We recently connected with Taylor Mosbey and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor, 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.
Okay, so, dealing with imposter syndrome is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. To keep it at bay, I focus on building my self-awareness by recognizing what is the catalyst to those feelings of doubt, and actively monitoring my internal dialogue. I make sure to challenge any negative self-talk with concrete evidence of my skills and accomplishments. This is much easier than it sounds because I’m naturally self-deprecating.
I work on shifting my perspective. I try to concentrate on learning, rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
And building a supportive network is important. I talk about my feelings with trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends, and I share a lot with my wife. She’s a good sounding board and won’t let me think to highly of myself or too lowly of myself either.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a storyteller. I’m the author of ‘The Original Elkbar’ and ‘Velour & Tweed: Zero Negentropy.’ I find immense joy in crafting worlds and characters that draw readers into imaginative journeys.
What excites me most about my work is the act of creation itself. Taking an idea and transforming it into a fully realized world, a compelling narrative – that’s what drives me. It’s about building stories that resonate, that leave a lasting impression.
‘The Original Elkbar’ is a passion project, a fantasy adventure I poured my heart into. Then, with ‘Velour & Tweed: Zero Negentropy,’ I wanted to explore something different, delve into more complex themes. It’s a story that grapples with the concept of ‘Zero Negentropy,’ the idea of reversing entropy, of creating order from chaos. It’s a reflection of my fascination with complex ideas and my desire to weave them into engaging narratives.
Beyond my writing, I’ve also been involved in the film industry, primarily working in the art department. It’s another creative outlet, a way to contribute to visual storytelling. I enjoy the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the challenge of bringing a director’s vision to life.
I see my work, my ‘brand,’ as a commitment to originality and depth. I want to create stories that are more than just entertainment; I want them to be thought-provoking, to spark the imagination. I want readers to engage with my work on a deeper level.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Patience, a good attitude, and knowing and understanding your resources are essential. I try to impress upon people to have a good attitude and not take things too personally when dealing with others. That is the one thing we constantly have the most control over. I can always learn more about my craft, and tools, and there’ll always be more to learn, but my attitude can always be under control. Meditation, relaxation, and prayer help.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Stephen King’s “On Writing” was instrumental. Part instruction guide part memoir, and there’s a line in there “talent is as cheap as table salt”. There’s plenty of us with talent, it’s the drive and discipline that will get us to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mudpiecomics.com
- Instagram: mudpiecomics
- Facebook: https://fb.com/mudpiecomics
- Twitter: mudpiecomics
- Other: https://velourandtweed.com
Image Credits
Image of “Elkbar” the penguin is illustrated by Chris Fason. “Velour and Tweed” artwork illustrated by Chris Fason.
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