Creative Connections – Joanna Maciejewska

 

I’ve been on social media for 7 years now and throughout that time, I’ve met some pretty cool people and a lot of creatively skilled people at that. I’ve met singers, film makers, artists, writers, and people who wear more than one of those hats. One of those people is Joanna Maciejewska. Like Kizzy Lou with her art, Joanna is someone whose dragonfly art and witchy designs always bring smiles my way and I’m always happy to share the wealth where talent is concerned. It's just that for however fun these are, that's her release and she's actually one of the most disciplined writers you'll ever meet, so let’s get to know her shall we?

 

Greetings salutations, and Cześć! So nice to have you on the blog, Joanna. Since this is the first question, logic would say it’s the perfect place to introduce yourself and let us know where you’re from, how you got into art, and how bad do people mess up the pronunciation and/or spelling of your name. :) 

 

Hello J.D.! Thank you for having me here! I’m Joanna, but I often go by my nickname, so everyone is welcome to call me Melfka. I’m originally from Poland, I made an 8-year-long pit stop in Ireland, and I currently live in the USA.

 

And don’t get me started about my name! ;) Spelling seems fine (though peculiarly, one insurance company insists that I’m JAONNA…), but the pronunciation is a bit of a problem. In Polish, my first name is pronounced as YO-AN-NAH, with both N-s clearly pronounced, but English speakers seem to have trouble with it, and I end up being “Yowanna” (to which I often feel tempted to respond “no, I don’t wanna”). My surname is even worse for English speakers, and many customer support representatives just ask if they can use my first name. Some try to pronounce it, though. In Ireland and UK they go with MAK-AY-JEW-SKA, while over in the US I’m more likely to be MAY-SEE-JEW-SKA, so I learned to keep listening for anything that even remotely reminds my surname which is really pronounced (surprise!) MAH-CHYE-YEV-SKA. There are days when I seriously consider taking my husband’s name: having a surname that is two letters long would be a nice change, wouldn’t it?

 

As for how I got into art… Art was always part of my life. My mom studied History of Art in college, so there were artbooks and history of art books around the house which I loved to browse through. We visited museums, and we read a lot of poetry together (to this day we recite our favorite quotes). We are both creative too. It just seemed naturally, I was interested in it and I enjoy it. And then, I met my husband who is an artist too, and he encouraged me to draw more, teaching me anatomy, shading, and useful Photoshop tools.

 

Very cool how art was always around you and how it influences you in so many ways. I definitely think inspiration can come from anywhere. So, you have two series I’m a big fan of, witches and dragonflies. Can you tell us about those designs and when was the first time you began to work on them.

 

Everybody seems to love those dragonflies which makes me feel guilty whenever I miss a week. The series happened by chance. Because I focused on writing, I wasn’t creating as much visual art as possible, and I felt like I needed a challenge. I already write daily, and I kept wondering if I could draw daily too. There is a challenge for artists called Inktober which is focusing on encouraging daily drawing. I wanted to take part. I liked the idea of a theme (it’s also easier, at the beginning, to create within a theme), but I also knew that with my skills and time limits, I needed something simple enough to keep up with daily prompts. With writing being my main focus, I can’t devote 3-5 hours to finishing a picture.

 

I like dragonflies in general, and in their simplified shape, they are easy: a long body, two eyes, and some wings. At the same time, that simplicity allows to put them into various shapes and objects, so I went with them.

 

On the other hand, the witches were somewhat of a challenge for me. I love witches, but I’m really bad at drawing anatomy (I've gotten better, but nowhere near good), so I wanted to use the challenge to improve myself. I’m not going to tell you how many times I had to give up the initial idea or alter it because of my troubles with anatomy or perspective… I’d like to go back to witches at some point, but I’d need more time to practice first.

 

 

So people might know you from Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but they might not know about JMM Designs and your Society 6 store. Can you tell us about that store and what are some of your favorite designs?

 

The Society6 Store came to be because of my friend’s insistence I should put my art out there and allow people to buy it. It was quite a big step for me, to share and offer my art, and I’m always humbled and excited when someone decides to buy something with my design on. Later, I also opened a Redbubble Store as it seems popular and is artist-friendly.

 

My favorite designs? It’s hard to pick. I like most of them, because with each I learned something new about digital tools I’m using, design theory, or other aspects of art.

