My take on the prevalence of hero worship throughout history & across many cultures usually borders on the hypercritical.

But don't be concerned, dear reader, I'm not about to launch into an ill-conceived tirade reflecting my personal beliefs on the subject.

Instead, I'll freely admit to having a new hero figure of my own—fickle as my dedication may be—who reflects so many traits I admire it's hard to know where to begin.

In case you're not familiar with Joanna Penn, to say she's a writer/entrepreneur extraordinaire is a gross understatement. It's not just that she's published 30+ books, both fiction & nonfiction, but her helpful presence throughout the social media & podcast world as well as the independent author presentation circuit is astounding. Besides all that, she's a marathon walker who just finished a book titled Pilgrimage about her various secular journeys in England & Spain.

All her accomplishments are noteworthy, of course, but what draws me to listen to her podcasts on The Creative Penn in particular is her clear understanding of complex issues relating to the self-publishing world, her complete honesty about her own struggles, and most of all her sense of humor.

Something in her laugh makes me know that in another time & place, I could hear that unmistakable giggle from across a crowded pub & be delighted to call her my friend.

Till next time,

Drew
Drew Faraday
Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown