Podcast Summary: "Josh Plassey, DUST: A Novel" on Totally Booked with Zibby

Episode Release Date: February 10, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Josh Plassey, Author of "Dust"

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Josh Plassey, the multifaceted author behind the novel "Dust." With a diverse background encompassing acting, screenwriting, and filmmaking, Josh brings a unique perspective to the literary world. The conversation delves deep into his inspirations, the creative process behind "Dust," and his journey balancing multiple creative endeavors.

Getting Involved with Wildflower

Josh Plassey shares his unexpected involvement with the television project Wildflower. Initially cast as an actor rather than a producer, Josh recounts the seamless integration into the team, crediting his playful antics during auditions for making a memorable impression.

Josh Plassey (02:20): "I actually just got cast in Wildflower as an actor... I brought with it a lot of antics to say that."

Crafting "Dust": Inspirations and Themes

"Dust" is Josh's debut novel, a high fantasy saga that intricately weaves themes of warfare, magic, and moral dichotomies. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing—as the son of a Navy SEAL and a Golden Gloves champion—Josh melds his love for tactical strategy and literature into the narrative. He cites influences from authors like C.S. Lewis, Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb, and Patrick Rothfuss, which helped shape the book's foundation.

Josh Plassey (02:50): "My dad was a Navy SEAL... We would play tabletop board games together. It's the birth child of that is Dust."

The novel explores a world where magical dust, remnants of ancient comets, bestows seven distinct gifts upon those who encounter it. This element serves as the primary source of magic, grounding the fantasy in a unique and consistent magical system.

Developing the Main Characters

Josh meticulously crafts his three protagonists, each embodying distinct philosophical themes:

1. Taryn: Represents the classic battle of good versus evil, rooted in human moralism and theological questions.
2. Tyvetti: Inspired by Josh's father, Tyvetti grapples with the nuances of right versus wrong, questioning the righteousness of their endeavors.
3. Hendrix: Based on Josh himself, Hendrix's journey centers on staying true to oneself amidst external pressures and expectations.

Josh Plassey (09:53): "Taryn is my main female character... the concept of good versus evil."

He emphasizes the importance of avoiding direct political allegories, instead opting to present characters' moral dilemmas in a way that allows readers to form their own interpretations.

The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges

Josh admits that "Dust" is the culmination of a decade-long writing journey, characterized by rigorous self-critique and iterative revisions. Initial feedback from friends was harsh, prompting him to refine and start anew, ensuring the manuscript's strength before seeking representation.

Josh Plassey (04:39): "If they read your work and it isn't top class... I owe a lot to those friends for their honest truth."

He discusses his adoption of a screenwriting-inspired structure for the novel, utilizing a color-coded beatboard to organize scenes and chapters, ensuring a balanced narrative flow across the three main characters.

Balancing Acting, Producing, and Writing

Despite his acting career being his primary "day job," Josh explains how his roles complement his writing. Acting, for him, is an extension of understanding human behavior, which in turn informs his character development within his novels.

Josh Plassey (15:45): "I pay the bills with acting... acting is the study of human behavior."

In recent years, he expanded into producing, founding Pine Bay Pictures, and successfully releasing films like "Ride," acquired by Paramount Plus. The downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed him to focus more intensely on polishing "Dust," navigating the challenges of virtual auditions and industry shifts.

Securing an Agent and Publishing Success

Josh recounts the serendipitous nature of securing his first literary agent, attributing his success to goodwill and existing connections within the industry. A chance meeting facilitated through author Karen Kingsbury led to an introduction with a publishing powerhouse, underscoring the value of authentic relationships in the creative field.

Josh Plassey (24:29): "Good things do happen to good people... karma comes around."

His novel has garnered impressive pre-order numbers, a testament to its potential in a market where most books sell fewer than 1,000 copies. Josh remains humble, acknowledging the subjective nature of "goodness" in literature while celebrating his achievements.

Reading Influences and Self-Reflection

Josh openly discusses his admiration for contemporary fantasy works, particularly Pierce Brown's Red Rising series and Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind. He expresses a dual sentiment of inspiration and self-doubt, recognizing the masterpieces of others while striving to infuse his own work with originality and depth.

Josh Plassey (29:33): "If I am trying to write something, it is deeply depressing because I'm like, why am I even trying?"

Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his craft, believing that every author has a unique story to tell.

Current Acting Projects

Maintaining his active role in acting, Josh teases upcoming appearances in series like Amazon's Butterfly alongside Daniel Dae Kim and the film Day of Reckoning. His diverse portfolio showcases his versatility and dedication to storytelling across mediums.

Personal Journey: Choosing Creativity Over Tradition

A pivotal moment in Josh's life was his decision to pivot from a potential Navy SEAL career to pursuing acting and writing. Influenced by mentor Joseph Obermuller, Josh realized the societal impact and personal fulfillment that creative endeavors could offer, leading him to relocate to Los Angeles and fully embrace his passion for the arts.

Josh Plassey (31:46): "Washington is power, but Hollywood is influence... That's when I packed up my car and moved to LA."

This choice underscores his belief in the power of influence and storytelling as vehicles for positive change, aligning with his commitment to promoting good through his creative works.

Conclusion

Josh Plassey's episode on Totally Booked with Zibby offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a modern author balancing multiple creative passions. From the intricate world-building of "Dust" to his strategic career moves in acting and producing, Josh exemplifies dedication and resilience. His insights into the writing process, the importance of authentic feedback, and the interplay between different artistic disciplines provide valuable inspiration for aspiring writers and creatives alike.

Notable Quotes:

• "Dust is the source of magic for the book." — Josh Plassey (06:05)

• "If you're a good person, generally something will come your way." — Josh Plassey (26:31)

• "Washington is power, but Hollywood is influence." — Josh Plassey (31:46)

For more discussions and insights into the latest books and authors, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.