Get the Mentorship and Support System You Need to Succeed with Your Writing or Creative Work
The Creative Shift Mastermind is a 3-month program where you work directly with me and a group of other writers and creators just like you. We become your support system, brainstorming partners, and the team of collaborators you have always dreamed of.
When you join the Mastermind, I will mentor you through a step-by-step process to learn how to share your writing and develop an audience. This semester (May, June, and July 2025) we will focus on the Be the Gateway curriculum!
During the Mastermind, you will:
- Flip how you think about marketing and developing your audience, to something filled with joy and meaning, and completely accessible to you.
- Identify exactly how to describe what you write/create and why.
- Craft your mission statement and manifesto.
- Write your bio so you feel confident in describing who you are as a writer/creator.
- Identify the core themes for what you share that will lead people to your writing.
- Learn how to describe your ideal readers.
- Understanding what resonates with your ideal readers, where they hang out, and who reaches them.
- Research comparable writers or books, knowing where your creative work fits into the marketplace.
- Learn how to share in a frequent and engaging manner online.
- Understand what the marketing funnel is and how you can use it to develop an audience of loyal readers.
- Encourage advocates for your work, as well as word-of-mouth marketing.
- Identify ways to move past social fear, learning to share with ease and authenticity.
We also focus on weekly assessments to track your progress, and accountability from me and the other writers & creators in the Mastermind so you feel supported in your journey.
Whether you are just starting out as a writer or creator, or if you are a seasoned pro, the Creative Shift Mastermind will take you to the next level by providing:
- A clear step-by-step program.
- Accountability with regular check-ins.
- Collaboration with like-minded writers.
- Mentorship from me.
In the three month Mastermind, I help you with the proven system I have developed in working with thousands of writers.
JOIN US:
When: The next session begins in late summer 2025
Where: In our private online group. You have 24/7 access.
Price: $500 per month, with a three month commitment.
This program is based on my book, Be the Gateway, which has helped thousands of people share their work with confidence. In this program I will help you:
BUILD YOUR GATEWAY
Your gateway is how people learn about what you create and why. This is about guiding people through clarity and connection. You will learn to describe what you create and why, in a manner that feels authentic and engaging.
OPEN THE GATE
Before you bring people through your gate, you have to walk through it and identify the people who will most resonate with your work. I explain the research process to discover your ideal readers.
WALK PEOPLE THROUGH THE GATE
To truly connect people with your work, you have to create meaningful moments and experiences with them. Here we identify how you can do that, even if you are a busy introvert.
I show up every day in the Mastermind, just as a personal trainer would. Each day, I will share prompts or videos that dive into strategies and ideas to ensure you make your Creative Shift.
How This Works
This is how the Creative Shift Mastermind works:
- You will be given the syllabus so that you have a clear picture of how the entire three month program works. You will also receive a questionnaire from me so that I can immediately begin personalizing things for you.
- We use a private shared online workspace that you will be given access to 24/7. You don’t have to show up anywhere at any specific time. The Mastermind is there for you when you need it, and it disappears when you don’t! (We use Mighty Networks to run the program, a private online group.)
- Every single weekday I share a new prompt or video taking you through the curriculum. These posts walk you through the exercises in the Creative Shift program.
- I will provide feedback via the text chat within the group as we move through this work.
- Every Monday I post a new topic for that week. I lead everyone step-by-step through the program. You can spend as little as 1-2 hours per week on the Mastermind, or as much as you like. There is no wrong way to engage with us, and I will share many tips on how you can get the most out of the Mastermind.
The Creative Shift Mastermind is for the writer and creator who is ready to commit to themselves and their work — who wants their work to create an impact in the lives of others.
Stop struggling alone with your creative work. Join me…
ABOUT DAN BLANK
My name is Dan Blank. I have worked with thousands of writers and creators. Every day in the Mastermind, you will hear from me. We will engage in discussions in the online workspace that encourage and inspire you to unearth your creative identity, and reach your creative goals.
The Creative Shift Mastermind is like having a personal CREATIVE trainer show up at your door every single day.
Make a creative shift in your life by knowing how to share your writing and creative work, and how to develop an audience. Plus: do it all with a support system to ensure you stay accountable and on track.
Our goals are simple: I want you to wake up on the final day of the Mastermind and be able to say this:
“I have committed to myself and my creative work, and I have a clear plan on how to move ahead. This year is going to be a banner year for me. I have made my creative shift, and now I’m going to live up to it.”
