The Artist’s Interview: Tanner Olson, Written to Speak Founder
Interview with Kimberly Phinney
The Way Back to Ourselves is proud to present:
T H E A R T I S T ’ S I N T E R V I E W
with Tanner Olson, founder of Written to Speak
KIMBERLY: Hi, Tanner! It’s so great to have you. So, we know you’re a bang-up writer, so we thought we’d introduce you with a little writerly challenge. Have you heard of the six-word memoir challenge inspired by Ernest Heminway?
The legend goes like this: One night at a bar, Hemingway made a bet with some writerly friends that he could write a compelling story in just six words. They said he couldn’t pull it off. Well, he did, of course–and then promptly collected a hefty sum of cash for his feat.
So, Tanner, what would be your six-word memoir to introduce yourself to our readers? We don’t have a heap of cash to throw at you, but we are applauding your efforts nonetheless!
TANNER:
“Change continues, and so do I.”
KIMBERLY: So good! Love that. You got me thinking about what mine might be… I’ll have to go figure it out after this interview…
So, is there anything else you’d love our readers to know about you before we dive in?
TANNER: What else do readers need to know about me? I could tell you that I am an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster. Or I could say that I am an Orlando Magic basketball fan. I would love to tell you about my love for Jesus, dogs, and breakfast food. I’d like you to know about how I love words and believe they can move us and heal us and shake us and shape us and leave us different. I’d love to tell you about my wife and our dog Pancake, but I think I’ll just say that I’m an ordinary guy who loves writing and believes hope is real.
KIMBERLY: Perfectly said! Today, more than ever, the message that “hope is real” is a true saving grace. Thank you for that.
So, you showed up on Instagram as @writtentospeak in 2016, and since then, it has become wildly popular with nearly 100,000 followers. It’s clear you have a way with words, and it’s resonating with so many people. How did this all happen? And why do you think your message of hope resonates with people so much today?
TANNER: In 2013, I had just been fired from my first full-time job (that’s a story for another time) and I began sharing words online. It started with a blog and a Facebook page. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was doing it.
Everyday I would write. For years I would wake up before the sun rose to put words down. I’d pour coffee and sit by the window and type away. I would do the same thing in the evenings. I’d shut off the TV, crawl off the couch, and sit at the kitchen table with my laptop and endless thoughts. For years, my words were groggy and far from what I wanted them to be, but slowly over time I began to write the way I wanted to write.
Somewhere between the early mornings and late nights I found my voice as a writer.
I think my words resonate with others because I’m not trying to sell them anything or make them believe I am someone else. I give them what I have. All you can give is what you have. And what I have to give is honest words of hope. My writings often come across as a handwritten note that’s been slid across the table. They are honest and personal and easy to hold. Some of my words are messy. Sometimes tehy our spelled wrong. (KIMBERLY: Funny! I am trying so hard not to correct this!) Sometimes the words I have to offer rhyme or are short, but they are always written with hope.
KIMBERLY: I’m finding, like you, that people are yearning for honesty and authenticity more than anything else. Maybe because there’s just not enough of it these days!
I have the BIG question next: When did you know you were going to be a poet and writer? Did you always know? Or did God really surprise you with this calling?
TANNER: My life has not gone to plan. What a gift from God that is.
When I was younger, I loved basketball and wanted nothing more than to be in the NBA. At night I would ask God to grow me to become 6 foot 8, but that didn’t happen. (Kimberly: My husband did turn out to be 6 foot 8, and he didn’t make it to the NBA either, so don’t feel too bad. Haha!) I topped out at 5 foot 10 and after a few surgeries and setbacks my dream of being in the NBA faded.
In high school and college, I thought about becoming a youth leader for a local church or a teacher. Some days I thought about being a pastor or a basketball coach, but when I was fired (again, a story for another time) I picked up the pen and began to create.
Sometimes, I get thrown off when I hear the word calling.
Do I believe writing is something God called me to do?
Absolutely.
But with that, I believe this is the thing God has invited me to do.
He has invited me to be an author, poet, and speaker.
