Today we’d like to introduce you to J. M. Tompkins.
J. M., let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If I could choose any word that fits my passion, I’d choose pioneer. I get a thrill from making my own way and choosing my own path. I’ve always been a square peg and no matter how much anyone attempted to shave my corners, I have never fit into a round hole.
But I tried. I tried the corporate jobs with a grin and bear it approach. The truth is that there is something deeply ingrained within me that compels me to speak up when something is wrong. I hit my breaking point when I was asked to attend a business trip only because the men attending wanted someone who could cook. Apparently, being female meant that cooking was my task—no matter my title or job description. I parted ways with that company, never looking back, and took that opportunity to start my own publishing company.
As far as my writing journey, I’ve used creative writing since I was in school without really realizing what I was doing. It was in middle school when I learned I could easily entertain my teachers and ace any assignment. When we were asked to write on the Industrial Revolution, I wrote a paper on the history of underwear. When the assignment was on a scientist, I created his CCV and a cover letter to apply to a fictional job. I also wrote poetry and was first published at the age of fifteen. I guess I could say that’s when the seed was planted.
As an adult I had a poetry blog that hit a top 100 blog list. And seven years ago (2013), I wrote my first novel which was brilliantly boring. But even though I wouldn’t want anyone to sneak a peek at that horrific manuscript, I knew I wanted to try again. I learned from the experience and joined writing groups, read craft books, took writing classes, worked with magazines, and kept creating everything from flash fiction to novels until I felt I had something worth publishing. I then started Creativity Untamed, my publishing company, and clicked that deceptively simple button on the screen that read publish.
Great, 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?
The road I’m on has been paved with many tears and not just my own, but many others before and with me. One aspect of being a small business owner is how much is on our plates every day. I’m the author but also the formatter, marketer, website designer, and even the SEO professional. I knew little about some of these roles when I started, so I had to learn and quick. The worst part is that my assistant (myself, mind you) has still forgotten to order paper clips for about a month now.
The best part is that the obstacles and challenges are possible to overcome because of so many people who have helped, believed in, and cheered me on. Specific people I’d love to mention are: My supportive husband, Darcy Werkman known as The Bearded Book Editor, Rebeca known as RebecaCovers, Chris Negron, Meg Robinson, Justin Joseph, Louise Crouch, Jennifer Drummond, George Weinstein, M. J. Pullen, Toni Bellon, Rich Smith, Leo Penha, Nicole Collier Harp, and Heather Elrod. And of course, all the readers! Without each of these beautiful and inspirational people, it would have been and still would be a struggle.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Creativity Untamed, LLC – what should we know?
My work focuses on dystopian science fiction. I admire scientists and engineers—their minds, their work, and their continual drive to move humanity forward. I love taking their findings of today and exploring how those discoveries could potentially manifest tomorrow. The dystopian part comes naturally to me and I wish I knew why. When I look at the world, I constantly wonder how we can make it better.
The tag line for my work is, “We may not be able to deny the darkness, but we can seek the light.” And that’s what my books are about, always finding the light no matter where we are or what type of society we find ourselves in. Despite the fact that I always ask how we can improve, I have always believed we can.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Never stop trying and never stop learning. When I was younger, my mindset was anything is possible. As I became a young woman, the thought evolved into nothing is impossible. But then I became a mother and I realized that what I wanted to teach my son is that there is always a solution. I find myself very much grounded within this mantra because it reaches beyond making dreams reality to being used in any situation—from building a website to selling enough books to support my family. No matter if something is within my control or out of it, I will find a solution. And I believe that mindset drives me to keep trying and never stop learning which is key to building success.
Pricing:
- There’s a free short story on my website, www.CreativityUntamed.com.
- The first book, Wastebasket, of my current series is available for .99c on Amazon.
- The rest of my books are currently available for $2.99.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativityuntamed.com
- Email: michelle@creativityuntamed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.m.tompkins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativityUntamed
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jm_tompkins
- Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19239842.J_M_Tompkins
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