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Empowering Latter-day Saints to spread light and truth by connecting them at the intersection of faith, creativity, and professional skill

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The Arts as a Superpower

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By Shaun Stahle

“What is the most powerful weapon in the world?” I asked a class of fifth graders in Fielding Elementary School many years ago.

The Gulf War was raging at the time. Every news cast led with horrific scenes of destruction. “The Apache Helicopter with laser-guided smart bombs,” blurted one boy. “Nah,” said another. “Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from warships.” 

The boys grew animated with some coming out of their chairs in mock imitation. These sparkly-faced boys knew their weapons of mass destruction.

After the teacher restored order, I suggested that neither the laser-guided missiles nor the Apache Helicopter—as powerful as they were to level big buildings into little pieces of rubble—were the most power weapons in the world.

More guesses followed. “How about nuclear bombs?” asked another.

“No,” I said long and slow, squeezing every second to build tension. “The most powerful weapon in the world…is words.”

Three illustrated people with speech bubbles. Using words and conversation.
Words: the Most Powerful Weapon in the World

The class went thunderously quiet. Faces contorted. The mental torture of trying to figure how words trumped bombs in causing agony. “Words?” someone finally bellowed. “When did words ever win a war?”

“Think about it,” I suggested, trying to ease their pain before their faces froze in those positions. “When mean words are said, you get angry. When you get angry, you could throw a punch. If nations say enough mean words, people get angry and tempers flare. They sometimes hurl bombs. But do you feel like poking someone’s nose who has complimented you?”

I’m not sure the students understood my analogy. I’m not sure the teacher did either. But I still think the premise has merit. Words tell stories. Stories evoke emotions of virtue such as beauty and love. Such emotions build into peace and contentment and gracious living. Harmony and unity are the result.

Words can also fan the flames of hate and animosity. Words of deceit and injustice can enrage to violence. Instead of unity, we see others as a lower species.

Words Turn Enemies to Friends

President Dallin H. Oaks in his October general conference address recommended that we heed the counsel of a famous musical and make more effort to get to know each other.

He should know. As one who has stood in the heat of intense adversarial debate trying many cases—50, I think—before the US Supreme Court, and as a man deeply cultured in the affections of the Spirit, he knows how to turn enemies into friends.

That’s where we come in. Those who tell stories help society get to know each other. Words and images and sounds are our superpower. The more we use our powers to tell the plight of another, the more we defuse the ugly and demeaning and debase that confronts us.

Most of us will never be introduced in the Rose Garden. None of us will have a finger on the big red nuclear bomb button. But we still have power. “The kind words we give, shall in memory live.”

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Shaun Stahle was yanked from a comfortable bed early one morning at age five to cart newspapers off his grandfather’s printing press and has been cursed with ink in the blood ever since. He spent 17 years detailing the growth of the Church with the Church News. His retirement plan is to find a shoe box full of unmarked bills along the road someday. He says he has saved his wife of 33 years from a life of fame and prosperity.

The Entrepreneur Mindset

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By Mariah K. Porter

Has it ever crossed your mind that you—as an author, painter, podcaster, blogger, etc.—are an entrepreneur?

Well, congratulations, because you are!

Google defines an entrepreneur as “a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.” While we may all be starving artists thanks to those financial risks, I define it as “someone who wants to be vastly successful in a creative field.” Doesn’t that sound like what you’re doing?

Could your creative business benefit from your treating it as an entrepreneurial endeavor? I bet it could!

You may already be doing things typical of an entrepreneur, such as dedicating your time to work on your projects. You may even be getting up early to get things done. But what more can you do?

A young man at a laptop with creative and business ideas illustrated behind him, showing his entrepreneur mindset.

Here’s an exercise for you. Go to five people who know you or your work well and ask them one of two questions: “What do I do better than anyone else?” or “what do I do better with my creative endeavor (writing, podcasting, etc.) than anyone else?”

Evaluate their answers, then utilize them! Whatever it is they say, emphasize that to other people. Put it in your biography. Flaunt it in your ads. The answers your friends give you are going to help you market yourself to your target audience.

For example, if three out of five say that your characters are so realistic and relatable, take advantage of that. Tell the world that these characters will be their new best friends. If they tell you that your expertise has changed their lives, quote them. Let the world see what you can do.

