Craft Skills

The Art of the Interview

November 14, 2025 By LDSPMA Leave a Comment

As creators, one of the greatest tools we have is the ability to listen carefully and ask meaningful questions. The art of interviewing can help us open doors to understanding, build trust, and draw out authentic stories that uplift and inspire others.

When I was going through BYU’s journalism program in the late 1990s, I was surprised to discover there wasn’t a class specifically on interviewing. Which seemed strange, because interviewing is half the job!

So, I learned it on the job. Over the years, writing for a variety of publications, I’ve interviewed people from all walks of life: farmers, CEOs, investors, first responders, city officials, cancer patients, etc. I’ve interviewed people over the phone, through email, video calls, or in person; sometimes in a tractor or in a hallway after a city council meeting. Each format comes with its quirks, but the heart of interviewing is always the same: helping people share their authentic stories.

For those of us who create—whether it’s articles, books, podcasts, or films—interviewing is a sacred opportunity to really see someone, listen with care, and draw out their inner truths. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Making It Happen

Tracking down an interviewee and getting them to commit can be the biggest hurdle because people are busy or hesitant. The key? Be flexible. Offer multiple times, be willing to adjust, and show that you respect their schedule. That first impression will help build trust.

I’ve used a go-between person to contact my interviewee many times. For example, when I worked for an agriculture magazine, I found it hard to get in touch with farmers. As a farm girl myself, I knew that most farmers just wanted to be left alone. So, I’d usually have the dairy association or another trusted contact reach out first to vouch for me. They were much easier to get ahold of after that.

Also consider mode of contact. Some people prefer email, others text, others a phone call. Be open to trying different methods depending on the person—it shows respect for their preferences and increases your chances of connecting.

Set the Stage with Clarity and Trust

People get nervous in interviews. They don’t want to be misrepresented or say something wrong about a topic that matters deeply to them. That’s why I start by sharing my goals: “I’m writing about X, and I hope readers will come away with Y.” My hope is to reassure them that the experience will be positive and that I want the same outcome they do.

Once, I had to contact someone for a tragic story. As I spoke to the interviewee, I told them, “Readers want to know what happened. Take your time. Our goal is to help readers understand.” That moment reminded me that interviews offer a safe space for someone to share something deeply personal, even painful.

A little transparency and compassion reassures people that you’re not trying to “catch” them and that you’re on their side. Trust begins before the first question.

Send Your Questions in Advance

I don’t always do this, but in cases where I sense the person is apprehensive, it works wonders. When someone has time to think beforehand, they’re able to dig deeper. Instead of surface-level responses, they’ll share insights that come from reflection. That’s often where the most meaningful and memorable stories come out.

Try not to send too many questions, however, as that can feel overwhelming. I usually tell people, “I’ll send a few questions to get your mind going, but I’ll also have some follow-ups as we go.” That balance gives them confidence without making the process feel daunting.

Create a Safe Space for Conversation

My interview style is very conversational. I always begin with small talk.
I’ll ask about where they grew up or comment on something interesting in their background, whether it relates to the story or not. It helps them relax and feel like they’re talking to a friend rather than facing an interrogation.

From there, I generally don’t talk a lot. I ask questions in a natural way (rather than sounding like they come from a list), and then I listen and react. “Really? That must have been amazing!” That connection sparks something between myself and the person I’m interviewing. In those moments, we are on the same team and have the same goal. And that feels good.

When people sense that you genuinely care about them—not just their quotes—they open up. Their answers become longer, warmer, and more personal.

Ask Open-Ended Questions—and Really Listen

There’s a time and place for yes-or-no questions, like the courtroom. Many people equate that line of questioning as negative and aggressive. Plus, their answers don’t tell you much. Open-ended questions invite people to tell stories, and follow-up questions show that you’re paying attention.

If someone apologizes for “sharing too much,” I always tell them, “The more, the better.” Giving them permission to share more allows them room to add details and even emotion. Sometimes the added information helps give the story more heart, or leads to stories in the future. That simple reassurance often unlocks beautiful details they might have held back otherwise.

Note-Taking vs. Recording

I started my career when note-taking was the norm, and it took practice to master. Through countless interviews, I learned to pick out important information. Over time, you develop a knack for what should be quoted (such as key points expressed in interesting ways) and what can be summarized (such as basic background details).

These days, recording conversations and using AI to transcribe them is a game changer! Always make sure to ask permission before recording. Even when recording, I still take notes during the interview. It keeps me engaged, helps me stay focused, and provides direction when it comes time to write the story.

Always Offer Your Appreciation

Many people want to share their stories, but it’s not required. Your interviewee offered their valuable time and a piece of themselves. Follow up and let them know how much you valued their time, and when appropriate, share the finished piece. Gratitude also helps build relationships for future interviews and collaborations.

The Takeaway

I feel strongly as a journalist that the Lord wants me to learn from each person I talk to. And I have. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn and understand perspectives we might never have considered. For us creators, interviewing is a chance to practice empathy, patience, and kindness. When we combine diligence with heart in our interviews, we open doors to truth, understanding, and the power of shared human experiences.

Carrie K. Snider

Carrie K. Snider is a Phoenix-based writer. She grew up on a dairy farm and graduated with a degree in journalism from BYU. She has reported for the Deseret News, EastIdahoNews.com, Good News Utah, and others. Several of her articles have received Praiseworthy Awards from LDSPMA. Carrie enjoys hiking, swimming, and watching musicals with her husband and four kids.

