Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast

Author Debbie Rasmussen talks about different times in her life when she was encouraged and prompted by others, after reluctantly sharing some of her writings.

Host Cassidy Beck welcomes Heather Preece—wife, mother, school counselor, and psychology adjunct professor—who writes about motherhood, disability, mental health, faith, and finding peace when life doesn’t go as planned. Heather shares how a nudge to submit a personal essay launched her vulnerable storytelling, despite insecurity and fear of judgment, and how reader connection keeps her going. She discusses parenting three autistic boys, including a medically complex youngest child, emphasizing being the mom her kids need, celebrating small victories, and helping others feel included. Heather explains how learning new ways to communicate with her non-speaking son has deepened her relationship with God and reframed prayer in seasons of waiting. She introduces her Spark Award–winning book, “Off the Path of Typical: 12 Lessons From a Motherhood That Didn’t Go as Planned,” and encourages overwhelmed parents to seek God’s help and create rather than only consume. 

Steve VanWagenen shares his perspective on finding and sharing gospel truths through unexpected sources.

For those that want to contact Steve directly, or purchase any of his books -- [email protected]

Information about his custom illustration work -- www.IllustrateMyIdea.com

Learning more about his published books:
-- Brick of Mormon Stories -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K3HWGWY

-- The Brick of Mormon Church History - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0996767010

-- If You Want to Share the Gospel - Join the wait list at:
https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erMveGl3ecxnHBc

Welcome back to Called to Create! In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, we sit down with fantasy author, creativity mentor, and 2025 Praiseworthy Award winner Vanessa Thurgood to talk about creativity, faith, storytelling, motherhood, and learning to trust God through unexpected life pivots. 

Vanessa shares how she never intended to become a writer. From growing up around horses in Rexburg, Idaho, to pursuing photography and agricultural business, her creative journey took many unexpected turns before God gently led her toward writing fantasy novels. What began as an old dream written in a teenage notebook eventually became The Comstock Chronicles — an epic fantasy series filled with dragons, elemental magic, deep themes, and powerful messages about courage, healing, and light. 

Throughout the conversation, Vanessa opens up about burnout, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and the spiritual experiences that confirmed she was on the right path. She shares the powerful journal moment where she felt God tell her, “You will be an instrument in my hands,” and how that answer changed the trajectory of her life and creative work. 

The discussion also explores the healing power of storytelling, why flawed characters resonate so deeply, and how creativity can reconnect us to joy and purpose. Vanessa also shares how her writing journey unexpectedly led her into hosting women’s creativity retreats focused on helping others rediscover their spark through art, movement, photography, and connection. 

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to navigate uncertainty while staying close to God, this episode is packed with encouragement and wisdom about trusting the creative gifts you’ve been given. 

Key Topics Discussed 

•  Vanessa’s journey from photography to fantasy writing 
•  Receiving spiritual guidance through journaling and prayer 
•  Overcoming burnout and imposter syndrome 
•  Why comparison steals creativity and joy 
•  The healing power of stories and human connection 
•  Building The Comstock Chronicles fantasy world 
•  Using creativity to reconnect with yourself and God 
•  Hosting women’s creativity retreats 
•  Learning to embrace imperfect creation 
•  Why sharing your light matters 

About Vanessa Thurgood
 Vanessa Thurgood is the author of The Comstock Chronicles, a young adult/new adult fantasy series featuring elemental magic, dragons, shape-shifters, epic quests, and deeply human themes. Alongside writing novels, she also coaches aspiring authors through her Story Quest program and helps host creativity retreats designed to help women rediscover joy and purpose through creative expression.
 

Spark Award recipient, Lisa Smith, talks about her recipe book, "Desserts that Delight," and the joy that comes from sharing what we have with others.

Interview with Greg Matsen about his YouTube channel and podcast, 

Greg Matsen is the founder of Cwic Media and the host of Cwic Show found on YouTube and podcast platforms, as well as the Editor for the Substack, "Alive and Intelligent." 

 Jason Lamont Jones, LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award Recipient, talks about the process of publishing his book, "One Day a Year." Biggest surprise for him was who the book ended up making the biggest impact on. 

 Meghan Hoesch is a professional editor with five years of experience working freelance for various publishing companies and other clients. Though she's done all aspects of the editing process, she specializes in copyediting/line editing and proofreading, and she enjoys finding mistakes and helping authors make their work shine. Last year, she won the LDSPMA Spark Award for her short story, Discovering Ella, and she's hoping to publish it one day. 
 ”Editors don't always get public recognition, but they definitely shape stories that shape lives.” 

Welcome back to Called to Create!
In this deeply inspiring episode, hosts Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with BYU business professor, author, and Praiseworthy Award winner BJ Allen to explore a powerful and often overlooked aspect of the Savior’s atonement—His compensating power.

BJ shares the story behind his book, The Compensating Power of Christ: How the Atonement Rights the Wrongs of an Unfair World, and how a single line of doctrine sparked years of study, reflection, and ultimately a published work that is touching lives. From writing chapters in the parking lot during his kids’ soccer practices to experiencing profound spiritual insights, BJ offers a relatable and faith-filled perspective on how Christ is involved in our everyday lives.

Together, they discuss how the Savior not only strengthens and forgives—but also compensates for life’s unfairness, our personal weaknesses, and even the shortcomings of others that affect us. This conversation is filled with hope, practical insight, and a renewed understanding of how deeply personal and present Jesus Christ truly is.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or simply seeking to deepen your relationship with the Savior, this episode will leave you feeling seen, uplifted, and reminded that nothing in your life is beyond Christ’s reach.

Key Topics Discussed

• What “the compensating power of Christ” really means
• The inspiration behind BJ Allen’s book
• Writing a book in the middle of a busy family life
• How Christ compensates for our personal weaknesses
• How Christ makes up for the impact of others’ imperfections
• Finding peace in life’s unfair and painful experiences
• Recognizing God’s hand—often in hindsight
• Strengthening your relationship with Christ through small, daily habits
• Advice for aspiring writers, especially in the faith-based space
  
  
  

Personal Takeaway:

One of the most powerful reminders from this episode is that Jesus Christ is not distant—He is actively involved in the details of our lives. Even when we don’t see it in the moment, His grace is working to compensate, strengthen, and restore. Often, it’s only in looking back that we recognize just how present He has been all along.

Resources & Links:

• The Compensating Power of Christ by BJ Allen (available at Deseret Book and Amazon)
• Learn more or connect with BJ: bjallen.net
  
  
  

Follow, Share & Stay Inspired:

If this episode uplifted you or gave you a new perspective, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a friend or loved one who may need this message.

Be sure to follow Called to Create so you never miss an episode filled with faith, creativity, and purpose.

And if you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love your support—leave a review or rating to help more listeners discover the show and be inspired.

Today we’re joined by author Kenneth Chamberlain. Raised across the American West and a former missionary to Brazil, Kenneth built an international business career working with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations around the world before returning to his first love—storytelling. He now writes faith-centered novels that blend history, scripture, and real-world struggles, and he’s the Spark Award–winning author of The King’s Bodyguard, a powerful reimagining of events surrounding King Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem.