- Overcoming comparisonitis for writers & artists (3/14/2025) - It’s easy to look at other writers, artists, and creators online and conclude: “It’s so easy for everyone else to create, why is it difficult for me?” “When other people create, it looks so… creative. They have a cool space to work in, they seem to have all the right supplies, they even dress like … Continue reading "Overcoming comparisonitis for writers & artists"
- If sharing your work feels hard, let’s make it easier (3/7/2025) - The other day, our kitchen sink clogged. It happened late in the day on a Saturday, and I immediately knew that most plumbers in the area generally work half day on Saturday and take off Sunday. Not great timing for a clog. I thought I had prepared for this type of situation. I love plumbing, … Continue reading "If sharing your work feels hard, let’s make it easier"
- Would you write for just one reader? (2/28/2025) - I have been thinking a lot about a single hour from 1969. What happened in this hour is a powerful lesson about what it means to share your work, and a huge mindset shift in how to think about developing an audience. In December of 1969, the band ZZ Top played a show at the … Continue reading "Would you write for just one reader?"
- Talk about your writing in a way that attracts readers (2/21/2025) - Years ago I used to do a lot of speaking at writing conferences. Many of these events would include a version of a “pitch slam,” where writers could sign up for an opportunity to pitch their book to a literary agent. Below are some photos I took of one in 2011. This first one is … Continue reading "Talk about your writing in a way that attracts readers"
- How my son gained 60,000 followers in 90 days (2/14/2025) - In the past few months, my 14-year-old son has launched three social media channels online, posting videos every single day. He now has 60,000 followers altogether, and what he shares gets tens of thousands of views a day, and hundreds of comments. Today I want to talk about what he did, why it’s working, and … Continue reading "How my son gained 60,000 followers in 90 days"
- Step into your creative identity with bravery (2/7/2025) - It’s so easy to justify not sharing about your writing or creative work. To hide away, and conclude that doing so is a smart move: “Shouldn’t I be writing my next book, not posting on social media? I heard it doesn’t really sell books anyway.” “I’m not reaching out to other authors. What I want … Continue reading "Step into your creative identity with bravery"
- How you share is a craft (1/31/2025) - So many writers are afraid to share what they create. They fear judgement from others, especially those closest to them. They worry about being called out as a fraud, with someone saying to them something like, “Who is going to publish your book if you don’t even have an MFA?” Or, “A memoir? You? I … Continue reading "How you share is a craft"
- What should writers do about social media? (1/24/2025) - Social media has been changing, and I see it causing rifts in how writers are able to connect with readers, each other, and like-minded communities that celebrate creative work like theirs. Today I want to dive deep into understanding some aspects of this issue, and explore solutions that may be available to you right now. … Continue reading "What should writers do about social media?"
- Can I help you with your creative goals? (1/17/2025) - Today I want to invite you into a special group where you can work directly with me and a small group of other writers and creators. For many years, I ran a mastermind group. What is that? It’s a small group (often around 20 people, sometimes more, sometimes less) who come together specifically to help … Continue reading "Can I help you with your creative goals?"
- You are an experience (1/10/2025) - You are an experience. A person who is multifaceted. Who is more than “a brand.” Whose writing and creative work are not just catchy taglines that can be repeated endlessly. You are not a website (even if well designed), and not a social media profile. Of course, you are not how many followers you have. … Continue reading "You are an experience"
- We find a way (1/3/2025) - How will you ensure that you feel a sense of fulfillment in what you create, how you publish, and your ability to share and reach readers this year? Each day, I talk with writers and artists, and study the experiences of creators via interviews, books, and what they share. Going into this year, there is … Continue reading "We find a way"
- The stories that fill the holes in our lives (12/27/2024) - Earlier this week, my mom died. For a while we had been watching her slowly slip away, succumbing to dementia and cancer. Week by week, she was less able to express the magic of who she was. Today I want to share with you a little story of where her spark came from in the … Continue reading "The stories that fill the holes in our lives"
- How time capsule houses teach us to celebrate our unique creative voices (12/20/2024) - Today I want to share something I have been obsessing over for months, and use this as a metaphor for how to develop your platform as a writer in a manner that feels authentic, and also deeply engages readers. Let’s dig in… Time Capsule Houses Earlier this year I discovered that people were sharing photos … Continue reading "How time capsule houses teach us to celebrate our unique creative voices"
- How do you want to feel as a writer? (12/13/2024) - Today I want to discuss how you want to feel as a writer, and ways of reframing “success” so it feels within reach. My view on this extends beyond just how you feel as you craft words, but also in how your work is shared and connects with others in the world. At the end … Continue reading "How do you want to feel as a writer?"
