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children's book

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Cris Conerty

October 30, 2021 By Spencer Skeen 1 Comment

Cris Conerty currently lives in Colbert, Washington.

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

I created Mary’s Easter Morning (a children’s picture book based upon my original children’s folk song), many hymns, choral compositions, and children’s songs for the Christian church/Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints setting (see http://www.whitepoppycreative.com).

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

It all started at age five with the Christmas gift of the Linus-like toy piano. Many years of piano playing, a variety of college courses, voice lessons, arranging classes and self-study, and a good amount of performance experience has gotten me to where I am today. I have always found a way to make music and let my heart sing. Composing and arranging music for the Christian church setting is one of my favorite things to do, and much of my work is a collaboration with my daughter, Alaina Larsen. I have been inspired by the work of Janice Kapp Perry.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlights of my career thus far have been collaborating with my daughter, Alaina Larsen, since 2018 to compose music and producing creative works for children and adults that help to generate, build, and repair individual testimonies of Jesus Christ. We are a mother-daughter team who love the Lord, His gospel, and the power music has to share His message. We recently celebrated being offered a publishing contract for our first children’s book, which is based on an original song.

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

Find your own authentic voice and say what only you can say.

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

In the area of songwriting, my best advice is to be open to suggestions and input from others—remain teachable—then review and revise your lyrics and creative works many times, so that you can bring your very best product to your audience, publishers, and to all with whom you share your work.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

My age inspires me—as an empty-nester and grandparent I realize life is short. It is never too late to begin the journey of creating and sharing your original, inspired material. I am also inspired by my personal awareness of the gifts God has given me and my responsibility to be a voice of light.

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

Through our joint venture, White Poppy Creative, my daughter and I have composed music that highlights time-tested virtues, illuminates the role of women in the scriptures, deepens faith in Jesus Christ, and brings comfort and joy to Latter-day Saint and Christian congregations. Through the power of inspiring music, meaningful word, and impactful visuals, we will continue to bring hope-filled inspirational works to light.

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

https://whitepoppycreative.com/

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: Alaina Larsen, arranger, children's book, choral, Christian, composer, Cris Conerty, hymns, Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association, LDS, LDSPMA, LDSPMA Member Spotlight, Mary's Easter Morning, music, musician, songwriting, women

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Spanky Ward

October 2, 2021 By Spencer Skeen Leave a Comment

Spanky Ward currently lives in Holladay, Utah.

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

I’ve written the feature films Riot (Dolph Lundgren), Ruling of the Heart, and Christmas Break-In (Danny Glover, Denise Richards). I’ve also written, produced, and directed the feature films Hello, I Love You and The Santa Box, as well as over seventy short films and commercials.

I also recently self-published my first children’s book called Charlie’s Long Journey, available on Amazon.com.

I have other films, novels, and children’s books in the works.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I’ve always loved TV, movies—anything that sparks my imagination, but writing didn’t hit me until college. I started out with commercials, then movies and now novels and children’s books. I’m excited to explore more forms of writing in the future.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Definitely writing, producing and directing my movie The Santa Box. It was my first bigger budget film, and it has already won five awards and just sold to the UK, Japan, Australia, and South Africa, with more territories on the way.

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

If you feel that God’s given you a talent, then develop it and use it to its fullest potential, no matter how difficult things get or the size or number of roadblocks in your way.

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

If you have the talent needed to succeed, then never give up.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The anticipation of seeing an audience react to my work.

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

That my goal in life is to tell great stories that are entertaining for everyone.

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

I’ve had a chance to make some heartfelt family friendly movies over the years.

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

http://www.facebook.com/spankyward

Filed Under: Member Spotlight Tagged With: Charlie's Long Journey, children's book, Christmas Break-In, developing talents, Director, feature films, Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association, LDSPMA, LDSPMA Member Spotlight, Producer, Riot, Ruling of the Heart, short films, Spanky Ward, The Santa Box, Writer

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