Writing is one way I get to live out my faith, love my neighbors, and spread the good news of God.
Poetry is one way I get to spread hope, announce love, and offer compassion.
Speaking is one way I get to speak of what is heavy and hard, but also allows me to share about grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
KIMBERLY: I think people would be so surprised to hear that your life hasn’t gone according to plan. When we see people achieve a certain level of success, we sometimes assume it was their “Plan A” or that it came so easily to them. But in reality, a lot of the people we see today making an impact on a larger stage are actually on their “Plan B” and have overcome great difficulties to be there. I know I’m walking through that journey in my “Plan B” now, so your story really resonates with me.
But isn’t it cool to look back and realize that our “Plan B” was actually God’s “Plan A” for us all along?
And by the way, I’m so glad you didn’t become a basketball player!
Okay, so I’ve been enjoying reading through two of your poetry books, Walk A Little Slower and Continue, and I’ve noticed the theme of nostalgia, especially in Walk A Little Slower. I am so interested to hear about this and what you are trying to say about life through this beautiful theme. Why is nostalgia such a mainstay in your work?
TANNER: Most of Walk A Little Slower was written during the pandemic. For as hard as the pandemic was, it gave me space to slow down and reflect on life. I found old journals, looked through childhood photo albums, and had plenty of conversations with my mom about what life was like when I was a young boy.
Although I loved my childhood and the past, it’s not where I can stay. The past is a great teacher, but it isn’t a place where you can remain. I’ve learned that looking back helps me to move forward. When I look back, I can see how God has been faithful and kind, and if He has been, I have to believe that He will continue to be.
KIMBERLY: So good. Like you say, “We must continue.” And you are so right on about remembering all the powerful, moving things God has already done for us, so we can look forward in the TRUE HOPE that he will do it again. He continues.
Okay, so this is something I love: You reference “putting down your phone” and “getting back to basics” in a lot of your poetry, which is a mantra we obviously vibe on here at The Way Back to Ourselves. Many of us creative types struggle with the pervasiveness and necessity of our phones and social media when we are also trying to get away, create, and connect more authentically. How do you balance both your need for solitude and creativity with the reality of your social media fame and influence?
TANNER:
It certainly is not easy to be a creative. To be a creative requires discipline. My high school basketball coach would tell us that discipline is, “To do what must be done and to do it that way all the time.” This has always stuck with me.
I approach creating similar to how I would approach basketball games. In fact, on the walls of my office are photos of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Penny Hardaway to remind me to stay disciplined and focused.
I love to work. If I could work 7 days a week I would, but that’s not healthy. In order to create balance in my life I need to take a day off a week. This allows me to rest and recover. It’s hard to create something beautiful if you don’t take time away from work.
On the days I am working, I try to eliminate as many distractions as possible. I do my best to leave my phone in the other room. I clean my office at the end of the day so that when the next day of work begins my office is in order. I even write down a to-do list at the end of the work day so that I know what I am doing when tomorrow rolls around.
Oh, also schedule out your social media posts.
It’s a game changer.
YOU CAN CONNECT WITH TANNER, TOO:
Find hope or be a HOPE-SPREADER yourself.
Check out Tanner’s blog, books, podcast, merch, and more at www.writtentospeak.com.
You can hire him for 1:1 creative consultation or as a speaker for your group or event, too.
KIMBERLY: That’s great practical advice. Thank you!
So, as I’ve been reading your poetry and prayers, I’ve realized just how relatable and encouraging they are–almost like a book of psalms for the modern man. I had a hard time picking a favorite, but I really enjoyed “I Want to Write Something” and “In All Things.” So, I must ask you, do you have a poem that stands out to you?
TANNER: Here are a few lines from my poem, “Walk A Little Slower,” from my book (you guessed it) Walk A Little Slower.
“And whatever may become, well, for now,
I’ll walk a little slower and breathe a little deeper.
Because right now, I'm alive.
And everything is okay.
It’s not perfect, and that’s okay.
And that’s what I'm learning to tell myself these days.
Everything is okay.
