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

Hi Corey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been drawn to the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people, inspire emotions, and shed light on important issues. As a creator, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment when I can craft narratives that resonate with others and make a positive impact on their lives. This passion led me to pursue an artistic career, and it’s the driving force behind my latest project, the podcast Self-Rising Flower.

Through this audio drama, I aim to tell a compelling story that not only entertains but also encourages listeners to believe in themselves, chase their dreams, and find strength in the face of adversity. By following the journey of Erika Daniels, a single mother with a talent for baking, I hope to create a relatable and uplifting experience that reminds people of the incredible potential within themselves and the importance of perseverance. Ultimately, my creative pursuits, like Self-Rising Flower, are fueled by a desire to make a meaningful difference through the art of storytelling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about crafting stories that uplift, inspire, and resonate with people on a deep, emotional level. DesktopEpics Entertainment slogan has always been: “Stories You Can Feel”. It is also the assurance guarantee you will be entertained. With our podcast, Self-Rising Flower, I set out to create a narrative that would not only entertain but also encourage listeners to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.

What sets Self-Rising Flower apart is its authentic, relatable characters and its ability to tackle real-life challenges with heart and humor. I’m incredibly proud of the way this story has come together and the talented cast and crew who have brought it to life.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. Like many artists, I’ve faced my share of rejections, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. However, I’ve always tried to view these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, surround myself with supportive people, and never give up on my vision, even when the path ahead seems daunting.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to your authentic voice and creating from a place of passion and purpose. When you pour your heart into your work and strive to make a positive impact, it resonates with others. They feel your work.

Through my brand and story, I want the world to know that I’m dedicated to creating content that isn’t ‘typical.’

Ultimately, I hope that my work encourages people to embrace their unique journeys, face their challenges with courage, and never stop believing in the power of their dreams.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I would definitely take them to Covington, Georgia. This charming Southern town, just a short drive from Atlanta, has a rich history and a thriving film industry that has earned it the nickname ‘Hollywood of the South.’

First, we’d take a stroll down the Covington Square, lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. We’d grab a bite at the famous RL’s Off the Square, known for its delicious Southern cuisine and warm hospitality.

As a film enthusiast, I couldn’t let my friend miss out on Covington’s impressive movie legacy. We’d check out the self-guided tour of the town’s numerous filming locations. The hit TV series “The Vampire Diaries” was shot here, and we’d visit iconic spots like the Lockwood Mansion and the Mystic Grill. Other notable films shot in Covington include “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Remember the Titans,” and “My Cousin Vinny.”

To go deeper into the town’s film history, we’d visit the Newton County Courthouse, which has been featured in countless movies and TV shows. We’d also check out the Walk of Stars, where celebrities like Ian Somerhalder and Sylvester Stallone have left their handprints.

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?
When it comes to recognizing those who have inspired and influenced my creative journey, I have to give a heartfelt shoutout to the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg. Growing up, his movies captivated me and ignited my passion for storytelling. From the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones to the emotional depth of E.T., Spielberg’s work demonstrated the incredible power of narrative to transport audiences and touch their hearts.

As I’ve navigated my own artistic career, I’ve often looked to Spielberg’s masterful storytelling techniques and his ability to create characters that resonate with people from all walks of life. His dedication to crafting stories that combine entertainment with deeper themes and messages has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

In fact, when I set out to create my podcast, Self-Rising Flower, I channeled the lessons I learned from studying Spielberg’s work. Just as he has a knack for weaving together relatable characters, emotional depth, and compelling narratives, I strived to create a story that would connect with listeners on a profound level.

So, I want to give a huge shoutout to Steven Spielberg for being a guiding light in my creative journey and for showing me the incredible impact that well-crafted stories can have on the world. His work continues to inspire me.

Website: http://selfrisingflower.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desktopepics/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/desktopepics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesktopepicsEntertainment

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpRgUmaA-GFYa8EUY2s7rQ

Other: https://www.patreon.com/selfrisingflower https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/722413.Corey_Aaron_Burkes https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3401297/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

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