Your World of Creativity

Welcome back, friends, to our podcast, Unlocking Your World of Creativity. Today, we're delving into the enchanting realm of epic and dark fantasy novels with a unique blend of tabletop role-playing games and strategy games. Joining us is the talented J. V. Hilliard, the author of the captivating Warminster Saga.

Exploring Epic Fantasy Foundations:

In our interview with J. V. Hilliard, we uncovered the foundational elements that make a great epic and fantasy novel. Here are the key ingredients discussed:

1. - World Building: Creating a believable and immersive world is crucial. Whether it's Middle Earth, Westeros, or Shannara, building a world grounded in realism with fantastical elements allows readers to escape and believe in the existence of the created realm.
2. Tropes: Themes such as struggle, redemption, forbidden love, and the hero's journey resonate with readers. Incorporating relatable challenges into characters' journeys helps readers connect with the narrative.
3. - *Recognition and Familiarity: Including recognizable elements like the hero's journey, coming-of-age stories, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics provides readers with something to identify with, especially in entirely made-up worlds.

Series Structure: Fantasy novels often take the form of series because readers, once invested in a richly built world, want to explore it further. Series allow for a more in-depth exploration of the intricacies of the world and characters.

J. V. Hilliard's Warminster Saga

We discussed the inspiration and world-building vision behind J. V. Hilliard's Warminster Saga, a four-part series. Originally envisioned as a standalone book, the success of the first installment led to the decision to expand it into a series. The series, rooted in J. V.'s decades-long experience with Dungeons and Dragons, explores the fantasy world of Warminster.

Crafting the Story

J. V. shared insights into his creative process and how he organizes the myriad elements of his stories. He uses a whiteboard to visualize plot interactions, events, and character developments. His approach blends planning and flexibility, ensuring a detailed and cohesive storyline.

From Page to Screen and Beyond

Excitingly, J. V. Hilliard has expanded the Warminster Saga into new mediums. He's licensed the intellectual property for an augmented reality video game and a virtual reality version, both set for release in the coming years. Additionally, a graphic novel adaptation is in the works, providing a visual and interactive dimension to the saga.

In closing, J. V. Hilliard emphasized the collaborative nature of the writing process, acknowledging the invaluable role of editors, beta readers, and the feedback loop with readers. He encourages aspiring authors to embrace constructive criticism and engage with the writing community.

To stay connected with J. V. Hilliard and explore the Warminster Saga, visit his website or find him on various social media platforms.

J.V.'s Website

J.V. on YouTube

@jvhilliardbooks on Instagram

J.V.'s Facebook page

Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

In this captivating podcast episode, we journey into the world of live illustration and sketchnoting with Ashton Rodenhiser, the founder of Minds Eye Creative Consulting in Nova Scotia, Canada. Rodenhiser has brought over 2500 conversations to life through visual communication and shares her insights and experiences in this enriching interview.

The episode kicks off with Rodenhiser painting a vivid picture of her creative surroundings in rural Nova Scotia—a beautiful place to live with inspiration drawn from nature and architecture. As a professional live illustrator, Rodenhiser describes her work primarily in two ways: in-person with large sheets of paper and markers or virtually, especially since the shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rodenhiser's journey into visual communication began as a facilitator, emphasizing the importance of active listening and synthesizing information. She discovered the power of combining her creative aspirations with facilitation, leading her to the world of sketchnoting and graphic recording. Her work involves quickly translating complex concepts into a visual language during presentations, meetings, or brainstorming sessions.

The podcast delves into Rodenhiser's recent book on sketchnoting, where she shares key insights and techniques for beginners. She emphasizes the simplicity of learning basic drawing elements and encourages the use of icons with multiple meanings to enhance sketchnoting skills.

The discussion also explores Rodenhiser's role as a graphic recorder and facilitator, highlighting how visual communication helps break down complex concepts and provides transformative impacts on organizations. She shares memorable experiences where individuals felt heard and valued, emphasizing the importance of creating a space where everyone's voice matters.

Towards the end of the episode, Rodenhiser invites listeners to connect with her, explore her book, and learn more about sketchnoting and visual communication. She leaves the audience with a powerful message about unlocking their creative potential.

