LDSPMA

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

LDSPMA

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Cori Cooper

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What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
Bake Believe, Bake Off, and Bake Happy – comprising the Bake Believe Trilogy. Ta-da! I don’t know why, but it feels so exciting to have a trilogy out in the world! All three are upper Middle Grade/Young adult comedies about family and baking magic. I’ve also written several short stories and have two unrelated YA books coming out in 2023 – Ways to Improve Bailey and Sage Advice.
What inspired you to become a creator of media?
I am obsessed with stories! I love reading fictional stories in books, but also visiting with real-life people. Every one has such an extraordinary story! There is nothing in the world like reaching the end of a soul-satisfying story and taking a few minutes to revel in the awesomeness. When people read my stories, I hope they end up feeling better, happier, like life is do-able.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
My daughter came home from school and told me one of her friends was reading Bake Believe at lunch, not knowing I was the author. When my daughter said, “My mom wrote that book!”, her friend got so excited. She asked a bazillion questions about the sequels and went on and on about how much she loves the book. Now, when I’m writing, and those gremlins in the peanut gallery start wondering if I’m wasting my time, I remind them of that little girl. If something I wrote brightens the world for one person – totally worth it.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?
To never, never, never give up. There will be people who don’t like my work, but there will be people who love it. There will be people who think I should quit, and there will be people who can’t wait for my next book. I can’t please everyone, but I can please someone. This advice has kept me going during my most discouraging times.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
I would give the same advice I received and add on this little bit: if you feel called to create, then do it. Don’t worry about what sells, don’t worry if you’re good enough, don’t worry at all. Just write. Write on and on. Do it because you love it, and I promise there will be someone else who will love it too, at least one person. There are a lot of humans in the world!
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?
I have a strong conviction that the world needs good stories. Paraphrasing Margaret D. Nadauld, we have enough stories that are dark; we need stories that are light. We have enough stories that are edgy; we need stories that are fun! Life is hard, yes, but it is also pretty dang fantastic!
What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?
I am a squirrel! I like to work on multiple manuscripts at a time. The ideas flow all over the place so I record them on napkins, receipts, and crumpled pieces of paper. I try to organize myself, but then I just get random again. So now I embrace it. The reason I tell you this is, for reals, if I can write books, anyone can do it!
In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?
I hope that I’ve added an element of fun to the world with my stories. Men are that they might have joy, right?
If you want your spotlight to link to your website or any of your social media platforms, include the URLs here.
https://coristories.com/, https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard?ref=nav_profile_authordash, https://www.facebook.com/coricooperauthor, https://www.instagram.com/authorcoricooper/?hl=en, https://www.amazon.com/Cori-Cooper/e/B08KYFHFCYref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Cathy Lim!

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Cathy Lim lives in Hoover, Alabama.

