Focus on What You Can Control. A Book Launch Case Study with Leigh Stein

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 case study with Leigh as she prepares for the June 30 launch of her book: Self Care: A Novel.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places:

You can find part 1 of my case study with Leigh here on the podcast, and here on the blog.

You can find Leigh in the following places:
leighstein.com
Her book: Self Care: A Novel
Instagram: @leighstein
Twitter: @rhymeswithbee

Giving Away Your Creative Power (and How To Get It Back), With Shannon Connery, PhD

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 what is going on, and most importantly, shares how to fix it! Her advice: lead with your goals and values.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places:

You can find Shannon in the following places:
My first podcast with her: “Filling Your Life with Creativity After the Bottom Drops Out
Her most recent podcast: “Finding Empowerment During a Crisis.”
Her podcast: Fix Yourself, with Shannon Connery, PhD
ShannonConnery.com
Instagram: @thehappinessgain
Twitter: @sconneryphd
Facebook

The “Why Bother?” Book Launch, With Jennifer Louden

Jennifer LoudenSo 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 for What’s Next, and the six-step process she guides you through to find your own path. The second is she takes us behind the scenes of her book launch, and shares how she got more than 170 five-star reviews on Amazon in less than a week. She digs into what else she is doing to promote the book, discusses the biggest mistakes authors make in their book launch, and the things that surprise her most about marketing her book.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places:

You can find Jennifer in the following places:

Embracing Vinyl Records in a Digital Age, with Kevin Smokler

Kevin SmoklerI’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: why did vinyl records come back into fashion, and how does that inform how we come together around music, art, and writing. 

You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places:

You can learn about Vinyl Nation here:
vinylnationfilm.com
Instagram: @vinylnationdoc
https://www.facebook.com/vinylnationdoc

And connect with Kevin here:
kevinsmokler.com

Anxiety, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship, With Artist Jay Alders

Jay AldersSo 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 family, and supporting the work of his wife who has her own mission and business as well. 

You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places:

You can find Jay in the following places:
jayalders.com
Instagram: @JayAlders
Patreon
His wife Chelsea on Instagram at @chelseaalders and @ommamasdoulas