Matty Dalrymple talks with Johnny B. Truant about MOVING THE NEEDLE TO A DIFFERENT TRACK, including the impetus for him starting his podcast, "The Art of Noticing" and what drove his creative pivot; the importance of not missing the magic that's happening around you; supporting the artisan writer; the age of the iconoclast writer; the power of being authentically you; the necessity to segregate your audiences; and the power of stepping back.
If one of those topics piques your interest, you can easily jump to that section of the interview by clicking on the flagged timestamps below.
0:00 Meet Johnny B. Truant
01:56 What was the impetus for the podcast "The Art of Noticing"?
05:56 Don't miss the magic that's happening around you
09:34 Supporting the artisan writer
13:10 What drove Johnny's pivot?
18:46 The age of the iconoclast writer
20:36 Being authentically you
23:28 The necessity to segregate your audiences
27:55 The Power of Stepping Back
29:24 Moving the needle to a different track
35:08 The art of noticing
Show notes (including summary and transcript) at www.theindyauthor.com/podcast... and search for "239"
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Johnny B. Truant is the bestselling author of Fat Vampire, adapted by SyFy as "Reginald the Vampire" starring Spider-Man's Jacob Batalon. His other books include PRETTY KILLER, PATTERN BLACK, INVASION, THE BEAM, DEAD CITY, and over 100 other titles across many genres. Originally from Ohio, Johnny and his family now live in Austin, Texas, where he’s finally surrounded by creative types as weird as he is.
Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.
SUMMARY
This episode of "The Indy Author Podcast" featuring Johnny B. Truant covers a wide range of topics, focusing primarily on Truant's career, his perspective on writing and creativity, and the concept of "The Art of Noticing." Truant, a bestselling author known for "Fat Vampire" and other titles, discusses his journey in the writing world, his move to a more artisan, true fan-oriented approach, and his latest project, a podcast about noticing the unnoticed in our daily lives.
Truant's conversation starts with the background of his name, inspired by "House of Leaves," and his venture into writing across various genres. He talks about his transition from a public to a more private figure in the writing community, motivated by the desire to focus on his craft rather than the business side of writing. This shift led to the creation of his podcast, "The Art of Noticing," where he shares weekly (now daily) insights drawn from everyday observations, aiming to inspire and inform the creative community.
The podcast is a reaction to the changing landscape of the writing industry, where the pressure to rapidly produce content can overshadow the artistry and personal connection to writing. Truant emphasizes the importance of authenticity and connection with a dedicated readership over mass appeal. He advocates for an artisanal approach to writing, producing content that is true to the author's vision and resonates with a core audience, even if it means deviating from mainstream expectations.
Throughout the conversation, Truant stresses the value of noticing-the act of observing and finding inspiration in the mundane or overlooked aspects of daily life. This process not only serves as a creative exercise but also as a means to remain grounded and present in a fast-paced world. He shares anecdotes and examples from his podcast, illustrating how simple observations can lead to profound insights and reflections on personal and artistic life.
Truant's dialogue with the host, Matty Dalrymple, also touches on the challenges and rewards of maintaining a distinct voice and vision in the writing industry. He discusses the balance between producing content that satisfies creative aspirations and meeting the expectations and demands of the market. Truant's approach is characterized by a focus on depth and quality, fostering a close-knit community of readers who appreciate his unique style and perspective.