In summary, this podcast episode is a delightful exploration of the world of visual communication, sketchnoting, and the transformative impact of bringing ideas to life through live illustration. Ashton Rodenhiser's journey, insights, and passion for her craft make this episode an engaging and inspiring listen for anyone interested in unlocking their own creative potential.

Ashton's Website

Ashton on YouTube

@ashtonmindseye on Instagram

Ashton's Facebook page

Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Merry Christmas 2023 from UNLOCKING YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY.

Here is a playlist with all genres of Christmas music, courtesy of MTS Family artists.

Track List:

Richard Lynch - Santa's Cowboy Town (Original Mix)

Miss Freddye - Hey Santa Claus (Original Mix)

Lady Redneck - The Christmas Song (Original Mix)

Gary Pratt - Angels In The Snow (Original Mix)

Sun King Rising - it Must be Christmas (Original Mix)

Sarantos - Same Old Christmas (Original Mix)

Heistheartist - Holly Jolly (Original Mix)

Ludlow Creek - This Baby Boy (Original Mix)

Midnight Sky - Retail At Christmas (Original Mix)

Richard Lynch - Christmas Time (studio)

Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artists' management, and used with permission.

MTS Management Group

http://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com

AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2023

In this episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," host Mark Stinson explores creativity in the hospitality and restaurant business. Tom Rutledge, a seasoned restaurant industry expert, is the guest, offering insights into running a restaurant successfully. Here are some key highlights and quotes from the episode:

**Introduction**

- Tom Rutledge shares his 30 years of experience in the restaurant business, emphasizing that being a chef is only a part of running a restaurant.

- The podcast explores the importance of profitability, systems, and creative problem-solving in the restaurant industry.

**Challenges in the Restaurant Business**

- Tom highlights the significant challenges faced by restaurant operators, especially in the post-pandemic era. Labor costs have increased significantly.

- The importance of prime cost, which includes cost of goods and labor, is discussed. The prime cost should be around 65% to maintain profitability.

**Restaurant Experiences**

- Tom emphasizes the importance of creating unique experiences and the storytelling aspect of a restaurant.

- He advises customers to give feedback directly to the restaurant owner or manager rather than relying solely on online reviews. Constructive feedback is valuable for improvement.

**Supporting Local Restaurants**

- Tom urges people to support local restaurants and suggests that even small gestures like ordering a cocktail or appetizer can make a difference.

- He emphasizes the need for patience when dining out, as staffing issues can lead to longer wait times.

**Key Quotes:**

1. "People learn that quickly, whether it's the bank account slowly becoming to the point where you're not going to make payroll. That's when you realize you have to fix that." - Tom Rutledge

2. "Give feedback in an honest way that's both good and bad at the same time. We want to hear how we can get you to come out more often." - Tom Rutledge

3. "The kiss of death in many restaurants is, 'I love that restaurant, I can't believe it closed.' When was the last time you went? Three years ago. You didn't love it that much." - Tom Rutledge

Tom's Website

Thanks to our sponsor, Exact Rush

Exact Rush B

Welcome back to "Unlocking Your World of Creativity." In today's episode, we delved into the world of music composition and performance with the talented Amy Brookes, drummer, vocalist, keyboardist, and percussionist of the band Low Tide Levee.

Here are five key highlights from our conversation (plus you'll hear clips from 3 of her songs):

**1. The Genesis of Low Tide Levee:**

Amy shared the band's origin story, dating back to 2012 when she, along with her husband Sasha and friend Chris, reformed a musical project. She transitioned from being just a drummer to a songwriter and vocalist, a pivotal moment that shaped the band's unique sound.

**2. Creative Process and Musical Essence:**

Amy revealed her creative process, often starting with a melody or phrase that encapsulates the essence of the song. She discussed the collaborative dynamics within Low Tide Levee, highlighting the contributions of guitarist Harold and the recent addition of Dustin Newman, enhancing the band's sound.

**3. Overcoming Creative Obstacles:**

We explored the challenges Amy faced while seeking a guitarist and the sometimes awkward process of finding creative collaborators. Despite initial setbacks, Amy persisted, receiving affirmation from a reputable PR company and media outlets during the album rollout.