 

But I think if I was to choose, I’d go with Let’s Dream of Dragons, Weird and Wonderful, and Overgrown (which is a colored version of one of the Inktober witches).

 

Funny enough, these aren’t the audience’s favorites. The most popular one is Write/Edit/Repeat which was a result of a moment of inspiration and 15 minutes of work to put it together. I find it both amusing and a great reminder that sometimes the silliest or the simplest thing might take off.

 

Maybe I should ask you, which one is your favorite.

 

 

On your page, you say you don’t consider yourself an artist, yet I heartily disagree, since I’m a fan and I know there are others on the same boat with me. BUT you talk about enjoying designing and mention your creative process. What does the process mean to you and what are the positives from creating?

 

I know, I know… I should probably own that “artist” badge. But then, it took me a while to start calling myself a “writer”, and I’m much more serious about my words than I am about my images. I have a daily writing habit, but I do art only when I feel like it, and I’m more relaxed about the final outcome. The picture turned out hideous? Oh, well, who cares—I just won’t show it to anyone. I don’t feel like finishing this art piece? I’ll leave it sitting for another 4 months.

 

I think that since I started treating my writing so seriously, art is the only thing I have left as a creative hobby, so I cling to not becoming serious with it. And no matter how much I love creating with my words, I need a break sometimes, and my brain seems to be refreshed by focusing on something purely visual (that also comes with no pressure of finishing it or making it good).

 

As for the process itself, art usually ends up being the crossing point between what I’m inspired to create and what I’m capable of making. I often have an idea or a slogan that I’d like to make, and then all that remains is how to make it work with the skills and knowledge I have. I often watch tutorials to learn what’s possible with digital tools or study others’ artwork. Or, a phrase inspires me: like when my friend said “we’re all goo” instead of good. I just had to make an art piece out of that even if no one else ever gets the fun bit.

 

 

Are commissions something you’ve done or would do?

 

Before I moved over to the USA, I used to make greeting cards. My friends and coworkers knew that if they needed a specific card, they could ask me. Goodbye cards for leaving coworkers were especially popular.

 

With my digital art, I never thought about it. I think my skills aren’t good enough to match potential requests, but I’m not opposed to trying (as long as the requester doesn’t expect realistic drawings and is aware of my style and limits). Besides, I always look for inspiration for more dragonflies, because after a few years of doing them somewhat regularly, I feel like I’m starting to be repetitive. So anyone can leave a comment with a suggestion or a request, and if it’s something I haven’t done yet, I’ll be happy to draw it.

 

If you were a witch, (and it’s quite possible you are) and you had to design your own spell, what would the magic words be and what would the spell do?

 

Now that’s a good question! Of course, I immediately started coming up with ideas. But I when I was a teenager, I dreamed about having my own dimensional bubble: a place where I could go to do all the things I wanted to do, and then come back to the real world with only a second of time lost. Yes, like all creatives, I have too little time to do all the things I already do and to try out all the things I’d like to do… if I had more time. So that would definitely be something I would design as a witch.

 

As for the words, I’m not sure if it would be a spell. A potion perhaps? (because experimenting in the kitchen is fun) If so, the main ingredient would definitely be tea. Lots of tea.

 

 

So we’ve talked plenty about design, you’re first and foremost a writer and I believe you have something on offer and something else on the way. 

 

To be honest, I think about myself as a writer more often than I think about myself as an artist. I feel like I’m better with words than I am with lines and colors. ;) Throughout the years, I had many short stories published both in Polish and English magazines and anthologies, and last year, I finally put them together in a collection. I offer it for free to my newsletter subscribers (or, if you'd rather exchange money than emails, it’s also available in many online stores). In a way, it’s a showcase of my writing styles within the fantasy genre, from fun sword and sorcery to lyrical, slow-paced stories.

 

As for something else… Writing daily means I’m quite productive, so I have several novels in the works at any given time. But all I can say now is that autumn 2020 is shaping up to be exciting, and my newsletter subscribers will be the first ones to know. Then, of course, I’ll share the news with everyone else too. ;)

 

 

So what are the rewards from the writing process and how does it compare to the design process?

 

You have a talent for asking questions that give me a pause. :)

The two processes are similar at the core: I have to have a compelling idea, but then art feels more spontaneous (or to be more precise, requiring less preparation) than writing. There’s also the matter of time involved—a graphic design is maybe a few evenings of creative fun and mishaps, so it’s easier to finish it and move on. With writing a novel taking anywhere from several months to a couple of years to complete, I spend much more time figuring out my stories, writing and rewriting them, and polishing them.