Creating 3D Characters

October 3, 2025 By LDSPMA Leave a Comment

Characters can make or break your fiction. It’s imperative that you populate your story world with three-dimensional characters who feel real. Cardboard characters used merely to push your plot along will leave readers feeling empty. Satisfying fiction is filled with characters that readers believe could exist. The more realistic, the better.

Readers don’t want flat characters. They want characters with dimension and depth. If you’ve ever seen Shrek, you might remember the scene when he tells Donkey that ogres are like onions. You want your characters to be like onions with lots of layers that readers are anxious to peel away as they get to know them.

Discovery, depth, and dimension can help you create 3D characters that are memorable, compelling, and realistic.

Discovery

The discovery phase can be compared to an awkward but necessary first date. What would you notice on a first date? At the top of the list would be their physical appearance. Hair color, eye color, physical stature, accent, voice quality, clothing style, laugh, and even skin tone might be part of your character’s description. Do they smile much? Are their teeth crooked? Do they stutter? Is there a stain on his shirt? Is her hair unkempt? Filling out a character sheet will help you keep track of your character’s physical features and other details. You can download a free character sheet from my website.

Another way to discover your character is to surf websites or use AI to find a model who most closely resembles the character in your mind. You can then refer to this image to make sure your physical descriptions are consistent throughout your story.

I like to create a document with images of my characters, along with other physical descriptions like height, weight, body type, speech patterns, and clothing style. Sometimes I even use a celebrity’s appearance as the basis for a character. I print out this document and keep it close as I write the story.

Remember, like a first date, this is all superficial. The physical descriptions only scratch the surface of your characters—don’t stop there. To effectively create compelling characters, you have to dig deeper.

Depth

You want to move beyond what is apparent to the eye and go deeper into the personality of your characters. One of the best ways to learn more about them is to interview them. Ask questions and listen to their answers. You might be surprised at what you learn. Ask them where they grew up, if they were happy as a child, which parent they were closest to and why, and if anything traumatic happened during their childhood. Interview them about school and ask which classes they liked best/least and why. Who was their hero? What music did they listen to? What was their favorite movie? What event most shaped their lives and why?

Ask about activities in high school, friends, and those they didn’t like and why. Did they go to college? Marry young? Have children? Join the Army? Fight for a cause? Go into business? Spend too much money? Do they have a pet? Do they like to eat dessert before dinner? What happened in their lives that shaped them into who they are now? The more questions you ask, the deeper you’ll dive into their psyche. In order to fully understand a character’s motivations, you have to know why they are at this point when your story begins.

You likely won’t use any of this information within your story, but you’ll be able to create a more developed character by doing this background work. To help you get started, you can download a free character interview on my website.

My son was cast as the lead character, Edward Bloom, in the play Big Fish. Edward is a complex character, and my son spent a significant amount of time thinking about him and how he would react in certain situations. He thought about what emotions Edward might experience in different scenes. He put a lot of effort into developing this character, and the result was pure magic on stage. My son brought Edward to life and created an emotional experience for the audience.

That’s exactly what you want for your readers. You want them to read the last sentence of your book, then sit back and continue thinking about your characters and your story for days to come. You want readers to experience your story themselves, and that’s what happens when your characters are fully developed.

Dimension

Now that you’ve dug deeper, it’s time to add even more dimension. This is where the characters become so real to you that you have a difficult time distinguishing them from people you actually know.

When creating multi-dimensional characters, it’s important to think about how that character reacts or responds in situations. For example, if Jane learns that her best friend has just been kidnapped, how does she react or respond? Does she fall apart? Scream? Pass out? Yell at people? Call someone? Cry? Get mad? Go out and look for her friend? Is her response reasonable or over the top?

How your characters react shows who they are and serves to characterize them more deeply. However, you also need to make sure the reaction fits the character (unless that is a specific device in your story—as in, he or she is having a mental breakdown).

A character who is generally calm would not throw a chair through a window when he discovers his shirt wasn’t ironed. This aggressive reaction doesn’t fit the situation or his persona and will feel contrived unless there has been enough revealed about this character that the reader understands his reaction. Reactions are an effective way to deepen the characters in your stories and to help readers understand them.

Look for ways to add dimension to your characters. One way to do this is to freewrite as if you are your character. When I’m stuck on a scene or don’t know how my character feels about something, I find it helpful to take out a notebook and pen and start writing. I’ll write the thoughts and feelings of my character and keep going until I get a better feel for my character in this scene.

Freewriting means that you tie up and gag your inner editor. Set a timer for five minutes, then write, write, write. Don’t give yourself any rules or limitations—simply write. This technique can help you get to know your characters in unexpected ways.

Characters Must Feel Real

Your characters will feel more realistic and compelling when you discover their physical attributes, dig deeper into their personality, and add dimension through their reactions. The more time you spend on developing your character, the more that character will be believable. Character motivations, or reasons for doing what they do, will feel justified and understandable.

Having three-dimensional characters will make your story come alive, so take the time to fully create them. Your readers will thank you.

Rebecca Talley

Rebecca Talley is the mom of ten children and nana of thirteen of the world’s most adorable grandkids. She lives with her family and her husband, Del, in Houston, TX, where she tries to avoid the heat and humidity by living in the pool.

She has published thirteen novels/novellas, a children’s picture book, a chapter book, a writing resource guide, and numerous children’s stories and articles for both online and print magazines. When she isn’t writing, Rebecca likes to date her husband, play with her kids and grandkids, swim in the ocean, crochet, and dance to disco music while she cleans the house.

You can find Rebecca’s websites here and here.

