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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Member Spotlight: Jeremy Madsen!

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Jeremy Madsen lives in Provo, Utah

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
  • The Atrium of Light Scripture Song project: making available online a collection of 300+ songs that set major scripture passages to original melodies. These songs were written by my family while I was growing up. They are extremely powerful for helping people memorize scriptures and incorporate spiritual power into their day-to-day lives.
  • “From Precepts to Power,” a blog for Latter-day Saints that explores principles for spiritual and personal empowerment.
  • I’m the chief editor for Studia Antiqua, a BYU student journal for the study of the ancient world.
  • Rendhart, a half-finished YA fantasy novel.
What inspired you to become a creator of media?

My brothers. Growing up, they both read a lot of fantasy and adventure books and also wrote fantastic stories. Since I was eleven, I have had the dream of becoming a fantasy author myself. I used to don a cape and draw a sword (actually a plastic ruler) and fight imaginary duels in my bedroom. Oh, wait—I still do that! In high school, I once listed all the books I wanted to write one day. The list was at least thirty items long and ranged from quirky sci-fi titles to personal development books. I still have that list.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being involved with LDSPMA. I love the people I have met, the things I have learned about the publishing industry, and the opportunities that have become available to me. It truly is an awesome organization, and I’m so glad I could be a part of making its mission happen as the new Operations Manager.

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

Advice from C. S. Lewis: “No [writer] who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” Also, the book Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Williams and Bizup taught me more about effective writing than any other book I’ve read.

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

Identify your priorities early, and then stick to them. Never allow your writing (or editing or podcasting, etc.) to come before God, family, or Church duties. But don’t let inconsequential hobbies, distractions, or concerns take time away from your creative work either. Drink lots of water. I drink 20-30 cups of water a day, and it does amazing things to my energy level and mental clarity. Set high standards for the content you create. There are enough media out there with profanity, vulgarity, crude humor, and unprincipled protagonists. Don’t add more. Create media that will truly bring people to God.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged as a creator. I walk into a library and see the thousands upon thousands of books, and I think, “What could I ever add? And who would read it?”

The main source that sustains me is God. Every once in a while, He’ll remind me that my words and ideas are valuable and needed. The second source that sustains me is sincere praise from others. Someone told me recently, “Even if you write your blog posts for no one else but me, I get so much out of them that they’d be worth it.”

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

I love capes! Capes and cloaks of all kinds. I’ve worn them around the house, to school, even on dates. One of my most prized possessions is a dragon-scale-pattern cloak my wife made for me back when we were dating. March 10th is Universal Cape Day! Mark your calendars for next year. Wear a cape. Feel heroic.

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

I want my writing to model mature romantic relationships—something that is very rare in media. I want to show agency-based love instead of “love at first sight” or “love by happenstance.” I want to show the work and commitment that building and maintaining (or repairing) a relationship requires. And I also want to show the deep sense of security, love, and fulfillment that a well-nurtured marriage can bring.

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

The website my siblings and I built to house our creative content: AtriumOfLight.com.

Member Spotlight: Lisa Gregg!

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Lisa Gregg lives in Southeastern Utah.

What inspired you to become a creator of media?

I have loved stories and wanted to contribute creatively to the world since childhood. The desire to edit and help refine other people’s stories came later as a natural extension of that.

When I was five or six, I tried to get my dad to write down a story for me. I knew my childish handwriting was hard to read and that my spelling was bad, so I wanted a shortcut. My dad wisely used it as a learning opportunity, as dads do, and convinced me to write it myself (though he did correct my spelling).

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I recently finished and have begun revising my first full novel. Writing “the end” on the last page brought on a rush of relief and a feeling of achievement unparalleled by any I’ve previously experienced.

I also highly enjoy attending writing conferences and classes and consider them highlights as well. They’re great, both for the chance to learn and for the opportunity to interact with other lovers of the written word.

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

The best advice I’ve received, I think, is to solicit and gracefully accept feedback. You don’t need to take every piece of criticism or correction, but it is important to realize that you are not perfect and other people can help you improve. I think that advice is helpful in writing and in life. Humility and a willingness to be corrected can be difficult to develop—I’m definitely not a master at it—but it is very helpful in the long run.

