LDSPMA

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

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LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Bonnie K. T. Dillabough

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Bonnie K.T. Dillabough currently lives in Richland, Washington.

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

I wrote the Dimensional Alliance series, including The House on Infinity Loop, Infinity on Fire, and Mirrors of Infinity with the 4th book in the series coming out in November 2021: Ripples of Infinity. The eventual scope of the series will be about 15 books. My books are science-fiction that read like fantasy. Dragons and dwarves and fantastical creatures…high-tech, dimensional travel, and alien encounters—all of this and more.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I’ve been writing since my early years and spent 15 years in broadcast television, but I always wanted to write novels. An active life as a veteran, mother of 6 (now grandmother of 17 and counting), and life happened. Then one day, I had the joy of interviewing Mercedes Lackey. When I timidly remarked I had considered writing a novel, she said, “So put your butt in the chair and write!”
I did. Two weeks before my 64th birthday, The House on Infinity Loop was published in 2018.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Probably the opportunity to interact with fans and potential fans of the books has been the highlight. I have one science fiction/fantasy convention under my belt (before Covid) and some author talks. One of the most fun highlights was being accosted in a local bookstore because someone recognized me. They were there to purchase my books and asked for me to sign them in the aisle of the store. I don’t think it had occurred to me that I would ever be recognized like that.

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

Definitely to write and to associate with other writers, starting with NaNoWriMo just after getting the emphatic advice from Mercedes Lackey. Through groups such as The Alliance of Independent Authors and Aspiring Authors, I’ve had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry.
These connections and the continuing education I have received have led me to realize that no author is an island. We do some of our best work as we help one another.

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

Write. Seriously, I know that sounds over-simplistic, but unfortunately, it is too easy to get wrapped up in details that have nothing to do with telling your story. Get the story out of you before you worry about editing or anything else. Then get educated. There are so many traps laid for aspiring authors and most of them involve taking shortcuts. Do your due diligence. Join writing groups. Don’t fall for the wiles of those who only want your money. Get advice from people who are actually selling books and have a following. And don’t compromise your principles.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Reading good writing for one thing. I’ve been re-reading favorite books in my genre to learn from those who have mastered the craft. People like Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, J.K. Rowling, and Brandon Mull. Their styles are all different, and yet, as I read their books, not as a fan but as a writer, I realize there are certain things they all have in common. I try to emulate the things that fit my style and avoid the things that don’t fit.

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

I am what is known in the writing arena as a “pantser,” meaning I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t do outlines. But I still know where I’m going. I write the last chapter or scene in my book in the beginning. This gives me something to shoot for. Admittedly, by the time I get there, I often have to do some re-writing, but that’s ok. Knowing the end from the beginning has a lot to be said for it. Also, my writing is character-centric. I know my characters very well.

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

The focus of my books is about how working together accomplishes so much more than working alone. Some of the values I try to teach as I entertain are the value of kindness, why judgmentalism is counter-productive, that there is a “creator of all things,” that science and belief are not opposites, the importance of family, the concept of redemption, and the idea that creation is much bigger than we can imagine.

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

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Victor La Vanway!

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

Books:
Bones in The Sand: The Extraterrestrial Connection to Earth
Grandpa’s Collection of Mostly True Tales
Painting: Emergency Landing Monochrome Acrylic (black, gray, white, 33 x 27 inches)

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

All that is the world around me, as well as a third grade classmate and friend, Robert Smith, who taught me how to draw with pencil and perspective. Our teacher, Mrs. Stevens, taught us how to think and write. The Old and New Testaments ignited my child imagination to real things beyond my sight but within the grasp of diligent, devoted practice.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I think my highlight is my collection of mostly true tales written for my children and grandchildren. The collection is humorous, serious, occasionally sad, imaginative, and edifying. It draws readers into experiences descriptive of earth life as adventurous, joyful, real, and astonishing. With faith in God, it’s an embraceable challenge.

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

Find a better way to . . . Never give up. Rewrite.

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

The advice I received above and would add, “God gave you talent, so don’t submit to discouragement.”

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The scriptures, the unfolding mysteries of Heavenly Father’s Kingdom, and people.

