In Episode 154 of the Young Dad Podcast, Jey sits down with George, an accomplished author, podcaster, and audiobook narrator. They dive into George's love for writing, his journey through fatherhood, and how his passion for comic books shaped his creative universe. George opens up about the challenges and joys of being a dad to his daughter Scarlett, who was born prematurely but is now healthy and thriving. The conversation also explores George's podcasting career, his writing process, and the upcoming projects that have him excited for the future.
George’s Writing Journey and Love for Comic Books
George’s love for storytelling started at a young age, inspired by his passion for movies and comic books. Growing up a fan of superheroes and epic adventures, it was only a matter of time before George began creating his own universe. "The word Excelsior popped into my head," he shares, recalling how the legendary Stan Lee’s famous sign-off influenced him. It was this love for comics that fueled his first novel and set him on the path of writing.
George explains how the process of world-building allowed him to explore new ideas and expand his stories into multiple mediums. Whether it's through novels, audiobooks, or podcasting, George thrives on "being behind the microphone." His voice and creativity come together to create immersive experiences for his readers and listeners.
Takeaway: Inspiration can come from anywhere—whether it’s your favorite comic book, movie, or life experience. Channeling that inspiration into creative projects can lead to incredible results.
The Challenges of the Publishing Industry
Despite his love for storytelling, George faced significant challenges in the publishing industry. He talks openly about the struggles of getting his first book published, the learning curves along the way, and the rejections that tested his resolve. However, George’s perseverance paid off, and his books eventually found success.
Now, as the director of media relations for his publisher, George uses his experiences to help other authors navigate the complex world of publishing. He offers insights into how to overcome challenges and stay motivated even when the road gets tough. "I can do that every day," George says with confidence, highlighting his commitment to the craft and the publishing world.
Takeaway: The publishing industry is full of challenges, but persistence, hard work, and a willingness to adapt can lead to success. If you’re passionate about your craft, keep pushing forward.
Fatherhood: How Scarlett Changed Everything
One of the most heartfelt parts of this episode is George’s reflection on fatherhood. His daughter, Scarlett, was born prematurely, which brought its own set of challenges. However, George shares that Scarlett is now healthy and thriving, bringing immense joy to his life. "She changed my world for the better," he says, emphasizing how becoming a father made him more selfless and focused on the well-being of his child.
George discusses how fatherhood deepened his relationship with his wife, creating a stronger family bond. They’ve navigated the ups and downs of raising Scarlett together, cherishing each moment as their little girl grows up. George also talks about how important it is to have someone at the center of your life who inspires you and lifts you up. "I need to have someone at the center of my little someone who is like this legendary character who is like a god in human form," he explains, drawing parallels between his role as a father and the heroic characters he admires in comic books.
Takeaway: Fatherhood has the power to change your perspective on life, making you more selfless and focused on your family’s happiness and well-being.
Jey’s Writing and Creative Universe
Not to be outdone, Jey reflects on his own writing journey, particularly how his love for movies and comic books inspired him to create his own creative universe. Just like George, Jey found that storytelling allowed him to express his thoughts and ideas in ways that felt meaningful and exciting.
He talks about his writing process, how his stories have evolved over time, and the joy of seeing his characters come to life on the page. "This is gonna turn into a rom-com folks, prepare," Jey jokes, sharing how some of his stories have unexpected twists and turns. He also touches on the importance of having a creative outlet and encourages others to explore their passions, whether it’s through writing, podcasting, or any other form of expression.
Takeaway: Creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s writing, podcasting, or another medium, find what excites you and let it fuel your passions.
Podcasting and Audiobooks: George’s Journey Behind the Mic
In addition to being an author, George is also an accomplished podcaster and audiobook narrator. His show, Excelsior Journeys, is a platform where he shares stories, interviews fellow creatives, and explores topics that are close to his heart. He finds great joy in being behind the microphone, and it’s a space where he can fully express himself.
George explains how podcasting and narrating audiobooks give him the chance to bring his stories—and others’ stories—to life in a new way. "I love being behind the microphone," he says, noting that his passion for audio storytelling has only grown over the years. Podcasting, in particular, allows him to connect with his audience on a personal level and share his love for storytelling in a more interactive format.
Takeaway: Podcasting and audiobook narration offer exciting opportunities for storytellers to reach their audience in new, dynamic ways. If you enjoy connecting with people through stories, consider exploring these mediums.
Upcoming Projects and Expanding into New Mediums
George is excited about what the future holds. He shares details about his upcoming projects, which include more books, podcast episodes, and potential expansions into other mediums, like comics or film adaptations. His passion for storytelling continues to evolve, and he’s eager to see where it will take him next.
As he and Jey wrap up the conversation, they both express excitement about the future of their creative projects and the potential for growth. "Why not?" George says, with a grin, when asked about the possibility of expanding his stories into new formats. "I can do that every day."
Takeaway: The possibilities for creativity are endless. Don’t be afraid to explore new mediums and expand your stories into different formats. Embrace the journey and see where it takes you.
FAQs
Q: How did George's love for comic books influence his writing?
A: George’s passion for comic books played a huge role in inspiring his creative universe. The heroes, stories, and epic adventures he grew up with sparked his imagination and led him to create his own stories filled with dynamic characters and worlds.
Q: How can I break into the publishing industry as an author?
A: Breaking into the publishing industry can be tough, but persistence and adaptability are key. Build relationships, stay open to learning, and keep refining your craft. It’s a challenging path, but success is possible with dedication.
Q: How can podcasting or audiobook narration enhance my storytelling?
A: Podcasting and audiobook narration offer unique ways to connect with your audience and bring your stories to life in an engaging, auditory format. It’s a great way to reach people who prefer audio content and to explore storytelling from a new perspective.
Q: How can fatherhood impact personal growth and creativity?
A: Fatherhood can be transformative, often making you more selfless and focused on your family. It can also inspire creativity, as you draw from your experiences as a parent to fuel new stories, ideas, and projects.
Wrapping Up:
Episode 154 of the Young Dad Podcast is a heartfelt exploration of George’s journey as an author, podcaster, and father. Through the ups and downs of the publishing world and the joys and challenges of parenthood, George shares how his passions for storytelling and family have shaped his life. He and Jey remind us of the power of creativity, resilience, and love, and how they can all coexist to create a fulfilling life. Whether you’re a parent, creative, or both, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom to help you on your journey.
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