Blog - WeGrowMedia

When your book keeps reaching new readers (9/25/2020) - In working with writers every day, something I always think about is the commitment they are making to their craft, and how that leads to powerful transitions in their life. To me, that is the heart of not just why we create, but why we share. It’s why I focus so much on what I … Continue reading "When your book keeps reaching new readers"
From Professional Basketball to Becoming an Author and Entrepreneur. My Interview with Malcolm Lemmons (9/24/2020) - When Malcolm Lemmons shifted his career away from professional basketball, he describes how he struggled to find a new purpose. What gave him a clear path? Writing and storytelling. In today’s episode, we talk about his creative shift. There is so much in this episode that directly applies to the work that writers and artists … Continue reading "From Professional Basketball to Becoming an Author and Entrepreneur. My Interview with Malcolm Lemmons"
How to use Clarity Cards (9/18/2020) - I was talking to a writer this week, when she said this: “Our call is only 5 minutes old and I already have the best takeaway. Clarity Cards are a tremendous exercise, connecting your intentions to a physical manifestation of it, writing it down. I’m 50 and now I have that feeling like it is … Continue reading "How to use Clarity Cards"
“It Keeps Growing.” Promoting Your Book 2+ Years Post-Launch, with Beth Ricanati, M.D. (9/16/2020) - “I’m selling more books and the message is getting out there.” This is author Beth Ricanati, M.D. described the results of continuing to promote her book two years after release. She has been running workshops in-person and online in support of her book, Braided: A Journey of a Thousand Challahs. In the process, she is … Continue reading "“It Keeps Growing.” Promoting Your Book 2+ Years Post-Launch, with Beth Ricanati, M.D."
Podcasts connect with readers (9/11/2020) - Today I want to talk about a reader connection strategy that is perfect for what all writers want: deep conversations around the themes they write about. This is what happens when you are a guest on someone’s podcast. When you are able to have a long conversation with the host about the themes you write … Continue reading "Podcasts connect with readers"
To create is to share (9/4/2020) - Often I will hear someone pine for the “days when a writer could just write.” When they didn’t have to worry about platform or marketing. The thing about that is, a writer can always just write. Write for the joy of the process. To get their thoughts down. To grow as a human being. To … Continue reading "To create is to share"
“The book that won the Caldecott was my 99th story idea.” My Interview with Andrea J. Loney (9/2/2020) - Earlier this year Andrea J. Loney’s book, Double Bass Blues, received a Caldecott Honor. When I asked her about that journey she described how her very first book deal was for her 11th manscript. The next book she sold, Double Bass Blues, was her 17th manuscript. In our interview, she talks about the value of … Continue reading "“The book that won the Caldecott was my 99th story idea.” My Interview with Andrea J. Loney"
Two ways to create an effective author website (8/28/2020) - I spend a lot of time on author websites, and today want to highlight two pages you should focus on to ensure yours is effective (and awesome!) I’m sure you may have heard a lot of marketing-speak when it comes to building an effective author website. Phrases such as “marketing funnel,” “call to action,” and … Continue reading "Two ways to create an effective author website"
Checking in… (8/21/2020) - I wanted to check in and share what I’ve been learning from writers this year, what I’ve been creating, and what you can expect from me moving forward. This week I did a private presentation for authors and agents at a literary agency. I shared five case studies on how to get more book sales … Continue reading "Checking in…"
“I Can Choose My Outcome.” On Creativity, Identity, and Success, with Vesper Stamper (8/20/2020) - Today author/illustrator Vesper Stamper shares powerful wisdom on the lessons she has learned in four decades of creative work. As a child, she found escape in books, she attended the arts high school featured in the movie and TV show Fame, and then pursued music, illustration and writing. She talks about the long road to … Continue reading "“I Can Choose My Outcome.” On Creativity, Identity, and Success, with Vesper Stamper"
Connecting with readers requires clarity (8/14/2020) - Today I want to talk about the importance of having a clarity of vision in your creative work, and how that can lead to you effectively sharing it with your ideal audience. I want to view this through the lens of three creators I had the pleasure of interviewing recently: an author, filmmaker and a … Continue reading "Connecting with readers requires clarity"
“You always have a choice, so operate from within that power.” On Money and Creativity, with Jacquette Timmons (8/11/2020) - Today I want to explore a topic that many writers and artists avoid: money and finance. I’m excited to welcome financial expert Jacquette Timmons onto the podcast. She talks about the psychology and emotion around money, and how it can limit your potential as a creator. I love the way she frames this: “We are … Continue reading "“You always have a choice, so operate from within that power.” On Money and Creativity, with Jacquette Timmons"
How her book launch plans worked out (8/7/2020) - Nearly a year before her novel came out, Leigh Stein hired me to help her plan the marketing and book launch strategy for it. In the past few months I have shared two case studies of that work. But both of those were done before the book was released. Today I’m excited to share with … Continue reading "How her book launch plans worked out"
