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Trina Boice

Member Spotlight: Sarah Hinze!

May 8, 2021 By Trina Boice Leave a Comment

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?

My husband Brent and I are the executive producers of the feature documentary, Remembering Heaven. I am also the author of five books in print: The Announcing Dream, The Castaways, Memories of Heaven, The Memory Catcher, and my first historical novel, A Pawn for a King (based on the life of my 24th great grandmother). For almost thirty years, I have prepared books and related media on a phenomenon called the announcing dream. By definition, an announcing dream is “an announcement in dreams or visions of a child waiting to be born.” A new book, Waiting in the Wings, is coming soon!

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

To be a creator of media came to me as a calling from the still small voice. I told the Lord, “You’ve got the wrong girl.” He said, “I’ve got the right girl.” I could not argue myself out of doing what I felt were His directives to me. So, I prayed. listened, and worked, crossing off in a notebook the directives I put into action. That led to my first book. After that, I knew what it took to write and publish a book. The Lord sent help all along the way. I am a team player.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My books on souls waiting to be born tend to heal, and even soften hearts toward unborn children. That has been a highlight. It is rewarding to hear from people who write me or come up to me with a child in their arms with the message, “This child is here because of your book.” That has kept me going for so many years. Now, with our film Remembering Heaven, with the stories or pure testimonies of many people who have had these experiences, more will be touched and informed that we are children of God.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?

My husband told me years ago, “You won’t reach everyone with your books, but you will help and heal some.” That helped me to know I am doing my best and to enjoy the journey along the way. I do enjoy the journey and the people I meet. It is joyful work and a message to share. We are the children of God and come from His presence before we are born.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Enjoy your talents. Do not hide them under a bushel but develop them. Let your light shine to the world. The Lord will help us. He knows our missions as artists, writers, and filmmakers. His timing is key. I am in my later years, but it has been worth persevering with what I feel our Father in Heaven wants me to do as a writer and filmmaker. “I’ll go where you want me to go, I’ll say what you want me to say, I’ll be what you want me to be” is my mission statement.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I need the Lord’s strength and inspiration each day or I am stuck. Scripture study and prayer give me the fuel I need to work each day. I know God wants to give me guidance, so I ask in faith. I have a notebook by my side after prayer and with faith, I ask, “What do I need to do today?” Ideas come to serve others, to visit or call a family member. Almost every day, I spend some time, or lots of time, on my mission as a writer.

What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?

I love the work it takes me to create. I write and rewrite. I’ve rewritten some books many times before I publish them (The Castaways). One book sat in my files for ten years before I felt impressed to publish it (Memories of Heaven). I take my orders from above because it is a sacred work to teach others that they are a child of God. I try to be patient with myself and I try not to beat myself up when a project takes a lot of time and thought. And I love to develop my talents. We were born to create.

In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?

The Lord says in Matthew 7:16-20, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” I have seen children given the gift of life, children invited to be born into a family, and others emotionally healed and comforted from so many of the trials of life. That has been the reward, to feel I am bringing hope and healing to others. It has not always been easy, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have learned to never give up and to always trust in the Lord’s timing. I have learned to listen to the still small voice.

If you want your spotlight to link to your website or any of your social media platforms, include the URLs here.

Website: www.sarahhinze.com 
Facebook: Sarah Hinze
Email: [email protected]

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: A Pawn for a King, Author, documentary, filmmaker, God, inspiration to write, Memories of Heaven, personal revelation, prayer, Sarah Hinze, The Announcing Dream, The Castaways, The Memory Catcher

Member Spotlight: Jeremy Madsen!

May 1, 2021 By Trina Boice 2 Comments

Jeremy Madsen lives in Provo, Utah

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
  • The Atrium of Light Scripture Song project: making available online a collection of 300+ songs that set major scripture passages to original melodies. These songs were written by my family while I was growing up. They are extremely powerful for helping people memorize scriptures and incorporate spiritual power into their day-to-day lives.
  • “From Precepts to Power,” a blog for Latter-day Saints that explores principles for spiritual and personal empowerment.
  • I’m the chief editor for Studia Antiqua, a BYU student journal for the study of the ancient world.
  • Rendhart, a half-finished YA fantasy novel.
What inspired you to become a creator of media?

