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- Your Writing + Readers = Magic (3/29/2024) - Today I want to share a case study on “going viral,” and consider the deeper value beyond the big numbers. What is viral? When something you share seems to take on a life of its own, reaching more and more people. Sometimes that is because a social media algorithm “chose” it to be shared with … Continue reading "Your Writing + Readers = Magic"
- What artists in their 90s are teaching me (3/23/2024) - There always seems to be much discussion about what “the younger generation is doing online,” and how some new viral trend on TikTok is something that “you can’t ignore.” But recently I became obsessed with something else: what we can learn from artists in their 90s. Today I want to share a series of profiles … Continue reading "What artists in their 90s are teaching me"
- Every reader counts (3/23/2024) - I realized the other day that it was the 7-year anniversary of publishing my book, Be the Gateway. I posted a note about it on Instagram, and instantly had writers reply: “My copy is full of sticky notes!” “I was literally rereading it last night and appreciating it all over again. The “gateway” is such … Continue reading "Every reader counts"
- Honor and preserve what you create (3/8/2024) - Today is my birthday! As a gift to myself, I am allowing myself to talk about one of my favorite topics: creative maintenance! What’s that? Creative maintenance is how we preserve what we create, and develop simple systems that encourage us to create and share. We do this to protect the work we do, and … Continue reading "Honor and preserve what you create"
- Writer regrets (and how to avoid them) (3/2/2024) - The other day I shared a 16 minute video for my paid subscribers called “Creative Success Often Feels Like Failure.” It explored how oftentimes we will reach a creative milestone or goal, only to feel a sense of emptiness and being let down. I talked about why that is, and shared specific strategies to reframe … Continue reading "Writer regrets (and how to avoid them)"
- Yes, you can just write (2/25/2024) - Wow, the response to my post last week was incredible! There were more than 100 comments, with dozens of you sharing what you create and why, and even engaging with each other. This is why I do the work I do — to celebrate why we write and how the written word connects us as … Continue reading "Yes, you can just write"
- A reintroduction (2/16/2024) - I’ve sent out this newsletter every week for the past 18 years. Close to a year ago, I moved it over to Substack, and since then have seen it grown way faster than I expected. I’m reminded that each person who finds me comes in at a different time. So today, I want to reintroduce … Continue reading "A reintroduction"
- Launching Two Books in Six Months, a Case Study (2/9/2024) - In the past year, I have worked with author Mary Carroll Moore to help her release two novels within six months of each other. There is so much to learn from this experience, I wanted to share it in a mega case study today. Mary and I worked together twice in the past year (with … Continue reading "Launching Two Books in Six Months, a Case Study"
- Launching Two Books in Six Months, a Case Study (podcast) (2/9/2024) - In the past year, I have worked with author Mary Carroll Mooreto help her release two novels within six months of each other. There is so much to learn from this experience, I wanted to share it in a mega case study today. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in … Continue reading "Launching Two Books in Six Months, a Case Study (podcast)"
- Do Less (to create more of what matters) (2/2/2024) - This year, I’m focusing on doing less. My days are spent talking with writers and creators, which is part of the work I do, but also a part of who I have always been. I grew up as an artist, and have had the pleasure of being surrounded by those who create my entire life. … Continue reading "Do Less (to create more of what matters)"
- Moving Beyond ‘Likes’ to Real Connections with Readers (Podcast) (1/26/2024) - Today I want to share a case study on how to engage your readers by focusing on story and emotions. As a writer, you share in your newsletter or social media because you hope it connects with people in a meaningful way. What do we all feel before clicking “publish?” Crickets — no one engaging, … Continue reading "Moving Beyond ‘Likes’ to Real Connections with Readers (Podcast)"
- Share Consistently & Without Stress: The Ultimate Editorial Calendar Case Study (1/26/2024) - I am so excited to share this case study with you today! It dives into a tool that I use with writers all the time to help them: Get clarity on what to share with readers. Plan what to write. Be consistent in how to share. Find calm in how sharing (a simple process, instead … Continue reading "Share Consistently & Without Stress: The Ultimate Editorial Calendar Case Study"
- Moving beyond ‘Likes’ to real connections with readers (1/21/2024) - Today I want to share a case study on how to engage your readers by focusing on story and emotions. As a writer, you share in your newsletter or social media because you hope it connects with people in a meaningful way. What do we all feel before clicking “publish?” Crickets — no one engaging, … Continue reading "Moving beyond ‘Likes’ to real connections with readers"
