Inside the Kotarverse: Slow Productivity & Stories Worth Dying For

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 Direction
05:30 - The Influence of Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity
08:45 - The Challenges of Creative Work and Family Life
12:00 - Introducing the Concept of a Deep Life
15:20 - Finding Purpose in Storytelling
18:40 - Rediscovering Focus and Quality in Creativity
22:00 - The Most Important Question: What Story Would You Die For?
25:30 - Update on the Podcast and Upcoming Themes
29:15 - Short Fiction Mentorship with Kristine Kathryn Rusch"
32:40 - Recommitting to Writing and Upcoming Works
36:10 - Cantos of Arcadia and the Future of Fantasy Sci-Fi
39:50 - The Revival of In A Certain Land Podcast
43:00 - Final Reflections