Using Music, Dance, and Drama to Combat Gangs and Criminality

September 19, 2025 By LDSPMA Leave a Comment

In a world that is increasingly filled with chaos, participation in the arts can be a valuable resource to maintain positive relationships, combat mental health issues, and give a sense of belonging. Our friend Rebecca Burnham from Summit Stages shares an interview she conducted with Jerry (J.J.) First Charger Jr. about his work with at-risk youth. We redacted some paragraphs for space, but you can read the full article here.

Jerry (J.J) First Charger Jr. is a Blackfoot man from Kainai who is a hero to many young people, including some of my own children. I first met Jerry when I was helping in a community-building collaboration between Blackfoot and settler high schoolers in our area. Jerry was great with the kids, and enthusiastically helped them develop confidence in themselves and each other. I was also wowed by the breadth of his talents and his willingness to share them with us. He competently taught break-dancing, stage-combat, Indigenous singing, improv, acting and more.

More recently, Jerry’s dance crew, the Westwind Thunders, made Global News (a Canadian network) on a dance tour where they mixed breakdancing and Indigenous styles of dance, (including hoop, fancy, grass, chicken and jingle dress and fancy shawl). I was able to attend one of their performances and was almost brought to tears. I was taken aback by the skill and stamina of the dancers, the joy I saw on the faces of the kids, and the beauty of the dances, especially those performed by Indigenous students in full regalia. My son, who had carried water for the Thunders working as an EA, said it was just as impressive to see how Jerry worked with the kids, that he “leads through pure rapport. The kids would do anything for him, and because of him they know they can do anything.”

I was surprised and moved by the spiritual roots of Jerry’s approach to teaching and the degree to which personal experience has helped him relate and help so many young people and communities who have endured generations of persecution and personal trauma. Here is his story.

Jerry was twenty-two years old when he woke up in a drunk tank in Cardston, Alberta. This was not a first-time experience. He didn’t remember what brought him there–but that wasn’t new either. Only a few months earlier, he’d gotten drunk to the point of black out at a family wedding and wound up severely beating up his little brother, only to wake up the next day with no memory of the conflict. It terrified and deeply shamed him that his brother could have died at his hands. Not knowing how to cope, he’d retreated even further into drugs and alcohol.

Jerry asked the guard what had happened and learned that he’d been at the home of some friends who had wound up calling the police and did not want him coming back. He didn’t know what he’d done, but it was once again threatening his relationships. Why did he keep messing up like this?

He had tried to get help and only gotten more alienated. He felt abandoned and angry at his family, friends and society. All of this had brought him here, sitting on the cold, hard floor of a drunk tank, scared and hopeless. In his distress, he prayed, and he heard an answer, an invitation to change his life. That wasn’t happening. He’d seen friends and family go to treatment, only to relapse as soon as they came out, a month, or even a year later.

He thought about how his life seemed like a waste to this point. He wanted to be remembered as a good person, who helped others out, not as a menace to society, leaving wreckage in his wake. But he knew he couldn’t do it. He was too weak and he would fail.

The Creator said, “You can change. Trust me.”

“But how?” he asked.

Again, he heard, “It can be done. Just trust me.”

He had no arguments left. He agreed he would change, but only if the Creator agreed to never leave him. “Because if you do, I will fail.”

“J.J., I will never leave you. I will always be there for you.”

A few hours later, Jerry walked out of the drunk tank, never to return, “because of the love of the Creator and because I called my spirit back,” he says. He returned to church and the Creator, true to His promise, has been with him ever since.

Seven years of sobriety later, Jerry got a call from a friend who said the Young Offenders Centre in Lethbridge was looking for a youth mentor to run a drumming and dance program for young inmates. He taught the youth inmates to sing, drum and dance. He found this to be a gateway to connection. He noticed that the youth came to trust him first as their music and movement mentor with whom they had fun, and that opened the door to honest discussions about personal responsibility and the power to change. Drumming, he has since learned, is correlated with resilience among war-torn people in Africa. He didn’t know that then, but he started seeing that same burgeoning resilience in the youth with whom he was working.

Music, dance and drama gave him a natural way to teach the inmates that making mistakes is not a good reason to be beaten down. “Everybody makes mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow.” This allowed him to teach about choice and consequence as a learning rather than a punitive experience. Instead of using language like “good and evil” that tended to activate inmates’ shame and their fear of rejection, he taught about choosing between positive energy and negative energy. Jerry told the inmates that, “before you can help your children, you better fix yourself, take on some personal responsibility for your actions, be mindful and accountable.”

Inmates loved it. They told him that his program was a sharp contrast to the rest of their prison experience. Among the things they said were, “We love coming to your programs because you make us think,” “You made me feel like I was not in jail. You took the walls away from me,” and “You helped me enjoy myself and learn that life can be fun again.” It was a novel approach to correction, but Jerry believed the system should be focused on rehabilitation, not punitive measures.

Jerry began to work with kids who were struggling to cope with chaotic home lives, and with parents who feared having their battles with addiction, anger, and so forth revealed to a counselor in a system that they didn’t trust. Once again, music and dance were the gateway he needed to get into a position of trust from which he could help.

One of the key tools he uses now is BBoying and BGirling (breakdancing). He has learned that it helps kids self-regulate. Breakdancing and hip hop were popularized as an antidote to violence in the Bronx, New York, when gang violence was so pervasive that you could get killed for crossing the street wearing the wrong colors. Former gang leader African Bambaataa persuaded other leaders to embrace the creative expression offered by hip hop as a way of pulling back from the brink of annihilation. Gang members started settling turf wars with dance battles instead of weapons. It allowed them to flex their muscles and show off how tough they were, but in a way that left them alive to better themselves and compete again another day. “The old school BBoys said that they were [so] busy practicing for the next battle that they did not have time to do criminal activities.”