- Don’t settle for minimum attention (1/13/2024) - There is a scene in the movie The Social Network, where Mark Zuckerberg is being sued and is attending a deposition. The opposing attorney notices that Mark seems distracted, and this is the interaction: Attorney: “Mr. Zuckerberg, do I have your full attention?” Mark (with a tone of exasperation): “No.” The attorney: “Do you think … Continue reading "Don’t settle for minimum attention"
- Find your readers (1/6/2024) - This is my 14th year of working full-time with writers, but well more than 20 years of working with writers day-to-day in various roles. Each morning, I sit in this studio and help writers launch their books, find growth in their platforms, create compelling marketing plans, learn the ins-and-outs of Substack, and find a sense … Continue reading "Find your readers"
- Clarity, calm, and craft (1/6/2024) - Do you feel burdened by all you feel you need to do in order to write, publish, and share that work with readers? Recently I have written about my process for finding clarity and growth, and along the way I noticed a critical dynamic that I want to discuss today: creative burden. The other day, … Continue reading "Clarity, calm, and craft"
- Your Creative Reset (and reaching your ideal readers) (12/23/2023) - Today I want to share the specific process I’m using for a creative reset: creating more of what matters to me, and taking clear actions to reach my ideal readers in 2024. This is a process I go through every year, and I will present it in a step-by-step manner if you want to consider … Continue reading "Your Creative Reset (and reaching your ideal readers)"
- Celebrate What You Create (podcast) (12/18/2023) - It is so tempting for each of us to just focus on the items that are still undone on our to-do lists. To constantly be focused on tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. But when we pause, even for a moment, to recognize what we have created and learned, I feel that is … Continue reading "Celebrate What You Create (podcast)"
- Celebrate what you create (12/15/2023) - Today, I want to encourage you to look back on the year and celebrate what you created. I imagine that for many of you, this may bring up complicated emotions. Things like: “This was a year of constant interruptions.” “Ugh, I didn’t create nearly what I hoped I would.” “I created a lot, but nothing … Continue reading "Celebrate what you create"
- Find Your Voice (on Substack and Beyond) (12/4/2023) - My days are spent talking with writers and creators, and I often hear about the challenges they face when they consider sharing their work. This year, I’ve watched writers change their strategy in how they reach readers, focusing less on social media and more on Substack and email newsletters. But when they consider sharing on … Continue reading "Find Your Voice (on Substack and Beyond)"
- “Be kind while there is still time.” (11/25/2023) - I was watching a video from author John Green earlier this week, and he ended it with the lines of a poem by Philip Larkin from 1979. “The Mower” ends with these words: …we should be careful Of each other, we should be kind While there is still time. As I considered this, it began … Continue reading "“Be kind while there is still time.”"
- Writing, sharing, and overwhelm (11/17/2023) - When you consider how you share what you create, how do you avoid a feeling of overwhelm? This is a constant concern that writers and creators tell me about. Last week I presented the latest version of my Substack workshop, helping writers embrace the platform, grow their subscribers on it, and earn money in the … Continue reading "Writing, sharing, and overwhelm"
- The best way to build your author platform today (11/10/2023) - My updated workshop, Launch & Grow Your Email Newsletter on Substack, is now available. I’ve added so much new content, including: Updated ideas on how to get engagement and grow your subscribers. Loads of new advice on how to launch and grow your paid subscriptions. Bonus: All who register will also receive an additional 40-minute video … Continue reading "The best way to build your author platform today"
- Believe in your unique creative voice (11/4/2023) - Today I want to share a behind-the-scenes look at how I have run a creative business for the past 13 years, and three actions I am taking to share in a manner that feels authentic to who I am, and connect with my ideal readers in a meaningful way. Below is a photo of me … Continue reading "Believe in your unique creative voice"
- The Marketing Tactic that Keeps Matthew McConaughey a #1 Bestseller (10/26/2023) - Wouldn’t it be nice of books just sold themselves? Sometimes they do, but more often it is work. I want to share a case study of how this happens for one author, and one book. I’m going to zoom into a single TV appearance, and dissect the 10 minutes, moment by moment, to identify all … Continue reading "The Marketing Tactic that Keeps Matthew McConaughey a #1 Bestseller"