My brothers. Growing up, they both read a lot of fantasy and adventure books and also wrote fantastic stories. Since I was eleven, I have had the dream of becoming a fantasy author myself. I used to don a cape and draw a sword (actually a plastic ruler) and fight imaginary duels in my bedroom. Oh, wait—I still do that! In high school, I once listed all the books I wanted to write one day. The list was at least thirty items long and ranged from quirky sci-fi titles to personal development books. I still have that list.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being involved with LDSPMA. I love the people I have met, the things I have learned about the publishing industry, and the opportunities that have become available to me. It truly is an awesome organization, and I’m so glad I could be a part of making its mission happen as the new Operations Manager.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?

Advice from C. S. Lewis: “No [writer] who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” Also, the book Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Williams and Bizup taught me more about effective writing than any other book I’ve read.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Identify your priorities early, and then stick to them. Never allow your writing (or editing or podcasting, etc.) to come before God, family, or Church duties. But don’t let inconsequential hobbies, distractions, or concerns take time away from your creative work either. Drink lots of water. I drink 20-30 cups of water a day, and it does amazing things to my energy level and mental clarity. Set high standards for the content you create. There are enough media out there with profanity, vulgarity, crude humor, and unprincipled protagonists. Don’t add more. Create media that will truly bring people to God.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged as a creator. I walk into a library and see the thousands upon thousands of books, and I think, “What could I ever add? And who would read it?”

The main source that sustains me is God. Every once in a while, He’ll remind me that my words and ideas are valuable and needed. The second source that sustains me is sincere praise from others. Someone told me recently, “Even if you write your blog posts for no one else but me, I get so much out of them that they’d be worth it.”

What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?

I love capes! Capes and cloaks of all kinds. I’ve worn them around the house, to school, even on dates. One of my most prized possessions is a dragon-scale-pattern cloak my wife made for me back when we were dating. March 10th is Universal Cape Day! Mark your calendars for next year. Wear a cape. Feel heroic.

In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?

I want my writing to model mature romantic relationships—something that is very rare in media. I want to show agency-based love instead of “love at first sight” or “love by happenstance.” I want to show the work and commitment that building and maintaining (or repairing) a relationship requires. And I also want to show the deep sense of security, love, and fulfillment that a well-nurtured marriage can bring.

If you want your spotlight to link to your website or any of your social media platforms, include the URLs here.

The website my siblings and I built to house our creative content: AtriumOfLight.com.

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: blogger, Brigham Young University, BYU, BYU Studia Antiqua, From Precepts to Power, Jeremy Madsen, Latter-day Saint, LDS, LDSPMA, LDSPMA Member Spotlight, romance, scripture songs, The Atrium of Light Scripture Song project, Writer

Member Spotlight: Lisa Gregg!

April 24, 2021 By Trina Boice Leave a Comment

Lisa Gregg lives in Southeastern Utah.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I have loved stories and wanted to contribute creatively to the world since childhood. The desire to edit and help refine other people’s stories came later as a natural extension of that.

When I was five or six, I tried to get my dad to write down a story for me. I knew my childish handwriting was hard to read and that my spelling was bad, so I wanted a shortcut. My dad wisely used it as a learning opportunity, as dads do, and convinced me to write it myself (though he did correct my spelling).

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I recently finished and have begun revising my first full novel. Writing “the end” on the last page brought on a rush of relief and a feeling of achievement unparalleled by any I’ve previously experienced.

I also highly enjoy attending writing conferences and classes and consider them highlights as well. They’re great, both for the chance to learn and for the opportunity to interact with other lovers of the written word.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?

The best advice I’ve received, I think, is to solicit and gracefully accept feedback. You don’t need to take every piece of criticism or correction, but it is important to realize that you are not perfect and other people can help you improve. I think that advice is helpful in writing and in life. Humility and a willingness to be corrected can be difficult to develop—I’m definitely not a master at it—but it is very helpful in the long run.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

The advice is the same for both writing and editing: just keep practicing. Write, write, write, and read, read, read. Read stories, read history books, read books on writing. Find podcasts and classes and videos online about writing, and see what they have to teach you. If you are a big fan of a movie or book, try writing fanfiction for it. Then, put it online and get feedback on your writing. Practice may not make perfect, but it will certainly make you better.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The world is full of inspiration. However, I personally think the most interesting story inspirations come from combining two or more interesting things together in a “what if” scenario.

