On this week’s episode of Unleashing YOUR Great Work, we dive into the worlds of Mat Heagerty, a rad graphic novelist creating Great Work one Lumberjack Vampire at a time (A Lumberjackula, if you will).

Growing up dyslexic and, what he considered himself back in the days, a “bad” student, Mat shares his mission in making funny, light-hearted stories about acceptance. From his middle school punk rock days to his serious writing journey beginning at age 22, Mat has always been in touch with a creative identity.

And what comes along with pursuing a creative life, you may be asking? A whole lot of hearing the word “NO”.

However, the word “NO” is what Mat describes as a “rebound word” that continues to propel him into new creativity.

Listen in to this week’s episode and hear how Mat makes his work go wider and farther than he himself is able to go.

Don’t be afraid of who you are. Can I get an AMEN?

Thank goodness for artists like Mat Heagerty who show us examples of how to do this despite fears of rejection, despite worry about disappointing others, and with the courage to believe that our gift is worth giving to the world, just as it is. 

Mat has followed joy all the way to his Great Work. 

And it is Great!

So great that after reading Marian Ghost Centaur, I pre-ordered Lumberjackula and had it on my doorstep the day it came out. 

So great that my 10-year-old son immediately drew some fan art and sent it to Mat, and I know he’s not the only one.

So great that he’s able to make a living as a working author which is no small feat!

Join us as we discuss: 

02:37 Synopsis of Lumberjackula Book.

04:01 What is it about the story of Lumberjackula that is so special?

06:33 The mission of writing books about acceptance. 

09:28 Mat’s path from middle school creative to working writer.

12:20 How to conquer the fear of rejection and bounce back quickly after getting those Nos.

17:26 Mat’s other published books.

19:24 Collaboration can make your ideas so much better.

22:12 An overview of the upcoming book “Indoor Kid”.

About the author

Dr. Amanda Crowell is a cognitive psychologist and business coach who helps accidental entrepreneurs get more clients and have a bigger impact. She is the author of Great Work, the host of the Unleashing Your Great Work podcast, and the creator of the Great Work Journals. Amanda's TEDx talk has received almost two million views and has been featured on TED's Ideas blog and Ted Shorts. Her ideas have also been featured on NPR, Al Jazeera, The Wall Street Journal, Quartz, and Thrive Global.

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