- Share with authenticity and intention (10/13/2023) - This week, my wife and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. Two weeks ago, we celebrated my son’s bar mitzvah. In thinking about these milestones, I’ve been considering ideas that can help you feel good about how you share your writing and creative work. I speak with writers and artists all the time who … Continue reading "Share with authenticity and intention"
- A Book Launch Infused with Meaning and Joy: A Case Study Featuring Jessica Elefante (10/7/2023) - Earlier this year, I worked with author Jessica Elefante on preparing for her book launch. Next week, her book is being released. As I write this, there is that anticipation where I am aware of all of the incredible work that Jess has done — for years and years — to build to this moment. … Continue reading "A Book Launch Infused with Meaning and Joy: A Case Study Featuring Jessica Elefante"
- This is the best time to be a writer (9/29/2023) - If you are afraid of sharing your writing, you may need to hear this: There has never been a better time to be a writer. The world has never been more open to hearing a wide range of ideas & stories, and embracing the voice of each individual — including you! There have never been … Continue reading "This is the best time to be a writer"
- This novelist had 10,000 book pre-orders because of social media (9/24/2023) - Today I want to share a case study of an author who released her debut novel this week. Her name is Breanne Randall, and she just published The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic. Some highlights: She is reporting more than 10,000 pre-orders. She attributes the majority of her pre-orders as coming from social … Continue reading "This novelist had 10,000 book pre-orders because of social media"
- Lessons from Emma Gannon’s Success on Substack (9/17/2023) - Emma Gannon has a powerful story of how writing has not only become central to her life, but the primary way she earns a living. To me, her story embodies the ways that newsletters (and Substack) have empowered writers. Today I want to share some lessons I have been considering as I watch her find … Continue reading "Lessons from Emma Gannon’s Success on Substack"
- A surprising book launch case study (9/8/2023) - Today I want to share a case study of a book launch with an author I have been working with — her novel will be released in late October. The other day, she and I were reviewing the book marketing plans we crafted, and the early results so far. Her book has been receiving a … Continue reading "A surprising book launch case study"
- Imagine that one reader… (9/1/2023) - Earlier this week I was reading advice that Emma Gannon shared about how to get published, and she included this: “Know your audience. Close your eyes and imagine them reading it. Who are you writing this for? Think of them, or one person, when you’re writing.” This is what I spend so much time helping … Continue reading "Imagine that one reader…"
- How to find your readers (8/26/2023) - Nearly every writer who has ever clicked “publish” on a newsletter or social media post, or published a book, has wondered: “Um, who exactly are my readers? And how do I find them?” I find this question has only gotten more challenging for writers as the online and social media worlds change at a rapid … Continue reading "How to find your readers"
- This author traveled 9,000 miles to 21 bookstores in 3 weeks (8/19/2023) - Today I want to share the story of one author who spent 21 days visiting 21 bookstores from coast to coast across the US. This is the map of her trip, with each blue dot representing the numbered stops on her bookstore tour: Just look at all of these photos she took of amazing bookstores … Continue reading "This author traveled 9,000 miles to 21 bookstores in 3 weeks"
- I hope your days are filled with the craft you love (8/11/2023) - Last week I ran a workshop to help writers share their work via email newsletters. The response was far greater than I expected, with hundreds of people registering. (Thank you to all who supported this event! ) Early in the presentation, I outlined why I feel so excited about writers being able to share with … Continue reading "I hope your days are filled with the craft you love"
- How to get good at growing your audience (8/6/2023) - So many writers and creators tell me about the challenges they have in sharing their work and growing their audience. Today I want to talk about how to get good at this and overcome the most common challenges people face. Okay, let’s dig into today’s topic of getting good at growing your audience… Feel Confident That … Continue reading "How to get good at growing your audience"
- When did you start sharing your writing? (7/28/2023) - When did you start writing and creating? When did you begin sharing your work with others? I’ve been thinking about my own earliest experiences in writing and publishing, and how it has informed my appreciation for the opportunities that writers have today to share their writing. I am so excited about three things regarding how … Continue reading "When did you start sharing your writing?"
