We recently connected with JD Slajchert and have shared our conversation below.
JD, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Endurance is key when it comes to creativity. It’s important to manage your energy and check-in daily on how you’re dividing that energy in order to keep your creative spark alive. For me, I find that my creativity comes in waves, therefore I break up my writing throughout the day to match and align with these creative cycles. I never force the pen to the page, rather, I flow with the waves as they come. It’s certainly a challenge though and is something that—like all things—you get better at with practice.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a fiction writer. It’s an amazing line of work as I feel incredibly fortunate to build stories for a living; I love what I do. One specific reason I enjoy writing novels so much is because I feel it provides me with the unique medium to share my thoughts, insecurities, and passions with the world. I put everything into my work. I also am pleased to share that I just released my second young adult novel, “Darling, You’re Not Alone” a few months ago. It’s been a dream to watch that project blossom.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, I would say that learning from those that came before you is crucial. Research and spend time reading about the people that you aspire to one day become. Try to walk and think like they do or did. Second, would be to stay disciplined despite eventual early setbacks. You will surely encounter strife and moments of doubt, but you must keep pushing. That’s what the greats do. And finally, become your own biggest fan. Real fans and supporters will come later, but it’s important in the beginning of your journey to encourage yourself. Have a great internal dialogue as you push forward each and every day.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin is one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read. I loved every page of this intense and unforgettable story. One of the main takeaways I walked away with following my first read of this book was the central idea that it’s so important in life to take accountability for your own actions. We create the lives we want with the choices we make, it’s that simple. I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for a little more inspiration. It’s truly a powerful read.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jdwritesbooks.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jd_slajchert
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jd_slajchert
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS918ww0iZr7j6i6tO7p6xQ
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/JD-Slajchert/author/B07HB5XX39?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Image Credits
Russell Baer