What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?

I am a writer of sci-fi, fantasy, and whatever else tickles my fancy. In the past, I have been a poetry editor for a literary magazine and a corporate editor in an office, but now I edit fiction (and very occasionally nonfiction) on a freelance basis. I’ve also recently taken a position as an assistant librarian, which is great fun.

As far as my process goes, I’m a night-writer generally, and I spend the day letting words and ideas digest. I believe in going on walks and seeking stillness. I think pondering, putting in the work spiritually, is necessary to put out good creative work.

How do we find you online?

You can find me on Instagram @lisatgreggwrites and my website www.lisatgregg.com.

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: fantasy book, Latter-day Saint, LDSPMA, LDSPMA Member Spotlight, media, sci-fi book, Writer, writing conferences

Member Spotlight: Alan Sanderson!

April 17, 2021 By Trina Boice Leave a Comment

Dr. Alan Sanderson lives in Enoch, Utah.

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?

I have two main creative outlets:
1) The Medicine and Faith blog, started in 2014, where I write from my perspective as a Church member and as a practicing neurologist, and
2) My music website, started in 2017, where my family members and I post our recordings and collaborations, as well as tutorials and reviews of the software and hardware tools that we use in our home studios.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

The Medicine and Faith blog was inspired by Elder Uchtdorf’s encouragement for Church members to share the gospel online. I was also influenced by Clayton Christensen’s book, The Power of Everyday Missionaries. But I think I have always been a creator. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make music, images, and stories.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Medicine is my career; writing and music are just hobbies. That said, it was an honor to receive a Praiseworthy Award at the 2018 LDSPMA conference.

Image for The Queen of Public Transportation, a song by Tom and Alan Sanderson.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?

Have fun!

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Creating is more fun when you are learning. Learn new skills, build your foundation, and be willing to try new things.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The joy of creating, the satisfaction of improving my skills, the payoff of seeing or hearing the finished project as a real thing in the world. The thrill of good web traffic and comments is like a sugar rush—it doesn’t last long enough to get your next project done. Your primary motivations have to be intrinsic in order for them to be durable, especially when you are a hobbyist.

What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?

I work on projects intuitively, based on what interests and motivates me from day to day and week to week. I don’t hold myself to a timeline or a schedule, but I try to keep two–three projects going all of the time so that there is always something in the pipeline. Also I don’t worry much about whether other people will like my creations. If I can satisfy my audience of one (myself), then I’m happy.

In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?

People comment to me pretty often that my music is uplifting or that they learned something from a blog post.

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: creative hobbies, Creativity, Dr. Alan Sanderson, LDS, LDSPMA Member Spotlight, Medicine and Faith blog, Medicine and Faith podcast, The Queen of Public Transportation, The Sanderson Band

Aaron Merrell: Working in the Film Industry

April 14, 2021 By Trina Boice 1 Comment

By Trina Boice

Check out a recent BYU-Idaho Forum presentation, featuring Aaron Merrell, who is a senior producer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s Publishing Services Department. In the forum, Aaron gives a behind-the-scenes look into producing the Book of Mormon Videos series. He also shares insights about working in the film industry.

Aaron has worked for DreamWorks, Walt Disney Company, and other entertainment companies prior to working for the Church.

Video of Aaron Merrell discussing working in the film industry on the Book of Mormon Videos series.
https://video.byui.edu/media/t/1_yik46p1s/11602882

The Book of Mormon Videos are a collection of videos based on accounts from The Book of Mormon. You can watch them on YouTube or on the Church’s website to learn more about these faith-building films! They are also available in other languages.

You may have seen the Broadway musical called “The Book of Mormon.” Now, through movie magic, you can find out what the Book of Mormon is really about!

Filed Under: Craft Skills, Media, Film & Theater Tagged With: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Publishing Services Department, DreamWorks, film, LDSPMA, movies, The Book of Mormon, The Book of Mormon videos, videos, Walt Disney Company

Member Spotlight: Brittany Passmore!

April 10, 2021 By Trina Boice Leave a Comment

This week’s member spotlight is Brittany Passmore from Logan, Utah!

What inspired you to become a writer/musician/publisher/creative in media?

In high school, I read The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan (finished by Brandon Sanderson). I was so moved by the journey I’d gone on in this fictional world that I knew I had to have a career involved with fiction. I went to college hoping to improve my writing skills and ended up falling in love with editing. Someday, I hope I can share my love of writing with the world too, but I’m really passionate about helping other writers refine their writing and accomplish their publishing dreams.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’ve loved seeing how the authors I work with grow through the various phases of revising and editing. It’s amazing to see how not only their stories but their writing skills can completely transform for the better from manuscript to manuscript with just a little guidance!

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative work?

I think the best advice I’ve been given has actually been in the example of one of my professors at BYU, Matt Baker. He was always so kind and generous in the way he interacted with others. But also so careful in how he carried out his responsibilities so that he truly gave his best work. I think that combination of attributes is what makes others trust and respect you and helps you find satisfaction in your daily work.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

If you want to be an editor, you need to be willing to really study and learn about language. I started out thinking I knew a lot about writing and grammar (and I did, to an extent), but I quickly learned that you need to be humble enough to know that you have a lot to learn and you need to train yourself to always double check yourself so you don’t add your own errors to another’s work.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

My family is a big inspiration for me right now. My husband is still in school, so I’m taking a big role in helping to provide for us. When I think of my little boy, Parker (who is almost two!), I just want to work harder to give him everything I can. But I’m also really inspired by Christ’s example of service. When I think about how I’m really providing a service for others and not just trying to make money, I look at my daily work in a better way and find true joy in helping others in their creative writing.

What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?

I’m learning that my creative work goes a lot better when I keep my priorities balanced. For instance, I’m trying to be better about praying before I work to show the Lord that He is the most important aspect of my life and so I can have His spirit and strength to guide me.

Tell us about your work!

In my freelance editing service, I provide developmental editing, substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, and manuscript evaluations for novelists, especially those writing in science fiction and fantasy genres. (If you’re confused about what these different kinds of editing are, just head over to my website; I explain the difference on my contact page!) Sometimes I blog about writing tips, too.

What are the names of your books/products you’ve created?

I have a freelance editing service called “Passmore Edits.”

What is your website URL?

https://brittanympassmore.wixsite.com/passmoreedits

What are your social media URLs?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passmoreedits

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passmore_edits

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/passmoreedits

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/passmoreedits

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-passmore

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: Freelance, Inspiration, Member Spotlight, Writer

Member Spotlight: Dr. Trina Boice!

April 3, 2021 By Trina Boice 2 Comments

Our Member Spotlight this week is Dr. Trina Boice from Las Vegas, Nevada.

What inspired you to become a writer and creative in media?

I love learning and then sharing what I’ve learned with others. As a little girl, I always knew that I’d be a writer, although I didn’t know exactly what I’d be writing about! I started collecting inspiring quotes and ideas when I was only seven years old.  I kept them in a little box, which grew into a dozen filing cabinets full of content.  Thank goodness we can scan documents into our computer now! That little box has turned into 31 best-selling books and even a daily podcast where I feature inspiring quotes! I’ve always loved clever wordplay, foreign languages, and different ways of communicating. Would you believe I actually liked diagramming sentences in middle school? My kids think I’m such a nerd. They’re right.   

Tell us about your work!

My life is definitely a work in progress! I teach online for Brigham Young University and create online courses at LifelongLearningEducation.com. I’m a movie critic at MovieReviewMom.com and was named the California Young Mother of the Year in 2004, an award that completely amuses my four sons. I’m an author coach at FromBook2Business.com and love helping writers increase their income and impact through their words.

A few years ago, I taught classes at the famous Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College and have the weight gain to prove it. Prior to that, I worked as a Legislative Assistant for a Congressman in Washington, D.C., and was given the “Points of Light” Award and Presidential Volunteer Service Award for my domestic and international community service. I was selected by KPBS in San Diego to be a political correspondent for a time. Needless to say, I love variety! If I told you what I really did, I’d have to kill you.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I love to learn and I’m inspired by the world around me. My desk overlooks my backyard where I can see beautiful flowers and watch the birds play. Music definitely puts me in the writing zone.