Creating and revising a product is only half the battle as an entrepreneur. The other half is marketing. In order to truly treat your business the way it deserves to be treated, you have to put in the work to get eyes on it. There’s a whole world of information out there on how to do that, but this is a good place to start.

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Mariah K. Porter is an author, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Her YA Fantasy series, Recovering Happily Ever After, is about teens struggling with anxiety and depression the same way she does. When she isn’t writing or managing her business, you can probably find her at home listening to J-Pop with her small children. You can find her website at mariahkporter.com.

4 Lessons I Learned from the BYU Folk Dance Ensemble

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By Laura Arnold

It may sound strange to say that dance has changed the way I see the world, but that is exactly what I’ve experienced as a member of BYU’s International Folk Dance Ensemble. I had been dancing for years before I attended BYU, my primary training being in Irish dance. When I came to the university as a freshman, I was immediately drawn to the folk dance program. I already knew I loved Irish dance, and I suspected I would enjoy other folk dance styles as well.

I had no idea how true that would be.

Celebrating Cultures

At first I stubbornly insisted that Irish dance was the best of all cultural dances; but it wasn’t long before I became enraptured with the dances of other countries. I discovered the strength of Russian dance, the dignity of Mexican dance, and the vivacity of Chinese dance.

Laura Arnold dances a Russian character dance in the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble’s 2018 Christmas Around the World performance. Photo credit: Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.

I began to find joy in celebrating the uniqueness of people from different parts of the world. I soon noticed that any time I met someone from another country whose dance style I was familiar with, I had an instant connection with them. The love I felt for their culture’s dance style extended to love for that person, even if I had just met them.  

Making Friends through Folk Dance

I’ve come to appreciate this unifying effect of dance in my travels with the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble. While we were in France for a performance tour, we connected with the youth of the area during a mutual activity. In Belgium for a dance festival, I stayed in the home of a Belgian family whom I still refer to as my Belgian mom, dad, brother, and sister. When we were in China as part of the 2019 BYU China Spectacular, I befriended the Chinese students who performed for us when we visited their university dance classes.

Laura Arnold dances with a student from Minzu University in Beijing, China, during a dance exchange workshop. Photo credit: Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.

The beautiful thing is that, in each of these encounters, it didn’t matter if we spoke the same language or not; we were united through our love of dance. In fact, to me, dance is a universal language. I may not know how to say “let’s be friends” in French, Dutch, or Chinese, but I do know how to join hands with someone in a dance circle.

Sharing Joy in Folk Dance

There is one aspect of dance that all cultures share, and that is joy. Be it through the sacred temple dances of India or the lively national dance of Ukraine, people all around the world dance to express joy.

Laura Arnold in costume for a Chinese dance. Photo credit: Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.

When I dance, joy is the engine that propels all my movements. And when the audience sees my fellow dancers and I experiencing this joy, they feel joy themselves. It is joy that unites us as a human race and makes us realize that we aren’t so different after all.

Sharing Light and Love

Perhaps the greatest blessing cultural dance has brought me is the ability to share the light of God’s love with others. Alma 26:37 says, “Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth.”

I know that God truly loves all His children, wherever they live and whatever culture they’re from. When I dance, my greatest hope is that someone will more clearly understand God’s love for “every people” and the truth that we are all His children.

Laura Arnold and her teammates perform an American clogging piece. Photo credit: Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.

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Laura Arnold is a student at Brigham Young University who participates in the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble.

All photos are credited to Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo.

How to Start a Blog

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By Oakli Van Meter

Knowing how to start a blog is one of the hardest things, at least for me. My junior year at BYU, one of my professors said that we all should start a blog. She said it would be a great portfolio tool later on. I went home that day and started a blog. I wrote on and off for a while, then life happened. At the end of my senior year, I revived the blog for a class assignment. It felt great to have a required weekly post. Then once again, life got in the way and Wise Ole Oak is sitting quietly in the corner waiting for me to get back to it.

Why, you ask, does anyone care about my sad excuse for a blog? Why does it matter? Because I’m a classic case of “what not to do.” That being said, I feel prepared to share my advice on how to start a blog—advice sown from the fields of my failure.

First, choose a hosting platform.