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
RatedReads.com is my web creation; I love books and words, and I love to share suggestions with others. Rated Reads is unlike the many other book review websites out there in that I give ratings to books for content: “none” or “mild” for fairly clean books, and “moderate” and “high” for those with more profanity, sexual content or violence. It has almost 2,000 reviews now. I’ve also written all kinds of articles over the past few decades about lots of topics; one set I’m really proud of is a series about plastic surgery for KSL.com.
What inspired you to become a creator of media?
I went into journalism in college because I love being able to learn and write about … everything! What I was particularly passionate about right from the start was editing. I’ve primarily done copy editing over the years, and it allows me not just to “fix errors” but to really bring out the best in someone else’s work. Sure, I do clean up copy so their stories and characters can shine, and I often suggest better phrasing or words so their ideas are expressed just as they intend. It’s a collaborative process that results in the best creation.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
After 30 years in the journalism/writing/editing business, it’s really hard to pick one thing. I’d say I’ve enjoyed most working for LDS Living and with Deseret Digital Media as a copy editor because I get to collaborate on producing inspiring and uplifting articles. I’ve met wonderful people. Moving more into editing book manuscripts has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, and I’ve enjoyed working with the authors I’ve edited for so far. I’m liking the trajectory of my career.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?
Love what you do and do what you love.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
Don’t be afraid to show how passionate you are about something. You don’t have to always present yourself in a dry, professional manner. Show that spark of excitement and passion you have for what you do and the job you may hope to have.
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?
I think just reading and learning keep my brain active and my creative juices flowing. I get excited by learning new things and reading something that’s really imaginative, well-written, or thought-provoking. That stimulates me to go out there and similarly create.
What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?
Words are currency. Using precisely the right word is a passion of mine. I love how we have tens of thousands of words at our disposal. I love the thesaurus. It’s a wonderful tool. I’ll sometimes sit and stew for five or ten minutes over something I’m writing or editing, clicking through options in the online thesaurus, pondering and searching for the exact word I know is out there to express a thought, an intent. Synonyms don’t often mean words are exactly alike; they have shades of meaning, and I won’t settle for the wrong one.
In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?
I think my book review website, Rated Reads, is a particular force for good. It provides crucial information to thousands of readers (and parents of readers) If we’re seeking after works that are virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, it helps to have pertinent information about the millions of books that are available at our fingertips. Some, it’s pretty easy to tell we won’t find content that’s of good report, but others … it’s a complete mystery until we get into the pages and run into things we’d rather not find. My site is a great service.

You can learn more about Rated Reads at https://ratedreads.com

Cathy’s copy-editing site is at https://cathycarmodelim.com

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Mattea Gygi

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Mattea Gygi is currently a student at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and serves on the LDSPMA Student Chapter on campus.

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

I currently write for TechBuzz news, a Utah Tech online newspaper. I write about emerging and growing tech companies in Utah.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I love words and the way they can be used to teach others. Words have helped me expand my view of the world and I hope to create content that also expands minds and encourages learning.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My career has been insanely short as I am still in college, but a highlight of my career was creating, planning, and writing a series of articles about Polynesian entrepreneurs and founders in Utah tech.

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

Simple is elegant.

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

Writing is hard, so I applaud you. I am not very experienced, but I have learned that there are many people in this field HAPPY to mentor and help you along the way—so find them and let them take you far.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I love words, as I said earlier, and working with words and trying to arrange them in the best possible outcome makes me happy and is very satisfying to me.

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

I love food and have found food to be a great motivator and defeater of writer’s block.

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

I love that my publication focuses on unbiased, true news. We write to inform, not to persuade, and I think that kind of writing is really needed in the tech space. If anything, we are positive in our portrayal of businesses, but overall we always tell the truth.

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Randel McGee

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Randel McGee lives in Orem, Utah.

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

  • Getting Along with Groark—A puppet video series of five episodes in association with the Character Counts Foundation.
  • Popcorn Park: The 6 Pillars of Character—A six-episode puppet video series with the Character Counts Foundation
  • Sixteen titles under Celebrate Holidays with Paper Crafts: Christmas, Chinese New Year, Halloween, Day of the Dead and more. (Enslow Publishers)
  • Four titles in the Fun and Festive Crafts series: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. (Enslow Publishers)
  • Zhang Heng and the Incredible Earthquake Detector—Author & Illustrator with Familius Publishers (Just released!)

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

A deep desire to share my talents with others. A realization that the arts are a way to reach people spirit-to-spirit and share Gospel principles.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

There have been so many amazing aspects of my career, but one of the most memorable was a three-month artist-in-residence program in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 2019 teaching storytelling and puppetry skills to children and educators there. My wife and I quickly came to love the people and culture of Ireland. We became especially close to the small LDS branch in town.

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

Do your best to be honest in your performances, don’t try to be something you are not. Do not “talk down” to young audiences; treat them with respect.

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

Strive for friendly professionalism. Maintain high standards of personal integrity and honor. Be a team player, and support fellow artists who share similar standards.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Seeing the work of other artists. And the barrage of new ideas that I often get.