It’s not perfect, and that’s okay.”
KIMBERLY: So good. This is definitely a central message of yours, which is a great segue to this question: Of all the things you’ve created and achieved over your ten-year career, which creative accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
TANNER:
“You put into words how I am feeling.”
Every time someone tells me this, I have to hold back tears. As a writer, I’m sure there is no higher honor or greater compliment to receive.
KIMBERLY: So good. I definetly agree. It’s why we do what we do.
Recently, you were on The Opportunity Collective Podcast with Daniel Eccles, who is a great friend and contributor at The Way Back to Ourselves, and you mentioned that as a working artist only about 10% of your time is spent on creating. What does a “day in the life” of Tanner Olson look like today? And how do you cultivate this space to continue to create outstanding content with less time than ever?
TANNER: Everyday looks a little different for me.
Some days I am traveling to and from events.
Some days I am on stage or in a classroom or speaking at a church.
Some days I am responding to emails from an airport or coffee shop or hotel room.
Some days I am resting.
Some days I am sitting in my office at home wondering how I am going to get done all that I have to get done.
As an author, poet, and speaker I spend my days wearing several different hats. I get to be the tour manager, the corresponder, the store manager, the booking manager, the designer, the marketing team, the podcast editor, the website builder, the social media manager, the online order fulfiller, the creative director, the promotional team, and the connection builder.
Most days I am able to carve out an hour or two to write. Sometimes it’s a book project or Instagram posts or Substack articles.
All I know is that small steps forward can take you far. And every day I try to take a few small steps forward.
KIMBERLY: Yes, there is so much power in small steps!
There’s no doubt by the evidence in your writing that God is working through you with a message of hope and perseverance. What is the most important lesson God has revealed to you recently that you’d like to share with our readers?
TANNER:
Two things: Life is not a race, and you are not behind. And it’s not about me.
KIMBERLY: Wow, these are perfect and so countercultural! The world seems to be yelling at us to “Hurry up!” and “Catch up!” And of course, with the rise of social media, the temptation to make it about ourselves is ever-present. Remembering it’s “not about me” is so freeing. Your words remind me of Dr. Tim Keller’s slim book, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness. Thank you for reminding us!
Anything super amazing for you on the horizon? Anything you’d like our readers to know? Where can they go to find out more and connect with you?
TANNER: I am working on a few different projects right now.
In this season of life, I am beginning to write more observational reflections and features. If you’ve been following me on Facebook or Substack you may have noticed this. I am learning to push myself creatively and this is allowing me to become a better writer.
Currently, I am working on a children’s book, a collection of poetry and stories, a memoir, and a collection of stories. (KIMBERLY: Wow, you are staying busy! That’s exciting!)
Keep an eye out!
You can learn more (and say hello!) at www.writtentospeak.com.
Podcast
Instagram
Facebook
Substack
KIMBERLY: Love it!
Tanner, this was so great. Thank you so much for chatting with us and sharing with our readership. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you. Thank you, again, for spreading HOPE.
And as always, YOU BELONG HERE.
A P.S. TO OUR READERS: What resonated with you most? Leave a comment below! Also, you can reach out to Tanner on Instagram @writtentospeak and let him know! You can also ASK HIM ANYTHING at his website anonymously, and he will respond!
Also, I did work on my six-word memoir. I think it’s this: “May my life make you belong.” What’s yours? Leave a comment below!
GET TANNER’S BREAKOUT BOOK, WALK A LITTLE SLOWER, & OTHERS:
TANNER OLSON
Tanner Olson is the founder of www.writtentospeak.com. He is a writer, speaker, poet, designer, and podcaster. He started his creative project, Written to Speak, in 2013 to spread hope and announce love through spoken word and poetry. Tanner’s writing has been described as unique for his adept ability to blend faith, humor, and curiosity as he points readers and listeners toward the ultimate source of hope and love, Jesus.
Tanner has authored several best-selling books of poetry and prayer:
Walk A Little Slower
As You Go: Words for the Unknown
I’m All Over the Place
Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope
And he’s just happy to be here.