He speaks about one struggling student whose family would not let their boy anywhere near counseling. But they were happy to let Jerry teach him breakdancing and that helped the boy develop the supports he needed and the self-regulation skills to cope better at school.

Jerry cites new understanding of the therapeutic power of play. “The experts in the field of therapy are pointing out that dance, art and play are effective tools for dealing with trauma. That is where the healing happens.”

Twenty of the Most Confused Grammatical Terms

September 5, 2025 By LDSPMA Leave a Comment

We love English. Twenty percent of the world’s population speaks it, with about 400 million native speakers and 1.5 billion learning it as a second language. English blends and borrows words from many cultures and languages. It’s a linguistic melting pot.

English is fascinating! But let’s face it—it’s also really complicated. English is one of the languages with the most complex grammatical structures. And when you throw in spelling . . . well, English can be rough to nail down.

But no worries! We’ve collected a list of some of the most confused grammatical terms in the English language. If you learn these, you’ll be speaking and writing English better in no time.

A lot, Alot, Allot

A lot is an adverb that means “much” or “frequent.”

I go to the gym a lot.

That is a lot of ice cream.

Alot is not a word. Don’t write it.

Allot is a verb that means “to distribute” or “to assign a portion.”

I will allot half of the posters to my business partner to hang up.

After her speech, Dimitria will allot ten minutes for questions.

Affect, Effect

This one is tricky, but the main rule is affect is used as a verb and effect is used as a noun.

The new machinery will affect the productivity of the plant.

The effect of the lights is stunning.

Among, Between

Among is used for relationships of three or more items. Between is used for relationships of only two items.

I can’t choose which among all my shoes to wear.

I often stand between the stop sign and the fire hydrant when waiting for the bus.

Assure, Ensure, Insure

All three of these words are verbs that mean “to make sure.” Though some of their definitions cross over, there are a few rules of thumb you can remember that will help you place the correct word in the right context.

Assure removes doubt and suspense from someone’s mind. Ensure can be replaced with guarantee. And insure is mainly used for financial risk. Refer to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary for more examples and definitions.

I assure my pets I will be home no later than 3:00.

David ensures he has next week off work.

Gemma will need to insure her new car.

Complement, Compliment

Complement means “to complete.” Compliment means “to say something nice to or about someone.”

Her red heels complement her shade of lipstick.

Jane complimented Michael on his choice of tie for the evening.

Every day, Everyday

Every day is a noun or adverb. Everyday is an adjective and is used only before a noun.

Erika teaches yoga classes every day.

Erika’s everyday yoga classes will keep you invigorated.

Farther, Further

Farther refers to literal distances. Further means “more.”

Jenna runs farther than Jared every time they jog.

The team decided they needed to discuss the concept further.

Fewer, Less

If you can count it, use fewer. If you can’t count it, use less.

The fewer pets you own, the less hair you’ll find on the floor.

The less flour Halley uses in the mix, the fewer pancakes she’ll be able to make.

In to, Into

Into refers to movement and is attached to a noun. When separated with a space, the in and to in in to are normally attached to other parts of the sentence than to each other. For example, in the phrase “call in to order food,” call in and to order go together more than in and to.

Chloe stepped into the car.

Please sign in to your computer.

Its, It’s

Its is a possessive pronoun showing ownership. It’s is a contraction meaning “it is.”

The dog lazily gnawed at its bone.

Kiana assures Luz that it’s happening sooner than she would think.

I.E., E.G.

I.E. means “in other words.” E.G. means “for example.”

When decorating my home, I prefer to use earth tones (e.g., greens, browns, and tans).

When decorating my home, I prefer to use earth tones (i.e., warm and muted

shades found in nature).

Lay, Lie

Lay can be replaced with “place.” Lie can be replaced with “recline.”

After a long day, Noah wants only to lie in his bed.

I lay six eggs in the carton.

Like, Such as

Like is used to give a comparison. Such as is used for specific examples.

I have read many novels like Dracula, Twilight, and Carmilla. (This sentence implies that the reader has read novels similar to these but not necessarily these novels.)

I have read many novels, such as Dracula, Twilight, and Carmilla. (This sentence implies that the reader has read these specific novels.)

Lose, Loose

These words are mainly mixed up because they are spelled so similarly. Loose is something that is not tight. Lose means “to be deprived of.”

I lose my keys constantly.

Stella has a loose tooth.

Peak, Peek, Pique

These words can be confusing because they are all pronounced the same. But they each have different meanings. Peak is the “top or apex of something.” Peek is “to take a quick glance.” And pique is “to excite or irritate.”

Did you see the snow at the peak of the mountain?

Jill peeked around the corner.

That topic always piques my interest.

That, Which

These words are used pretty interchangeably in speech and writing, but here is the correct grammatical rule: Use that if information that follows is important and should not be taken out of the sentence. Use which if the information that follows can be taken out without changing the meaning of the sentence.

The peach that is sitting on the end of the table is Gabe’s.

My favorite fruit, which is a peach, is sitting at the end of the table.

Their, There, They’re

These are common words in English and are often confused because they are all pronounced the same. Here’s the difference in their meaning: Their is a possessive pronoun showing that more than one person or thing owns something. There is the opposite of here. (You can remember that because they are almost spelled the same.) They’re is a contraction for “they are.”

The new car is their blue Subaru.

You won’t find the blue ball over there.

They’re as tall as my sister.