**4. Confidence and Sharing Your Work:**

Amy shared her journey of gaining confidence to share her music with a broader audience. The affirmation from external sources and positive feedback during the album release bolstered her belief in the value of Low Tide Levee's music.

**5. Nurturing the Creative Flame:**

In closing, Amy emphasized the importance of treating creative creations like children, believing in them, and constantly refilling the creative well. She highlighted the significance of finding what inspires and fuels one's creativity, ensuring a continuous flow of ideas.

**Pull-out Quotes:**

"I have to be the singer. I can't find someone else to be the singer, but I love being the drummer. So what did I do? I learned to do both at the same time, which was a brand new thing and really fun, really exciting and fulfilling."

"You have to believe in your creation. I feel and in a way that's almost like faith, you just keep going no matter what."

"There's something about, for me, it's going out in nature, but, you have to discover, I think, for yourself what fills your creative well, but to keep doing that through the process, because that's what keeps that flame of inspiration, I think, lit."

In conclusion, Amy Brookes provided valuable insights into her creative journey, the challenges she faced, and the perseverance required to bring her music to the world. To experience the unique blend of blues, psychedelic rock, and funk, check out Low Tide Levee's music and stay tuned for more creative insights on "Unlocking Your World of Creativity."

Amy's Website

@lowtidelevee on Instagram

Amy's Facebook page

Amy on YouTube

Thanks to our sponsor ExactRush

Exact Rush B

Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artist, and used with permission.

Podcast Summary: Unlocking Your World of Creativity Expert Panel Interview on "How To Get Unstuck" and overcome obstacles to launching your work.

Speaker 1: Alexandra Beller

• Instinct and analysis are both essential for creativity but don't always work well together.
• Non-attachment when using analysis and non-judgment when using instinct are crucial.
• Toggle between instinct and analysis, allowing quick shifts to avoid getting stuck.
• Contact: www.alexandrabeller.com

Speaker 2: Michael Brent Collings

• Never aim to be the most successful person in the room, but be the kindest and most professional.
• Embrace your ignorance and feed your curiosity to keep learning and adapting.
• Surround yourself with supportive people and be willing to offer support in return.
• Approach life with resilience and the willingness to learn from failure.
• Contact: www.michaelbrentcollings.com

Speaker 3: Dr. Nick Courtright

• Writer's block can be overcome by simply starting to write; lower your standards initially.
• Keep a multi-purpose notebook to gather all creative ideas and thoughts.
• Use available resources, like quizzes and consultations, to make informed decisions about publishing.
• Take charge of your publishing future and be proactive in getting your work out there.
• Contact: Atmosphere Press

Speaker 4: Sean B. W. Parker

• Use a multi-purpose notebook to capture creative ideas and thoughts.
• Avoid over-editing and allow ideas to flow naturally.
• Systematize your creativity by referring back to your notes.
• Don't quit after the first effort; persistence is key to success.
• Contact: Sean BW Parker

Speaker 5: Terry Rich

• Recall past successful ideas and experiences to boost confidence.
• Have a go-to routine or lucky charm to put yourself in the right mindset.
• Happiness comes from the journey to success, not just reaching the goal.
• Keep generating content and creating opportunities for your work to be noticed.
• Ccontact: https://terryspeaks.com/

Speaker 6: Stimson Sneed

• Focus on creating content continuously, regardless of how it will be noticed.
• Keep doors open by creating and maintaining a business plan.
• Approach creativity as a gamble and be willing to take risks.
• The only measure of success is making the art; selling it is a bonus.
• Contact: https://stimsonsnead.com/about/

The panel emphasized the importance of embracing creativity, being adaptable, persistent, and willing to take risks to overcome obstacles and get your work noticed worldwide.

Thanks to our sponsor ExactRush

Exact Rush B

Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

In this episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," host Mark Stinson discusses the power of music, learning, and creativity with guest Dan Spencer, author of "The 14 Unshakable Laws of Learning Music: How to Master Any Instrument and Singing in Five Minutes a Day."

Dan Spencer on the main factors for improvement:

Dan emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and dedication in any creative endeavor, comparing it to improving at video games, running, or playing a musical instrument. He introduces the idea of the "14 Unshakable Laws" as guidelines to overcome common challenges and pitfalls faced during the learning process.

