LDSPMA

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

LDSPMA Member Spotlight

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Victor La Vanway!

By Leave a Comment

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: Shaun Stahle!

By Leave a Comment

Shaun Stahle lives in Bountiful, Utah.

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

I was a journalist for nearly 40 years, including 17 years at the Deseret News, where I wrote and edited the Church News section, writing about 1,000 articles, covering such events as temple dedications and travels of President Gordon B. Hinckley. I loved writing about the obscure acts of faith as well the 15-year-old girl who shrieked with joy when President Hinckley walked in front of her in Moscow as he entered the hall to speak with members in Russia.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I wanted to be an architect. An aptitude test in junior high school suggested I become an art critic. Somehow, Mother Nature veered me down the path of writing, much to my surprise. I remember talking with friends only weeks after our missions, telling them I’d have nothing to do with writing or newspapers… too hard, poor pay. Before I knew what was happening, I was receiving my journalism degree from BYU. As a reluctant writer, I find great joy in telling the unknown, obscure story.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’m honored that I could be an eyewitness to meaningful moments, like the dedication of temples and Church history sites, to feel the energy and hear the testimonies of Church leaders when the cameras weren’t rolling, to stand outside the Boston temple on dedication day and look over the beautiful landscape and feel that the people who mingled on the grounds weren’t the only ones there. But I probably most prize working beside my father during my teenage years in his community newspaper where I learned the fine art of communication.

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

“He who would cast a living line must sweat.”
This simple quote was taped to the edge of my father’s wooden desk. How I was able to find it under so many piles and stacks of books and yellowing sheets of paper, I’m not sure. I don’t know if it’s what changed me but foretold my experience, that writing is hard, maybe harder than swinging a 75-pound sledgehammer to break concrete.

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

Writers are lovers of life, with an ambition to know and do. Their souls are open and long for new thoughts and sensations. If you grow grumpy when you fail to express yourself in words, then you have potential. If not, you’d be better off swinging that sledgehammer.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The sensation of doing good. Writing about people and historic events is a release of joy. I feel a spiritual connection to those I write about. Discovering the good in them, how they have sacrificed to make life better, is a thrill to discover, like finding gold in a stream. Sharing their experiences with the world amplifies my joy.

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

It seems that thoughts and finding interesting perspectives on life and what is going on around me are constantly coming to mind. I’m slow to respond by writing. For me, there are two great challenges to the creative: sludge in the bloodstream that seems to cause my procrastination, and the feeling, or fear, that my writing will not match the greatness of the person or the event I’m describing.

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

I feel that my God-given talent and purpose in life is to help others see what they are missing, to slow them down to recognize the value and contribution of an obscure person, or to take a moment to relish a seemingly insignificant moment in life. My writing over the years has the unspoken motive of unifying a community, to discover the goodness of life, to stir feelings of peace and contentment. I hope my creative juices have built communities of faith.

LDSPMA Member Spotlight: Ilyan Lavanway!

By 3 Comments

Ilyan Lavanway lives in Lehigh, Kansas.

First, tell us about your unique name!

I asked my dad about the meaning of my name. He told me he named me by inspiration, which is especially significant to me, given the fact that my parents knew nothing about the Church until I was three years old. They were introduced to the gospel by a bishop who owned a farm in Connell, Washington. My parents were renting a house on his land. My parents were baptized when I was three years old, and have remained active, raising me in the Church. According to my dad, my first name, Ilyan, has origins in several countries and means Superior, Gentleman, Gentle.

Also interesting is the fact that while my dad was inspired to name me as he did, he said he did not learn the meanings of my names until after the fact. He said my pediatrician, Dr. Vernie from Holland, told him my middle name, Kei, means Stone or Rock. My last name, Lavanway, comes from French origins and means Keeper of the way, or Keeper of the front gate. My dad said his inspiration in naming me has proven accurate. I appreciate knowing that, and I realize it gives me a lot to live up to.

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

My Spiritual Horizons Expander Pack is a growing collection of eleven out of over two dozen books I have published. These eleven books include: Pondering the Atonement of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon Answers the Fermi Paradox, Eternal Family Structures Among Exalted Couples, Nature of The Godhead, Onions of Eternity, The Grandeur of Christmas and the Son of God, Circumscription Hypothesis, Thought Log 2015.08.17.1900, Intelligent Universe, Paradise and Spirit Prison, What Happens at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Most of these books are short reads, but all invite lengthy pondering, deep thought, exploratory personal scripture study, and personal revelation. Another is called An Aviator At Heart, which is about my teenage years as an aviator. Hopefully, it’ll inspire other young ones out there!