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

The advice is the same for both writing and editing: just keep practicing. Write, write, write, and read, read, read. Read stories, read history books, read books on writing. Find podcasts and classes and videos online about writing, and see what they have to teach you. If you are a big fan of a movie or book, try writing fanfiction for it. Then, put it online and get feedback on your writing. Practice may not make perfect, but it will certainly make you better.

What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?

The world is full of inspiration. However, I personally think the most interesting story inspirations come from combining two or more interesting things together in a “what if” scenario.

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

I am a writer of sci-fi, fantasy, and whatever else tickles my fancy. In the past, I have been a poetry editor for a literary magazine and a corporate editor in an office, but now I edit fiction (and very occasionally nonfiction) on a freelance basis. I’ve also recently taken a position as an assistant librarian, which is great fun.

As far as my process goes, I’m a night-writer generally, and I spend the day letting words and ideas digest. I believe in going on walks and seeking stillness. I think pondering, putting in the work spiritually, is necessary to put out good creative work.

How do we find you online?

You can find me on Instagram @lisatgreggwrites and my website www.lisatgregg.com.

Announcing the Praiseworthy Awards for Emerging Authors!

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By Katie Wiscombe, LDSPMA Awards Committee Member   

How are you like the following people: Gerald Lund, Sarah Eden, or even Brandon Sanderson? I’m sure most of you would say you are nothing like these amazing Latter-day Saint authors. But really, you would be wrong. You probably have several things in common, but I’m looking for just one. Any guesses? No? Well, let me tell you.

You are like these creators simply because they, too, were once unknown authors with the drive, discipline, and talent to take that first step. The first step for you can be right here. If your dreams are tied up in telling the stories rolling around in your head, you’re in the right place. Let me explain.

In conjunction with our annual Latter-day Saint Publishing & Media Association conference held in October, we offer an opportunity for previously unpublished authors to submit their work to the Praiseworthy Award for Emerging Authors contest. This is a writing contest specifically for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are unpublished and unagented. And this opportunity has a wonderful prize waiting at the finish line for the winners: feedback from the industry professionals at Eschler Editing! What?! Truly, the chance to have a professional in the field help you on your way is worth that first step.

The Details

Now for a little housekeeping. We open for submissions for all genres on May 1, 2021. Fiction submissions are due by June 1, 2021. Nonfiction submissions are DUE by June 15, 2021. 

You are welcome to submit up to 2,500 words from any genre and on any topic you would like. Picture books to epic fantasy. Romance to memoir. Historical fiction or nonfiction. Poetry or essays. Do you have a manuscript on how to make goat cheese? Or maybe you have a more serious subject matter that needs to be heard. Send it over.  The sky’s the limit. All you need to do is click here for additional information on submitting your manuscript.

Winners

Winners will be announced at the conference in October. Besides the feedback from Eschler Editing, all winners and honorable mentions will receive a certificate and a digital badge to post on their social media pages or website. 

The Invitation

I hope you follow that voice in your head that encourages you to take that first step. It’s not impossible to think that you could someday be in the same place as those incredible authors above. Nelson Mandela shared some inspired insight on the subject when he said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” So what are you waiting for? Dust off your manuscript, click the link, and submit your 2,500 words. Impossible no more–you just got it done. One step closer to your dream becoming a reality. 

We can’t wait to hear your stories!

Aaron Merrell: Working in the Film Industry

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By Trina Boice

Check out a recent BYU-Idaho Forum presentation, featuring Aaron Merrell, who is a senior producer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s Publishing Services Department. In the forum, Aaron gives a behind-the-scenes look into producing the Book of Mormon Videos series. He also shares insights about working in the film industry.

Aaron has worked for DreamWorks, Walt Disney Company, and other entertainment companies prior to working for the Church.

Video of Aaron Merrell discussing working in the film industry on the Book of Mormon Videos series.
https://video.byui.edu/media/t/1_yik46p1s/11602882

The Book of Mormon Videos are a collection of videos based on accounts from The Book of Mormon. You can watch them on YouTube or on the Church’s website to learn more about these faith-building films! They are also available in other languages.

You may have seen the Broadway musical called “The Book of Mormon.” Now, through movie magic, you can find out what the Book of Mormon is really about!

Seeking and Creating Praiseworthy Works

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By Ted Finch

Our Thirteenth Article of Faith proclaims, “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” My original goal for this blog post was to share quotes from a handful of articles I’ve studied over the last few months that have had an impact on my growth as a creative person trying to figure out how to share my light through praiseworthy works.

