes under the same category. J.C.L. brings us a writer’s angle for what makes a great hero; What makes a great villain? The Old Testament and New Testament both give laws on justice and self defense - at what point does the act become vigilantism, and is it endorsed by God?
2020-04-051h 05The Writer's LensIs Art Valuable In a Time of Crisis?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?
...
2020-03-2323 minThe Writer's LensCOVID-19 and What Story Do You Feel Is Being Told Right Now?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 e...
2020-03-1923 minThe Writer's LensMulan and #MeTooIn 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...
2020-03-1228 min
The Writer's LensNarrative Wars 12: Marriage: Real-Life Fairy Tale? Or Just a 1-in-2 Divorce?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 addi...
2020-02-2725 minThe Writer's LensE66: "Bambi" and Initiating Boys Into ManhoodQuestion: 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 s...
2020-02-1044 minJesusSmartX108: Story Meld. God's Story. Your Story. Guest Host -- JCL FaltotAs a developing Christ-follower, one of the most potent dynamics we can experience is a Story Meld with our Creator -- our Life Story fusing with the God Story. And all of this is woven in our Relational Venture with Christ! Special guest JCL Faltot hosts this Godspeed episode (swift, tight, and right!)
>> Show notes page at JesusSmart.com
Get the Jesus Smart eLetter and keep current with podcast episode releases
Podcast Archive >> JesusSmart.com/category/podcast
2020-01-2711 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 11: Humans - Advanced Breed of Apes? Or Something Divine?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? Wh...
2020-01-1832 min
La Chambre à Air06222018 Interview CATASTROPHE // Gangsterre Radio06222018 Interview CATASTROPHE // Gangsterre Radio by FALTOT
2020-01-1714 minThe Writer's LensUpdate 2020 (It's a Short One)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!
2020-01-0902 minThe Writer's LensE65: "Star Wars: A New Hope" and the Allure of Uncharted SpaceIt'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 o...
2019-12-1324 minThe Writer's LensE64: "Rudolph" and the Bullies, the Misfits, and Life's Harsh LessonsRudolph 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.
2019-12-0729 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 10: Should We 'Bend the Knee' to Our Critics?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 e...
2019-11-2726 minThe Writer's LensE63: "The Fellowship of the Ring" and Finding Your Place in a GroupThe 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 l...
2019-11-2133 minThe Writer's LensInterview 18: Despite Popular Belief, "Story and THE Story Are Connected"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 ch...
2019-10-0357 minThe Writer's LensE62: "It" and Fear Through the Lens of Children and AdultsI'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 o...
2019-09-2226 minThe Writer's LensInterview 17: Sam Eldredge, author of "Killing Lions: A Guide Through the Trials Young Men Face"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 th...
2019-09-0949 minThe Writer's LensE61: "The Lion King" and What Redemption Looks LikeOne 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, Jer...
2019-09-0636 minThe Writer's LensE60: "Dark" and What If Time Travel Was Possible?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?
2019-08-2425 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E59: The Exalting and Glorifying of IdeasAfter 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.
2019-08-1526 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 09: Why Is It So Hard To Change People's Minds?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 wr...
2019-07-3132 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E58: Can Telling A Story Expose Something?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.
2019-07-2525 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 08: What Is A Human Life Worth?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.
2019-07-1539 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens Reviews: Stranger Things - Season 3Ah, 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.
2019-07-1138 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E57: How Do We Go About Exploring New Ideas?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.
2019-07-0513 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 07: If We Buy Their Product, Are We Also Buying Their Narrative?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...
2019-07-0320 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E56: Does Cursing Make a Story More Realistic?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 swe...
2019-06-2519 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 06: We Are Told We Can Change The World - Can We?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 e...
2019-06-1918 minDespite Popular Belief PodcastEpisode 12 - Image-Bearers: Destined To Create with J.C.L. FaltotPublished Author and Creator/Host of The Writer's Lens podcast, J.C.L. Faltot, joins us in this week's episode to discuss why creation is so compelled to create. What does being made in the image of God actually mean? We capture a glimpse inside the mind of a writer and his thoughts on Scripture, science fiction, Game of Thrones, artificial intelligence, and more!