Book Launch Case Study, Part 3 with Leigh Stein (8/5/2020) - Welcome to the third part of my book launch case study with Leigh Stein. A year ago she and I began working on the marketing strategy for her novel, Self Care, which was released a few weeks ago. In this episode, we discuss the many ways the book has been successful, and how a year’s … Continue reading "Book Launch Case Study, Part 3 with Leigh Stein"
Creating that magical moment of connection (7/31/2020) - Today I want to talk about one simple action you can take to better connect you and your writing to readers, as well as those they respect and listen to. What’s more, this one is all about being generous, connecting to someone in a meaningful way, and feeling a deep sense of fulfillment in the … Continue reading "Creating that magical moment of connection"
“I Look at Obstacles as Opportunities.” My Interview with Filmmaker Angela Tucker (7/28/2020) - Today I’m excited to share my interview with filmmaker Angela Tucker. We discussed the creative and business challenges of filmmaking, and consider the many lessons that has for writers and artists as well. She is the producer on a new film that is being released into a changed world — one where theaters and festivals … Continue reading "“I Look at Obstacles as Opportunities.” My Interview with Filmmaker Angela Tucker"
An Author Platform Case Study (7/24/2020) - Today I want to share a case study of exactly how I helped one writer develop her author platform. We just finished working together for three months, and in our last call, were reflecting on the transformation that happened for her. She said: “Our work has helped me think about what I want to say, … Continue reading "An Author Platform Case Study"
“You Can Hide Behind Amazon All You Want, But People Want to Know Who You Are As a Person,” My interview with Evan J. Roberts (7/22/2020) - When I asked Evan J. Roberts how he has been able to promote the 18 books he has written in the last few years, he told me: “As an author, you can hide behind Amazon all you want, but people want to know who you are as a person. It also challenges you to start … Continue reading "“You Can Hide Behind Amazon All You Want, But People Want to Know Who You Are As a Person,” My interview with Evan J. Roberts"
What Is Human-Centered Marketing? (7/17/2020) - I asked on Twitter earlier this week: “Do you find writing or sharing your writing to be more challenging?” Nearly every reply said that sharing was the greater challenge. If you have read my work for awhile, you may know that I focus on the idea of human-centered marketing to help writers connect with readers. … Continue reading "What Is Human-Centered Marketing?"
“It’s Not Selfish to Pursue Your Dreams, and It’s Never Too Late.” My Interview with Author Kalynn Bayron (7/14/2020) - Kalynn Bayron has been a musician, dancer, opera singer, and is now an author. Her new book Cinderella is Dead was just published from Bloomsbury. In our conversation, we talk about that path to publication, including the 70 queries it took to find her agent, and the 4 year path to publication. She described the … Continue reading "“It’s Not Selfish to Pursue Your Dreams, and It’s Never Too Late.” My Interview with Author Kalynn Bayron"
Finding motivation to create and share amidst change (7/10/2020) - What can one of the nation’s leading creative writing centers teach us about resilience and showing up to create? A lot. So many writers I speak to are trying hard to create amidst incredible disruption to their lives. They are short on resources like time and energy. They aren’t sure what the landscape of their … Continue reading "Finding motivation to create and share amidst change"
“The Best Artists Pick Up What’s Left, and Generate Something New and Exciting,” My Interview with Writer Sonya Larson (7/7/2020) - Today I’m excited to writer Sonya Larson. We discuss her role as Director of GrubStreet‘s Muse and the Marketplace writing conference, and how they are adjusting to serving writers amidst the pandemic. I love her take on finding hope amidst challenges: “The best artists pick up what’s left, and generate something new and exciting.” GrubStreet … Continue reading "“The Best Artists Pick Up What’s Left, and Generate Something New and Exciting,” My Interview with Writer Sonya Larson"
In transition (7/3/2020) - So this is going to be a very personal post. This week I am celebrating the 10 year anniversary of my business, WeGrowMedia. A decade of working with thousands of writers and creators. Of learning how to support my family through this company. Of writing and publishing hundreds newsletters and podcasts. Of so many little … Continue reading "In transition"
“You Have to Shift From Consuming to Creating.” My Interview with Marcus Whitney (7/1/2020) - Something Marcus Whitney said to me has been bouncing around my mind all week: “You have to shift from consuming to creating.” Today I am excited to share my interview with Marcus, where he shares an inspiring message of what creative power is, and how to turn ideas into action. He has a new book … Continue reading "“You Have to Shift From Consuming to Creating.” My Interview with Marcus Whitney"
Success as a Writer is Joy Inside You and a Connection with Readers. My Interview with Monica Bhide (6/24/2020) - Today I want to share the inspiring story of how one woman followed her dream to becoming a successful writer. Her journey is filled with amazing wisdom for what it takes to find your voice, get published, and truly have an impact in the lives of readers. This is how she describes success as a … Continue reading "Success as a Writer is Joy Inside You and a Connection with Readers. My Interview with Monica Bhide"