 

My reward is having, at the end of the process, something I truly love and enjoy, because I write stories I want to tell and I write them the way I want them to be told. And after that comes the other reward: hearing that people enjoyed the story and the characters or seeing them reacting to certain part exactly how I hoped they would. It gives me the satisfaction of a job well done.

 

From my experience, people don’t know that much about Poland. What are some things from the culture, the food, and your upbringing that you think are interesting?

 

Oooh, that’s a topic I could obviously go on for hours… or pages.

 

Let’s stick with some fun stuff.

 

Polish language forces polite form depending on the familiarity levels. Elders and adult strangers are always addressed with the equivalent of Sir/Madam, and in formal situations you introduce yourself with your surname. A doctor or someone similar would call me Mrs. Maciejewska, and if we are work colleagues, it could become Mrs. Joanna. Friends, on the other hand, would… never use “Joanna”, because it’s very formal. Diminutives from Joanna are Joasia or Asia (Yo-ah-shya or Ah-shya), so this is what my friends and family would call me… If ever I heard “Joanna!” I knew I was in trouble—until, of course, I moved over to the English-speaking world and this was how everybody called me.

 

Speaking of which, you can probably imagine my horror during my first months in Ireland when everybody was addressing everyone with “you” instead of the forms I had ingrained in my very being: “Can I help you?” or “Have you heard the news?” sounded so wrong. Over time, I got used to it, but my first weeks in Ireland were marked linguistics gymnastics of trying not to say “you” when addressing people… Nowadays, with the internet culture and globalization, habits are changing, especially online where “you” is expected in conversations in Polish.

 

The second tidbit I’d share is food, of course. Most people have probably heard of PIEROGI (by the way, it’s already plural, so saying “pierogies” is equivalent to Gollum’s “hobbitses” ;) ), and one of the things my husband’s American family wanted to know was of course whether I can make them. I was a bit baffled, because to me, “everyone” knows how to make them (though it might not be true anymore for younger generations)—I might have been as young as 9-10 years old when I first helped my mom make them. And it’s worth to know that the dough for traditional Polish pierogi is made with only flour, hot water, and a pinch of salt, and when you make the dumplings, the dough is supposed to be rolled very thin. The benchmark we follow is “once boiled, you should be able to see the filling through the dough”, so I find store-bought pierogi in thick dough rather disappointing.

 

This has been a grand ole time though people might want to get in touch. So tell us, where can people find you to connect? 

 

 

Thank you for having me today, J.D.! It was fun, and I hope I didn’t bore anyone do death with my ramblings. I’m much better with my fiction, I promise!

 

If you’d like to know more about me, you can visit my website. 

If you want to keep in touch, I have a monthly newsletter, and I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. My art designs are on Society6 and Redbubble. I also write about writing craft and other things on Medium.

 

-

 

That was pretty epic and cheers to YO-AN-NAH and all her projects. Always love connecting a bit deeper with creators and super cool to see so many things from our dear Melfka, whether in words or design and to ALL the inspiration. As for her invitation for me to pick my favorite designs, too close to call but by all means, let us know in the comments which are your fave, or check her out on social media and show your fav design some love. If you'd like to connect to her or check out her stores, feel free to click all the links. She's good people. Thanks again to Joanna and here's to all the Creative Connections we share. 

Peace, love, and maki rolls

Creative Connections – Robert Cano

As an indie author, you meet all type of creatives. From people who forge their own swords to all sorts of writer types. One of the coolest things is meeting people whom you share an odd sort of kinship with, people who might share some of your struggles, but who have gone through several others and still keep pushing on to achieve goals and still give their best as humans. Robert Cano is one of these guys that’s easy to root for. Well spoken, thoughtful, inquisitive, super honest, and someone who embraces his own voice. To boot, he’s a good dude and as with all these interviews, my intention here is for you to get to know the Robert behind the Cano… or something like that. 

 

1. So as usual, welcome to the blog, Robert. Although we’ve known each other for a while, been on a couple of live panels, and chatted about music, writing, and life, others have not had the pleasure. So tell us, who is Robert Cano and why should people have their calendars at the ready?

