Daniel Leaver is the CEO of Storytellerarts.com and Author of Whale Tales and Other Nursery Rhymes and Conquering Depression, a poetic perception. Daniel founded his website to help combat the depression affecting us all. As an empathic writer, he deeply cares for his readers, mental health, relationships, spirituality, and motivation. With his innovative style, he weaves words with the master of a wordsmith to form and deliver powerful messages of hope, faith, and redemption.
Daniel David Leaver, Inspirational Writer & Storyteller
Tell us about Dan, the man behind the stories.
Well, I have always been Dan, the man. People have been calling me that for as long as I can remember, and it has shaped me into the hard-working and loving man I am today. Dan Leaver is a modern-day wordsmith, author, poet, and storyteller. I am highly motivated and inspired. I am a proud father, grandfather, and uncle.
What is Storytellerarts all about if someone has never heard of you?
Storytellerarts uses wordsmithing to share valuable life advice and encouragement through metaphorically and relatable emotional short stories. It is a short story poem collection that inspires, uplifts, encourages, and motivates for improved mental health. As a depression survivor, I saw a need for a place of encouragement and inspiration to share positive quotes and messages. I post all my work for free on my website and have two books available for hard copies; one can be a coloring read-along activity book.
What is something that you used to believe in that you don't anymore?
That is a great question, and I used to think no one cared about my writing. However, when I started to reach people on the other side of the world, I realized that my work was necessary. Many people do not care, but far more do. I write to them. I once was told I was undiscovered, which was the greatest compliment I could ever imagine. It lit a fire that burns to this day. I now get far more positive reviews than negative ones, so I encourage anyone who feels they may want to share their work but are nervous or scared to proceed and know that we will never please everyone but can and do reach some.
What is a good motivation tactic that may encourage others?
I will turn off all sounds in my environment and sit silently to prepare my mind for my writing. I will focus only on the message at hand and think for several minutes before I ever start to write. Sitting like this will help
me counter writer's block by allowing me to concentrate on new ideas or verses.
If you didn't have to work anymore, would you still?
That's another excellent question, and yes, the work would change and focus more on the writing aspect of my career. I have had people reach out and tell me that my writing has helped save them from themselves, giving what I do a meaning far more significant. Inspiration will always find me; when it does, I will be ready. I write to change lives.
Do you set goals and dreams?
Yes, I am a visionary and a dreamer. If I cannot reach a goal, I adapt, adjust, and set new ones. I live every day a little better than the last. When I reach for the stars and fall short, I can land safely in the clouds. I dream big and work hard to achieve as many of them as possible.
Is there anything I didn't ask that you would like to share?
I would like to say that I am no better than anyone out there reading this. If you have dreams and goals, you can achieve them if you break them into manageable action steps. I have done some fantastic things in this life, yet I still face intense depression, so I have realized to stay positive. We can be our worst critics, so we should also be our biggest fans. Hard work pays off and has a lasting effect! Weber's dictionary defines belief as "a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing." It starts in your mind; where you put your attention, you will put your energy; it can become your reality. Believe in yourself even if no one else does and stay persistent.
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