What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?

I like a clean workspace, although I also surround myself with things that make me smile. On my desk, I have four computer monitors, because I’m always working on various documents and watching a movie to review simultaneously.

Also on my desk are some cute little souvenirs from countries around the world where I have traveled. I absolutely love to travel and am usually busy planning my next trip. Additionally, I have a little statue on my desk of Groot, from the movie Guardians of the Galaxy, simply because he makes me smile. Next to Groot is a sign with my name engraved on it in Mandarin from a speech I gave in China in front of 500 people. (I have a big desk!)

I also love to smell good things, so I have a pretty diffuser for essential oils wafting around my desk while I create. In addition, I have an inspirational quote and the scriptures to remind me what’s most important in my life. And finally, I have a picture of my awesome family on my desk. If I can plop down at my computer with a good snack, good music, and occasional YouTube videos of funny animals, I’m happy and creative!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The book I’m probably the proudest of is one that won’t ever earn a single cent: my doctoral degree dissertation! It took me over three years to write, but you won’t find it in bookstores anywhere. It’s currently only available in academic libraries. Nerd alert!

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative work?

I interviewed actor/songwriter/storyteller Marvin Payne. He simply and wisely said, “It’s not about you. Serve your audience.” So true.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Just do it! The world needs your talents. If you truly believe in your project, don’t give up. Writing a book and getting a book published can be hard work, but persistence in this industry definitely pays off. Get a platform. Publishers want writers who aren’t a “one-trick pony,” but who have a platform, an established fan base, and who can create multiple products. Write about what you’re passionate about. 

What are the books/products you’ve created?

Books:

  • Family home evening and Sunday Lessons For Kids: Topics From A to Z
  • Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women Wish Guys Knew
  • The Ultimate Mystery Shopping Guide: How To Get Paid To Eat, Shop, & Play
  • Baby Announcement Ideas and Gender Reveals: 200 Creative Ways to Share Your Great News
  • How To Crush the Teenage Years Like A Boss: Life Hacks for Latter-day Saint Youth

…as well as 26 other titles available on Amazon and elsewhere.

Podcast:  “Daily Inspirational Quote With Trina Boice” 

Online Courses at Lifelong Learning Education:

  • Morning Ritual Magic
  • Managing Stress, Anxiety, & Depression
  • The Ultimate Guide to Mystery Shopping
  • Emergency Preparedness for Peace of Mind
  • Nutrition for Vibrant Health

…and 5 more, with other courses coming soon!

Movie Reviews:

Written reviews at MovieReviewMom.com

Video reviews on Youtube under the handle Movie Review Mom

Author Coach: From Book 2 Business

Where can we find you on social media?

Twitter: @TrinaBoice    

Instagram: @TrinaBoice

Pinterest: @TrinaBoice

Facebook: Movie Review Mom (Facebook group)

                 Fans of Author Trina Boice (page) 

                 Lifelong Learning Education (Facebook group)

                 From Book 2 Business (Facebook group)

                 Empty Nest Travel Hacker (Facebook group)

                 Daily Inspirational Quote (Facebook group)

YouTube:  Movie Review Mom channel

                 Trina Boice channel

                 Empty Nest Travel Hacker channel

                 Lifelong Learning Education channel

Free gift:   Finding Joy Today

Patreon:    Movie Review Mom

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: Author, Creative, Movie Reviewer, Social Media, Trina Boice, Voices of Light, Writer

Member Spotlight: Hannah Johnson!

March 27, 2021 By Trina Boice Leave a Comment

Hannah Johnson lives in Provo, Utah, and is the BYU Chapter President of LDSPMA!

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?

