Thomas J Penisten - Author and Illustrator of A Time For Color

Thomas J Penisten

Author Thomas J. Penisten has always had a passion for writing, especially when it makes one think long after the book is closed. His new release, A Time for Color, A Book About Joy, is a vibrant and poignant story about living with joy and not losing yourself and your zeal for life when things get tough.

Thomas believes a good story is one that sends a positive message and evokes emotion and reflection. He hopes his readers will relate to the story and recognize the importance of feeling gratitude, joy, and living in the present, and have their own feelings validated. Thomas tries to capture emotion when illustrating by drawing on the outlooks as he remembers as a child and also the challenges and losses everyone faces throughout their lives.

While Thomas has always loved the arts and writing, having attended the Metropolitan School of Art where he studied the classics, it seemed he never had the time. His family is very supportive that he is finally pursuing what he loves. His wife, Landa, in particular, has been instrumental in his editing and publishing process. He was also inspired by the goodness of his late sister, Chrissy, a schoolteacher who was kind to all.

A kid at heart, when he isn’t busy writing thought-provoking books, Thomas enjoys hiking, camping, snowmobiling, Atving, and bicycle riding with his wife.They have two daughters, one son and two grandchildren. They live in Platteville, Wisconsin, with their two Boston Terriers, Gertrude and Winston.

I’m excited for you to connect with Thomas, check out his work and impact, and follow along as he continues to share his heartwarming and timely message that joy is still here.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Thomas J Penisten and I am the Author and Illustrator of A Time For Color, A Book About Joy. It is a heartfelt and sentimental book about the nature of JOY. I am currently working on promoting the book, and promoting the “A Time For Joy Initiative” in which I donate one of my newly published books to as many retirement communities and nursing homes as possible. Spreading JOY ONE BOOK AT A TIME.

How did you get started?

Growing up I’ve always had a passion for drawing and writing, however like many, I always seemed to be busy with life. I felt something inside me say it was time to share how I felt, tell people my story, and let them know that JOY is in all of us. Perhaps it was a sign from my late sister Chrissy.

What Inspired the work you’re doing?

My book is dedicated to my late sister Chrissy, she was a huge influence in my book and an inspiration to me my whole life. She taught me to always remember your JOY no matter what your circumstances may be. She always seemed to present a joyful, positive attitude all the way up to the end.

Here is a quote from my book where COLOR represents the JOY in a person’s life:

Color is a choice you
Make every day,
Whether you see its Beauty, Or push it away.

No debts of the heart
Will pull it apart,
It’s time that you make a
Fresh new start!
We blame ourselves for
Things we can’t change,
Or justify the guilt,
To make sense of the pain.
Dig deep down inside and find that key, It’s time to set all your colors free

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

It has taken me a while to find my place in life but I feel like I'm on the right path now. It's been very therapeutic expressing myself through illustrating and writing. This book feels right to me, it gives me purpose and makes me feel good sharing a positive message with society. I am very humbled and flattered by the overwhelming responses I have received.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

Right now it is when I see a review about my book like this one:

A touching and engaging story with some powerful lessons about the nature of JOY.

This is one of those touching children's stories that adults could benefit from reading, too. (In this sense, it's a bit like Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree.) A must-read for its beautiful wisdom, which comes alive in rhyme and interesting and original illustrations that use color effectively to support the narrative.

I feel I now have purpose in my life. That what I'm doing is meaningful and could possibly help someone. How wonderful to be able to write something that touches so many people.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I try to live more mindful then I ever did in the past. I'm far from perfect but I constantly am pursuing to stay humble and grateful. Be kind and put yourself in a stranger’s shoes. Be honest to everyone around you and especially to yourself. Remember the inner JOY you felt as a kid.

My treadmill has been a good tool, as I feel better after each session. Many days I dread having to get on it but I always feel better for having done it and followed through. It is the small victories each day that can bring you JOY.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

My younger self would be proud that I've found purpose in my life. I might even be happy and sad at the same time. Happy because I would find it hard to believe that I wrote and illustrated such a touching heartfelt book and sad for what tragedy must I have gone through to write such a touching heartfelt book.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

My Dad always said this, and I guess I have tried to adopt this same philosophy. "Always try to have something to look forward to each day"

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream would be to write and illustrate meaningful books for a living. I believe a good story is one that sends a positive message and evokes emotion and reflection. I hope my readers will relate to the story and recognize the importance of feeling gratitude, JOY, and living in the present, and have their own feelings validated. I want to capture emotion when illustrating by drawing on the outlooks as I remembers as a child and also the challenges and losses everyone faces throughout their lives.

To connect with Thomas and learn more about A Time for Color contact thomaspenisten@gammaburstbooks.com or visit www.gammaburstbooks.com.

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here