As an artist, your first joy comes from creating. The second and greater one is the feedback that your art has helped someone one way or the other.
We present to you some awe inspiring glimpses of Cathalson’s 15- year journey as a writer.
Enjoy and Stay Inspired:
What does Art mean to you?
It’s a pleasure to meet with the ICONIC Team today and discuss…Cathalson.
Art, for me is the purest expression of the soul, from a creator. It is a conduit for things that cannot be expressed in any other way. It is also perhaps one of the few ways that we can speak and share across all lines of humanity, regardless of its origin. In art we only see, hear, or read the art, and we are wholly transported to another place. Where we are led by the hand of its creator. For me art is magical and beautiful in its diversity.
What inspires you as a writer?
My inspiration as a writer comes from many places. It could be a color, a person I pass by on the street, a place, a news article, or a historical event. The place where the spark begins often becomes lost as the creation takes over. Much in the way tinder is consumed by the flames of a growing fire. Sometimes I clearly know my inspirational source, sometimes I do not. It may sound strange, but this is how it works for me.
Have you ever held back your gifts at some point, perhaps through self doubt? Have you ever felt it ‘boxed’ by someone else or an experience?
Honestly…I feel it was always me, that held back my gifts when it occurred. I let the outside influences take root like weeds in my garden of thought. I allowed them to grow unchecked and strangle the roses of inspiration. Our greatest enemy is within, the one we see in the mirror. Sure, I could also say that my rough life as a child and lack of support from others close to me weighed me down. But I would be ignoring my part in the whole process. I know it’s hard, but we must remember we are running our own race. Victory is achieved by out running our own fears and doubts.
How would you best describe your writings?
I am a word economist in its form, lavish in my dialogue, and thoughtful in my lessons. I want readers to have an adventure. I wish for them to learn something along the way, about the human condition, society or most importantly themselves. I tell stories to the best of my ability and hope that my passion for the writing comes through. I am a fiction writer, so I can sometimes speak about issues in a way that all may understand.
In August, 2021 you celebrated 15 years of independent writing, with 38 publications and 2 years as an independent writer on the shelf of a major retailer, can you share highlights on this journey?
My 15-year journey could be a novel on its own. However, if you want the highlights, it began with a desire to tell some stories, grew into a business and many appearances across the country. There were moments I would not forget, the publication of my first book, my very first event and those moments when I realized my work had changed someone’s life. Getting into retail stores was a great thing, but it will always be overshadowed by my interactions with fans of my work. These are the memories that I cultivate and what drives me to continue. Art is meant to be shared and experienced together. I would also state that as an independent author each step has been a test of my own determination…once I almost walked away from writing entirely…but that is a tale for another day.
How was growing up like?
My youth and growing up was overshadowed by a difficult home life, both emotionally and financially. I would find solace in libraries, reading and in my writing. I honestly believe the pain that I experienced led to my vivid imagination and my desire to understand the human condition. I would describe my youth as a walk through a dark forest, where patches of sunlight would filter through the brambles and trees. When it arrived, I would know that life could be better…if only I keep looking for the end of the forest, and the sunlit fields beyond it. I have seen this field in my dreams, and I am still seeking it. However, I now have companions that wish to journey there with me. So, the loneliness of my journey is less, thanks to the new family I have been blessed with.
Where can people find your books for purchase?
My books are available from all major retailers, most tend to buy my books online so the greatest collection of them…is there. It is important to support independent creators, for we are the ones who are not governed by the big business of art promotion and creation. Our stories are raw and unfiltered in many ways. As an independent author, I truly appreciate anyone who buys my books. Also, I am extremely happy, when it is shared with another, and someone reviews it.
Can you tell us about your events coming up November, 2021 and January, 2022 respectively?
I have a confirmed appearance as a guest at a local Anime festival called OtakuFest this coming January. My November event is being finalized and I should have more details very soon. My appearances can come up almost at any time since I am often contacted by various events at a moment’s notice. It is always best to follow my social media accounts, so one can keep up with all my releases and appearances.
Do you feel Creatives in developed countries are at advantage than those in developing countries?
I have had the privilege to speak with creators in developing countries. From the many conversations that I have had. It is viscerally apparent that many places frown upon self-expression in any form. It can often lead to a terrible situation for a creator, if their artistic expression, goes against local government or religious practice. I spoke to a writer once, who stated that her self-published book about the history of her local city was scrutinized by the local officials. This led to her being questioned by authorities and the removal of her work from circulation. So, I am not blind to the opportunities, I have for creating my art. I feel for my creative family who does not have these freedoms.
Who are your ‘ICONS’ in the world of writing?
My ICONS were many, but my top three are Walt Disney, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Edgar Allen Poe. Each were a catalyst for others to create great things, including me. They have inspired entire new art forms in storytelling, at least in my humble opinion.
What does success mean to you?
Being transparent, success can certainly be measured financially. Any artist who says they are not in it for money, must be independently wealthy. It takes time to create and you cannot live by eating or living in your art. So, putting that aside, I find my true success in completing my art and sharing it with others. By doing this I achieve two things, getting closer to having art as my fulltime job and inspiring others to create.
Let’s go a little poetic: If poetry is a rainbow and you have a choice of one color in that pallette, what would that be and why?
Purple…it is a mix of two powerful colors red and blue. It is the best of them both and playful at that same time. It is my favorite color and exudes imagination in my mind. It is also a color associated with luxury in a more spirited and regal way.
If you could do a collab as a writer with any other artist, what Art would that be?
I would have loved to collaborate with Walt Disney, I see parts of my own creative spirit, perhaps in him. I feel we could have been fast friends, and that we would have created great stories together, in both film and print.
Please briefly tell us something we do not know about Cathalson.
Cathalson is my pen name. It is an amalgamation of my own real last name. Due to other famous people sharing my given name, I needed a new one. So, in my quest for a pen name, I learned that McCall, my given last name, could be broken down to “Son of Cathal”. I really wanted the new pen name, to be close to my own name. Cathalson seemed like a perfect fit. Another interesting fact is that I am a budding antiquarian book collector, mostly old fantasy, and science fiction books
Thanks, to the ICONIC staff again for allowing me this forum and opportunity to share a little about my craft and myself. I applaud your work in showcasing artists from all areas of the artistic community.
You Are Everything Beautiful Cathalson.
From The Entire ICONIC Team,
Massive love!
Thrive on!!