 

Robert Cano… is one strange fellow.  But I think I’ve always embraced that part of myself.  I am a husband, father, author, and gamer.  I tend to enjoy most those more simple aspects of life – peace and quiet, a good movie, or stimulating conversation.  Must be why you and I get along so well.

 

As for why people should have their calendars at the ready, my next book has just been given its official release date of October 29^th.  So yeah, I’m quite stoked about that.  The Shadow Cult picks up where The Dark Archer left off, only now we seek the answers to who or what created Bene in the first place, and to what end…

 

2. You also published The Dark Archer. What can you tell us about that book and what are your expectations going into the release of The Shadow Cult?

 

I write with a very specific ebb and flow style and pattern.  With The Dark Archer, I wanted to dig into the internal aspects of life.  Of those decisions we made in the past but maybe regret in some way.  What do those things say about us as people?  Can we grow?  Or are we doomed to forever be that person we had been.  With The Shadow Cult, however, I go external.  There is an external locus for this tale, and while the storytelling aspect is the same voice, the focus is no longer internal.  

 

Currently, I am writing The World Soul, which will wrap up the story we began with The Dark Archer, but will only be the next step into a much much bigger arc.  With The World Soul, we are digging back into the internal, but going much deeper than the mental.  We will be going deep into the soul itself.  Ideas of hope and hopelessness are explored at length.  So there you go, a sneak peek into what is coming next year!  

 

3. You’re a very outspoken dude and always promote and encourage people to take care of their mental health. Where does this interest come from and what does it mean to you?

 

Mental health is something that is supremely important to me.  I have struggled nearly all my life with ADD, PTSD, depression, and body dysmorphia.  I try to help others realize firstly that they’re not alone, but more importantly I seek ways to ease their respective pain through the catharsis of candid, open discussion, and through laughter – specifically through seeking and finding that joy in life that is found within us.  Life isn’t always easy, but if we can find a way to laugh, even the hardest times become somewhat lessened in their bite.

 

4. Music is also something you greatly enjoy. What are some music artists that are a little under the radar that you think people should check out and why? 

 

Oh man, I can have some serious fun with this one.  I think it should be noted that I do listen to a lot of what I might term ‘quiet’ artists, and many of these choices have little or no lyrics at all in their music.  This is something that I’ve found really helps me when writing, as they provide me with layered music that helps focus the mess that is my brain, but without lyrics for me to focus on and lose my way.  That being said, here are a few of my favorites:

 

Ferven, Phaura, Sappheiros, Michael FK, Cash, Wayr, and Headphone Activist, to name a few.

 

5. You were in the armed forces and I suspect that’s something that’s impacted you in several ways in your life. What does it mean to you to be a veteran? What’s some of the good that you received from the experience and what would you have done without?

 

Yes, I served for six years in the Air Force.  To answer your question about what does it mean to be to be a veteran, it’s honestly a tough question, but I’ll do my best to keep it concise.  When I look around at society as it is currently, when I see people up in arms about the stupidest things, all the while weaponizing and politicizing nearly everything, I become saddened.  What I see in this country isn’t what I fought for.  The status quo is find a cause and fight tooth and nail for that cause, whether or not the need for it exists.

 

Let’s use an example…  Right now, with the whole Epstein thing, we have seen the prevalence of human and sex trafficking was so much worse than we ever imagined, but the focus, while I’ll never say is too late, is still too little.  Children being forced into this is a horrible thing, let’s be clear, but women who were basically born into it, or raised in it, or the boys who have had to deal with the same, are often minimized when these discussions are raised.  The problem is so much bigger than “our children” and to think otherwise mitigates the horrors of just how systemic this issue is.  Also, this is nothing new, where were all these voices years ago?  Did they not matter because ‘my political alignment’ didn’t say they matter?  

 

I’ll be completely honest with you, no one likes a mirror to their face.  But I’ll be the first to make someone stare into the proverbial mirror.  If we aren’t fighting for a better future, then we’re a part of the problem, not the solution.

 

As for the experiences, I learned how much I despise bureaucracy.  The internal politics of places and people is too much for me.  But I also learned how wonderful a true camaraderie is.  The friendships I made in the military have lasted, and I love each of them like a brother, and would fight for them as such even now.  

 

6. What does writing mean in your life and how would you describe your creative process? 

 

Writing has often been a catharsis in my life.  From my poetry to my novels.  Anything in which I get to be creative helps me work through the thoughts in my head or the hurts in my heart.  

 

When writing, I look to create something uniquely me.  Not entirely unique, but something that is me.  What I mean by this is that there is nothing original anymore, only derivations of previously existing art, and therefore when I sit down to create, I look to my inspirations for ideas on how to design something and then I tweak it to suit my world.  Likewise, I have drawn from classical literature to develop my voice in my worlds.  I find there is a beauty to be found in the classics that is often neglected or completely ignored in today’s world.

 

7. You have been called up by Ninja Warrior to design a short course with 4-5 obstacles, what’s on the course?

 

Ooh, I would have to have the salmon ladder, naturally, but then I’d have to have the elevator climb, jumping spider, wingnut alley, and ultimate cliff hanger.

 

Which would look like this:

You're welcome :)

8. You are given the option of adapting one of your works into graphic novel form, movie form, a live action series, a cartoon, or a video game. Which do you choose and why? 

 

Well, right now I am in the process of writing the screenplay for The Dark Archer, so there is that.  However, to see Bene’s story, or that of Feorin, on a video game could be mind-blowing…  I’d go for that.  Feorin’s story, especially in the events leading up to The Dark Archer, could make for a fantastic game.  All of his military exploits being explored right up until he walks away from it all to seek peace…  Hell of an arc.

 

9. A magical time traveling genie appears out of nowhere. He wants to go on a road trip to grab a bite to eat. Where do you take him and what do you eat?

 

We go back to home to Day’s hamburgers.  With green chile.  Damn, my mouth is watering just thinking about it… Best burgers, period.

 

10. And of course, if more people want to tag along for the ride, where can they find you?

Website: www.shadowyembrace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/620898828753102

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @shadowyembrace

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And there you have another Creative Connection. Cheers to Robert on his upcoming release and all the good things coming along. He's a good dude and will be all to happy to hear from you. If you do swing by, tell him I said hi. Til next we connect...

Peace, love, and maki rolls

 

Mis libros están de vuelta en Puerto Rico

Aunque ser autor independiente no es fácil, me llena el alma y me hace sonreír. La variedad de retos que puedes enfrentar pueden ser muchos. Dejo esa descripción así, media ambigua y en el mundo de las posibilidades porque las circunstancias pueden cambiar de caso en caso y porque la suerte puede estar contigo cuando menos te lo esperes. En mi caso, llevo siete años desde que publiqué mi primer libro y he tenido altas, bajas, medianas, retos, sorpresas, victorias, confusiones, deseo, motivación y libros… bastaaaaannnntes libros. Y varios de ellos andan de vuelta en casa. 

Llevaba mucho tiempo en dónde mis libros no estaban en librerías en Puerto Rico. Eso cambió hace unas semanas ya que aunque el año ha traído retos que ni botando, también me ha regalado bendiciones de gente que he conocido a través de las redes sociales. Entre estas personas están las dueñas de Tazas y Portadas, una tienda de libros y café ubicada en Hormigueros en la región oeste del país. Cuando me preguntaron que si me interesaría tener mis libros en su tienda, dije que claro, aunque no por desesperado. La decisión la tomé con gusto y gana porque demuestran consistentemente que tienen una visión que va alineada a quien soy como autor, ser humano y puertorriqueño. Además, su apoyo a los autores independientes locales es algo bien inusual al menos para mí y algo que no solamente apoyo igualmente, sino que aplaudo. 

 

Desde invitarme a charlas virtuales y promociones bien bonitas, hasta enviarme de los mejores mensajes de cumpleaños que te puedas imaginar, la Familia de Tazas y Portadas continuamente me demuestra su calibre como humanos a la vez que ponen dedicación, esmero y disciplina como profesionales. Como autor independiente, uno sueña con tener su libro en una librería hasta que le toca ver como el libro de uno no es necesariamente una prioridad ya que es más difícil de vender que algo por Malala, Stephen King, o Tolkien. Cosas que pasan y que incluso entiendo. Llamémosle lecciones de la vida de un autor. Sin embargo, con Tazas y Portadas, veo el toque personal en todo lo que hacen y cómo promueven a todos genuinamente. Desde los envíos que hacen, hasta los cafés que venden en la tienda (y no hablemos de las French Toast que compartieron el otro día que me dieron antojos intensos y me dio mucho sentimiento que no pueda darme la vuelta a darme el gustazo ya que ando fuera de la Isla). Para mí eso vale oro, porque mientras mucha gente sigue el gran manual de lo que se supone que sean las cosas, Tazas y Portadas lo quiere hacer a su manera, conectar contigo y no limitarse a una relación transaccional. Tienen un sentido de comunidad y compromiso y por eso estoy feliz de tener mis libros en su tienda física y online.

 

Como autor puertorriqueño, mi misión es demostrar que la literatura puertorriqueña también puede existir en inglés y que un autor cuyo primer idioma es el español puede escribir novelas, cuentos cortos, ensayos y poesía en inglés que compitan con otros escritores de los géneros que ama y los que no necesariamente se venden, promueven, ni a menudo se dejan sentir como literatura puertorriqueña. Siempre abogaré porque la gente sueñe y se tire de cabeza a lograr sus sueños. Para mí, sueño con destacarme en inglés y español y tratar a cada género como un reto para buscar y explorar dentro de los diferentes manantiales de mi alma y creatividad. Es un proceso para complacerme y conocerme y lo comparto con la ilusión de que las palabras conecten de diferentes maneras. 

 

Al momento tengo cinco títulos en Tazas y Portadas aunque si me va bien, pues puedo enviar más. Como autor independiente, mi mayor reto es que me den la oportunidad de ser parte de su librero. Sea poesía, no-ficción, ficción urbana o ficción juvenil, siempre doy lo máximo por darle alas a mi imaginación y pintar con mis palabras. Por años he querido tener el chance de conectar más con gente del Oeste y de otras partes de Puerto Rico ya que los eventos que he ido y las tiendas en donde he tenido mis libros y hecho eventos son en el Área Metro. Está nice, pero Puerto Rico es mucho más que San Juan y el Área Metro. También es importante para mí apoyar lo local y conectar con personas en la Isla al igual que en la diáspora, porque el mero hecho de recibir la correspondencia en un código postal diferente, no significa que en el teléfono de nuestro corazón, siempre se comienza marcando 787. 

 

Aquí el enlace a mis libros en su tienda online. Sea en persona o por correo, si quieres leer uno de mis libros físicamente y apoyarme a mí y un negocio local, te invito a que te des la oportunidad de que sea a través de Tazas y Portadas. 

 

Un abrazo, 

 

JD

Creative Connections – Joshua Pantalleresco

Creativity is all around especially when you get to meet indie and traditionally published authors who have the need to do a variety of things because part of what drives them is not wanting to be a one trick pony. Joshua Pantalleresco is this type of creative who is driven to do what he believes in, pulls back no punches, and does not shy away from ANY challenge. Although I could easily focus on just his writing, I think it’d be a disservice to his commitment to variety, which I was able to get to know a bit better thanks to a nice chat we had on his podcast. So here are a couple of questions so we can all get to know him a bit better.

 

Firstly, welcome and thanks for taking time from your super busy schedule. I truly enjoyed our chat the other day, so let’s start with your podcast, Just Joshing. What motivated you to start a podcast, what makes your podcast unique, what are some horns you’d like to self-toot, and what can people expect from any of your episodes?

 

My whole career is an accident, including this podcast. Accidentally got published. Accidentally started a podcast. In this case, I got the opportunity to interview Robert J. Sawyer.  I had finally gotten my hands on a smart phone and congratulated myself on making it to the 21st century. I have a really good conversation with Robert, and after, we leave the conference hall, and someone asked Robert, “What did you do?” He answered, “I was just interviewed for Josh's podcast.”

 

I didn't have a podcast. But something clicked. And here I am.

 

What makes my podcast unique is that I interview creative people and get their story. I talk about everything with everyone, no matter their age, or their politics. I don't care. I just want their story and that's what I get. It could be Robert J. Sawyer or Spider Robinson. Or it could be Savannah Denise or Edwin Downward. Everyone has an interesting story.

 

It’s pretty cool to see the variety of people you’ve interviewed and how their story is what guides the interview. So how is the podcast related to your recording audiobooks? Which came first, how does your approach to each vary and what are your criteria for taking on projects and interviewing people?

 

The podcasting came first. My approach to the podcast is to keep it authentic. It's eclectic and a little raw. I don't want it to feel overproduced or squeaky clean. I want it a little rough and dirty. If I interview someone at a cafe, I'm keeping the orders, the waitress/waiter in the story. It's part of what happened that day. One podcast we literally went from a restaurant to a coffee shop. I kept it all in. It's real. It happened. It's different.