Than, Then

Here’s another set of words that gets confused because they are often pronounced the same way. Then is linked to a sequence, normally “if . . . then” or “first . . . then.” Than is used for comparisons.

If you think you can beat me, then give it your best shot.

Peter is faster than Sam.

To, Too

These words are pronounced the same way and almost spelled the same way too! The difference is that too means “also” or “an excessive amount,” while to is used in every other instance. We won’t list those because there are a lot of them.

Vanilla Coke is my go-to drink.

Do you want to come to my house a quarter to one?

Annelise is wearing red too.

That is too much ice cream to eat in one sitting.

Your, You’re

These words are pronounced the same but have different usages. Your is a possessive pronoun showing that you own something. You’re is a contraction meaning “you are.”

You’re going to your grandmother’s tomorrow after lunch.

Your sweater you’re wearing obviously shrunk in the dryer.

The examples above are just some of the many grammatical terms that are commonly confused in the English language. But now you have a succinct list to look back on if you get confused. Keep practicing your grammar, and with the help of this tip, you’ll be a grammar master in no time!

We would like to thank Breanna Call and our friends at Ever Editing for allowing us to share this article with you. To read the other great articles they’ve written, click here.

Supporting Your Community Theater

August 22, 2025 By Tristi Pinkston Leave a Comment

I grew up back in the day when the Church was still producing road shows and stage plays (yes, that does date me). As a ten-year-old, I was cast as the doctor’s daughter in our stake’s rendition of Carol Lynn Pearson’s The Order Is Love, and I got to be onstage for every large group musical number. I had no lines and they could just as easily have done without me, but that didn’t matter—I was thrilled to be involved.

That’s when I was first bitten by the theater bug, but I wouldn’t get another chance to perform until years later when my family and I moved to our current home in Montpelier, Idaho. On a whim, I auditioned for The Music Man and was cast as Alma Hix, a principal pick-a-little lady. My two sons joined me—Benjamin as Marcellus Washburn, and Joseph as the sheriff. We had such a great experience during that production. I’m now volunteering as the chair of the Bear Lake Arts Council and have participated in several more plays with my sons. We were even joined once by my husband, who played Dr. Einstein in our performance of Arsenic and Old Lace.

L-R: Benjamin Pinkston, Tristi Pinkston, and Joseph Pinkston on the set of The Music Man.

I participate in the theater not only because it’s super fun and it gives me a chance to share something special with my family, but also because I believe in the arts. Things that are beautiful and uplifting feed our souls, and the theater reaches us through all the senses. Whether it’s a huge Broadway production with famous actors or a humble community endeavor operating on a shoestring budget, there’s something about the theater that’s simply magical.

Every community program depends on the involvement of the locals to stay afloat, and a theater program is no different. Through my participation with the Bear Lake Arts Council, I’ve seen how an enthusiastic audience can make all the difference. Here are some ways you can support the theater in your own community and help keep the magic alive.

Audition

Maybe you’ve had a lot of stage experience, or maybe you don’t feel as though you’re talentedenough to perform, but regardless of your skills, come on down and participate Maybe you’ve had a lot of stage experience, or maybe you don’t feel as though you’re talented. It’s worth the investment of your time, and if you’re new to the stage, the director will work with you until you’re confident in what you’re doing. Being in a play is an experience like no other—you will have opportunities to bond with your fellow actors and make friends for life, and that’s worth the time spent.

Donate

Many community theaters are nonprofit organizations or operate on a small budget. Every little bit matters, and that donation is tax deductible!

Come See the Show

The ticket you purchase will help fund the next production. Plus, it’s absolutely thrilling for the cast to look down from the stage and see rows and rows of friendly faces. Empty chairs have quite the opposite effect.

Be an Active Audience

Laugh at the funny parts, cheer at the victories, and clap for the songs. It gives the actors extra adrenaline and makes the performance even better. I’ve experienced both sides of the coin—performing for a quiet audience and performing for an interactive audience—and the difference is astonishing. Show the actors your appreciation for their hard work!

Spread the Word

Tell your friends and neighbors to come see the play too. The best advertising is word of mouth, after all. Even if circumstances prevent you from attending yourself, you can help ensure that everyone knows it’s taking place.

Give Feedback

Let the theater program know how much you appreciated their hard work and dedication. If you feel the production could have been improved, tell the director and offer concrete and supportive ideas. Keep in mind that in most cases, the crew and cast are volunteers who have donated their time and talents to the community.

Become a Volunteer Yourself

There are many ways to get involved, even if you have no desire to act. You can volunteer to help build sets, sew costumes, do hair and makeup, bake concession items, take tickets, run the concession booth, or clean up the auditorium after the audience leaves. A successful theater experience is made up of many moving parts, and you can lend a hand in many different ways.

No matter which of these options you choose—or perhaps you’ll find a way to help that’s not included on this list—your involvement is appreciated, and it’s invaluable. It does come with a caution, though: you might get bitten by the theater bug too!

Creating When It’s Hard

July 25, 2025 By LDSPMA Leave a Comment

It started off like any typical June day. I drove the one-hour commute to Salt Lake City, worked my eight-hour day proofreading planners, and drove two hours home in rush-hour traffic. By then, I wasn’t feeling too good. I called in sick the next day, put on a comforting movie, and prepared to spend the next two days just recovering from the first long months of a new job.

Halfway through the movie, my brother video-called me in a panic.

“It’s Dad,” he said. “He’s fallen. And he’s not breathing.”

Immediately, all my senses went on alert. I texted everyone in my family, trying to figure out what was going on and trying—but failing—to keep myself calm.

Less than thirty minutes later, my mother gave me the most devastating news of my life. “He’s gone. Dad just passed away.”

