What is the best thing that I love about my work? I’m a storyteller, I love to leave a part of me in the fictional characters that I create, it can be one of my fear or a character trait. It’s the most satisfying thing.
What is my idea of happiness? A sunny afternoon in the beach, away from the noise of the city, with a book and my girlfriend.
What is my greatest fear? Running out of ideas when i have a job deadline. I’m terrified of it.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I’m very stubborn and paranoid, I know it can be unpleasant to others.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? There are many authors that I admire, in this period I appreciate a lot Daniel Warren Johnson, David Rubin and Peter Tomasi.
What is my greatest extravagance? I’m a very shy and controlled person, but when I laugh hard I make a pig sound.
On what occasion would I lie? To protect someone I love.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Being a screenwriter is a job where you must have many social relationships, for an introverted person is very difficult.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? When people read your work and appreciate it heartily. It’s an unspeakable feeling.
What is my greatest achievement in work? I’m very tidy and always meet deadlines.
Where would I most like to live? I’m from Sicily, based in Tuscany, I’d like to go back to live in a seaside place one day.
What is my most treasured possession? My DVD/Bluray collection, I’m in love with movies.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? In Palermo, my hometown, there is a cave in the shape of a lion’s head based in the Favorita’s garden. Very suggestive.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Absolutely The Brew Dog, it’s the pub where I usually have fun with my friends.
What books influenced my life and how? Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Salem’s Lot by Stephen King, Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer. These are the reason why I love to write horror stories.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? 10.000 Days by Tool, for sure.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? John Constantine from Hellblazer, Ellen Ripley from Alien, Hellboy by Mike Mignola.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My father, who had the strength to resume his art at 60 years old.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? There Will Be Blood by Paul Thomas Anderson. My fav movie. My fav director.
What role plays art in my life and work? As screenwriter, art has an essential role in my life. My passions are the fuel for my imagination.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? Barbara, my girlfriend, she’s a storyteller too. She’s my greatest fan and my first judge, i know i can count on her for everything. She’s truly a great artist and a great woman.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? I’d really like to work for some italian publishing houses like Hollow Press, Saldapress and Ink Edizioni.
As for foreign publishers, my dream is to make comics for Image and DarkHorse.
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020? I really admire this cartoonist: Kundo Krunch, Martoz, Arturo Lauria, Pablo Cammello, Caterina Bonomelli. I would love to work with them someday.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? I’m working on the graphic novel of my self-producted comic, Sicilian Grandpa. Also, i’m working on the next episode for Doomsday Machine published by the guys of Leviathan Labs, and something new for them… but it’s top secret!
Where can you see me or my work in 2020? You can find my self-work on Facebook or Instagram, just check “Sicilian Grandpa”. My works for Levithan Labs are in Doomsday Machine magazine, just check them in their official website.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story? I think Peter must invite Massimo Rosi, my editor and friend, truly a great man and storyteller. Leandra La Rosa, stunning illustrator and lovely friend. Francesco Ruggieri, cartoonist and partner in crime for Sicilian Grandpa; Niccolò “Roy” Testi, tireless storyteller and alien comedian.
How can you contact me? You can contact me on email (mauro.distefano89@gmai.com) , or on social like Facebook and Instagram typing “Mauro Di Stefano”.
Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Hero’s Journey
Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?
Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.
IS THE HERO’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?
You are a creative leader or creative professional who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.
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You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
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You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
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You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
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You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?
The Hero’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.
These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:
How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?
How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?
How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?
What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?
How can I manage my time and energy better?
How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?
How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.
PRICING
The Hero’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Hero’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Hero’s Journey online coaching?
Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.
Should I choose 1:1 coaching?
Our The Hero’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.
If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.
What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?
English.
Can I buy coaching for my organization?
Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.
Where will the coaching sessions take place?
Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.
How do I pay?
After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.
How do I book and reschedule sessions?
Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.
The Hero's Journey 