 

I literally feel I can get an interview out of anybody. It doesn't matter who, where, or how. I've interviewed politicians, comedians, musicians, actors and actresses, writers, directors, pro-wrestlers, metal bands, game designers, streamers. Their story and their drive to succeed is what makes them interesting.

 

As a transition to audiobooks, I used to do one episode a week. My demands for interviews just went through the roof. I'm at three episodes a week and I'm still a month or so ahead of content. But when COVID happened, I had a thought. CS Lewis told his story in the middle of London when bombs were being dropped all around him. In the heart of it, telling our story is the ultimate act of hope and rebellion. So now I do two interviews and one reading episode a week.

 

From there, I started experimenting. I've been telling my story each and every week since. I learned a lot about putting together audio books by playing with my own. I can do it with sound effects, as I tried that. I tried just silence.  Sound is a language.  You can do a lot with it.

 

If I'm narrating a book, I'm worried about the tone. I'm working on my first audiobook for a client right now. I'm doing a chapter one, two, or three different ways. Next week, he's getting a copy to choose. I don't want to feel like I'm just reading text. I want to give the characters life and feeling. I'm adding to the story already being told. 

 

As for me taking on a client, I'm looking for people who want to have their story told, and are serious about it. I learned early on in freelancing that you have to set boundaries and you have to chase people to succeed. I'm doing all that. Beyond that, I'm learning to settle into my niches, but I'm also quietly talking to people to do voices for me. So I'll be expanding as I get more clients.

 

For now, if you are doing science fiction, thriller or humor, I'm your guy.

 

Cheers to variety and finding each story’s voice. I think that’s key and it sets apart the OK narrators from the ones that make a world of a difference. Ok, so hard pivot, how long have you been writing for, what’s published, and what’s coming up?

 

I've been writing since I've been a teenager. 4 books have been published. Three traditional and one indie. The novel is indie and the poetry books are traditionally published. My next poetry book is coming out after the current chaos in my life is finished. Probably September 7th.

 

Four is my lucky number and I always try and give this space to a special question, so tell us, what are your 8 rules to success, how’d you come up with them, and what has the impact been in your life?

 

1. Show Up – so simple and yet, this and rule 5 are the two rules most broken.
2. Do your thing – pretty straight forward.
3. Don't Quit – The cliché, I know, but it's so true.
4. The Rest is Rain – Recognize that you have only control about what you control.
5. Get out of your own way – Success creates expectations. Be smart enough to recognize what brought you to the dance, and maintain it.
6. No Excuses – in the end there are none. Don't try.
7. Be Grateful and be thankful – in my worst moments in life, I had good things. Sometimes you don't realize it, but if you look around, it can be amazing.
8. Stay Uncomfortable – Going out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens.

 

While we were chatting, we discussed a lot about clients and how managing expectations, workloads, and ground rules is key, what would you say to someone who has a hard time saying no to projects?

 

Remember that you left your job because on some level you resented it. Don't let your dream become something you resent. Remember what brought you here, and never let anything get in the way of that feeling. If you resent it, either be paid well for it or subtract it. You'll be happier.

 

You are definitely someone who never wants to wonder why? What are some of the bigger risks you’ve taken in your life, what were some key lessons you learned?

 

I always wonder why, or I wonder why not, and that's why I do the things I do. So let's talk three risks in my life. So my first date was at 14. It came at the result of a wrong number. I had two girls on the line that agreed to meet me and a friend on a date. So I had to think about getting a friend to go. My friend, umm... well, he was scared out of his mind. I wasn't. I was wondering what was going to happen next. Unfortunately, once everyone got together, there was a “now what moment” and we all backed off.

 

My other big dating mistake at a young age was that I had this crush on one of my sister's friends. I didn't do anything about it until much later when while, we still liked each other, the moment had passed. I regret not making the move when I was younger. Who knows what could have happened? I hate that feeling of regret and don't understand why people just let it happen. Worst feeling ever.

 

Biggest risk I ever took was either now, walking away from my job in order to pursue my freelance career, or when I worked for a hero. I just got a job to manage the bookstore for someone I grew up reading and admiring. It didn't work out, but that failure taught me more about myself than success ever has.