As creators, we feel driven to put our pen to paper, our brush to canvas, our fingers to our instruments, or to create in our chosen way. This passion drives us and is a part of our very natures.

But what do you do when everything comes crashing down?

That June day three years ago, my world fell apart. I’d experienced loss and grief before. I’d had grandparents and an uncle pass away, but losing my dad hit harder. I staggered, reeling from the loss. My dad was my biggest supporter. He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. His laugh and his voice were my favorite sounds in the world.

And now I’d never get to hear them again.

I fell into a deep depression that summer. I didn’t even touch my writing projects, even though I had several I needed to work on. I could barely cook, much less create.

But throughout that experience and other hard experiences in my life, I have learned that there are ways you can help yourself create when life gets hard.

Take Care of Yourself

Creating is difficult when you don’t feel well—whether that’s physically, emotionally, or spiritually. When I’ve been depressed or severely ill, putting my pen to paper feels as daunting as climbing Mount Everest. You need to prioritize feeling well again.

For some of us, this may mean that we write or paint or compose purely emotional pieces that are healing for us. Steven Sharp Nelson spoke at LDSPMA two years ago about how Beethoven’s best pieces came right after he had suffered a major trial in his life. One example is the famous Symphony No. 9—Beethoven wrote it after he’d completely lost his hearing, and “Ode to Joy” is one of the most recognized pieces of music in the world. Sometimes getting the emotions out is how you take care of yourself.

But for some of us, creating when our hearts are aching is the biggest challenge in the universe. If you’re suffering and need a break from creativity, give yourself permission to focus on yourself. When you are well again, you can get back to creating.

Fill Up Your Creative Well

During the rest of that awful summer, I filled my days with reading. It soothed my soul to take comfort in other stories. I read more books that summer than I had in a long time, and it was healing. When I did finally attempt to write again, the words I had consumed fueled me.

Filling up your creative well looks different for different people. Writers might be reading a whole bunch of books—whether in their genre or outside of it. Artists may go to a museum or a craft fair to see what others have done. Musicians may spend all their time listening to new music or going to concerts. Whatever your medium is, spend time consuming it.

But also spend time doing things outside your medium. Watch some films with your family and analyze the story or appreciate the stunning effects. Go on a trip with some friends to experience things you’ve never done before—even if that trip is only as far as the local escape room. Try a meal you’ve never had before. Think outside the box. You might be surprised what ends up sparking an idea.

Talk to Other Creatives

Many creatives work in solitude. It can be part of the process or just part of the creative’s personality—I’ve met many writers and artists who identify as introverts. But even introverts need friends. I love attending conferences and meeting other writers and fellow creatives. It’s cathartic to talk through troublesome issues with people who get it. Other creatives can share their views and enrich how you see and interact with the world.

A great conference for any Latter-day Saint creator is, of course, the annual LDSPMA conference held in Orem, Utah. For me, this conference is an amazing opportunity to fill up my creative well and talk to other creatives. I always leave LDSPMA feeling spiritually edified and ready to create more.

But conferences can be expensive. Another great, yet inexpensive, way to talk to other creatives is to find fellow artistic friends in social media groups. Painters could paint together once a week or meet over lunch to discuss techniques. Musicians can ask for advice on composing from other musicians. Writers can do online writing sessions with other authors to help get words on the page. Finding other creatives helps you feel less alone in your journey and can help you heal when it is hard to create.

Go at Your Own Pace

You don’t have to write your novel in one day. Nor do you have to paint your whole painting in one sitting. While we’ve all seen images of the inspired creative frantically working through the night, many work very slowly on their projects. Some might only finish one painting in a year. Others might make one hundred in a year. Some authors take ten years to write one book. Others publish four a year.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes. Take breaks when you need to. Refill your creative well so you have more to give. Remember, creating is a journey, not a destination.

Give Yourself Grace

Above all, give yourself grace. King Benjamin says, “it is not requisite that [anyone] should run faster than [they have] strength” (Mosiah 4:27). Life is hard. It has been three years since my dad’s passing, and I still have days when it’s difficult to make breakfast, much less create. But as Father Lehi said, we are here to have joy (see 2 Nephi 2:25).

So, do what brings you joy. Sometimes that might mean that your writing gets put on hold as you spend time with your children, and their smiles bring you joy and help your heart heal. Sometimes that might mean you spend an entire summer on vacation and don’t get a single painting done, but your soul feels alive and rejuvenated. Sometimes that might mean you pick up a new hobby that doesn’t require as much creative power. Whatever it may be, remember that you are a creative—even when you aren’t creating. Give yourself time to heal.

And who knows? That time you spend caring for yourself, filling up your well, talking to other creatives, going at your own pace, and giving yourself grace may lead to your next masterpiece that impacts generations. You’ve got this. Just take it one day at a time.

KaTrina Jackson

KaTrina Jackson loves penguins, cross-stitching, chocolate, and piano music, and spends much of each day trying to fit those loves in around her jobs as a freelance editor and as a project manager for Eschler Editing. She graduated with a degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University because she couldn’t get enough stories in her life. She’s also a member of three different writing groups, attends and teaches at multiple writing conferences yearly, volunteers with LDSPMA and has since 2021, and is currently working on publishing her first novel. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she can be found practicing yoga, teaching piano lessons or performing with her husband, or watching Disney movies while working on a cross-stitch project. She and her husband live in Olathe, Kansas.