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

I am a convert to the restored gospel and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My experience confirms the principles of Christ’s doctrine. Psalm 1:2-3 and Doctrine and Covenants 46:8-9 tells of comfort and encouragement and instructs me in personal responsibility as steward of blessings and talents. Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Artist. If any person strives humbly and diligently, following His example, we may eventually achieve His stature and creative skills as joint-heirs with Him. Presently, I enjoy the wonder of discovery and the familiar patterns of practice.

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

In my literary efforts, I have tried to lead readers to a consciousness of Heavenly Father and His plan for His children. Reserved for them are things “eye has not seen, nor ear heard.” All things are spiritual unto Him, but many things are exciting, cosmic, physical, mathematical, and scientific wonders as well, hinted at in his word, the scriptures. My motive is to point readers to things that will help them find love, joy, and eternal riches by devoting their lives to becoming the divine creatures Father counseled us to become and to glimpse the mysteries of our Father’s Kingdom.

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Julie Spencer!

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

I have over 30 publications, mostly romance and love stories. My most controversial novel is called Combustion, which is a powerful love story that readers have suggested should be on the required reading list for every high school in the world. In Combustion, readers see an emotional sexual assault through the eyes of the guy. My most popular fiction is a YA sports romance series is called All’s Fair in Love and Sports. I also have a romance/coming-of-age series called Rock Star Redemption, an action/adventure/romance series called Royal Family Saga, and several stand-alone romance/love stories that are LDS Christian fiction.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I’ve been writing and playacting since I was a little girl. I wrote my first novel in junior high but threw it away! What I wouldn’t give to have that manuscript back! My first published work was a poem in my junior high yearbook. My second published work was my master’s thesis. I didn’t write fiction again until I ran out of Twilight novels to read. Now I write the books I’d like to find on the shelves of bookstores and libraries. I love my characters and I love my readers.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Oddly, the highlights of my career so far come in the little moments. Every day, I publish a blog called Chapter-A-Day where I (courageously) publish unedited chapters from my current Work-in-Progress on my website and readers give me feedback. Sometimes, the feedback is critical. Usually, I’m told all the things my readers loved about the chapter and how they refresh the screen every little while, hoping the next chapter has been posted. The best compliments I receive are “I cried during chapter ten!” or “I didn’t see that twist coming!” or “I couldn’t put the book down!” Those are the highlights.

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

Get better covers for your books! People really do judge a book by its cover. My first published book was called The Cove and I found a beautiful photograph of the lake where I grew up with a pretty sunset. The book is not about the lake and the sunset. It’s a love story between the two main characters. Once I had a professional cover designed, the book started selling. Also, research the names of books and carefully select a title that conveys the genre. People search for books with keywords. Learn the keywords for your genre.

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

Write as much as you possibly can. Learn your craft. Don’t get distracted by the newest exciting thing but be open to new technology. Hire professionals to do the things you’re not good at or things that don’t have to be done by you. Anyone can do the dishes, mow the lawn, balance the checkbook, or shop for groceries. Only you can write the words in your head.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

My readers keep me inspired. I’ve had many readers tell me they refresh their screen hoping my next chapter has been posted. I can’t let them down. Receiving positive reviews buoys my resolve to put out the next book. Plus, I just love my own stories. I read back a particular passage and think, Dang, I’m a good writer! What the heck? Did I really write that? Yeah, I did. Vain? Maybe? Delusions of grandeur? Maybe. Do I care? No, not really. Go away, world. I’ve got more stories to write.

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

I write all day, every day, as much as I can fit into my day. I don’t find writing to be a job or inconvenience or a chore. My ideal vacation would be for everyone else to go away and let me write all day, every day. I have more stories in my head than I’ll ever be able to get on paper in my lifetime. Until the Lord intervenes and finds a way to force me to stop writing, you will continue to see content emerging from my brain. Writing is my happy place.

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

My stories contain a lot of my religious convictions, including maintaining the laws of chastity and healthy living, such as avoiding drugs and alcohol. Although I don’t mean for my books to be preachy, my characters learn things the hard way and thus my readers learn the same lessons. As a convert to the gospel, I’ve seen the world outside the Church, and there are a lot of challenges, especially related to alcohol. A huge percentage of the world’s problems would go away by removing alcohol. I want to be a positive influence on the world.