2019-06-1759 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 05: How Do We Develop Our Worldviews?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 r...
2019-06-1116 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E55: Pride Before The Fall, They SayI'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 u...
2019-06-0623 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E54: Needing To Clarify Some Things About My First Two BooksRecently, 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.
2019-06-0213 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E53: Sloth And Writing...When You Can't AdultSin 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.
2019-05-2921 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 16: Jordan Raynor, "All Writers Are Entrepreneurs"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...
2019-05-2654 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 04: When We Disagree With Big NarrativesWe 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?
2019-05-2111 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E52: A Writer's Lust Is Not A Labor Of LoveThis 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 in...
2019-05-1120 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 03: Who Is Responsible For The 'Big Narratives'?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.
2019-05-0413 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E51: Wrath And WritingTwo 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...
2019-04-2920 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 02: Your Life Is Part Of A Bigger StoryDo 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.
2019-04-2010 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E50: Me? A Greedy Writer? Come On Now....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
2019-04-1116 minThe Writer's LensNarrative Wars 01: What Is Your Life's Story?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 agr...
2019-04-0509 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E49: Can We Be 'Gluttons' For Our Writing?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...
2019-03-2618 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 15: Austin Gohn, "Discovering Rest In A Restless Age"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
2019-03-201h 02The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E48: How Can Envy Kill Our Creative Pursuits?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
2019-03-0918 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 14: EG Graves, "A Mistaken Identity""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 a...
2019-03-0554 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 13: Brian Del Turco, "Your Digital Voice Matters""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...
2019-02-261h 11The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E47: How Do We (Not) Handle Criticism And Feedback?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.
T...
2019-02-1523 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 12: David Ramos, The Long Road To AuthorshipDavid 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 b...
2019-02-041h 01The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 11: Loren Reash-Henz, "Does Music Tell Stories? And How Do We Value Art?"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 th...
2019-01-281h 26The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 10: Willie Scott, aka FOLDWhen 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...
2019-01-221h 03The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E46: A 2019 Confessional (With Goals)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 b...
2019-01-1420 minThe Writer's LensThe "Pens of Steel" Group Discussion Special: Making A Digital FootprintWhat 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/
2019-01-0739 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - A "Best Of" Interview CompilationTo 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 t...
2019-01-0226 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Response Episode: "Is The Lord Of The Rings A 'Racist' Story?"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...
2018-12-2024 minThe Writer's LensThe "Pens of Steel" Group Discussion Special: Competing In The Sea Of VoicesThe 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 mor...
2018-12-1028 minThe Writer's LensThe "Pens of Steel" Group Discussion Special: What Is A Digital Voice? PART 1Welcome 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 th...
2018-12-0439 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E45: The Affirmation of Finished WorkWhat 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...
2018-11-1227 minJesusSmartX039: War of the Worldviews with Joshua C. FaltotYou’re called to do more than just consume content ... you’re called to create it. And by so doing, you engage the Narrative Wars.
False narratives live in television programming, film, video, audio, music, curricula and education, writing, public policy and law, and more. Upstream from the Narrative Wars are the Worldview Wars.
In the 2nd half of this conversation, Joshua and I discuss content and the war of the worldviews, and how even in the Church, many believers are compromised. See episode #34 for the first part of this conversation.
See the show...
2018-11-0655 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 09: Kay Smith, How Can Art And Faith Work Together?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...
2018-11-0237 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E44: The Anxiety of Unfinished WorkAnxiety 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...
2018-10-2722 minJesusSmartX034: Take the Red Pill -- Wake Up to the Narrative Wars with Joshua C. Faltot!It's like being in the Matrix and taking the red pill. You want the truth, no matter what. You begin to realize what's going on and now you want the brutal truth about reality and the freedom it unleashes. You're ready to make a mark with your Life Voice ...
Joshua Faltot and I found ourselves relaxing on adirondack chairs on a late summer night. The only thing lacking were pipes. You know, we fancy ourselves after the order of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and some friends, in a corner of an English pub with pipes in hand...
2018-10-1636 min
The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 08: Brian Del Turco, Owner / Operator of LifeVoiceQuest - PART 2Welcome 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 deep...