- Take the Creative Risk (podcast) (7/25/2023) - Today I want to remind you of something incredibly important: you get to choose. You get to choose if and how you create. You get to choose if and how you publish. You get to choose if and how you share. I want to share two stories of people taking a bold creative risk, and … Continue reading "Take the Creative Risk (podcast)"
- Finally, I can share this… (7/24/2023) - I’m doing something new, and I’m really excited to share it with you today. If you have followed my work at all, you know that I have spent 13 years working full-time with writers, helping them to find meaningful ways to share their work that is effective in reaching readers and feels good to all … Continue reading "Finally, I can share this…"
- Take the Creative Risk (7/14/2023) - Working full-time with writers, my days are filled with conversations around the challenges they face. Maybe some of these feel familiar to you: “Do I have to share on social media? Does it really do anything?” “Isn’t the marketplace too crowded? How will I stand out?” “I worry that all the trends point away from … Continue reading "Take the Creative Risk"
- The (Bizarre) State of Social Media for Writers (7/7/2023) - There is little about the state of social media at the moment that feels stable or evergreen for writers. It is all in flux, which is why I thought it might be a good time to talk about my advice for writers trying to navigate social media right now. If you feel like everything is … Continue reading "The (Bizarre) State of Social Media for Writers"
- Feeling stuck? Define your values. (podcast) (7/5/2023) - Recently, I was speaking with a writer who described feeling stuck. They were in a rut, believing in the work they do, but just demotivated on a day-to-day basis. This conversation resonated with me for many reasons. If you are a writer or creator who sometimes wonders if you are in burnout, if you are … Continue reading "Feeling stuck? Define your values. (podcast)"
- Case Study: How I Became a Substack Featured Publication (6/30/2023) - Welcome new subscribers! This week, Substack selected my newsletter as a Featured Publication. What I have been considering is: what can I take from this experience to help other writers on Substack (and outside of it.) Now, I’ve sent out an email newsletter every week for 18 years, and this kind of recognition means so … Continue reading "Case Study: How I Became a Substack Featured Publication"
- Feeling stuck? Define your values. (6/23/2023) - Recently, I was speaking with a writer who described feeling stuck. They were in a rut, believing in the work they do, but just demotivated on a day-to-day basis. This conversation resonated with me for many reasons. If you are a writer or creator who sometimes wonders: Am I in burnout? It feels like I’m … Continue reading "Feeling stuck? Define your values."
- Art lasts… (podcast) (6/20/2023) - Today I want to talk about why we create and share. This is something I meditate on all the time, and it is why I work with writers. This week in particular I’ve been thinking about it a lot because I heard of the death of one of my favorite musicians. As I considered his … Continue reading "Art lasts… (podcast)"
- Art lasts… (6/16/2023) - Before we begin: if you have a moment, I would appreciate it if you could fill out a 3-question survey about your biggest challenges in sharing your writing and creative work. It will help me a great deal as I develop new resources. The survey is here. Thank you. Today I want to talk about … Continue reading "Art lasts…"
- Lessons for Writers from 100 Daily Videos (6/9/2023) - Last week I talked about the pros and cons of focusing on growing followers online. Today I want to explore that further, and use this as a framing: this week I celebrated sharing 100 daily videos on Instagram. Each day I recorded a 1-minute video with advice on creating and sharing. This is what all … Continue reading "Lessons for Writers from 100 Daily Videos"
- Will 10,000 followers get you a book deal? (podcast) (6/6/2023) - I have heard versions of this from many writers over the years: “An agent told me that if I had 10,000 followers, they would sign me.” Is that true? I don’t think so. Largely, I think this number is entirely made up. What agents and publishers may instead be seeking is a writer’s ability to … Continue reading "Will 10,000 followers get you a book deal? (podcast)"
- Will 10,000 followers get you a book deal? (6/2/2023) - I have heard versions of this from many writers over the years: “An agent told me that if I had 10,000 followers, they would sign me.” or “The publisher is interested, but wants to see 10,000 followers before they commit.” In every case, the writer was clear that the primary interest of the agent or … Continue reading "Will 10,000 followers get you a book deal?"
- Why take the risk of sharing? (podcast) (5/29/2023) - If you are a writer, why bother sharing? Why spend your time and energy sharing on social media, starting a newsletter, or vying for attention at all? Sharing is a risk. Yet, I find that sharing what we create and why opens up the possibility for so many good things. I believe that sharing deeply … Continue reading "Why take the risk of sharing? (podcast)"