The Stories Between Us

Matthew Paul Turner joins us today to talk about encouraging friendships, Christmas, and the joys of writing for children. He shares his journey to writing kids' books, has a remarkable memory when it comes to the first time he and Shawn met, and has some revealing words regarding one of Shawn's high school crushes (ahem, Amy Grant). Maile, staying on topic, gushes about Matthew's latest book, All the Colors of Christmas.

When God Made You When God Made Light

Maile and Shawn surprise each other and reveal their favorite books of 2020, along with what can only be described as extremely poignant insights into what made each book so special...okay, maybe it's not that profound, but they have fun with it.

We talk about the myth of the undiscovered genius and why this is a dangerous road for a writer's mind to travel, as well as how knowing the truth (that we're all mortals who simply need to work harder at our craft) is actually good news. Plus, the writing 101 lesson that has Maile and Shawn encouraged and ready to get back to work.

We talk about the benefits of creativity for children and adults. Maile gushed over a new children's Christmas book and shares about an inappropriate Christmas story she wrote when she was in second grade. Shawn doesn't care about the world anymore because he has his own office in the basement. And they reveal the identity of their next guest on the show--a real doozy.

Mentioned on the show:

The Importance of Creativity in Childhood Development Creativity: A Strategic Necessity All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner Boundary Waters by William Kent Kreuger

Jamie Kocur joins us to talk about songwriting, creating in the margins, and her new book, My CCM Soundtracked Life. Shawn is concerned her disillusionment might destroy his childhood memories of Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. Maile has no such concerns, as she grew up listening to Air Supply. We talk about how small seeds of creativity planted now might grow into something more substantial down the road.

Shawn admits to Maile that, unbeknownst to her, he did apply for their family to move to New Zealand. He gushes about a book he's currently reading (although he's not sure he's allowed to talk about it). Maile's recent delight is parenting the youngest two.

But what they really dig into is the old saying, "Write what you know"...and how to decide how much more you need to learn about something before writing about it.

A few of the topics discussed:

Sean Dietrich (aka Sean of the South) Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See

Susie Finkbeiner joins us to talk about providing her children with an example of an artistic life, what it's like researching historical novels, and how to find time for creativity in a sometimes hectic life.

You can find out more about Susie and her work over at her website.

Maile and Shawn talk about how the ongoing societal angst is effecting their creativity, along with seven practices that might help you regain a handle on your creative life. As the episode progresses, Shawn thinks Maile might be conspiring against him in the creation of the list. You'll have to decide for yourself.

Mentioned:

The Habit Podcast: Jonathan Rogers Interviews Andrew LePeau about the link between physical exercise and creative ideas.

Shawn and Maile speak with 17-year-old rap artist Jude Halvorsen from Poetry House about his process, what got him into music, and what it takes to maintain a certain level of creativity with all of today's distractions.

Check out his newest single, Pain Now.

Maile talks cupcakes. Shawn talks about standing in the sun on James Street. But what we really get into is the question, What brought you to this creative life in the first place, and how can you recover that? And, how are you being an encouraging force in the creative lives of those around you?

Lancaster Cupcake Amena Brown