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

When I was a pathologically shy fourteen-year-old boy, I was told in a priesthood blessing that I have the ability – which means responsibility – to teach and to project myself to my fellow man. I was promised that I would be a full-time missionary, and that I would bring many souls into an understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a later blessing, I was promised that complex things would become simple and easy to understand. I consider it my lifelong responsibility as a member missionary to be anxiously engaged in gathering Israel through my personal written works.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Soon after launching The Book of Mormon Answers the Fermi Paradox, and sending hundreds of emails inviting NASA and SETI scientists to read it, a senior scientist from The Mars Institute and SETI responded. Although he maintained his secular perspective and disagreed with the content of my book, he was kind and continued an email conversation with me for several days. The Holy Ghost helped me address his arguments. Later, I was invited to write an article about my book for a science website. Having answered the SETI scientist, I was prepared, but my article was not published as promised.

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

“Do not become discouraged when trials come to you, for all men must overcome the adversities of life in order to achieve perfection.”

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

I would pass along the same advice given to me. I have discovered during my endeavors to invite others to read my written works, that fat too often I encounter total rejection. Much of it is mean and abrupt. All of it is unfounded. Such rejection presents opportunities to be forgiving, and to press on, undaunted.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Something my dad said to me, after I shared with him a particularly hurtful rejection, inspired me. My dad told me, “Son, you are a voice crying in the wilderness, and a light shining in darkness.” My dad also told me, “Son, I love reading your work. It makes me think and feel.” Encouragement like this, and the influence of the Holy Ghost, and sheer determination to not be silenced keep me forging ahead. Personal insights that come to me as I study and ponder the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets and apostles constitute ongoing inspiration in my creative work.

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

Searching the mysteries of God and then sharing and discussing them is part of declaring repentance, affording and inviting a change of mind and heart that gives us a fresh view about God, about ourselves, and about the world. The deep things of God point us right back to the first principle of the gospel, which is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The mysteries of God point us right back to the first law of heaven, which is obedience. This expanded perspective of what it means to declare repentance is the foundation and the core of my creative process.

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

While few and far between, positive reader feedback is one indicator. For example, one reader said of The Book of Mormon Answers the Fermi Paradox, “I love this book. It was clearly written and answers questions I’ve had for years. The author writes in a way that’s simple to understand but informative.” Of course, reader reviews are not decisive indicators of merit. I know I am a voice for good because my books are an integral part of my personal testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. By the word of my testimony, I can help defeat the Adversary.

I have taken the initiative to produce a short, two-part video series of The Book of Mormon Answers the Fermi Paradox, narrated by a simple text-to-speech system.
Part One is fifteen minutes. 
The Book of Mormon Answers The Fermi Paradox by Ilyan Kei lavanway Part 1 of 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A18zirdV04
Part Two is seven minutes.   
The Book of Mormon Answers The Fermi Paradox by Ilyan Kei lavanway Part 2 of 2  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4oh_xy2iw
YouTube playlist containing both parts:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7pXkt_XY8yYNNKfdTfnNv_PlHG2lz8Cm
That’s twenty-two minutes of pondering the infinite and eternal majesty of our Creator, Jesus Christ. It’s one small and simple invitation to look upward and consider the works of God that extend beyond our own myopic perspectives.
Twenty-two minutes to investigate “a change of mind and heart that gives us a fresh view about God, about ourselves, and about the world.”
Please watch and share. This is an integral part of my personal testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I discovered it through years of diligent personal scripture study, and I am supposed to share it, so please indulge me in my efforts to do so in this creative manner.

If you want your spotlight to link to your website or any of your social media platforms, include the URLs here.
https://www.amazon.com/Ilyan-Kei-Lavanway/e/B004YL1HG2

Member Spotlight: Jen Brewer!

By Leave a Comment

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!

By Leave a Comment

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: Tiffany Thomas!

By 1 Comment

Tiffany Thomas lives in Houston, Texas.

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

I am a blogger. My blog is called “Saving Talents.” Part of the blog’s purpose is to provide free daily devotionals for children that go along with the “Come, Follow Me” program. I also blog about anything that could be useful for someone trying to live a Christ-centered life, which ranges from words of inspiration to finances to recipes. I also have Crohn’s disease, so sometimes I write about dealing with chronic illness.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I began homeschooling my children and wanted something about the gospel I could teach them. A month after beginning, “Come Follow Me” was announced, I knew that would be the perfect fit. I saw so many other parents feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of it, though, so I decided to offer my content for free for others to use.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I love hearing from other parents about how the devotionals have made a difference in their home. It’s so rewarding to feel like I am helping not only my own children, but other children as well.

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

“You can’t please everyone.” Everyone has different tastes and preferences about what they read or use or see. Sometimes, that feedback is helpful, but other times, that feedback is simply an opinion that may or may not fit with your goals. It’s okay to choose to not apply someone’s input about work.

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

Find a circle of support. Blogging is an extremely difficult and competitive field. Not only are you writing, but you also have to learn the technology and keep up with changing social media and search engines in order to have success. Having a pod or group of other bloggers who aren’t competitive and are willing to help one another makes all the difference.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Honestly, it’s the gospel and my testimony. I see on a daily basis how much better my life is because of the knowledge I have about Heavenly Father and His love for me. My relationship with the Savior has lightened many burdens, and I want to pass that on to others who may also be struggling with the burdens that come with this life.