As I worked through several paragraphs, I started asking myself questions such as, “Why am I writing this?” and “Should I include this?” Finally, it dawned on me that I don’t need to write about what is in the articles themselves; rather, write about the idea that we have to work on our spiritual development and our artistic development in tandem. That is the moment the words started to flow.

The Spiritual and Artistic in Tandem

Artist James C. Christensen stressed the idea to many of his BYU students, “We cannot separate our spiritual development from our artistic development. We must work at both.” There is wonderful insight that comes when we involve God in our creative pursuits. Keeping our connection with the Spirit is key to receiving the guidance we need to grow spiritually and creatively. 

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said that the “Spirit of Christ . . . is the medium of intelligence, that guides inventors, scientists, artists, composers, poets, authors . . . when they set their hands to do that which is for the benefit and blessing of their fellow men.”

In 1995, President M. Russell Ballard stated at the Tuachan Mormon Arts Festival (later published in the July 1996 Ensign), “God’s purpose for the artist is to inspire. To give us visions of ourselves that we might not otherwise see, to make us better than we would have been.” 

Think about that. Our purpose as creatives is to inspire ourselves and others to see the world differently—in a better way. We can be guided to create things that will benefit and bless the lives of others. 

A hand holding out a candle. Sharing light, symbolic of creating and seeking praiseworthy works.
A Call to Share Our Light

In his speech, President Ballard stated, “This is the time, brothers and sisters to make our voices heard.” I think that call still rings true almost 21 years later. As we see more winds of commotion and confusion blow across the plains of the world, we must rise to the call to fill our quarters of the world with light and truth. 

How do we do this? As creatives, we “express [ourselves] in universal symbols, images, sounds, and feelings.” We have the “unique opportunity to present [our] opinions, and perspectives on Eternity” through “universal symbols, images, sounds, and feelings” (Ballard, 1995).

Now it’s time for you to discover how the Lord wants you to make your voice heard. It may be in the walls of your home, to your extended family, to your community, or to the world. You might share your praiseworthy stories, ideas, music, or other unique opinions from your perspective. Now is the time to share.

Enjoy your journey. Bring others with you.

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Author’s Note: I linked articles I cited in the article and have included a few others below to help start you on your path of creative discovery.

“The Sweep the Earth as a Flood” talk by Elder David A. Bednar
“The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord” speech by President Boyd K. Packer
“Seeking after the Good in Art, Drama, Film, and Literature” essay by Travis T. Anderson

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Ted Finch is a husband, father, disciple, and storyteller. He loves stories through novels, poetry, and film. Ted loves baking bread, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He is also passionate about creating learning experiences for audiences around the world.

Twitter – @tedthewriter

Instagram – @tedthewriter

Website – tedthewriter.wixsite.com/home

Praiseworthy Award Nominations Are Open

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By Nicole Bay

It’s that time of year again! No, not the Oscar season—it’s time to send in your nominations for the annual LDSPMA Praiseworthy Awards.

LDSPMA instituted the Praiseworthy Awards in 2016 to honor entire teams who collaborate to bring excellent work to light. Authors, illustrators, and content writers are extremely important in the initial stages of a new creative endeavor. They have the inspiration for a story, a movie, or a podcast. Then editors, designers, producers, directors, and actors add their magic and vision to refine that work and prepare it to meet the world. We appreciate all the work that goes into creating an outstanding piece of art, so we give Praiseworthy Awards to all members of the winning teams.

Last year we were thrilled to receive so many high-quality entries. Publishers nominated their best books, but LDSPMA members and friends entered their favorites, too. Past winners include authors published locally as well as nationally. (See the 2020 Awards Winners page.)

And the Praiseworthy Awards contest isn’t just for books—we want to recognize excellence in audiovisual media, such as podcasts, songs, and films, and in multimedia projects, such as interactive websites, video games, and apps. 

We welcome submissions from most genres that explore a wide variety of themes and content. A picture book about the first woman to run the Boston Marathon? Yes, please! How about a biography of a prophet or a novel about forbidden love? Absolutely! What about a book that deals with mental illness, a podcast about success in business, or a recording of a rock song? Yes, yes, yes! 