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

I get sparks of story or program ideas that I then start to flesh out aloud and on paper. A similar process can be said of my visual works—the images start to form in my mind’s eye, and then I see myself add the details mentally before doing rough sketches and finished pieces.

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

In my hometown I often have adults come up to me and say, “I remember when you came to my school when I was a child. It was always the high point of my school year. I now bring my children to your shows whenever I can.”

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

http://mcgeeproductions.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046132796100

https://www.facebook.com/Randel-McGee-as-Hans-Christian-Andersen-178341550996

https://www.facebook.com/Paper-and-Scissors-ROCK-411456305654

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Bradley McBride

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Bradley McBride currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona.

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

  • “Up on the Housetop: A Christmas Story,” released November 23, 2021. It’s my first foray into fiction.
  • I have been blogging for eleven years, first as Middle-aged Mormon Man, now, as ThusWeSee.com (since President Nelson threw down the gauntlet).
  • One blog collection book: “There’s a Message in There Somewhere.”
  • One collection of new material: “There’s a Message OUT There Somewhere.”

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I’ve always enjoyed writing. After being released as a bishop, I found I had a lot of time on my hands yet still much to share, so I started a blog. Eleven years and 1500 posts later, I’m still at it. I like sharing my thoughts about gospel topics and my testimony to anyone and everyone.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Getting a shout-out from an Apostle at Women’s Conference was great, but the highlight is the steady stream of notes and comments I get from readers who connect with what I am writing. It is a great joy to be able to help people in their struggles, amplify their faith, and share what is most important to me.

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

I was told to “be myself” (by the Spirit). My interpretation of that was not to write to chase readership but to write what I feel and what is in my mind and heart. It has made the journey a great personal growth experience for me.

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

You be you. Write what is important to you. Don’t chase trends. Always stand strong in your support of the Gospel and the Church and its leaders. Do not compromise orthodoxy to stir up controversy, and/or contention.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The ever-evolving nature of life in the Gospel. Challenges change. Faith ebbs and flows. There are always new things to talk about, to study, and to discuss.

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

I didn’t start writing for public consumption until I was almost fifty, and I didn’t create any fiction until recently at sixty. However, I believe that a life lived gives me much more fodder for creating, and my life’s experience in the Church gives me perspectives that might be unique.

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

I feel that I have a gift for taking complex Gospel subjects and doctrines and finding ways to teach and discuss them that make them more understandable. I also enjoy walking the tightrope between spirituality and humor, all the while standing as a witness of Christ, His servants , and His Church.

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

http://www.ThusWeSee.com

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Michael Young

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Michael Young currently lives in Tooele, Utah.

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

Nonfiction:

  • Chapter and Verse (volumes I-III)
  • Before Sunset
  • Song of the Saints
  • In the Quiet Heart

Fiction:

  • A Past with Two Faces
  • First Things First
  • The Lost Barge
  • The Penultimate Dawn series:
    • The Hunger, The Thirst, The Longing
  • The Canticle Kingdom series:
    • The Canticle Prelude, The Frozen Globe, The Skyward Isle
  • The Last Archangel series:
    • Age of Archangels, The Last Archangel, The Last Kingdom, The Last Struggle
  • The Chess Quest series:
    • Paladin:Pawn, Nemesis:Knight, Rook:Revenge, Bishop:Betrayal, Sovereigns:Song
  • Advent Anthology series:
    • Carol of the Tales, Angels from Their Realms of Story

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I’ve always had an active imagination, and I read as many book as I could growing up. As I got older, I had some amazing literature and writing teachers, and I wondered if I could write down some of the stories in my head. I wrote my first novel in high school to prove to myself that I could do it, and then I’ve been writing ever since. It has been a wonderful way to express myself in a way that nothing else quite does.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight was seeing one of my novels on the shelf in a major bookstore for the first time. It had taken a lot of work to get there, and it validated everything that I had done up to that point and helped motivate me to keep going and to keep improving.

