We were lucky to catch up with José Oldenburg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi José, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I started writing stories when I was 9 years old. It was my way to cope with the world. I loved getting lost in my own stories, and play out my own characters and plots in my mind, this is a tool I still use to this day. It’s a good time. One of the most essential skills I have is the ability to play, most ideas come from not forgetting how as a kid, playfulness leads to storytelling.
The biggest obstacle has been the desire for recognition I’d say. My work flows better when wanting to be famous is not the driver of the bus but some kid asleep in last row of seats.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is José Oldenburg and I am a filmmaker, and most importantly right now, a children’s book author. My books are existential in nature so they are not your typical kid’s book. I’ve seen many adults moved to tears with the stories and the conversations they lead up to.
Right now I have one book out on amazon called Horatio in the Wind. It’s about what you can guess it’s about from the title. I’m working on a sequel that will be out by December 2023, also about grief and getting what we want, vs what we need. It is called Rose Marie and the Crystal of Desires.
I’m very proud of this work and the level at which I’ve been able to produce them without the support of a traditional publisher.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I have a collection of over 80 rejection letters from publishers and agents, some of which have been brutal, but with a hopeful few that led to knowing the books were being rejected not on lack of merit but on fear from their themes and reading level.
I keep pushing my stories and will continue to do so. They have started moving on amazon and through tiktok so I know I’m on the right track.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I want more adults and children to have conversations about death and overcome the fear of dying, which totally impairs our living fulfilled lives. These is why I write and publish these books.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joseoldenburg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jose.oldenburg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdiazoldenburg/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jos%C3%A9-oldenburg-01861650/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIQ2UU9eugxx134zMrA_QGg
Image Credits
Illustrations for my books by Robert Naylon and Gregorio Utreras. I own the images and have permission to use them.