2018-10-0841 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - BONUS: Netflix Wants Its Viewers To Dictate Endings...Is That Good?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.
...
2018-10-0521 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - Interview 08: Brian Del Turco, Owner / Operator at LifeVoiceQuest - PART 1Brian 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 w...
2018-10-0140 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E43: The Incredible (And Mind-Numbing) Power Of DistractionDistractions, 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...
2018-09-1729 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E42: How Do I Get (Over) Writer's Block?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 hel...
2018-09-0934 min
La Chambre à AirLa Chambre à Air fait son Total Recall (2008 2018) #lc2a10ans // PART IPART I
Mythe ou réalité La Chambre à Air ? Depuis 2008, des touristes, des parisiens, certains maires, évoquent une zone d’autonomie temporaire en ville qui se tiendrait sur d’énormes chambres à air de tracteurs. Un show radiophonique, une web-radio locale, mobile et déjantée, un squat à ciel ouvert, un festival de musique agité, un défilé de haute-couture, une table ronde sauvage consacrée aux nouvelles technologies, un colloque géant sur la vie en ville, la légende varie en fonction des pays, des quartiers … La Chambre à Air a-t-elle vraiment existé ?
Xavier Faltot soit disant inventeur du concept, a malheureusement perdu...
2018-08-293h 22
La Chambre à AirLa Chambre à Air fait son Total Recall (2008 2018) #lc2a10ans // PART IIPART II
Mythe ou réalité La Chambre à Air ? Depuis 2008, des touristes, des parisiens, certains maires, évoquent une zone d’autonomie temporaire en ville qui se tiendrait sur d’énormes chambres à air de tracteurs. Un show radiophonique, une web-radio locale, mobile et déjantée, un squat à ciel ouvert, un festival de musique agité, un défilé de haute-couture, une table ronde sauvage consacrée aux nouvelles technologies, un colloque géant sur la vie en ville, la légende varie en fonction des pays, des quartiers … La Chambre à Air a-t-elle vraiment existé ?
Xavier Faltot soit disant inventeur du concept, a malheureusement perdu...
2018-08-291h 16
La Chambre à AirLa Chambre à Air fait son Total Recall (2008 2018) #lc2a10ans // PART IIIPART III
Mythe ou réalité La Chambre à Air ? Depuis 2008, des touristes, des parisiens, certains maires, évoquent une zone d’autonomie temporaire en ville qui se tiendrait sur d’énormes chambres à air de tracteurs. Un show radiophonique, une web-radio locale, mobile et déjantée, un squat à ciel ouvert, un festival de musique agité, un défilé de haute-couture, une table ronde sauvage consacrée aux nouvelles technologies, un colloque géant sur la vie en ville, la légende varie en fonction des pays, des quartiers … La Chambre à Air a-t-elle vraiment existé ?
Xavier Faltot soit disant inventeur du concept, a malheureusement perdu...
2018-08-2841 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E41: Do I Have To Be An Expert On The Topic Of My Book (In Order To Write It)?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...
2018-08-2723 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E40: Getting That Idea (Book) Out Of Your Head And Onto PaperWe 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 t...
2018-08-1729 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E39: Is Writing (And Telling) Story The Best Way To Combat Evil?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 fo...
2018-08-0629 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E38: Are Villains More Fun To Write Than Heroes?"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...
2018-07-2324 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E37: Villains...What Are They Exactly?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 th...
2018-07-0929 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E36: If We All Know We Are Supposed To Be The Hero, Then Why Aren't We?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...
2018-07-0228 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E35: What Is The "Hero's Journey?"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 sec...
2018-06-2526 min
The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E34: Heroes and Anti-Heroes - Which Do You Prefer?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...
2018-06-1122 min
The Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E33: "Soul Mates" In Storytelling - What Are They?"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 waki...
2018-05-3118 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E32: Showing People What They've Never Seen, Yet Telling Them What They Already KnowThere'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 - wh...
2018-05-1615 minThe Writer's LensThe Writer's Lens - E31: When Timing Meets Thick SkinYou 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 i...
2018-04-3014 min