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

Create to serve and to uplift. When you use your God-given talents for good, you are entitled to his help and blessing. His grace will enhance your natural abilities and allow you to create things much greater than you would on your own. Talents are meant to be shared, and you can be a light to the world, the proverbial city on the hill, if you take the time to climb the hill.

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

Ask yourself if you are a patient person and if you have a thick enough skin to put yourself out there. There is a lot of waiting around, a lot of long, thankless hours of work, and there will always be people who want to put you down. If you can work with that, move forward and don’t look back.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I’m constantly inspired by music. I hear different songs and they drive my creative juices and inspire my writing. That’s the great thing about being in a choir that meets every week as I’m constantly exposed to high-quality music to keep me going.

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

I’d like other people to know that everything I do is meant to inspire and uplift others. I think there is no greater calling in art than to use your talents to serve and uplift others. Before I start any project, I ask myself how it is meant to help others.

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

Many of my works have been specifically aimed at spiritual topics and helping people appreciate the scriptures and religious music better, but even my fiction is geared toward morality and nobility. I never want to club people over the head with a moral in my stories, but if you look, you should be able to take away truths that I hold dear.

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

http://www.authormichaelyoung.com

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Steve Simmons

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Steve Simmons currently lives near Providence and Millville in Cache County, Utah.

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

I did all of the writing and artwork for 90+ titles for Planet Archipelago, a TTRPG. I also have educational material I have written on the website Teachers Pay Teachers.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I has been drawing since my youth. I was president of my high school art club. Over time I have gone from oils, pastels, and watercolors to digital art and from creating western Americana and ghost towns or wildlife art to science fiction fantasy/medieval art for the game.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have taught almost everything from a one-room school with eight grades and sixteen to seventeen students in the backwoods of western Montana to university classes in the humanities at Utah Valley University.

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

My uncle, Grant Simmons, was an early cartoonist for Walt Disney. He advised me to never become an artist. So I became a teacher instead and continued to do my artwork with some confidence I could support my family.

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

Have a day job. Learn to network and do not ever give up.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I have an entire alien planet to create, populate, map and explore.

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

I often create a picture first then write the story around the image. I am open to collaboration with other writers/artists who would like to explore the planet Archipelago.

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

Back in the 1970s I played D&D. I liked the sense of adventure, the social interaction, the problem solving, and the reading and math development but found the game dark, introducing young people to dangerous amounts of the occult, soft porn, and things that are in the realm of the adversary. Things which are not harmless. So I developed a game that kept the adventure and positive traits but cut out the dark content. Instead of magic there is lost alien ancient technology that can look like magic, and instead of magical creatures, hungry and curious alien animals.

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

http://www.planet-archipelago.com

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Debbi Rollo

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Debbi Rollo currently lives in Orem, Utah.

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

Book of Mormon Rhymes
Book of Mormon Rhymes: Isaiah Chapters
Isaiah Joke Book (soon to be released)

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I love finding creative ways to make the scriptures engaging, fun, and more understandable. I created Book of Mormon Rhymes after being inspired by a classic nursery rhyme book that was handed down to me by my grandmother. I read regularly to my grandchildren, whom we adopted after their parents’ death (our daughter and her husband). It lifted our spirits and helped heal our hearts. That’s how Book of Mormon Rhymes began, then other books followed.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight is hearing how my book has impacted readers to improve their scripture study of the Book of Mormon. I love inspiring others to read the scriptures and creating ways for people to enjoy reading them in a unique, fun way.

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

I try to keep in mind 2 Chronicles 15:7 “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.”

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

Keep going, keep learning, find mentors, and don’t give up.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The light and joy I feel each day when I create content. I believe our Spirit is designed to create—and I’ve discovered that writing lights up my spirit, which is addicting the more I do it.

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

I pray before I write. I try to balance working IN my business and working ON my business (as a writer). Taking breaks is vital.

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

I hope that my books inspire readers to enjoy the scriptures and to learn and love their teachings.

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

https://www.bookofmormonrhymes.com/