This is a special repost of one of my Craftsman’s Workshop Patreon streams, where I dive deep into a pivotal question: What makes a story truly life-giving? 🌱  Join me as I open up about how storytelling keeps us grounded, and share thoughts on what it means to build a meaningful creative life amidst a chaotic world. We cover everything from my evolving Patreon tiers (and why I shifted them) to my journey through Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity and how it’s reshaping my approach to writing, storytelling, and community. 📚✨ In this episode, I also reveal exciting plans for 2025, including the triumphant return of the Fantasy For Our Time podcast, new short stories through mentorship with celebrated author  Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and a revitalized approach to the Patreon community.  And, of course, a huge thanks to all of you who keep this journey alive. 🙏 Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening Remarks: What Makes a Story Life-Giving?02:15 - Patreon Changes and a New Direction05:30 - The Influence of Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity08:45 - The Challenges of Creative Work and Family Life12:00 - Introducing the Concept of a Deep Life15:20 - Finding Purpose in Storytelling18:40 - Rediscovering Focus and Quality in Creativity22:00 - The Most Important Question: What Story Would You Die For?25:30 - Update on the Podcast and Upcoming Themes29:15 - Short Fiction Mentorship with Kristine Kathryn Rusch"32:40 - Recommitting to Writing and Upcoming Works36:10 - Cantos of Arcadia and the Future of Fantasy Sci-Fi39:50 - The Revival of In A Certain Land Podcast43:00 - Final Reflections