Meet Jake Fraczek

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jake Fraczek. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jake, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

All artists have their influences and inspirations, and no matter what, that will shine through at some points in one’s creations. I learned a while ago during my music career to avoid your inspirations, favorite artists, or even anyone that is mildly in the same vein as what you do, while you’re in the creation process. If I was writing or recording an album, I didn’t listen to certain artists. Now when I write, I don’t read some of my favorite authors, or anyone who might even be categorized in a similar box while I’m working on new stuff. That way, those elements don’t even subconsciously seep into your own work. Also, tell YOUR story. No one can copy or duplicate what you have experienced, lived, dreamed, or imagined. I mostly write about my life, with my perspective, so my stories, my commentary, my insights are unique to me. No one can say I’m biting or stealing. For some, maybe they think they don’t have personal experiences or stories and insights to share that are gonna captivate the reader, but as I’ve said before, it’s not just the stories you tell, it’s how you tell them. A good artist can paint a seemingly simple picture but make it interesting by their special style on it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a writer, poet, author of the books Quicksand, and The Waiting Room, and I host my Damaged Goods Podcast. I also write movie reviews, cover film events, and do interviews with people in the world of cinema for the European and American publications Mauxa and The Daily Bloid. Not to sound cheesy or pretentious, which might be unavoidable answering this, but when it comes to my books, poems, and personal work, I offer my singular angle and understanding. It’s anomalous takes on the wild experiences and common occurrences in my life, telling true stories that grow like fables with dark comedic tones. You might laugh at it, you might laugh with it. I’m currently working on my third book.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

A good work ethic, a vicious abhorrence to the current and conventional inclinations, and a burning need to say something. Stay glued to what your heart says and where your gut leads you. Yes-Men may make your ego feel good, but won’t keep you grounded or let you improve. Be aware of who and what you choose to be around, swimming with sharks and crawling with leaches may seem like the norm, but the norm never made anything great.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

It’s hard for me to cite only one. There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz turned me into an avid reader and showed me there were books about things that interested me, not just what I was told to read in school. Papillon by Henri Charriere is something I’ve reread many times, whenever I feel in serious doubt, beaten down, or need some hopeful inspiration. All Souls by Michael Patrick McDonald showed me the beauty of honestly telling your own story and painting pictures.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/jakefraczek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakefraczek/
• Twitter: https://x.com/jthes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@damagedgoodspodcast5357
• Other: “The Waiting Room” book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1977253407/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HQ94JXJQW3R2YW7FNJAS

  “Quicksand” book link: https://www.amazon.com/Quicksand-Jake-Fraczek/dp/164620168X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YTOFZMFW60Z5&keywords=quicksand+jake+fraczek&qid=1660592908&sprefix=quicksand+jake+fraczek%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

  Damaged Goods Podcast on Spotify: https://tr.ee/Or908IJdL2
  Damaged Goods Podcast on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/damaged-goods-podcast/id1258442781

Image Credits

Photos by Adam Amengual
Poster by Brendan Donnelly