EP.01 - Drawing Out Dreams: James A. Owen on Storytelling, Struggles, and Success
In this debut episode of Writer’s Ritual, host Brianna Winner sits down with renowned author and illustrator James A. Owen. Known for his inspiring series, Drawing Out the Dragons, James discusses his creative journey from self-publishing comic books as a teenager to becoming an acclaimed storyteller and motivational speaker. The conversation explores James’s early inspirations, his determination after a severe injury threatened his career, and his unique perspective on creativity, choice, and courage. Join Brianna and James as they examine how the stories we choose to tell shape not just our careers, but our entire lives.
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(00:01:05) James's childhood influences and the start of his relationship with storytelling.
(00:04:58) Publishing his first story as a child and the significance of mixing mythologies early in life.
(00:06:22) James shares the memorable experience of bidding on his own childhood work on eBay.
(00:07:20) Reflecting on the cumulative power of choices throughout life.
(00:09:19) The pivotal books and myths that shaped James's early storytelling passion.
(00:12:39) James recalls meeting his writing heroes, Wendy and Richard Pini, at 14.
(00:13:26) Revisiting the bravery of his younger self to reinvigorate his present work.
(00:15:07) Experiences at his first Comic-Con and receiving unexpected support.
(00:19:57) Addressing how to maintain passion and resilience through life's challenges.
(00:26:57) James recounts the profound moment he anonymously joined a therapy group discussing his own book.
(00:30:38) Overcoming a severe injury that nearly ended his illustration career.
(00:36:37) Recovering and rebuilding his creative career through innovative thinking.
(00:47:15) James discusses the evolution of his creative process and returning to his roots.
(00:56:26) The significance of creating a creative space and surrounding oneself with inspirational objects.
(00:57:33) Introducing Biblioteca Fantastica, James's ambitious project to archive fantastic arts.
(01:03:21) James shares his daily practice of starting the day with joy to fuel creativity.
(01:08:49) Introducing the "Hundred Books Project," connecting historical literary figures to his fictional universe.
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