If you want your spotlight to link to your website or any of your social media platforms, include the URLs here.
https://www.authorjuliespencer.com/

Member Spotlight: Elizabeth Hubbard!

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

  • Fight On! World War II and Cold War Experiences of Lt. Commander John R. “Jack” Hubbard USNR
  • The Search Never Ends: Musings of John R. “Jack” Hubbard
  • Adventures With A Historian: The Life and Times of John R. “Jack” Hubbard

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

It was an accident. I spent many years proofreading books my father wrote. In 2011, in an effort to maintain my sanity while recovering from major surgery, I worked side by side with my dad as he put his brother’s memoirs, letters, and notes into a manuscript for publication. I began by fact-checking everything I could because I quickly realized that my uncle’s story was as much a global history lesson as it was his personal story. I conducted extensive research to answer questions that arose during the compilation of the manuscript, then incorporated my findings into the book.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight has been the encouragement and assistance received from David McCullough, Congressman Michael Burgess, and the University of Southern California.

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

It is better to push back a release date than not verify that your facts are accurate, your grammar is correct, and your typos have been eliminated. Don’t be afraid to include photos, illustrations, maps, etc. if they add interest and/or understanding to the story but don’t use them just to fill up space.

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

If you are writing nonfiction, make sure you document all sources and give credit where credit is due. Don’t be afraid to make cold calls to obtain more information and understanding.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I’m inspired by looking at the mountain of source materials in cardboard boxes that sits in my office. To me, it’s too valuable to throw into the dumpster.

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

I was surprised at the reaction of immediate and extended family members. Deep feelings ranging from anger and resentment to awe and wonder arose from the four corners of the world. As a result, we took out certain sections, deleted some names, and re-worded embarrassing or compromising sections to protect the innocent without compromising the integrity of the story.

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

We were able to make the Amazon Best Sellers list without using profanity to tell war and espionage stories.

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

http://www.punaluudata.com

Member Spotlight: Jen Brewer!

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Jen Brewer lives in Rochester, Minnesota.

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

The Bench – a parable that follows a young mother through her journey of finding and fulfilling her personal purpose.
Lazy Hydroponics online course – a course that teaches people how to build and grow a hydroponic garden in their home.
Be the Chocolate Chip – a short book geared toward the youth to teach how to not ‘melt’ in the oven of the world.
Stop Dieting and Start Losing Weight for Good – a book sharing principles of health and how to build a toolbox of actions to create a healthy life.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I have always loved writing and teaching. I have a book constantly swirling around inside my head. I love to speak and see light bulbs come on as someone grasps a new concept or understands an old story in a new light.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Seeing a book make its way from my head, through the various stages of writing and editing, to come out in a finalized format. It’s so surreal to hold one of my books in my hands for the first time.

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

To be true to my story. To take advice but not lose my essence in the creative process.

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

Go for it! The world needs YOUR story, told through YOUR eyes. It’s easy to get intimidated by all of the already published authors out there, but you have a unique voice to share.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Seeing the power of God makes my words more than they ever could be. When I get in the zone and become more of a faucet for God’s inspiration, I feel a complete oneness with the Spirit. It’s such a cool feeling.

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

It’s a constant roller coaster. I can be completely in the groove one day and hit a major creative wall the next. I am definitely a work in progress!

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

I have fused my nutrition education with my creative pursuits and have jumped into the world of humanitarian work. All of the profits from my books or courses go directly to fund humanitarian projects. I have loved giving a voice to forgotten communities around the world by telling their stories.

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

http://www.jenbrewer.com

Member Spotlight: Steve Dunn Hanson!

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Steve Dunn Hanson lives in Veradale, Washington.