Do you research, but don’t overstress it. There are plenty of free platforms that are virtually the same. Choose one that’s easy to use. My personal favorite is WordPress, but there are plenty of other good options that you can learn about here or here. Keep your site simple but professional. You don’t want text boxes of filler text from the template still lurking, but you don’t have to fill everything up with stuff.

Second, decide what your blog is going to be about.

You want to focus on what would benefit your potential clients. Editors could focus on writing or self-editing thoughts. Social media gurus could post about how to use social media. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. Something you can write about pretty much every week. 

A woman planning a blog post.
Third—and this is crucial—make a plan.

When to post, how often to post. (Hint: Monday mornings are a great internet traffic time.) Without a plan, you’re going to struggle to keep up. Trust me, I know. Create a spreadsheet with dates and topics. Set reminders. If you can, write several blog posts over the course of a few days. Then you don’t stress-write two hours before you want to get it posted. 

Speaking of posting, make sure you’re sharing your blog posts to your social media channels. (And if you don’t have any of those, create some!) If you have an email newsletter, include the link there. Anywhere that your desired audience could see it, post it.

Finally, write. And enjoy it.

Blogging shouldn’t be stressful. It should be an additional, fun way to engage with your audience or clients. If it’s becoming stressful, step away for a bit. The inspiration often comes away from the keyboard.

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Oakli Van Meter is a wife, mother, and a freelance editor, writer, and blogger.

A Quick Primer on Starting Your Own Home-Based Business

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By Amy Collett

Entrepreneurship is a lofty goal, but one many aspiring business owners can easily reach by starting small with the home-based business. By getting your venture established in this manner, you can maximize flexibility and minimize overhead. But how do you get started? Is it really possible to market yourself and make money? Answers are found below.

In the Beginning

One of your first steps before applying for your business license or putting up a website is to determine what you want to do and what type of business structure you’ll have. Most home-based businesses are run as sole proprietorships. However, if you need to protect your personal assets, you may want to establish yourself as an LLC.

Next, take a look at your funds. When you do not want to dip into your savings, you have plenty of options from the Small Business Administration Bridge Loan program to raising funds via friends and family. Financing your business venture can give you working capital to buy inventory or equipment. Further, by not dipping into your personal nest egg, you won’t be quite as stressed out about money, and you’ll have cash in hand to reach your professional goals. There are non-governmental funding sources available as well, and Zen Business notes that many larger companies have even taken it upon themselves to provide grants for SMBs.

Getting Started

Now that you are ready to go and have the funding to do so, you may want to look into hiring a helping hand as you establish yourself as a leader in your industry. The type of assistance you need will depend on what you do. If you are a book writer, for example, you’ll want to find an experienced editor, and the Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association notes that you can start by looking for recommendations from other writers.

You might also need help with administrative, technical, or other tasks outside of the scope of your expertise. In this case, hiring a freelancer may be a smart choice. First, an independent contractor will cost you less overall, even if you have to pay slightly higher hourly rates. But more importantly, you will have access to a global platform of people with the types of experience you need. There are downsides, however, and it makes sense to review the pros and cons of hiring freelance help before you recruit.

Customers Are Key

One of the most intimidating aspects of running your own business is putting yourself out there and finding customers. It requires a high level of confidence, and you have to be ready for rejection. Start by developing a plan, which might include scouting for potential clients on social media or sponsoring local events to draw attention to your business. Make sure to price your products or services competitively, taking into account everything from your local economy to the value that you bring. You do not necessarily have to be the least expensive option but the one that provides the very best for the money.

Once you begin bringing in customers, remember the importance of customer service. No matter what you do, there will always be competition, and if they are perceived as more customer-centric, you can bet that is where consumers will go. Focus on quality, and remember that getting things right the first time is the best way to make a good impression. This, in turn, will convince your customers to tell their friends and family about you, which equates to more revenue.

The above tips can help you get started. Ultimately, however, the success or demise of your business is something only you can determine. It might be a daunting endeavor, but entrepreneurship is one that comes with many benefits—ones that you have to experience for yourself to appreciate.

7 Steps for Hiring a Good Editor

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By Victoria Passey

  1. Understand the different types of editing.

There are several types of editing: content/developmental editing, substantive/deep-line editing, copyediting, and proofreading, as well as edits for style guides and fact-checking. Together, they create a funnel of sorts, progressively narrowing down to your finished, publication-ready manuscript.

