Some lucky people know what they want to do early in their lives. Their career paths are clear straight lines. Far more frequently, though, career paths wind and twist and turn and tumble. They’re bumpy; they have ruts and potholes. They split off into the trees without road signs or mile markers. Maybe that’s why they’re called career “paths” and not highways or boulevards.
A few years ago, I was on a particularly winding, rut-filled path myself. But in the world of creation, no matter whether you are on a straight path or a winding one, we all are going to need help at some point. We will need guidance, information, or encouragement.
I needed all of that. And that’s what LDSPMA gave — and still gives — to me.
Starting to find direction
When I returned from my mission to Russia in August of 2018, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had dabbled with health care and law in high school but found both unsatisfactory. I liked sports, I wasn’t interested in it as a career.
When I first got home, I believed what many missionaries do, that I could continue my mission by teaching seminary. That idea faded quickly, and I was left in limbo.
We all are going to need help at some point. We will need guidance, information, or encouragement.
While I drifted in uncertainty at Utah State University, I took a humanities class taught by former LDSPMA Education Director Joseph Batzel. In the class, we discussed various types of art and media, and learned to evaluate and think critically about their value.
Near the end of the semester, we had a large assignment. I wrote a parody of Sherlock Holmes where he works as a janitor at an elementary school. Watson is split into two separate teachers, Ms. Watson and Mrs. John. There is a little mystery about a tipped-over garbage can and hidden treasure. It’s a piece I’m still proud of today — although I probably would have forgotten about it if it weren’t for Professor Batzel’s reaction.
He wrote a thorough evaluation of my story, brought me in to talk about it, and sang a few of its praises to my classmates. I was embarrassed, but proud at the same time. I’d worked hard on that Sherlock Holmes story, and Professor Batzel recognized that. He knew it wasn’t going to win any awards, but he saw its potential and encouraged me.
Not long after that, he introduced me to another of his writer friends, who was another LDSPMA member. This friend was putting together an anthology of short stories. I submitted a story, and a few months later I had my first published work ever. And, my first milestone on my new path.
Meeting others on the path
I attended my first LDSPMA conference in 2019. I was nervous, and didn’t know what to expect. Beyond connecting and working with Professor Batzel and a few students in my creative writing classes, I had never really networked before. But on the first day that I walked into the conference, I felt welcomed.
We started in the Conference Center on the Brigham Young University campus. In the large crowd, I was waved down by Professor Batzel. He introduced me to a member of the Osmond family, Justin Osmond.
Five minutes later, I was listening to Elder John H. Groberg (as in John H. Groberg of The Other Side Of Heaven) give the keynote address on creating uplifting media. I checked the rest of the schedule. There would be presentations from Lisa Magnum and Chris Schlesinger from Shadow Mountain Publishing, T.C. Christiansen the filmmakers, Janice Kapp Perry the composer, and Jennifer Sterling, sister and assistant to Lindsay Sterling.
I listened to professionals and enthusiasts from all branches of publishing and media present their advice and passion purely for the benefit of others over the course of the weekend conference. In those few days, I learned about networking, marketing, managing writing schedules, how to find an agent and a publisher, and so much more. I went from feeling like writing could be a hobby…to something that I could actually make into a career.
The power, purpose, and spirit of LDSPMA
Since attending my first conference in 2019, I have attended other conferences and taken part in Zoom meetings with other LDSPMA members. Each interaction has uplifted and encouraged me.
I love writing for the LDSPMA blog from time to time. Working with the other writers and editors has made me a better writer. Every person not only wants to get better at what they do, but help others get better.
That’s the spirit of LDSPMA.
I went from feeling like writing could be a hobby…to something that I could actually make into a career.
LDSPMA’s purpose is to “empower Latter-day Saints to become voices of light and truth in publishing, media, and the arts.”
And I’ve found that to be true.
LDSPMA gave me a foundation to start a career in something I love. I write for LDSDaily.com, I have published my first book, and I run a podcast called Mission Report designed to instruct future missionaries on how they can better prepare for their missions.
I’m grateful for the resources and knowledge LDSPMA supplies me with. I look forward to attending more conferences, associating with the members of LDSPMA, and gaining more ability and understanding of how to uplift and inspire others.
From once feeling lost, I now love the path I’m on, and I look forward to what lies ahead down the road.
Tyler Brian Nelson
After serving a mission to Samara, Russia, Tyler graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Creative Writing. Tyler is the author of Away From The Sun, a short collection of his written works, is the host of the Mission Report podcast, and runs the To Be Determined… blog. He lives in Provo with his drop-dead gorgeous wife, enjoys playing basketball, playing the banjo, studying history, and collecting Pokemon cards.
Thank you for sharing your story, Tyler! As one who has poured hundreds of hours into the logistical “back-end” of LDSPMA with only occasional windows into the “front-end” of how it’s helping people, I deeply, deeply appreciate hearing how our conference, networking events, and resources have impacted you!