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

I have written articles for the Ensign and scripts for several Church Audiovisual Department leadership training videos. I also have published three nonfiction books, including Joy: The Other Side of Sorrow, 10 Principles of Love to Help You Parent Your Adult Children (co-authored), and Observations: The Book of Mormon. My published fiction books include The Mission, The Course of Fate trilogy (FIND, SHATTER, GATHER), and Sealed Up, the precursor to The Course of Fate series. In addition, I post my “cogitations,” poetry, and photography on my website.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

President Spencer W. Kimball’s article in the July 1977 Ensign, “The Gospel Vision of the Arts,” spoke to my soul. Two statements he made particularly resonated with me: “Inspired Saints will write great books and novels and biographies and plays” and “Real craftsmanship, regardless of the skill involved, reflects real caring, and real caring reflects our attitude about ourselves, about our fellowmen, and about life.”

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

When people tell me after reading one of my books or articles or poems, that their lives have been affected, or that they see things now that they didn’t before, or that their love for the Savior has expanded, or that they have a new sense of peace and comfort, I rejoice in being an instrument, for that has been my intent. Those kind of responses are my highlights.

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

Listen! Listen to your readers. Listen to those trying to help you. Listen to the Spirit.

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

The same advice I was given: Listen! In addition, Read! Read! Read! That’s how you learn to write. And I’ll pass on a phrase I always use: “I write to be edited!” That’s another way of saying, “Be humble, seek advice, and listen.”

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

My constant prayer is to write meaningfully and write that which will be of worth to my readers. Then I try to listen and go to work. I am not often disappointed.

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

My dear friend and mentor, Kaye Terry Hanson, told me, “Writing is easy. Just dip your pen in your blood and write.” For me, writing is hard, painful, often frustrating, and disappointing . . . and it is the process to my inspiration. That’s why I write.

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

My first book, The Mission, a fictional account of a young man on a full-time mission struggling to find himself, was published 34 years ago. Even after all this time, I am still approached by men who are grandfathers now and who said they read that book as young missionaries, and it changed their mission and their lives. That does not cease to be an emotional, gratifying experience for me.

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

https://stevedunnhanson.com/

Member Spotlight: Heidi Tucker!

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Heidi Tucker lives in Cave Creek, Arizona.

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

3 award-winning nonfiction inspirational books: The Secret Keepers, Servie’s Song, and Finding Hope in the Journey

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I had a dream and saw my hands holding a book and knew it was mine. A voice told me to write the book. I knew it was a calling from Heavenly Father, so I summoned all the courage and faith I could and wrote Finding Hope in the Journey. I believe the other two books are callings as well. These two individuals, whose true stories I wrote, came directly into my path. I knew I was called to write their stories. I think of this journey as a mission to bring light and hope to the world.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Winning “Best Inspirational” and “Book of the Year” awards for my books is such an honor. But the true highlights come when readers contact me to tell me how my books have changed their lives. That’s why I continue to write.

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

A copy editor is worth every cent. I can submit my best manuscript, but after a good copy editor’s review and input, it’s even better.

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

You’re going to hear the word NO over and over again. Push through all the negativity or find another door. Writing and actually completing a book takes grit. Focus on your passion for the project and don’t let the world tear you down.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Whether I’m filming for my YouTube channel, posting on social media, speaking at a conference, or writing a new book, the mission is the same: to bring light and hope to the world. My work is viewed by both members of our church and those of other religions. It is my way of serving as a missionary. What inspires me to keep going is the feedback from individuals. Their emails and comments remind me why I’m doing this and it propels me forward to the next project.

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

I call it my writing cave. I have to dedicate a period of time each day to solely focus on my project. I silence all emails and phone calls and listen to inspirational music while I write my books. I’m most creative in the morning or late at night, so I schedule writing during those times if possible. I kick-off every writing session with a prayer of gratitude for my gift of writing and to “feel” the story enough that my words will inspire others.

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

I believe every story not only teaches a gospel principle but can make the reader FEEL it. I’m drawn to true stories about people who have risen up from the ashes from really difficult struggles and tragedy. Their relentless perseverance and ability to cling to faith motivates all of us to move forward in our own lives. We can ALL do hard things and reading someone else’s story inspires us to stand up and take another step. Their stories become ours—the details are just different.

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

Website: https://www.thepickledsunflower.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9iNhtoorcGrOSvBn6iJ2jg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.tucker.10

Member Spotlight: Sarah Hinze!

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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: sarah@sarahhinze.com