Meet Jas Walker | Publisher & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jas Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jas, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I hear people say, “Work hard to reach your goals,” and I 100% disagree with that. That advice seems to encourage struggling at excelling when in reality the advice should first be to figure out if you even like what you’re doing. If the answer is ‘no,’ then keep searching. If the answer is ‘yes,’ then the key to attaining that goal is to focus on it on purpose. Imagine it already being yours. Don’t work hard. Give your undivided attention to the you who has the thing or reached the goal. How does that person feel? What kind of moves does that person make knowing that they are already in the position they want to be in? Don’t work hard. Focus with intention.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is writing, actually, it’s rewriting. I see myself as less of an artist and more of a collaborator. Because of my writing background, I can relate to other writers when I’m hired for the editing process. I love to take their words and, by knowing the person somewhat, revise the text to be precisely what they were trying to say. I am most proud of the books that I have edited and helped publish. I know how precious the writing process is and I feel honored whenever a writer hands off their “baby” for me to take to the next level. This journey was not as easy as it could have been and that’s only because I didn’t know it could be easy. I spent a lot of years doubting my abilities and downplaying my gifts. I overcame these challenges by intentionally building my confidence in general. Knowing that my interests and hobbies from childhood have led me to my purpose helps me overstand that this path is specifically for me. That gives me confidence in all that I do.
I’d like others to know that the only opinion that matters is yours. If you say you can, then you will. If you say you can’t, then you won’t. Words are powerful and I intend to spend the rest of my life publishing what aligns with my energy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I no longer live in LA I am not sure how to answer this question. But I do know a beach day would be on my itinerary — definitely El Matador in Malibu and probably Dockweiller for a bonfire in the evening.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank my friend-til-the-end James Woods for sharing my name with Shoutout LA. I can honestly say that this journey has been filled with people like him sharing their wisdom, book recommendations, and inspiration, and there is no way to thank them all. And of course, I appreciate my folks and my sister for being supportive; and my partner Vic for being my muse and mirror.

Website: freethoughtwriting.com

Instagram: @freethoughtwriting

Image Credits
Vivid