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

Blogging is so much more work than just sitting down and writing an article. I have learned so much about data analysis, graphic design, and more. It has forced me to leave my comfort zone and be diligent in my efforts if I want to reach as many people as possible.

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

Being a blogger lets me reach a variety of people all around the world that I normally wouldn’t come in contact with. Not only do the devotionals help other young parents bring the gospel into their children’s lives in deliberate ways, but I also can help those who are looking for ways to follow the Savior more closely. Whether that’s in their personal development or their struggles with a chronic illness diagnosis or parenting or homeschooling, hopefully, my experiences have helped ease the path for others who are in similar circumstances.

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

https://savingtalents.com/

Member Spotlight: Oakli Van Meter!

By Leave a Comment

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

I’m currently working on a book series, so I haven’t published yet, but I do have a blog that I try to write on! I started it by suggestion from a professor at BYU and it’s been on and off but I’m hoping to focus on it and build it up in the future!

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

My dad is an author (Jason F. Wright who’s most known for his New York Times best-selling book Christmas Jars), and I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing. I used to read 3 books on a weekend during high school. Life’s a little busier now, but I still love reading and creating media.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My career is just getting started since I just graduated last year. One thing I’ve done that was so fun is live editing a book my dad wrote live. So he wrote the book live for fans to watch and I edited live as he wrote. It was a fun experience and definitely challenged me with all those people watching!

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

Prioritize what matters most. There have been times in my life where I haven’t been able to enjoy reading and writing as much as others. And that’s okay. As long as the most important things come first. But your creativity is important, too.

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

One thing that has really helped me is reading books about writing. As both a writer and an editor, this has helped immensely in honing my craft. My favorite by far is, Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. As a writer, it’s helped me write better and as an editor, it’s helped me edit better. I’ve learned how to give better feedback about the story and the content.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Music. I find a lot of inspiration and ideas in the lyrics of music. I love to listen to music while writing, too.

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

Everyone is different. I love listening to music while I write and some people may find it distracting. I don’t write in long chunks—mostly for lack of time. If I get 20-30 minutes in, that’s awesome for me. It takes forever, but writing is more of a side thing for me right now, so it works out perfectly.

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

When I’m editing, I try to focus on the good things someone did. I don’t love giving critiques, so I try to focus more on the good and mention the critiques more lightly. I hope that has made the people I’ve worked with feel good.

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

http://www.wiseoleoak-wordpress.com

Member Spotlight: Karlene Browning!

By Leave a Comment

Karlene Browning lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

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

As a typesetter, editor, and formatter, I’ve worked on many books over the years, including HE DID DELIVER ME FROM BONDAGE by Colleen C. Harrison, a best-selling LDS 12-step recovery book; PIECE OF SKY by Ann Hunter, a middle-grade fairy tale retelling; and many more. As I recently returned to the publishing scene, I’ve released OMEGA ALPHA and LIFE IN THE PIT by Kristen Landon, and LIFELIKE by Sheila A. Nielson (a 14th annual Whitney Award finalist).

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

Since I learned to read at age 4, I’ve been fascinated with stories. I love words, I love stories. I was about 12 when I realized that people wrote books, and thought, maybe, I could write one too! I haven’t published a novel yet, but I’m still thinking about it. In the meantime, I play with words and story every day—reading, editing, typesetting, formatting, design, and marketing. I love taking a manuscript and making it shine!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

That’s like asking which is your favorite child! I am very proud of my work with Hearthaven Publishing, getting the message of recovery through Jesus Christ out to the Latter-day Saint community. Their first book, HE DID DELIVER ME FROM BONDAGE, has sold over 200,000 copies. Another huge highlight is my most recent release, LIFELIKE, which is a Whitney finalist! There was much jumping and screaming and exaltation when that was announced.

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

Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t do something because you don’t know how. We have Google now. You can always learn how to do something. The more you use a tool or skill, the better you become. Also, a recent piece of advice that I use daily: “When one can see no future, all one can do is the next right thing.” – Pabbie from Frozen II

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

If you want to do something, keep learning and keep practicing. Network with people you know. Don’t be afraid to tell friends and family what you’re doing. Your excitement for what you do will inspire them—and they’ll tell others. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to establish yourself as a professional in any field—it’s how I got (still get) 95% of my work.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

I can see the end of the project from the beginning, in all it’s shining glory. That view keeps me going.

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

Book people are my people. I can talk with them for hours about books, authors, and other book-related things. It’s networking with others who love books that keeps my creative process going.

You can find tips on the creative process on my “About” page on my website at: https://inksplasher.com/meet-inksplasher/

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

I love doing workshops and presentations about creating and publishing books. I love sharing what I’ve learned over the past 40 years and encouraging others to keep trying, celebrating their successes. Years ago, author Josi S. Kilpack told me that I was the best book cheerleader ever and that has remained one of my most treasured compliments.

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

http://inksplasher.com/