"If you follow the 14 laws of learning music, and these are unshakable laws that apply to everyone, it does not matter if you are literally the least talented person in the world. If you have negative talent, if you're walking around with negative talent, if you follow the 14 unshakable laws, you'll be able to get better at music."*

Dan Spencer discusses the impact of age on learning:

Dan shares insights on the impact of age on learning, emphasizing that it's never too late to start learning music. He discusses a study showing that cognitive abilities can be restored to the level of 30-year-olds with focused learning, even in later stages of life.

"It really is never too late. For most people who want to get better at playing instruments and singing, the goal sounds something like, 'I want to sing my favorite songs and play guitar. I want to write my own songs.' Goals like this don't require decades of study."*

Dan Spencer on the process of writing his book:

Dan explains how he began organizing the "14 Unshakable Laws" by surveying 300 self-taught musicians and analyzing the common issues they faced. He shares that his motivation to write the book came from wanting to address the challenges people encounter when trying to teach themselves music.

"I wanted to create something that was going to directly address every single problem that you might face when you're trying to teach yourself, and how we can solve every single one of those problems."*

Dan's perspective on the universal nature of creativity:

Mark and Dan discuss the motivations behind creative pursuits, and Dan reflects on how creativity is deeply ingrained in human nature. He emphasizes that everyone is a creative being and that the act of creating and sharing is an integral part of our lives.

"Everyone creates everything. Communication is you being creative with someone. So everyone's creating all the time."*

Dan's hope for readers of his book:

Dan expresses his desire for readers to take away the message that anyone can create and learn music. He encourages everyone to discover the joy and fulfillment in expressing their creativity and developing their musical skills.

Dan Spencer's book "The 14 Unshakable Laws of Learning Music" is available on Amazon, and you can find him on social media under the handle @musicmentordan.

Daniel's Website

Daniel on YouTube

@musicmentordan on Instagram

Thanks to our sponsor ExactRush

Exact Rush B

This episode introduces Harry Kappen, a musician, multi-instrumentalist, and music therapist based in a village outside of Amsterdam.

- Harry's latest music releases include "Not All of Us Agree" and "The Freedom Inside," the latter of which reached the iTunes pop charts in the UK.

- The discussion begins with the impact of music on people, emphasizing the emotional and universal appeal of music. The conversation touches on the deep neurological connection between humans and music.

- Harry shares insights into his diverse musical career, from playing in bands to producing his music and teaching. He describes his musical journey, including early inspirations and how his experiences from the '70s, '80s, and '90s influenced his music.

- The episode explores Harry's song "Not All of Us Agree" and its message, touching on concerns about technology and AI and the suddenness of technological advances without societal agreement. (A snippet of "Not All of Us Agree" is played for the listeners.)

- The host and guest discuss the influence of music and how it complements and carries the message of the song.

- They shift to Harry's previous single, "The Freedom Inside," which was created to encourage a more positive outlook, even in challenging times. Harry explains that the song was inspired by negative attitudes he observed in society. (A snippet of "The Freedom Inside" is played.)

- The conversation delves into the unique fingerprint of each song and Harry's musical diversity, emphasizing that the central thread connecting his music is his voice.

- They touch on Harry's creative process, with Harry sharing his spontaneous approach to music creation and the magic that happens when a song comes together.

- The discussion shifts to Harry's role as a music therapist, where he emphasizes the importance of using music in therapeutic contexts. He highlights the role of music in communication, adjusting to one another, and translating emotions into music.

- They talk about the acceptability and effectiveness of music therapy and its use in various contexts, such as youth care centers and with clients with dementia and disabilities.

- Harry explains that music therapy is more mainstream and widely accepted in Europe compared to the United States.

- The episode ends with a glimpse into Harry's future work and the imminent release of a new album. He also discusses his collaboration with music manager Michael Stover.

- Harry offers advice to other creatives, suggesting they seek professional help on the business side of their careers to maximize their potential.

This summary offers a concise overview of the podcast interview with musician and music therapist Harry Kappen, highlighting key discussion points and insights shared during the episode.