Make Every Moment a Creative Moment, with Author Michael La Ronn (6/18/2020) - Author Michael La Ronn has already written three books this year, and he will likely write three more before the year is done. Today I want to explore how he is able to fill his life with creativity, infusing writing into all he does. It’s worth framing all he is responsible for in a given … Continue reading "Make Every Moment a Creative Moment, with Author Michael La Ronn"
How I’m getting out of a writing slump (6/12/2020) - I’ve been in a writing slump. Today I want to share the process I’m going through to get out of it. My days are spent helping writers and creators better share their work. That, of course, begins with the work itself: writing. So many people I speak with have difficulty finding the time and energy … Continue reading "How I’m getting out of a writing slump"
Finding creative clarity (6/5/2020) - This week I am reassessing so many things. My life is filled with writers, artists, and creators. Their work has always felt magical to me because they create something from nothing. They use their gifts to create the stories that need to be told. To ensure the world is filled with the messages we most … Continue reading "Finding creative clarity"
Living your mission as a writer (5/29/2020) - Last night I received a text from a friend that said: “Your interview with Jarrett Lerner may have just changed my life.” My friend is the author of several books, who has had the career of “author” for many years. What resonated with her so deeply? The idea of her books being a part of … Continue reading "Living your mission as a writer"
Generosity, Social Media, and Living Your Mission as a Writer, With Author/Illustrator Jarrett Lerner (5/28/2020) - When I first noticed author/illustrator Jarrett Lerner, he was using his Twitter account to constantly celebrate other authors and books. His generosity got him noticed. The result? 20,000+ followers. His first book was published in 2017, his second in 2019, and he has 9 more books in the works to be published within the next … Continue reading "Generosity, Social Media, and Living Your Mission as a Writer, With Author/Illustrator Jarrett Lerner"
Creating and sharing when you feel overwhelmed (5/22/2020) - How can you create and share your writing amidst times of uncertainty? When more is asked of you than ever before. When you aren’t sure what tomorrow or the future brings. When you simply feel overwhelmed? Last week I shared a case study on authors launching their books this spring, and how they are finding … Continue reading "Creating and sharing when you feel overwhelmed"
“What Can I Create?” The Powerful Question to Navigate Change, with Jenny Blake (5/19/2020) - Today I talk to author Jenny Blake about how to navigate change and uncertainty. Her book, Pivot, The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, showcases her process for this, but our chat goes deeper. When everything shut down in March, her entire speaking and workshop business got “wiped out.” This is an honest … Continue reading "“What Can I Create?” The Powerful Question to Navigate Change, with Jenny Blake"
Filling Your Book Launch With Creativity and Connection (5/15/2020) - Today I want to share two book launch case studies: one a novel, the other a nonfiction book. Both authors are tackling the same question: how to share the work that matters most to you in a world that is changing so fast, making it impossible to plan ahead? The answer is resounding: with creativity … Continue reading "Filling Your Book Launch With Creativity and Connection"
Focus on What You Can Control. A Book Launch Case Study with Leigh Stein (5/12/2020) - How can you launch a book in a constantly changing world? Author Leigh Stein is finding out. She has been focusing on what she can control, remixing strategic plans, and devising new ideas filled with creativity and connection. We dig into it all in today’s conversation. This interview is part 2 of my book launch … Continue reading "Focus on What You Can Control. A Book Launch Case Study with Leigh Stein"
Don’t give away your creative power (5/8/2020) - All I do is talk to writers and creators. The work we do is about creating and sharing. But sometimes I hear writers justify why they can’t do that. They make conclusions such as: “The world is in crisis, it would be selfish of me to talk about my writing now.” “Who can write when … Continue reading "Don’t give away your creative power"
Giving Away Your Creative Power (and How To Get It Back), With Shannon Connery, PhD (5/5/2020) - In today’s episode, I speak with Shannon Connery, PhD about how many writers and artists give away their power to create and share. We dig into the narratives that tend to limit our potential, leaving us with excuses instead of creative actions. Shannon shares several stories to illustrate the point, digs into the psychology of … Continue reading "Giving Away Your Creative Power (and How To Get It Back), With Shannon Connery, PhD"
Your creative work matters (5/1/2020) - I have seen a lot of people sharing this New Yorker cartoon this week: And of course, the comment to the right of cartoon showcases how much more difficult people’s actual reality is: “Just add 4 children and 3 dogs in that boat and that’s me.” The implication of the cartoon (as I read it) … Continue reading "Your creative work matters"