 

Three things I learned: One day I'm going to die. And really, once I realized that, most of my fears just disappeared. I'm scared of incredibly little. It's not that I don't feel fear, but I've seen the end of the road, not much on this earth is as scary as that. So I don't fear taking any chance, if I feel it will let me become the person I want to.

 

The second thing I learned: Let your anger out. Holding things in kills you more. I had hostile feelings to that author for what happened. Having to acknowledge to myself that he did his best was one of the hardest things I had to do. Facing the truth, and acknowledging my faults in the matter made me a man.

 

The third thing I learned: It's okay to be ruthless. I will never let myself be put in that situation again. And if I feel you are trying to take advantage of me, I will cut you off. I have no problem looking like the villain.

 

Earlier on we talked about your podcast, so tell us, if you had to recommend three episodes because of the people you chatted with and what you talked about, which episodes would they be and what can you tell us about the people you interviewed?

 

Just three? Hmm...super hard. My three favorite conversations this year so far are Christina Z. (Episode 384). She is someone you could fall in love with. Super talented, but so curious about life. She has a zest for it that I found incredibly unique. There's no one like her and I loved getting that opportunity to talk to her.

 

K. Lynn Smith I must mention (Episode 371) not only because she will steal my lunch money if I don't, but she's an amazing woman. Incredibly gifted storyteller who doesn't get the credit she deserves. I'm happy with her success and I hope I get to work with her someday.

 

And I'll go with Felipe F. Thomaz (Episode 358) because he's such an accomplished creative genius. His music is touching; his game is incredible. I was really fortunate to meet him. 

 

Honorable mention should go to Vox Pop Games (Episodes 338 and 339) because of what I learned about video games in that episode. One of those moment I got a lot out of it. And I'm a big Kat Hutson fan (Episode 393, 394). So chill. We just click. 

 

What are 3 things people think about Canada that are totally right and 3 that are totally off?

 

3 true things about Canada. We are overly polite, we apologize about everything, and we love our alcohol. We'll drink anyone under the table. 

 

Three totally off things: We are made fun of for our intelligence if you watch comedy. Canadians are some of the smartest, most intelligent people in the world. We do have a backbone. We're nice, but when we have enough we will break you. We're more likely to revolt than you guys down south. And three, we're also some of the most talented. We just don't believe it most of the time.

 

What are some small joys you try to indulge in even during lockdown?

 

There's this little bakery shop across the street from my dad's place. They make the most amazing cinnamon donuts you'll ever have. That's my indulgence. That and coffee.

 

Ben & Jerry’s called and they want to do a Just Joshin ice cream flavor? What’s in it and describe it in as much or little detail as you want.

 

It would be a vanilla, chocolate, and peppermint combination called Emerald Dawn. I'm a Green Lantern fan so I'd do that as an homage, but it would be for those who can't decide between their ice cream flavors with a minty add on to make it amazing. People would eat it and be happier with their day. 

 

What is one adage people repeat as if it’s a universal truth yet you heartily disagree with?

 

I'm quite the contrarian actually. I almost always feel like if everyone is doing something, it's wrong. The majority of people when clustered together no matter how smart the group is, is usually mouthing something from someone else. There's no depth of thought. It's either you're one of us or one of them.  When there is no nuance, that usually means the thought is not really a thought at all.

 

Aliens visit the planet and they find a time capsule you left behind… except it’s purposely designed as a crazy wild goose chase? What would be in it and where would you send these aliens to?

 

There would be a PEZ dispenser and map that would say to take the left turn at Albuquerque and have it crossed off. You could still see it, though. So, that way, you'd have half the aliens wanting to follow the map, and the other wondering why you shouldn't turn left at Albuquerque. :)

 

Where can people find you and what’s next for you?

 

People can find me at either https://jpantalleresco.wordpress.com or on social media as @jpantalleresco. I'm the only one, I swear. My podcast Just Joshing can be found anywhere you can find a podcast. It's up three times a week. Two interviews, and one storytime episode which features an author or musician coming on board to add their own voice to the show. 

I'm hard at work searching for my next audiobook client. If you need me to narrate, produce, and put together your book, give me a shout at michaelthroughtime@live.com. Let me help you tell your story and check out the link here.

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And there you have it folks, another Creative Connection and if you’re looking to get your books in audio form, maybe Josh is the right fit for you. In the meantime, remember to NOT turn left at Albuquerque, always have your PEZ dispenser fully loaded, and leave fear to the side. 

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls