LDSPMA

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

Trina Boice

Member Spotlight: Julie Ann Toomey!

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Julie Ann Toomey lives in McKinney, Texas.

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
Failure to Thrive – My Journey to Mental Health – published 2018
Through the Eyes of a Friend – coming soon!
What inspired you to become a creator of media?
I’ve always needed to write. I write in my journal a lot and it’s an outlet for me when something crazy in my life happens. It also helps me get all of the words in my head out!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Publishing my autobiography.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
Keep going! Keep creating! It will be amazing!
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?
I don’t know. If I don’t write, I feel like something is missing. I also like to connect with my friends on social media and have writing sprints, which helps me get the words down on paper.
In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?
I’m a HUGE advocate for mental health. My second book, Through the Eyes of a Friend, is about my friend who committed suicide. I hope that it will help people with those kinds of thoughts to rethink that choice, to realize how much they are loved, even when they don’t understand why.
You can learn more about Julie Ann and her creative work at:
julieann.toomey.org

Member Spotlight: Robert Starling!

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Robert Starling lives in Riverton, Utah.

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

I was a photographer for the Daily Universe at BYU. Then, I produced the first student film ever made for class credit called “Ice Cream and Elevators.” I’ve written, produced, and directed hundreds of TV shows, promos, and corporate videos, mostly for the Alabama Public Television Network, for local TV stations for NBC, and for the LDS Church. I wrote the original script for a successful feature documentary film called “In Search of Historic Jesus.” I wrote a book called “A Case for Latter-day Christianity.” My article on the Book of Mormon was “most read” on Meridian Magazine last year.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

An accidental summer job at a military photo lab in 1965 sparked an interest in photography. I decided to major in broadcasting at BYU, and I learned the thrill of creating. I particularly enjoy bringing little-known true stories to the screen that inspire viewers.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Fortunately, there have been many. Getting paid to study the life of Christ while writing the script for “In Search of Historic Jesus” is near the top of the list, then shooting in New York, England, and filming the Shroud of Turin in Italy. Of course, seeing my book in print was a thrill, and filming the B2 Bomber’s first flight. I was the video producer for the Boy Scouts of America at the World Scout Jamboree in Japan. When working for the Church, having President Monson give my boss a literal thumbs up on a project was great.

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

Someone once said, “Find something you love to do, and find a way to get paid for it, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Fortunately, I’ve been blessed to be able to do that for about 50 years. The other best advice comes from Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” President Kimball encouraged LDS creators to use their talents to share the gospel, and that’s the best advice of all.

A photo of a camera being used. Robert Starling is a professional photographer.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

The first piece of advice I mentioned above is a good start. You must love what you do and have a passion for it, or else go find something else. Then you must learn the basics of your craft. It is said that “He who has imagination without learning, has wings but no feet.” In addition, tell stories that don’t just entertain but also inspire and have meaning. Talent is given us from God, and we owe it to Him to use them in His service. Find mentors, and never eat lunch alone, so to speak. Always be networking.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I believe I was given my talents and opportunities for a purpose, and I cannot squander them on meaningless things. Each day is a gift from God of 24 golden hours filled with 60 “diamond” minutes, and I must not waste it. As the hymn says, “have I done any good in the world today?” Asking that question at eventide inspires me each day to try and do better tomorrow. There are so many inspiring stories that need to be told and so little time. It also inspires me to fellowship with other LDS creators, like in A.L.M.A.

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

Maybe what I don’t want others to know, but which could be instructive, is that I have “creative A.D.D.,” and I have difficulty focusing on a project and finishing it. There’s always a new idea popping up. I’m 75, and yesterday I had a literal list of 49 movies I want to make. But today there are 50. I’m off on a new quest. I would say to others “don’t be like me,” but on the other hand, it is a wonderful ride. I just need to find collaborators with resources, who are looking for good stories. I’ve got ’em.

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

“Ice Cream and Elevators” was rejected by a student film festival—a judge said it was too good to have been done by students. BUT, he said that if it portrayed BYU student life accurately, he wanted his daughter to go there! That was good. With “In Search of Historic Jesus,” I was able to show audiences worldwide Christ visiting the Americas. That was good. The interactive DVD “An Introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” was produced for limited use but President Monson said to use it church-wide. That was good. And my book ….

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

The website is down, but ask me about the “Kinship” documentary and the “Tooka TV” Iranian children’s channel!

7 Character Traits of Creative People

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By Trina Boice

Have you ever wondered what drives creative people? What makes them different? Hanging out with other LDSPMA members energizes me, inspires me, and encourages me to tap into my own creativity more! You can develop your own innate creativity by incorporating the following seven traits into your daily life.

1. Creative people are focused

Highly creative people usually have high levels of energy and stay focused on their project for long periods. Even when they are out of the studio or away from the computer, their minds are still thinking about their creative work. To take advantage of the ideas that tend to constantly flow, keep a notebook nearby or reserve a spot on your cell phone where you can instantly record your flashes of inspiration.

2. They hold onto a sense of wonder

Creative people are often brilliant, but they don’t think they know everything. Just the opposite, they retain a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. They are committed to lifelong learning.

3. Creative people work hard

Creative people, whether songwriters or artists, speakers or writers, usually work long hours on a project and get into “the zone.” They let their loved ones know what they need for support, so that when they’re in “the zone,” they won’t be bothered or interrupted. Know how to design an effective workspace with music or silence, food or drink, aroma or light. Creatives are persistent and determined and totally focused on their work. They also know they need to take a break!

4. Creatives are not loners

Research suggests that creative people often combine the best of extroversion and introversion. While most people tend to favor one or the other of these personality types, creative people combine elements of both. They find ideas and inspiration in their social interactions and then retreat to the studio to work their creative magic.

5. They are open and sensitive

Creatives tend to be very empathic and sensitive. They are open to all the possibilities of the world and find inspiration everywhere. Sensitivity is necessary to be able to create artistically but can be a double-edged sword, leaving the artist vulnerable to criticism and rejection.

6. Creatives can daydream and be realistic

The traditional picture of the daydreaming artist isn’t necessarily reflective of the creative mind. Creativity is grounded in imagination and daydreaming, seeing the possibilities and wondering ‘what if?’ But creative people are also very practical, and the next stage is testing the ‘what if’ idea to see if it works. Creative thinking is essential for innovative problem solving that works in the real world.

7. Creatives seek to be a light in the world

Creative desire to share their gifts with the world to make it a better place. They want to share their insights and perspective in order to lighten another person’s burden or add joy and depth to understanding.

So, what are YOU going to create today?

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Dr. Trina Boice is a #1 best-selling author of 31 books and an author coach at www.FromBook2Business.com. She teaches online for Brigham Young University (Idaho campus), is a film critic at www.MovieReviewMom.com. Trina is the Marketing Director at LDSPMA and loves rubbing shoulders with all of you amazing creatives!

Member Spotlight: Estefany Mendez!

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Estefany Mendez is from San Francisco, California.

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

I am currently a news producer and writer at CBS in San Francisco (KPIX-5). Aside from my professional work, I enjoy shooting and editing videos for non-profits. Most of the work I have produced surrounds social justice and immigration.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

My father was a journalist back when I lived in Mexico. He nearly lost his life due to political repression. My family and I immigrated to the U.S. and I felt it was my duty to continue my father’s legacy. Since high school, I began working on short stories. Later on in life, I created the first Spanish newscast at BYU-Idaho.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Emmy recognitions for my professional work. For projects with non-profits, helping causes I care for go viral and have legislators take action.

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

Put The Lord first in all you do. I know my professional success is a blessing from the time I joined the church. Serving my mission prepared me for the trials I have had in the broadcasting field.

This is a national media package Estefany Mendez worked on that features the band “La Santa Cecilia” whose music illustrates the struggles immigrants in the United States face, something Estefany is especially passionate about.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Find your focus and a mentor.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Understanding the purpose of the content I create.

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

Being bilingual is a plus.

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

Sharing personal experiences with those I collaborate with and by being neutral and open to ideas.

Member Spotlight: Joseph Batzel!

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This week’s member spotlight is Joseph Batzel from Brigham City, Utah!

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

I always had a creative mind as a child and wanted to express myself as an adult.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My opportunity to produce and narrate children’s books has given me a tremendous amount of pleasure.

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

Be who you are and remember where you came from.

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

Training!

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

People are enjoying my work!

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

The primary thing that people don’t understand about the creative process is how much work it takes.

Tell us about your work!

My work is diversified, and I am involved in creating and teaching. I love teaching my university students as well as my private acting and voice-over students.

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

Audiobooks!