The common denominators for Praiseworthy winners? A top-notch product whose creators include at least one member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

We know you’ve either created or loved a book or other work that deserves some recognition. Check out our eligibility and submissions guidelines, and then use this form to submit a nomination. 

Nominations are open from March 15 to April 16, 2021, for works produced in 2020.

Keep creating and consuming excellent media! The world needs it!

Bio: Nicole Bay is the LDSPMA Director of Awards. She teaches linguistics at Brigham Young University and writes children’s fiction and nonfiction. Her favorite things are her husband and kids, homemade bread and cookies, reading, writing, and crossword puzzles.

Podcasting: Why You Should Think About Trying It

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By Ashley Fontes

Years ago, I started a children’s yoga blog. I had my blog name and a good website address. I wrote innovative content, I had my target audience, I made videos, I offered free content. Eventually, I even wrote on guest blogs. I was doing everything everyone was telling me to do to get my name out there, and still, I was not getting more than 50 hits a month. 

What was I doing wrong? Why couldn’t I break into the market? 

Trying a New Tactic

I couldn’t figure it out, but then last year I found this little gem that made me think: “As of this writing, there are over 500 million blogs available on the Internet. By contrast, Google claims to have indexed two million podcasts, and in 2018, Apple claimed that there were 525,000 active podcasts. Would you rather try to be noticeable in a room of 500 people, or a room with two?”

I did some more researching to see if podcasts would really make that big of a difference. Again, this is what I found: 

  • 75% of the US population is familiar with the term “podcasting”
  • 55% (155 million) of the US population has listened to a podcast
  • 16 million people in the US are “avid podcast fans”

With such a surprisingly large potential audience waiting, I had to try this out. 

I rebranded everything I owned to one name. I made sure all of my social media accounts pointed to my website and blog and that I owned the simplest domain for my new brand. Then I started my podcast, Read and Yoga. Same brand, same content, same audience, just a different platform. 

A podcast set up with microphone and computer.
The Results

In two months, I had 100 downloads on my podcast. While 100 downloads in two months didn’t mean instant podcaster celebrity status for me, it came with great side effects:

  • I went from 50 unique visits a month on my website to 150 unique visits to my website.
  • Since there are only 15 podcasters in my genre, I don’t have as much competition to get my content noticed in that sphere. 
  • I have been featured as a guest on two other podcasts, with a third coming up next month. And my podcast has received a shoutout from one of the top podcasters in my genre. These opportunities have drawn new readers and listeners to my blog and podcast from those podcasters’ audiences.
  • My social media page has grown faster in the last two months than in the last two years. 

The steps for starting a podcast are very similar to starting a blog . . . and there is no one saying you can’t have both. My podcast allows me to reach my audience where they are in ways that my blog can’t. While my blog talks mostly to caregivers and teachers, my podcast can reach straight out to yogis.

You can find the same benefits from starting your own podcast! Reach people where they are, and don’t be afraid to change. 

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Ashley Fontes graduated from Brigham Young University (Provo) with a BA in Humanities. She continued exploring her love for cultures by becoming a certified Iyengar yoga teacher, instructing both children and adults. While raising a family, writing, and teaching yoga, she has been active in the Deaf community, and in 2018 she co-founded a non-profit organization, ASL Junction.

Website: www.readandyoga.com

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Be sure to check out LDSPMA’s new podcast! You can find the first episode here.

Member Spotlight: Julie Ann Toomey!

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Julie Ann Toomey lives in McKinney, Texas.

What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
Failure to Thrive – My Journey to Mental Health – published 2018
Through the Eyes of a Friend – coming soon!
What inspired you to become a creator of media?
I’ve always needed to write. I write in my journal a lot and it’s an outlet for me when something crazy in my life happens. It also helps me get all of the words in my head out!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Publishing my autobiography.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
Keep going! Keep creating! It will be amazing!
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?
I don’t know. If I don’t write, I feel like something is missing. I also like to connect with my friends on social media and have writing sprints, which helps me get the words down on paper.
In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?
I’m a HUGE advocate for mental health. My second book, Through the Eyes of a Friend, is about my friend who committed suicide. I hope that it will help people with those kinds of thoughts to rethink that choice, to realize how much they are loved, even when they don’t understand why.
You can learn more about Julie Ann and her creative work at:
julieann.toomey.org