- A year of conversations with writers (12/6/2024) - What makes you truly feel alive creatively? I have been reflecting on this question, and looking back on the experiences, moments, and relationships that have made up my year. I am the luckiest person in the world because I spend my days talking with writers and creators — those who believe in their unique creative … Continue reading "A year of conversations with writers"
- An insiders look at how I help writers reach their readers (11/29/2024) - I end each post here with the words, ‘Thank you for being here with me,’ and today that is especially true. I am deeply thankful to you reading my words, supporting my work, and sharing your own journey as a writer, artist, or creator. Today I want to give you an inside look into how … Continue reading "An insiders look at how I help writers reach their readers"
- Why Substack (still) matters for writers (11/22/2024) - Every day, I work with writers to help them share their work and reach their readers. In the past year or two, Substack has become a very popular place for writers to launch or move their newsletters to. Is Substack a trend? One where a rush of people join in a short period of time, … Continue reading "Why Substack (still) matters for writers"
- How to be kind online (11/15/2024) - I believe that how we communicate is a craft. I devote my life to supporting writers and helping them best share their work. Sometimes I encounter a writer who expresses frustration that it feels like no one is listening, that their efforts aren’t paying off, and they are considering sharing less — quieting their voice. … Continue reading "How to be kind online"
- How to create conversations with readers (11/8/2024) - If you are a writer, artist, or creator who hopes that your work is seen and embraced by others, I want to encourage you to intentionally develop colleagues and friendships. To know how to start conversations with readers, and turn those moments into professional relationships that sustain you (and them!) over time. I don’t mean, … Continue reading "How to create conversations with readers"
- The state of social media for writers (11/1/2024) - Continuing with my “Joy & Connection Marketing Plan” series this fall, my posts this month are all about connecting with your ideal reader. So often, when we talk about the concept of having a platform as a writer, people default to the concept of: Platform equals being present on social media, exclusively. You measure your … Continue reading "The state of social media for writers"
- Focus on each person, not an audience (10/25/2024) - We share our writing and art because we hope it will inspire, entertain, or educate someone. And it is easy to consider that this impact is greater the more people it reaches. We may aspire to reach an audience — masses of people who we don’t know. Yet too often, I worry that the concept … Continue reading "Focus on each person, not an audience"
- How to get readers to care about your writing (10/18/2024) - How do you get a new reader to become aware of your writing, buy your book, subscribe to your Substack — or otherwise take a meaningful action to support your work? That is what I want to discuss today, exploring the multi-step process involved, including a critical difference in doing this effectively that reduces frustration … Continue reading "How to get readers to care about your writing"
- Misconceptions about finding your ideal readers (10/11/2024) - My posts this month are all about how to identify your ideal readers. This is an essential step to ensure your writing is actually read, and moves the hearts and minds of your readers. On Tuesday, I shared a post (and 24 minute video!) for my paid subscribers where we walked through how to identify … Continue reading "Misconceptions about finding your ideal readers"
- The most important part of your platform as a writer (10/4/2024) - So often when people talk about developing an online platform for their writing or art, they focus on the channels. This may include a website, newsletter, social media, content strategy, Canva image templates, branded colors, and the like. All of these things are fine, and I help writers create them every single week. However, they … Continue reading "The most important part of your platform as a writer"
- How to be public as a writer (and feel safe in the process) (9/27/2024) - This month I have written all about how to craft your creative identity, and be public as a writer or creator. This kicked off my fall curriculum, where we are focusing on feeling good about sharing your writing and engaging with readers. So far, we have covered identifying the narratives that define you as a … Continue reading "How to be public as a writer (and feel safe in the process)"
- Turn up your volume (9/20/2024) - Your creative identity is what you do. By this, I don’t mean your job or other roles you may have. Rather, your creative identity is comprised of the actions you take, habits you form, and interactions you have. For many who write and create, these things might be a small part of your week in … Continue reading "Turn up your volume"
- Should your writing speak for itself? (9/13/2024) - How to you reach out to your readers and, with subtlety and grace, encourage them to become aware of your writing? Inherently, this is about being public as a writer. And to do this, you need to craft your identity. We tend to think of one’s identity as just a thing that exists. “Just be … Continue reading "Should your writing speak for itself?"