Understanding Life by Studying the Craft

June 27, 2025 By Kami Pehrson Leave a Comment

In my master’s program in English and creative writing, I took a class called “Studying the Craft.” The coursework explored how elements of dramatic narrative create tension and reveal a character’s inner conflicts. By learning the mechanics of plot and character development, I discovered parallels to our earthly journeys.

Here are five storytelling insights that can help us understand life.

1. Themes Shape Our Perspectives

We can interpret our life stories by reflecting on how external experiences reshape our internal perspectives. Tracing the connections between our challenges and growth helps us find purpose in our suffering, transform limiting beliefs, deepen spiritual understanding, and strengthen our connection to our Creator.

In Les Misérables, Victor Hugo’s main character, Jean Valjean, is a convict embittered by years of unjust imprisonment. His foil, Inspector Javert, relentlessly pursues Valjean, driven by a strict sense of justice. In contrast, a saintly bishop, representing the story’s moral archetype, forgives Valjean for stealing silver candlesticks and offers him mercy. This act helps Valjean feel God’s love and serves as his catalyst for transformation. Applying the themes of mercy and justice to his story deepens Valjean’s understanding of Christ’s atonement and grace.

Similarly, we can recognize eternal truths by looking beneath the surface to find the themes in our lives. Our trials often contain lessons for spiritual growth. People who enter our lives may serve as instruments of divine instruction. Even ordinary experiences can reveal extraordinary spiritual teachings when approached with faithful contemplation and an open heart.

2. Everyone Has a Growth Arc

Like our favorite literary characters, our motivations drive our actions and shape our personalities. We can’t fairly judge a person unless we read their complete story.

Take, for instance, Jane Austen’s Emma. If we, by chance, turn to the page where Emma advises Harriet to refuse Robert Martin’s marriage proposal, we might dismiss Emma as snobbish, pushy, and selfish. And while there’s truth to this view, we don’t understand the whole picture. Emma is also bright, witty, a devoted daughter, imaginative (sometimes overly so), a doting aunt, and a philanthropist, though her privileged upbringing makes her naive to the world’s complexities beyond her small social circle.

When we understand her character within the context of Regency England, with its emphasis on advantageous marriages, we can judge her actions with more empathy. Through her struggles, Emma recognizes flaws in her thinking and evolves. She becomes the woman Jane Austen intended her to be—humble, open to wise counsel, and striving to improve.

This literary growth mirrors our own lives. We are here to learn from experience, but it’s up to us to change. Austen didn’t want a static heroine. Likewise, God wants us to learn, grow, change, and expand our perspectives continually.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our character development that we forget others are in the middle of their own arcs. Recognizing this truth reminds us not to condemn people for their actions. Emma wounded many people on her journey to become a better person. Similarly, we will hurt others on our paths to become more Christlike. We hope for their forgiveness, just as we extend grace and love to those who might harm us along the way.

3. Conflict Makes Our Stories Interesting

A story where nothing bad happens to the main character would have no purpose. As we read in the scriptures, all things must have opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11). Without darkness, we can’t appreciate light; without defeats, we can’t understand triumphs. Suffering gives our existence meaning. This knowledge doesn’t make the hard times easy. However, we can endure them well, learn from them, and view them as essential parts of our journey. Often, the most challenging chapters lead to the most significant change.

Consider the choice faced by Hercules as he stood at a crossroads. In the story, a goddess representing Vice entices him with comfort and pleasure while a goddess representing Virtue offers him a life of challenge and struggle. Hercules chooses the second path because he knows he is destined for greatness.

Instead of blaming God, we might ask who we will become by conquering our trials. We can trust that the divine Author knows our story’s details intimately. He understands our motivations, the purpose behind our afflictions, and the lessons we will learn through each plot twist. Then, after the crisis has passed, we can look around for others we can serve.

4. All Is Never Lost

There comes a time in every story—and in life—when it seems like giving up is the only option. The protagonist alienates their friends, makes countless mistakes, and fails in some significant way. But these challenging moments aren’t meant to be avoided—they’re meant to be experienced. The beautiful truth of narratives and life is that things always get better.

For example, when Jane Eyre leaves Mr. Rochester and Thornfield Hall, she is alone, penniless, and on the brink of starvation. The reader fears there is no hope for her. She might have remained safe if she had stayed to marry Mr. Rochester despite his attic-bound wife, but she would have sacrificed her sense of self, her independence, and her moral integrity.

These challenging moments are catalysts. They force characters—and people—to find reserves of strength they didn’t know they possessed. Jane’s hardship was not a punishment, but a means to discover her true character, establish her moral compass, and ultimately return to Mr. Rochester as his equal.

We will all face similar moments when hope seems distant and the path is unclear. But we can always turn the page. President Nelson’s repeated counsel to “Let God Prevail,” “Hear Him,” and “Think Celestial” reminds us that we’re part of a larger narrative. Each day is a fresh chapter waiting to be written. When darkness approaches, we can turn to our divine Creator for mercy, comfort, and peace because He knows the next plot beat and is carefully guiding us back to Him.

5. Find Symbolism in Experiences

Symbols convey meanings that extend beyond their literal representations, helping readers connect with the story on a deeper level. They convey truths, help us remember essential concepts, and enrich our spiritual insight. By recognizing and interpreting the symbols in our lives, we will gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.

In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne suffers the injustices of Puritan society. For the sin of committing adultery, religious authorities force her to wear a scarlet letter A as a public symbol of shame. Hester adopts this symbol by elaborately embroidering the A onto her clothing and dressing her child in red even after the law no longer requires her to do so. She reclaims her identity by transforming the emblem of shame into one of goodness and strength.