Redeeming Grace, How I Met Lewis Howard Latimer, Robin Hood, The Lost Tooth, Driving Dainty, The Rollercoaster, His Greatest Creation, Pinocchio, The Purpose of Life, Faith, Love and Fried Chicken, Keep Dreaming, Cowboy, and five volumes of Toby’s adventures.

What is your website URL?

www.josephbatzel.com

What are your social media URLs?

Member Spotlight: Kristen Reber!

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Our Member Spotlight today is Kristen Reber from Saratoga Springs, Utah.

What are the books/products you’ve created?

Book (paperback, e-book, or audio): Early Homecoming: A Resource for Early Returned Missionaries, their Church Leaders, and Family

Podcast: Early Homecoming: Insights from Missionaries who Returned Early

Tell us about your work!

The book Early Homecoming is the product of  seven years of thought and casual research, and then six intense months of interviewing, in-depth research, writing, and editing after the book suddenly landed a publishing contract. It is for anyone who came home for any reason, as well as for parents, church leaders, and friends of early returned missionaries. It is filled with academic and spiritual research, anecdotes from myself and other early-returned missionaries, and advice for coping with the sudden loss of a mission either right after losing it or if one is still grieving the loss years later.

The podcast Early Homecoming is a more casual work where I interview those who come home early for any reason, as well as parents and church leaders. I ask them to tell me their story, including the reason they (or their missionary/missionaries) came home, how they coped initially (or are coping so far), and how they have found peace and healing.

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

I have always enjoyed literature. My mom told me that even when I was a baby, she and I “got a lot of good book time in.” I’ve been writing fiction stories for as long as I can remember, but my first book is actually nonfiction, inspired by my own journey of coming home early from a Latter-day Saint mission. My podcast was created as an additional resource for those who come home early and are either unaware of my book or don’t want to/don’t have time to read.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

My audience. Everyone has a unique story. I simply love to watch and listen to people.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

By far it’s been the opportunity to talk to those who have read my book or listen to my podcast and hear how much it has helped them. I am so honored to be part of their healing journey.

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

I’m a rather thorough person, but I also know when to hold back. When you read something that I write, you can expect it to be completely thought out. I like to write in a colloquial style, but that doesn’t mean I skimp on the details. When you listen to my podcast, it is a more relaxed atmosphere, but the questions I ask my guests have been either thought out beforehand or are the result of careful listening. I want my audience to feel uplifted and enlightened at the end of a chapter or episode.

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

The best advice I’ve ever been given is to be myself. I don’t need to try to be anyone else. While it is important to learn from others and study their work to improve my own craft, when it comes time to create I need to channel my own voice and my own thoughts. People want to hear what I have to say. They don’t want to hear what others are already saying.

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

I have found that when I have done my research before writing or creating a podcast, the book or podcast pretty much create themselves. So, the advice I would give is to not underestimate the value of spending a decent amount of time researching and learning before diving into creating.

Do you have a website?

kristenreber.com

Where can we find you on social media?

Facebook: Early Homecoming page

Instagram: @author_kristenreber

LinkedIn: Kristen Reber

Podcast: Early Homecoming Podcast

Member Spotlight: Devan Jensen!

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Our member spotlight this week is Devan Jensen of Orem, Utah. He is the current President of the Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association.

What are the books/products you’ve created?

As an author, I have written about fifty articles on people and topics in church history. These include Philo Dibble, C. C. A. Christensen, Shoshone history, and the Utah War. In addition, I also wrote God’s Greatest Gifts: 10 Reasons to Rejoice. I compiled Best-Loved Poems of the LDS People, Poems That Lift the Soul, Gradguide, and Latter-day Saint Essentials. I’m working with Rose Ram to write a book called Saints of Micronesia. (I served as a missionary in Micronesia.)

As an editor at the BYU Religious Studies Center, I have edited thousands of articles and chapters. I also manage social media for BYU Religious Education, BYU Religious Studies Center, Church History News, Religious Educator, and Pohnpei Church History.

What inspired you to become a writer/editor?

My parents and elementary school librarians hooked me on reading and inspired me to become a writer. Only later did I realize that editing could become a career.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

A repeated highlight has been traveling with friends to research or to present papers, especially on Pacific history. My favorite places to travel have included New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, Guam, Chuuk, Taiwan, and Washington, DC.