- Overwhelm and burnout as a writer (9/6/2024) - An author emailed me the other day, and asked how to sustain themselves when they feel overwhelmed by all that is asked of writers, and how to avoid burnout. Here is an excerpt (shared with permission): “So often people ask me how I cope being an author and having a full time career and a … Continue reading "Overwhelm and burnout as a writer"
- The Joy & Connection Marketing Plan (8/30/2024) - Your writing and creative work are a gateway for those who experience it. It allows them to experience an idea, viewpoint, story, or process that opens them up to a new way of looking at the world, those around them, and themselves. You are a gateway. This fall I invite you to join me to … Continue reading "The Joy & Connection Marketing Plan"
- Why I left social media (8/23/2024) - I haven’t posted to social media since March. My last Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn posts were in March, Facebook in December, and Twitter/X and TikTok in November. Why does this matter? Because: My entire life focuses on how writers/readers connect online I teach social media Being present online is a primary way that people find … Continue reading "Why I left social media"
- He opened typewriter store in 1962… (8/16/2024) - Today I want to share the lost history of an industry that served writers for decades, and which no longer exists. In a storefront 20 feet wide 50 feet deep, Harmon Rangell sold typewriters from 1962-1996. I encourage you to read to the end of this essay, where he shares wisdom on writing and the … Continue reading "He opened typewriter store in 1962…"
- Inspiration is all around you (8/9/2024) - A writer I’ve been working with recently share this with me: “I see inspiration all around me!” This was after her first efforts of being public online as a writer, sharing her initial essays on Substack, and videos on Instagram. This is the place I always hope a writer gets to — not just focusing … Continue reading "Inspiration is all around you"
- Did things used to be better for writers? (8/2/2024) - So often, I see or hear writers express that things aren’t as good as they used to be for writers, or in publishing. Their thinking can take many forms: Years ago, it was a less crowded market. It was easier to get published “back in the day.” When you did get published decades ago, your … Continue reading "Did things used to be better for writers?"
- Here in the studio… (7/26/2024) - Today I want to take you behind-the-scenes into my studio, where I spend my days working with writers and creators. This is a private room filled with the celebration of writing, creating, and connecting with readers. I’ll share how I organize the studio, my creative process, and other details of this inspiring place. Join me, … Continue reading "Here in the studio…"
- How to engage readers (7/19/2024) - The other day a writer said to me: “I have been making different choices this week because of the Clarity Cards.” That meant a lot to me. So much of what it means for each of us to write, publish, and share our work is about making choices. We choose to write each day, to … Continue reading "How to engage readers"
- Stop trying to please the algorithms (7/12/2024) - My days are spent talking with writers and creators, and many of them have shared with me that they felt frustrated in the ways that big tech companies seem to prevent them from reaching their audiences. Today, I want to share a manifesto of sorts, but also practical steps that I use every day to … Continue reading "Stop trying to please the algorithms"
- This distance between you and your readers (7/5/2024) - Today I’m thinking about the distance between you and your readers. The audience that you hope your writing reaches. Those who will receive what you create with open arms, and whose lives it will change in some small, but important, way. This week my family and I took a little trip to Long Island and … Continue reading "This distance between you and your readers"
- My mom and Muhammad Ali (6/28/2024) - My mom turns 79 today, so I want to share a story that illustrates a valuable skill that she taught me. It’s a skill that I still teach to writers every week, and it is central to your ability to effectively share your writing with readers. If you are someone who feels your books, essays, … Continue reading "My mom and Muhammad Ali"