Since there are many different terms for the different phases of editing, we’ll simplify them into four major categories so you can determine the type of editor you need for each phase of your project. 

  • Content editing takes a big-picture look at your manuscript. This stage reviews your manuscript’s major strengths and weaknesses regarding plot issues, organization, pacing, structure, etc.
  • Substantive or deep-line editing looks at your writing. The primary goal at this stage is to address the artistry, clarity, word economy, voice, and emotional impact of each sentence and paragraph (which can include any last little issues with the developmental points above, like pacing, dialogue, and rhetoric).
  • Copyediting is that final, fresh set of eyes where the editor catches any last issues that might trip up readers. This stage includes all the fine details, from clarity, to grammar and mechanics, to consistency issues and typos. Generally, it’s also concerned with style-guide issues, like bringing things in line with The Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Proofreading is a second quality control round and, depending on whether you are traditionally or self-publishing, will happen before or after a book is in the galley stage—when the interior layout is completed and it looks like a “real” book. You may also want a separate or related galley proofread, which addresses the aesthetics and consistency of your book’s typography.
  • Understand your budget and goals.

Your budget, goals, and publishing path will drive what kinds of editing will serve you best and how many rounds of editing your manuscript will go through. Sending your manuscript through each of the phases is the ideal for traditional-pub quality, but if you can’t afford it, at a minimum, you’ll want a developmental edit, followed by a solid copyedit. An experienced developmental editor can discuss the industry, market, and which editing phases would make sense for your genre and individual work. 

  • Search within your community.

Though it may be tempting to rely on online searches to find an editor, word of mouth is your best bet. Ask your writer friends (writing groups or other communities you’re a part of) for recommendations for editors.

Your editor should be vetted by the writing community. Look for strong reviews and community recognition or involvement.

  • Know the qualities of a good editor and of good feedback.

Your developmental editor should have a solid understanding of writing craft, particularly story structure, pacing, and character arcs. 

Your line or copyeditor should be very familiar with The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary because these are the standard guides for style and usage within the publishing industry. It’s also important that your copyeditor respects your authorial voice and has an impeccable understanding of modern grammar and usage.

The ideal editor will provide firm, honest, kindly phrased feedback—not just empty praise.

As an author, you want feedback that helps you improve your manuscript by giving you a candid look at its strengths and weaknesses. Empty praise may inflate your ego, but it won’t help you grow and improve as a writer.

  • Understand a developmental editor’s genre specialty.

It’s important that your developmental editor understand your chosen genre, especially as you progress in your writing career.

Any good content editor can edit and give feedback on general story structure and craft, which can be beneficial for writers who are just starting out, but as you progress in your writing career, an editor who understands your genre is increasingly important.

An editor who understands your genre also understands the tropes, audience expectations, and what’s already been done (what you’ll look cliché for doing) within that genre.

For example, if you want to become a well-known romance author, an editor who isn’t an expert in romance plot structure and doesn’t know the difference between romance subgenres isn’t the right fit for you.

  • Get a sample edit before moving forward.

Before you decide on an editor, ask for a sample edit of a short selection from your manuscript. A sample edit will help you understand the editor’s skill level, as well as how they’ll approach your work and your feelings as an author. Make sure to compare the different sample edits you get from all the editors you are considering. Price is not a good comparison point—if you don’t get a quality edit, you’ve wasted your money, regardless. 

By the way, most editors use Track Changes in Word to record their line edits and comments. Understanding this feature will ensure that you can view your editor’s notes and accept or reject their changes.

  • Discuss details.

Once you’ve decided on an editor, be sure to discuss the details of your project. Laying out the details (in a written contract) early on will save both of you many headaches later.

Some of the details you’ll want to discuss are deadlines, costs, payment arrangements, and a work-for-hire contract where your work is protected and the editor is under an NDA (nondisclosure agreement).

You should be able to discuss these details over the phone—either with someone in the company you’ve hired, or the editor themselves if they are an individual freelancer. And make sure you get it in writing!

Getting a manuscript ready for publication is a collaborative effort based on a mutual love of books, respect, and creative effort. If you and your editor respect each other’s time, effort, expertise, and vision, the resulting product—and partnership—will amaze you!