Edits for The Freelance Framework and the Enyo Shatterbelt series.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

Like many in the Latter-day Saint Publishing & Media Association, I was a chronic reader. I started publishing reviews on Goodreads when I was thirteen. Eventually I found myself writing reviews that were both analytical and constructive. I started to wonder if my perspectives could make these books better. It wasn’t until BYU announced its new editing and publishing major—just a few months before I arrived—that the pieces fell into place and my pipe dream started to feel like a reality.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’ve loved my developmental editing internship with Book Development Resources because they allowed me so much creative freedom. One book in particular required extensive brainstorming to solve several structural weaknesses. Finding a new plot point that killed all three birds with one stone and seeing the book’s transformation was so fulfilling; it confirmed to me that I’m in the right place.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?

There’s more than one way to cook an egg! If something isn’t sounding right despite the grammatical rules, find a different way to say it!

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

I am someone just starting out in my field (I won’t graduate for another year), but for everyone else out there struggling, I say take every opportunity! Don’t ever think you’re underqualified before you look into it. I would have never believed I’d be on the LDSPMA board, but I’m so grateful that I took the opportunities that brought me here!

A graphic of a typewriter and the word "Editing," since Hannah Johnson is an editor.
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I like to think of positive stories as missionary work. The scriptures are often told in stories, and that’s how we best remember the lessons we learn. To me, the Plan of Salvation is the greatest story ever told. Bringing that spirit into my work always helps me refocus.

What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?

Because BYU’s editing and publishing program is in the college of linguistics, my editing is strongly rooted in how people actually speak and process language. It’s surprising to some, but I believe it produces the most accessible results.

In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?

Asking honest questions and starting conversations has brought both goodness and greatness into my collaborative efforts. In specific projects, sincere communication has steered our novels and journals toward the most positive product. As a Gen Z-er in the larger publishing community, honestly acknowledging concerns has brought understanding and peace to me and other young members of the Church as we struggle to find our footing in a quickly changing industry.

Where can we find you online?

My website, HannahJohnsonEdits.com, and on LinkedIn and Goodreads.

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: Book Development Resources, BYU, editing and publishing, Enyo Shatterbelt, Gen Z in publishing, Hannah Johnson, LDS, LDSPMA Chapter president, LDSPMA Member Spotlight, Provo Utah, The Freelance Framework

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Recent Articles

Sprint Writing for the Win

By Rebecca Talley – “There is no one-size-fits-all for writing a novel – or any book, for that matter. We all must figure out what works for us.”

To Creative Middle-Aged Sisters in the Working World

By JoLynne J. Lyon – “Decide how you’ll measure success. Study your possibilities. Say a prayer. And if it’s what you want to do, get yourself out there.”

A young woman writing.

Why You Don’t Want to Get Your Book Done Quickly

By Angela Eschler – “The quality of the book is a publisher’s best chance to convey the brand experience that will convert readers.”

Recent Podcast Episodes

Popular Articles

A senior couple walking down a quiet lane

Sometimes Things Do Work Out

By Steve Dunn Hanson – We can choose how any situation or circumstance we find ourselves in will ultimately affect us. We can literally shape the results of all our experiences.

Cussing & Creating: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t (& Should!) Use Profanities in Your Writing

By Lizzy Pingry – Writers must evaluate the way they express themselves: how does our use of language and its profanities build or destroy our stories? 

Portrait of a Painter: The Journey of Latter-day Saint Artist Dan Wilson

By Howard Collett – “God is in the very details of our work. That doesn’t just apply to Christian artists working on temple paintings, but it applies to anyone in any career. God can answer specific questions to help us be better providers, better employees, better employers, better husbands or wives, or wherever we need help.” – Artist, Dan Wilson

More Articles

Organ pipes.

Creating Hymns from Scriptures

By Michael D. Young – Well-crafted songs have the power to inspire and change lives, and there is no better foundation for these songs than the scriptures.

Nephi restrains Zoram in a scene in the opera

God Prepares a Way: 5 Lessons from a BYU Student’s Opera about 1 Nephi

By Jeremy Madsen – The miraculous story of the making of “He Shall Prepare a Way” teaches us 5 lessons about launching creative projects in the Lord’s way.

A Single-Word Vision

By Lessa Harding – “Choose a single-word vision.” This idea, introduced to me in an LDSPMA workshop by Michelle McCullough, is simple enough that I don’t feel overwhelmed and profound enough to change the way I think about “becoming.”

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