Harry's Website

Lots of info on my website: www.harrykappen.com

Thanks to our sponsor, ExactRush

Exact Rush B

Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artist, and used with permission.

In this podcast episode, Mark interviews Daniel Wolff, a Grammy-nominated author, about his work in music history and his collaboration with Dave Marsh on the book "Kick Out The Jams." (Daniel was nominated for a Grammy for his liner notes for the box set of Sam Cooke's gospel recordings.)

Mark and Daniel discuss the evolution of music criticism, the role of protest songs, and the importance of collaboration in the creative process.

Wolff also offers advice for aspiring creators, emphasizing the need to not take oneself too seriously and to focus on getting the work out into the world.

Specific topics include:

- Daniel's work with Dave Marsh and their new book "Kick Out The Jams"

- The organization and content of the book

- The role of music in social issues and protest

- The importance of collaboration in creativity

- Advice for aspiring creators: don't take yourself too seriously and get your work out there

1.   "I think protest music is going all the time now. I mean, Kendrick Lamar, the hip hop artist, I think writes protest music and or pop music and or hip hop, however you want to define it. But it's music that says, wait a second, here's the world I'm living in. Isn't the way I want it. How do I talk about this?"

2.   "I think for me, the key to collaboration is to kind of give up authorship in a way and say, okay, well we'll change this because it doesn't work here, even though I think that's the best part of the writing. It's not working with you. And so we'll go on. I don't think it's much different from a marriage or a friendship. You're trying to figure out how to get along."

3.   "[Dave] always loved contemporary music. He still loves contemporary music. It's not like, oh, it never got any better than fill in the blank, whoever your favorite is. It was as you point out him going, well, okay, but we've got this ideal of what it ought to be, which was a communal ideal that we were all in it together and it was more democratic than it was capitalistic, if you will."

The advice given by Daniel is to not take yourself too seriously and not get too caught up in the importance of hitting the send button or publishing your work. He emphasizes that there will always be more opportunities to create and that it's important to avoid self-importance. Collaboration is also encouraged as it can help to diminish feelings of self-importance and bring a fresh perspective to your work. Overall, the advice is to have fun with your creativity and not put too much pressure on yourself.

Co-editor of Kick Out the Jams, a selection of essays by Dave Marsh that cover 35 years of music writing. Worked with Dave on Rock & Rap Confidential, co-wrote with him, and appeared on his various Sirius radio shows. Grammy-nominated author Daniel Wolff has published six books of award-winning non-fiction, from You Send Me, a biography of singer Sam Cooke, to How To Become an American: A History if Immigration, Assimilation, and Loneliness. He worked with Dave Marsh on Rock & Rap Confidential, has published four volumes of poetry, produced a number of documentary films, and written collaboratively with musicians, choreographers, sculptors, and scientists.

@dwolff6 on Instagram

Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

In this engaging interview, Mark Stinson explores the world of creativity with author Martin Tracey. They begin by discussing Martin's roots in Birmingham, UK, and how his upbringing and surroundings influence his storytelling. Martin's genre, which includes paranormal and fantasy elements, often draws from his working-class background, creating relatable and authentic characters and settings.

Martin shares insights into his writing process, emphasizing the importance of writing from the heart and mixing facts with fiction to keep stories engaging and original. He uses a loose framework rather than a strict outline, allowing room for creative inspiration along the way. They also touch on the challenge of juggling multiple projects, including the development of books five and six in his Judd Stone series.

Martin highlights the significance of engaging with the writing community and readers. He attends multi-author events and bookstores, connecting with fellow authors and building his profile. This sense of camaraderie and support within the book community resonates with Martin.

The interview concludes with a thrilling excerpt from Martin's latest work, "Double Fantasy," setting the scene for a suspenseful tale. Martin invites listeners to explore his website, social media profiles, and upcoming projects, including a collaboration with the '80s band Fuzzbox on their biography.

Throughout the conversation, Martin Tracy's passion for storytelling and his dedication to connecting with readers and fellow authors shine through, offering valuable insights for aspiring writers and avid readers alike.

@martinofmolineux-author on Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. And remember, your creativity has the power to change the world. So, until next time, I'm Mark Stinson. Keep unlocking your world of creativity.

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