003: Writer John Jimerson takes on the Velveteen Rabbit

Are artist-parents like dragons in a cage? Why re-write a classic children’s book? What is it like to run a Kickstarter campaign? How do we become REAL? John Jimerson answers these questions and more while discussing his adaptation of the Velveteen Rabbit, a reboot of the classic book with modern text, magical illustrations and a contemporary feel. He also reads an excerpt from his Velveteen Rabbit (There’s a fairy and she sings!).**

John Jimerson, based in Raleigh, has a wide range of experience including theatre producer, actor, teacher, paralegal, and dad, and most recently, as reader, adaptor and champion of children’s books. John launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Velveteen Rabbit project, his new and inspirational adaptation of the classic book. See (and hear!) John reading children’s books on his website, Seriously Read a Book and YouTube channel

John’s Kickstarter Campaign ends on October 9, 2017. Don’t miss the opportunity to donate and get a copy of the book!

**This podcast contains one “damn” and a brief mention of murder. Just fyi.

Podcast recorded at Shadowbox Studio in Durham, NC.

John emailed some additional thoughts after we recorded. He gave permission to share them below. Lovely.
“From my perspective, the book says that we start becoming who we really are when we start believing that we’re both lovable and loved.  Often it takes someone besides ourselves to show us that it’s true, as opposed to just hearing the words.  Sometimes we need to be shown again and again. That’s certainly been true in my life.  But when I’ve known that I’m lovable and loved, there is a kind of freedom that happens.  I feel like I have less to prove, and that everything will be okay no matter what I do.  That helps me to do things that are scarier, and that are more authentically me.  It also helps me to be more willing to be honest, when it’s scary to be honest,  in relationship with others.
I also love that the rabbit is on the edge of becoming, of transforming, before the fairy gets to him.  He is a toy rabbit who sheds a real tear.  He’s almost there, but he just needs a nudge.  I’ve certainly walked through times when I needed a nudge, a little bit of affirmation, someone saying “it’s okay” before I was willing to head in a direction I knew I was being called to, but that scared me. “

Artist Soapbox

Artist Soapbox is a platform for original scripted audio fiction and an opportunity for artists to discuss their creative work in their own voices. We do this through our interview podcast, our blog, live events, and original audio dramas.

Artist Soapbox is an anti-racist organization. We believe Black Lives Matter. In addition, as a podcast production company, ASBX has signed the Equality in Audio Pact on Broccoli Content.

Artist Soapbox is more than just a podcast.

We lead writers groups, accountability support, workshops, and events. We produce and create audio dramas too! Listen to the Master BuilderThe New Colossus Audio Drama, Jesus Pancake, Declaration of Love, Food for Thought, and ASBX Shorts. Stay tuned to hear about more projects written by the Soapbox Audio Collective Writers’ Group.

Audio Dramas

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Jesus Pancake

Jesus Pancake is the newest scripted audio fiction series from Artist Soapbox. Nine episodes of zany dark comedy.

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The New Colossus

The New Colossus Audio Drama is a totally unhinged dark comedy reboot of Anton Chekhov’s classic play, THE SEAGULL.

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Master Builder

This audio drama was adapted from Tamara’s 2018 stage play produced by Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern and inspired by Henrick Ibsen’s classic, The Master Builder published in 1892.

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Declaration of Love

Co-producers Aurelia Belfield and Tamara Kissane of Artist Soapbox commissioned eleven NC playwrights to craft short audio scenes based on the prompt “Declaration of Love.”

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Food for Thought

Three pilot episodes of new scripted audio fiction series inspired by the prompt Food for Thought.

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ASBX Shorts

ASBX Shorts are six short audio fiction pieces created and produced by North Carolina artists. Artist Soapbox Shorts were specifically contributed by the artists to aid in fundraising and to get everyone excited about Jesus Pancake, our new audio fiction series in development.

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