Another real highlight is working with Pacific scholars to write a history of Micronesia that will go in the Yigo Guam Temple.

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

A grab bag of many years of advice:

  • Find the empty spot on the shelf and write for that audience.
  • Ask good research questions.
  • Pluck the low-hanging fruit of the internet and libraries. Then visit archives to dig into original research.
  • Network with other scholars and refine your work through informal peer review and then formal peer review.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Pay the price of learning to become an expert in your field.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Traveling with friends to research or present papers is a huge motivating factor. I hope to travel to New York in 2021 to present at the Mormon History Association conference. I would like to visit the Yigo Guam Temple dedication.

What would you like others to know about you?

Like so many of you, I have a voracious appetite for learning, and for challenging my preexisting assumptions. My Facebook page shares my aspirations: As a writer and editor, I’m shaping a more just and sustainable community, nation, and world.

My wife, Patty, and I live in Orem, Utah. We have four children and an adorable granddaughter. I like to ride my electric bike all over Utah Valley. I perform magic tricks and like to sing and play the piano and ukulele.

Tell us about your work!

I enjoy helping authors to publish and helping promote their work. I have more than thirty years of experience working with books, journals, magazines, newsletters, websites, and social media. I’m volunteering as the president of the Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association (LDSPMA), which I helped to found.

I was hired in 2001 at the BYU Religious Studies Center. Since then I have led talented teams to edit about 250 books or book-length projects, which has garnered many awards.

I have been an adjunct instructor of business writing, editing, and religion for BYU and Utah Valley University. Also, I have been an editor for the Ensign magazine, Church Publishing Services Department, and Deseret Book Company. I have presented at BYU Education Week, Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association, Mormon History Association Conference, Sons of Utah Pioneers, Pacific History Association, and Utah State History Conference. As a National Merit Scholar, I received my BA (cum laude) and MA degrees in English from BYU.

Do you have a website?

BYU Religious Studies Center, my personal blog and the Pohnpei Church History Blog.

Where can we find you on social media?

Common Roadblocks to Getting into Creative Flow

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By Trina Boice

You know the feeling. There’s a deadline looming, and your mind has gone completely blank. Nothing, nada. It’s like your brain has frozen. Luckily the latest research shows us the most common roadblocks to getting into creative flow and how to move past them and get on with the job.

Fear of failure

Most people are afraid of failing because they see it as a one-way street to disaster, rejection, and a stain on their reputation forever. The fear of failure means you’re less likely to take risks, and you put off even starting. And those are two things that can kill creativity stone dead. Redefine creativity as a series of experiments, with failure as a kind of course-correction and an inevitable part of the process.

There’s not enough time

The ticking clock is another creativity killer. If you’re like most people, your schedule is probably crammed, and you feel like you’ll never catch up. If your checklist just keeps growing, you won’t be able to relax in the creative process and let the ideas flow.

A surprising way to find more time is to quarantine some chillout time in your daily schedule. Prioritize some downtime to listen to music, meditate, or just sit quietly. You’ll feel much less stressed and open to the creative flow.

You’re still staring at the screen

Sitting at your desk, staring at the computer or the blank page is not a good way to get creative. If you’ve been trying to write or problem-solve and it’s just not happening, the best thing you can do is go for a walk or do something else first. Get out of the environment that’s keeping you stuck, and your mental gears can disengage and relax enough to be ready when inspiration strikes.

You’re feeling negative

Negative thinking can stop creativity in its track. If you’re sitting there frowning, and thinking you can’t do it, you’re pretty much guaranteeing that you won’t be able to do it. Pessimism and negative self-talk set up a vicious cycle of gloom and low energy.

Reject that self-defeating attitude and give yourself a pep talk. Reframe your task and just promise yourself you’ll write down whatever comes into your head, just to get the process started. Be willing to create garbage to get the creative juices flowing again.

Remember, first drafts are invariably not your best product, because that’s what a first draft is for! You’ve done good work before, so you know you’ll do it again. Tell the muse you’re ready to get past these common roadblocks to creative flow and get writing!

The world needs your brilliance!

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Dr. Trina Boice is a #1 best-selling author of 31 books and an author coach at www.FromBook2Business.com. She teaches online for Brigham Young University (Idaho campus), is a film critic at www.MovieReviewMom.com. Trina is the Marketing Director at LDSPMA and loves rubbing shoulders with all of you amazing creatives!