This is a special repost of one of my Craftsman’s Workshop Patreon streams, where I dive deep into a pivotal question: What makes a story truly life-giving? 🌱

Join me as I open up about how storytelling keeps us grounded, and share thoughts on what it means to build a meaningful creative life amidst a chaotic world. We cover everything from my evolving Patreon tiers (and why I shifted them) to my journey through Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity and how it’s reshaping my approach to writing, storytelling, and community. 📚✨

In this episode, I also reveal exciting plans for 2025, including the triumphant return of the Fantasy For Our Time podcast, new short stories through mentorship with celebrated author Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and a revitalized approach to the Patreon community.

And, of course, a huge thanks to all of you who keep this journey alive. 🙏

Timestamps:

00:00 - Opening Remarks: What Makes a Story Life-Giving? 02:15 - Patreon Changes and a New Direction 05:30 - The Influence of Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity 08:45 - The Challenges of Creative Work and Family Life 12:00 - Introducing the Concept of a Deep Life 15:20 - Finding Purpose in Storytelling 18:40 - Rediscovering Focus and Quality in Creativity 22:00 - The Most Important Question: What Story Would You Die For? 25:30 - Update on the Podcast and Upcoming Themes 29:15 - Short Fiction Mentorship with Kristine Kathryn Rusch" 32:40 - Recommitting to Writing and Upcoming Works 36:10 - Cantos of Arcadia and the Future of Fantasy Sci-Fi 39:50 - The Revival of In A Certain Land Podcast 43:00 - Final Reflections