By carefully examining our experiences, we reveal the meanings of symbols in our own lives. Often, symbols can only be understood retrospectively as we revisit our lives, pray, and ponder God’s messages to us. He promises that if we approach Him with humility and faith, He will strengthen our weaknesses. Like Hester Prynne, we are imperfect beings marked by sin, but no symbol of shame is beyond redemption. We can grow stronger and overcome our challenges by acknowledging the lessons we’ve learned.

The art of storytelling echoes the truths of human existence. Elements that shape our favorite stories are the same forces that form our lives. The gospel of Jesus Christ assures us that no conflict is insurmountable and no failure is final. We are not static characters, but protagonists in an eternal work. Every day, we write and rewrite our stories with courage, humility, and trust in the divine Author, who sees the whole arc of our potential.

Kami Pehrson

Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.

How I Learned Not to Loathe Revisions

June 12, 2025 By LDSPMA Leave a Comment

We’ve all been there. We just put the finishing touches on our creative piece. After hours of work (and perhaps a few tears), we submit it to a professional for review. Often, we receive feedback that requires considerable revision and makes us question whether we should be engaging in this work at all.

I write historical romance novels, so this feedback usually comes in the form of substantial content edits from an editor. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best mindset when it comes to editing my work. In fact, the word I often associate with editing is “loathing.”

My first novel will be published by a small publisher this September. The first thing I wanted to do when I received the content edits? Cry. I had already hired a developmental editor and made significant changes based on her feedback and input from other readers. I even rewrote the entire ending! And still more edits?

I know, I know. I should be open to feedback that helps me grow and improve as a writer. But still, I couldn’t get my brain on board with that idea until I applied a few simple principles to my thought process. You might already be familiar with them because they align with the counsel we receive in the gospel. Here are a few simple ways I’ve found to shift my mindset and develop a healthier attitude toward feedback.

Recognize the True Potential in My Work

At least fifty—that’s the number of “no’s” I received from agents and editors when querying my manuscript for almost a year. I didn’t handle the rejection well. Remember those tears mentioned above? Yes, there were lots during this phase.

I had the idea for my novel for more than a decade, but I put off writing it until three summers ago. My degrees and licenses in business and law don’t exactly translate to writing love stories, but I couldn’t ignore the prompting to embark on this creative journey. My work is not what I’d consider gospel centered. I write clean historical romances that don’t typically include characters with a faith arc. I like to call them “kissing books.”

So, why did every attempt to put that work out into the world lead to a dead end? Even now, despite a contract with a small publisher (the only one who said “yes” instead of “no”), these doubts still manifest themselves. Why isn’t anyone buying or rating my self-published novella? Why do I have fewer than 200 followers on my social media accounts after eighteen months of effort? Why did 2% of my newsletter subscribers unsubscribe after my latest message? The list goes on.

When “numbers” and “quantities” start niggling at my mind, it helps to view my work’s potential the way Heavenly Father views us—with an eternal perspective.

Focusing on the quality of connections I make in this industry realigns my perspective. Reaching one person with my writing is far more important than earning ninety-nine likes on my latest Instagram post.

Removing the “worldly lens” when valuing my work helps me recommit to this creative calling, especially when critiques (and the doubts that accompany them) follow.

Speak with My Heavenly Father

After I received the content edits for my first book, I tried to sit and write part of my current book. No words flowed. It was my worst attempt at writing. I doubted each word, erased more than I wrote, and ended up frustrated, discouraged, and dejected—never a good combination, especially when trying to create.

This pity party lasted far longer than I care to admit. But I had a deadline to meet, so after hoisting myself up by my bootstraps, I decided to act on a thought that had come during the wallowing—pray.

Perhaps it’s even more embarrassing to admit that I hadn’t really prayed much in my writing career. Again, these are just kissing books. Why would I need inspiration about romantic interactions like brushing hands and flushing cheeks?

I gave prayer a go, however, because the idea wouldn’t leave me alone. Did I mention I was stubborn, too? I prayed each time I sat down to edit. I prayed to be open to the editor’s comments and recommendations. I prayed for guidance and inspiration as I selected the right words and phrases while rewriting. I prayed that I would complete tasks by the deadlines. And I prayed for help with my other responsibilities, including being a wife and mom of two, holding down a part-time job, and managing other volunteer roles, such as serving as one of the new vice presidents of LDSPMA.

I’m not suddenly spitting out a masterpiece akin to Jane Austen’s work or tripling my word count, but I can set aside the emotions telling me my work isn’t good enough. I’ve also overcome the feeling of overwhelm that plagued me during the rewriting process. I meet my deadlines, too (I even met one five days early!).

Most importantly, prayer changed my perspective. I now see revision as a way to ensure that my work is the best it can be. I feel the loving support of Heavenly Father, even if the process isn’t easy.

Strive to Do Better Each Day

Through what other process do we try to improve little by little and day by day? Repentance. We are often counseled that repentance should be a joyful process. While I still pray to find true joy in editing, I can safely say I’ve made it to the “not loathing” stage. I see the true potential in my work by speaking with Heavenly Father through prayer.

And the best part? I can strive to elevate the gift Heavenly Father has given me every day, even after receiving feedback that requires yet another rewrite. I hope that you, too, continue to strive for true joy in your creative journey.

Casey Cline

Casey Cline collects hobbies and pursuits as quickly as she reads books. She likes to believe her degrees and licenses in business, law, and real estate aren’t entirely incongruous with writing historical stories about the ultimate adventure in life—love. Casey is one of the vice presidents of the Latter-day Saints in Publishing Media and the Arts organization and is a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild. She lives in Nebraska with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. You can connect with her at www.caseycline.com.