Today’s guest, Peter Maeck, inspired me with his words of advice for his younger self—”If you have an impulse and are young enough to start at an entry level, do it! Don’t worry about the risks and the outcomes.” These were words that I wish I heard in my late teens and early twenties as acting on them might have helped me get off my butt and explore my authentic self instead of making decisions that pleased other people, but left me wanting more. Still, it’s never too late to find yourself and try new things so, if writing is your thing, listen up because Peter has more wisdom to share. Meet Peter Maeck Peter Maeck is a novelist, poet, playwright, and photographer who has served as a US State Department American Cultural Specialist in Tanzania and Morocco. His award-winning photographs are in US and international galleries. He was named one of the "Hot 100 Photographers of 2021" by the Duncan Miller Gallery in Los Angeles and joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his debut novel, Zänker. Key Takeaways 1. The power of personal experiences: Peter Meck emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration from personal experiences when crafting stories. He shares how childhood memories, passions, and even coincidences have influenced his writing, showcasing how our own unique journeys can shape compelling narratives. 2. Overcoming creative obstacles: Peter discusses how he initially struggled with the daunting task of facing a blank page. However, he shares a valuable lesson from his teacher, who encouraged him to find inspiration in everyday objects or images. This teaches listeners that creativity can be sparked by the simplest things, and that perseverance is key in overcoming creative obstacles. 3. The significance of character development: Peter highlights the importance of developing well-rounded and authentic characters in storytelling. He explains how investing time in understanding and fleshing out characters can bring depth and relatability to their stories, ultimately resonating with readers or audiences. 4. Collaboration and friendship: Peter's journey in the theater world showcases the power of collaboration and the impact of strong friendships. He shares how a joint audition with a friend led to exciting opportunities and how transitioning from playwriting to communal novel writing opened up new creative avenues. This emphasizes the value of supportive relationships and the potential for collaborative storytelling. 5. Writing as therapy: Peter discusses how writing has served as a form of therapy and self-reflection throughout his life. He shares how it has helped him process emotions, gain clarity, and find solace. This insight inspires listeners to view storytelling not only as a means of entertainment but also as a powerful tool for personal growth and healing. Buy Zänker Amazon:https://amzn.to/3K5ZxZQ Bookshop.org: https://amzn.to/3K5ZxZQ Connect With Peter Website: http://www.petermaeck.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petermaeck/ EMail: [email protected] Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG 3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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