What inspires an aviation safety auditor to become a successful author of techno-thrillers? Sit down with us as Patrick Childs shares his incredible journey from a young boy fascinated by rockets and aircraft to an acclaimed author and aviation safety auditor. We explore Patrick’s unique educational background as an English major at the Citadel, his ongoing hobby of launching rockets, and the family influences that nurtured his storytelling talents. Patrick recounts how his love for Cold War techno-thrillers and practical space travel shaped his career, and he shares surprising anecdotes from his youth that paved the way for his dual passions.

Ever wondered about the challenges of transitioning from writing factual articles to crafting compelling novels? Patrick walks us through the inspiration and creation of his first novel, "Perigee," highlighting the trials and triumphs of self-publishing on Amazon in its early days. Listen as he describes the invaluable feedback from established authors and the rewarding process of getting his book into a publishable format. Patrick also delves into how his self-published works caught the attention of Baen Books, leading to a fruitful partnership and the eventual success of his novel "Frozen Orbit."

Discover the fascinating blend of intelligent design, science, and storytelling that characterizes Patrick's writing. Inspired by Tom Clancy's approach to hard science fiction with a techno-thriller mindset, Patrick discusses the intriguing premise of "Frozen Orbit," centered on a NASA mission to Pluto driven by Cold War-era technological competition. Learn how he weaves real scientific theories and technologies into his narratives to create stories featuring ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This episode is a testament to the importance of keeping the art in your heart and staying engaged with your creative passions.

Have you ever wondered how the diagnosis of ADHD can be influenced by the limited studies primarily done on young white boys? Join us as we walk down memory lane with the invigorating Abby White, who shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD in 2013. Abby dives deep into her struggles and the challenges she faced due to the misinterpretations of her condition. We navigate through the concept of neurodivergence, its encompassing conditions, and how they bring a mix of strengths and difficulties.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Abby intertwines her life with ADHD and her vibrant career in the arts. Starting from church shows, high school theater, to her latest role as a standardized patient, Abby's journey is indeed a compelling story of resilience. Drawing strength from her passion for arts, she gives us a glimpse into how she coped with stress and anxiety. If you've been misunderstood or told that your dreams aren't realistic, this episode promises to fuel your spirit with inspiration and practical tips to stay committed to your passion.

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

Ever wondered how science fiction authors entwine reality and imagination into a seamless narrative? Tune in as we sit down with acclaimed author Patrick Chiles and take you behind the scenes of his creative process. From the birth of his characters to the final draft of his narrative, Patrick reveals the nuts and bolts of his writing journey.

Dive into the second half of our conversation where we navigate through the rollercoaster ride of publishing. From the hurdles of indie authorship to the power of networking, we glean into the real-world challenges and triumphs that authors face. Patrick tells us the story of how he found his niche in writing science fiction and balanced it with his everyday work. 

The conversation takes an electrifying turn as we explore the possibility of Patrick's books being adapted for TV. After an applauding review from Publishers Weekly, the author finds himself amidst a flurry of inquiries about TV and movie rights for his books. We discuss the significance of cinematic thinking for authors and the role of networking within the publishing industry. As we wrap up our engaging chat, Patrick leaves us with his favorite motto and an inspiring quote that fuels his passion.

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

Have you ever considered how the untold stories of historical figures might hold the key to your creative passion? Join us in an insightful conversation with life coach, copywriter, and aspiring screenwriter, Aimee Kunau, who shares how her love for storytelling and history led her to uncover the secret love of George Washington and Sally Fairfax, and how it ignited her passion for screenwriting.

Amy's journey has taken her through the realms of copywriting, personal branding, and even coordinating dog rescues, each adventure pushing her beyond her comfort zone and into rewarding experiences. Listen in as she shares her unique perspective on combining her skills, embracing the support of positive people, and staying true to herself, all while keeping the art in her heart. Discover Amy's talents and story on her website, personacopy.com, and get inspired to find your own creative passion.

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

We kick off Season Three with Aimee Kunau - The Life Coach Copywriter & Personal Branding for Life Coaches, Startups and Entrepreneurs.  This is part one of two of pure gold about storytelling, finding your superpower, and accepting challenges as an entrepreneur!  

Also, leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the episodes or great content that will help you keep the art in your heart.

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

I continue my talk with award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and friend, Tony Ciccotelli.  In this part we talk about the process of screenwriting, filmmaking, setting goals, and having fun. along the way, Tony talks about overcoming some of the barriers to keeping the art in his heart. 

Thanks for listening and keeping the Art in Your Heart! 

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

Today’s episode I’m honored to have as my guest award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor Tony Ciccotelli.  This episode is the first two-parter!  

Tony and I talked a lot about screenwriting versus playwriting, what it means to direct feature and short films, film contests, and how to combine all of that into a life worth living!  

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

I was teaching a Master's class at the University of Cincinnati's Digital Media and Production program and met Rachel Plum.  She was interested in learning more about my career trajectory and podcasting, and I was interested in how she came back to the art in her heart after giving up at such a young age.

So we grabbed coffee, talked some more, and decided to set a day to record this episode. You're going to find out how to truly keep the Art in Your Heart!  

A production of Mighty Maus Media. Find more at www.shawnmaus.net

I was teaching a Master's class at the University of Cincinnati's Digital Media and Production program and met Rachel Plum.  She was interested in learning more about my career trajectory and podcasting, and I was interested in how she came back to the art in her heart after giving up at such a young age.

So we grabbed coffee, talked some more, and decided to set a day to record this episode. You're going to find out how to truly keep the Art in Your Heart!