A few editorial recommendations to get you started:

  • Eschler Editing: This award-winning, experienced team of editing and publishing/promotion professionals has editors for most every genre and every type of editing—specializing in fiction and nonfiction (plus poetry, dissertations, essays, web content, etc.) Find them at EschlerEditing.com.
  • Joshua Essoe: Joshua is a skilled content editor who does sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, YA and adult, and their subgenres (but no lit fic, romance, or children’s/MG). Find him at JoshuaEssoe.com.
  • Josh Vogt: Josh is a highly experienced editor who can work with most fiction genres (though maybe not super-literary fiction, as he prefers plot-driven works); he also does gaming lit and loves speculative fiction. Find him at write-strong.com or joshrvogt@gmail.com.
  • Precision Editing Group: This experienced team of editors and best-selling authors tackles many genres. (They just don’t do poetry or dissertations.) Find them at PrecisionEditingGroup.com or editor@precisioneditinggroup.com.
  • The Manuscript Dr.: A team of story-savvy fiction editors. Find them at  TheManuscriptDr.com.

18 Books and Podcasts Recommended by LDSPMA Members

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LDSPMA is all about publications and media. But which publications? Which media? Before we jump into our March theme—“A Month of Editing”—let’s see what LDSPMA members and friends are immersing themselves in. 

Book Recommendations

Podcast Recommendations

Empowered to Become Part of LDSPMA

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By Joseph A. Batzel (LDSMPA Director of Education)

Our theme for this year’s conference can invite many thoughts and interpretations. As I think of the word empowered, I am drawn to a definition from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary: “having the knowledge, confidence, means, or ability to do things or make decisions for oneself.” 

I was empowered several years ago when I was searching for an organization that provided an opportunity for me to further my knowledge in publishing and media. I had tried several other groups who provided similar opportunities, but their values and principles were not what I was looking for at the time.

As I perused the website I was so impressed with what Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media stood for in their mission statement: “LDSPMA is an international organization for members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who work in media and publishing or seek to do so.”

We provide online and in-person opportunities for our members to learn, network, share and refine their work, and support one another in magnifying and marketing praiseworthy works that bring light into the world. The media represented by LDSPMA members include books, blogs, articles, songs, poetry, videos, films, audio programs, podcasts, and others.

I had years of experience in writing, singing, poetry, video, and audio, and  I was also going to have the opportunity to work with people with the same values and principles. This combination was precisely what I was looking for to fit my spiritual and artistic needs. I made a decision that day to join the organization. In my past, I had been the CEO of my nonprofit organization for the preservation of the arts. I realized at that time I not only wanted to be a member I also wanted to serve on the board of directors.

I was at the right place and the right time when I felt guided by inspiration to find the website and notice they were looking for a director of education. The criteria met my qualifications. I filled out the application and was contacted shortly thereafter by the current president and approved by the board.

My privilege to serve others has been a mantra of mine for many years. I have been a professional educator for more than forty years. In those years, I have had the privilege of teaching students in the classroom of universities, colleges, and public schools. I’m blessed to say, “I have learned as much from my students as they have learned from me.” Education is a collaborative effort; we don’t need teachers if we don’t have students to teach. 

I look at serving on our LDSPMA board in the same capacity. We can’t function if we don’t have members that support us by becoming involved as our future leaders, committee members, presenters, keynotes, and general attendees at our conferences. 

We operate as a nonprofit organization; all of us who provide service are volunteers. As the director of education, it is my responsibility to provide as many opportunities to educate our members. Our yearly conference scheduled for this September is an ideal chance to receive some excellent instruction from our many presenters sharing their expertise in all facets of publishing and media. Along with our conference, I would like to share with you some of my educational goals for this coming year:

  1. I want to continue with our podcasts and include some of our conference presenters in our interviews.
  2. I want to encourage our college and university students to become involved by establishing and joining chapters on each college and university campus.
  3. I want to provide more opportunities for our members to submit their poetry and short stories to our blog and social media pages.
  4. I want to encourage our members to give us feedback on our blog, website, and social media pages. We want to provide the best educational experiences you are seeking.
  5. I want to encourage all of our members and potential members to attend our conference and learn from the most knowledgeable, insightful, passionate, and uplifting presenters that we are assembling to teach you in your respective areas of interest.

It is my hope and prayer that we can grow together as leaders and members and become one as we reach for the goal of “Empowering our Vision” for the coming year. I hope to meet many of you at this year’s conference.

Joseph