The “Why Bother?” Book Launch, With Jennifer Louden (4/29/2020) - So many writers and artists I speak with regularly reassess the path they are on with creating, publishing, and sharing their work. They ask a version of “Why bother?” Today, author Jennifer Louden shares two incredibly useful resources with us. The first is to take us through her new book, Why Bother?: Discover the Desire … Continue reading "The “Why Bother?” Book Launch, With Jennifer Louden"
Embracing Vinyl Records in a Digital Age, with Kevin Smokler (4/24/2020) - I’ve known author Kevin Smokler for years. Recently, he did something astounding: he helped create an amazing documentary film called Vinyl Nation. In today’s episode, I chat with Kevin about how he took that left turn creatively, and his advice for collaboration with people you admire. We also dig into the topic of the film: … Continue reading "Embracing Vinyl Records in a Digital Age, with Kevin Smokler"
Yes, you can share what you create (4/24/2020) - I’ve heard from many writers recently that they are concerned whether it is okay to share what they create. They want to be sensitive to not come off as too “self-promotional” at a time when the world is so focused on crisis. Today I want to explore that question so you can make that decision … Continue reading "Yes, you can share what you create"
Anxiety, Writing, and Sharing (4/17/2020) - Today I would like to talk about anxiety, and how that mixes with how we create and how we share. I’ve been an artist or writer my entire life, and I’ve always been surrounded by friends who did creative work. I have found that anxiety is a common part of the what it means to … Continue reading "Anxiety, Writing, and Sharing"
Anxiety, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship, With Artist Jay Alders (4/14/2020) - So many writers and artists I speak with struggle to deal with anxiety. This is especially true when one also earns all or part of their income through their creative work. Today I chat with artist Jay Alders about how he manages the mental health side of working as a full-time artist, raising a young … Continue reading "Anxiety, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship, With Artist Jay Alders"
The Psychology Behind Effective Marketing (4/10/2020) - Too often, writers and artists look at marketing as a necessary evil. Something that they put off doing until they absolutely have to. Since it is uncomfortable, they look for easy tricks and trends to get through it quickly. They treat marketing their books like you would take a hot tray out of the oven… … Continue reading "The Psychology Behind Effective Marketing"
A Radically Honest Conversation on Marketing, with Tad Hargrave (4/7/2020) - So many writers and artist struggle to consider how they can best market what they create. How they can develop a fanbase that leads to a sense of fulfillment and sales. I invited Tad Hargrave onto the podcast to have a candid conversation about marketing — what works, what doesn’t, and why so many of … Continue reading "A Radically Honest Conversation on Marketing, with Tad Hargrave"
Why even bother? (4/3/2020) - A friend of mine shared this on Facebook this week: “Why on earth did I buy a 2020 planner??” I’ll admit, that got a smile from me, as all of us continually wake up to a world upended. Many people are scared, overwhelmed, confused, and could be thinking “Why bother? Just focus on the status … Continue reading "Why even bother?"
“Where is the real authentic me? Because she got lost somewhere along the way.” The Rewilding of Betsy Brockett (4/2/2020) - I’ve been asking Betsy Brockett if I could interview her for awhile now. She finally said yes. What she shared in our interview was her journey not just to create, but to find who she is. The themes that we explore about Betsy’s journey align to what so many writers and artist struggle with. What … Continue reading "“Where is the real authentic me? Because she got lost somewhere along the way.” The Rewilding of Betsy Brockett"
The transformation of how you create and share (3/27/2020) - I have been thinking a lot about the concept of before and after. With everything changing all around us, it is becoming more clear that every moment we are in nowadays is a moment of transformation. We are reinventing how we live. How we connect. How we do the most basic activities. For writers and … Continue reading "The transformation of how you create and share"
“At least it’s my own desk, in my own garage.” The Creative Shift of Tony Bonds (3/25/2020) - Tony Bonds just took a big creative leap. He left his day job in order to do his creative business full-time, to double-down on his dream. I recorded my interview with him via online video, from his new office. That would be his garage, complete with messy shelves, exposed pipes, and baby carriages hanging from … Continue reading "“At least it’s my own desk, in my own garage.” The Creative Shift of Tony Bonds"
Create. Share. Grow. (3/20/2020) - In looking back at this week, one where each day seemed unlike the previous, where all of society changed at once, I’m considering the small actions we can take to create. And to share what you create with others in a way that inspires and helps them grow. This is an incredible power that we … Continue reading "Create. Share. Grow."
The Transformation Your Writing and Art Promises (3/18/2020) - This week I’m considering how you can help others experience the transformation that your writing and art promises. All of us seem to be in the midst of a creative shift, whether we intended it or not. What is inspiring me this week are those who are reaching out to share, to connect, and to … Continue reading "The Transformation Your Writing and Art Promises"