Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Barnes
Hi Steven, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve written stories since I was a child, but didn’t sell my first until I was about 28. My journey was pretty much deciding what I wanted more than anything else in life, and cutting off all other options. It was kinda scary, but I couldn’t see another path. So it seemed smart to take ANY job I could in Hollywood, anywhere in the studios or theaters, and make all the friends I could with people in the industry, constantly seeking to increase my writing skills and networking. Eventually, those two competence circles overlapped: my skill, and my ability to market my skill. And I eventually got my chance.
Mom got me started on self-improvement/success books like THINK AND GROW RICH, and you’d better believe I used them to strategize.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t believe anyone has ever succeeded to any degree without struggle. I dealt with fear, exclusion, lack of role models, mockery, betrayal…you know, the usual stuff. There were tears and frustration, but what kept me going is believing in the dream and loving myself enough to want a good life. I had to look at the obstacles without taking it personally. And work hard not to hate or denigrate those who opposed or doubted me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“Art” is Self expression–expression of the true, deep self. SUCCESSFUL art is self expression that communicates that core emotion to another human being. And PROFESSIONAL art is art that motivates an audience to exchange money for the experience. CRAFT is the skills that compose the “language” of your skill. Such craft means that dance, painting, singing, martial disciplines, writing and so forth all have different languages, but they are touching the same reality: human beings desire to express and witness that expression. So my task was to learn the tropes of drama and specifically science fiction, the structures of screenwriting, and navigating the webs of marketing and sales. All of that. But at the core, the only real question was: am I being honest about what I think and feel? If so, I’m an artist. If I can do this in a way that allows me to pay my bills…I’m a successful PROFESSIONAL artist. I find it very useful to make those distinctions.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I conduct a weekly Zoom podcast, FIREDANCE, where we discuss art, life, success, and emotional health. All are welcome, and you can sign up at: www.stevenbarneslist.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.steven-barnes.com
- Other: @kundalinisteve.bsky.social
Image Credits
Photographer: Tananarive Due