- This simple creative exercise changed my life (6/21/2024) - I am launching a brand new workshop series, and invite you to join me. The first workshop focuses on something I have taught for more than a decade: Clarity Cards. Clarity Cards are a simple process to find more time and energy to make writing and creativity a priority in your life. This is the … Continue reading "This simple creative exercise changed my life"
- No one knows what works, but doing stuff works (6/14/2024) - My days are spent with writers and creators — dedicated and talented people who believe passionately in what they are creating. To be honest, that has been central to my life since I was 5 years old, and now I am 51. I grew up as an artist, and have always been surrounded by creators. … Continue reading "No one knows what works, but doing stuff works"
- The myth of how we create (6/7/2024) - I work with writers because I absolutely love how the lone creative vision of an individual can create so much. I remember when I was working with bestselling author Joseph Finder who talked to me about his books being made into big budget Hollywood movies. He described being on set of a film based on … Continue reading "The myth of how we create"
- Invest in your unique creative voice (6/2/2024) - I have this strange hobby: whenever I see an old house or building in my town about to be torn down, it becomes my obsession. I take photos of the process, and to the best of my ability, try to be there for the destruction. I am sentimental about old things, and I desperately want … Continue reading "Invest in your unique creative voice"
- To be seen as a writer or artist (5/24/2024) - Today I want explore the complicated process of having our creative work — and ourselves — seen. Too often, our writing or art is lost amidst the responsibilities of life. We struggle to find the time to create, and when we do, we face a mix of confusing signals. This has always been best summed … Continue reading "To be seen as a writer or artist"
- Your next act (5/17/2024) - Today I want to talk about your next act. Maybe it is a second act, or a third, or even a fourth. What I mean by this is how you will sustain who you are as a writer or artist, and how your creative work will continue. That could be a reinvention as well, a … Continue reading "Your next act"
- Celebrate your unique creative voice (5/10/2024) - I grew up as an artist, taking lessons in Mrs. Flannigan’s basement starting at age 5. My friends have always been creators, and my wife is an amazing artist. For decades, I have worked with writers, helping ensure they create and share their work, connecting with readers. As I see AI-generated writing and images become … Continue reading "Celebrate your unique creative voice"
- Don’t fit in (5/3/2024) - Today I want to discuss how to connect with your readers, focusing not just on breadth (how many), but depth (true fans as opposed to fickle followers.) What I share here today is what I have found after working with thousands of writers for the past 20 years. Critical here is a feeling that so … Continue reading "Don’t fit in"
- On caring (4/26/2024) - Today I want to share a post that is a little more personal than usual. But I will also try to pull some lessons from all of this to help you find more fulfillment and success in sharing your writing with readers. So this has been a complicated week for me because of three specific … Continue reading "On caring"
- The craft of how you share (4/19/2024) - If you are reading this, you are likely a writer, artist, or creator. We often talk about creative work itself as a craft, and I believe that how we share is a craft, as well. We share to complete why we create: when your intention as a writer and the experience of a reader meet, … Continue reading "The craft of how you share"
- Lessons From My First Year on Substack (4/12/2024) - Today is my 1-year anniversary on Substack! I want to take you behind the scenes and share the specific ways this platform has helped me reach new readers, and more deeply engage with them. Along the way I’ll do something I’ve never done before and share all the numbers that I can. That feels a … Continue reading "Lessons From My First Year on Substack"
- Sharing with Purpose: Lessons from Mister Rogers (4/5/2024) - A primary question I help writers with is how to share what you create in a manner that feels meaningful and fulfilling. A process that fills you up, instead of sapping your energy. One where you connect with engaged readers, not faceless numbers of “followers.” Where the result is a life you dreamed of as … Continue reading "Sharing with Purpose: Lessons from Mister Rogers"
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