Your Creative Shift is a Commitment:
To Yourself: When you sign up, this is a commitment to yourself. You are committing to take action in moving forward with your writing and creative work. You are promising to make the creative shift you dream about. Because of this, there are no refunds for any reason.
To Be Supported By Others: When you sign up, you are admitting that you want to work with other like-minded writers and creators. You will not sit quietly on the sidelines, you will get in the game and take action. In return, you will create strong collaborations with others in the group!
To Engage With Me Directly: I show up in the Mastermind every single weekday, sharing advice and moving through the process. Show up when you can, whether that is once a day or when you have time throughout the week. The group is designed to fit a wide range of schedules, I know you are busy.
The next session begins in late summer 2025. To be the first to know when I open this up again, sign up for the early interest list:
The Creative Shift Mastermind helps you:
Have clarity in knowing what to create and balance it with the resources you already have.
This sense of certainty will save you time and energy that is often wasted in working on the wrong thing, flipping back and forth between projects, or ending up with a portfolio of unfinished ideas.
Have confidence in your creative identity, and know how to talk about what you create and why.
The result of this is your ability to share more frequently and authentically, and greater ability to engage others.
Have a plan to follow that aligns to how you like to create, allowing you to create and share more, with less angst and overwhelm. You will have developed the routines you need that allow you to consistently move towards your goals.
Make more progress toward your creative goals, channeling your focus to increase your learnings, experiments, and open up the possibility for more serendipitous moments that we all need on the road to success.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE MASTERMIND
The Mastermind is one of the most powerful things I have ever offered — the feedback from folks who joined me have been off the charts amazing. They have found renewed clarity in their creative work, and a solid roadmap for moving forward.
“Dan is truly expert at understanding the creative process. I was amazed at his ability to encourage and challenge writers and artists in many different genres to grow and transform their work. I recommend the Mastermind to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of their own creative process and developing the tools to become more productive and more confident.”
– Ruth Franklin
“Before I joined the Mastermind, I struggled to find time to write, I yearned for a creative community, and I felt like I was at a crossroads in my career. Through the Mastermind, I now have firmly established writing habits, I’m close to finishing my novel, and I have a plan in place to grow my writing career. Dan Blank is a sherpa for the creative explorer inside all of us. “
— Tony Bonds
“I was in a tough place and knew I needed the right kind of support and education to come out of it. The Creative Shift Mastermind provided that. Dan addresses the challenging aspects of creative work – self-doubt, the curveballs that life throws, the “daily grind” stuff – and he helps you come out on top. After taking this Mastermind my whole life has changed: I am healthier, I am happier in my life, and I am succeeding at reaching my creative goals.”
– Kay Lock Kolp
“This Mastermind has given me a sense of direction with the business side of my writing that I’ve never had before.”
— Dawn Downey
“Dan’s style is gentle, kind, but also very honest. He shared such clear wisdom with the group or even individually. It was so refreshing to receive feedback based on his decades of experience working with creative professionals. Dan is a true mentor and I felt, under his apprenticeship, that I finally had the freedom and permission to be who I have been as a writer all along.”
– Jeannie Ewing
“Dan’s encouragement and insights helped me to change my approach to connecting with my readers and my community. He helped me stay true to my values and my self.”
— KJ Dell’Antonia
“I loved the Mastermind! It helped me gain clarity on where I wanted to spend my time and creative energy, and ultimately I finished a draft of my novel. The weekly accountability and support allowed me to accomplish more than I would have going at it alone.”
– Leigh Stein
“I started the Mastermind because I was stuck. I thought about writing all the time–but I didn’t actually write. Dan and the Mastermind of creatives helped me get out of this tremendous slump and into the most productive creative period I’ve ever experienced. I’m writing, I’m submitting, I’m confident. The Mastermind is a priceless experience.”
– Rachel Barry
“Since taking Dan Blank’s Mastermind, I have published my debut novel, won awards, sent my second novel to my editor, and made over sixty close creative friends. I am now a career novelist. It boggles my mind to say so because I talked about being an author for decades. Decades! I wish every creative person would do a Mastermind and make their someday this day.”
– Teri Case
“I thought I’d signed up for the Mastermind to get my career back on track. Seems like we’ve delved into getting my whole life onto a better track.”
– Kimberli Bindschatel
“I am inspired by the amazing folks in this Mastermind. The adage that you become who you hang out with is true and I can become a better writer and creative person by spending time with this group. This Mastermind is far more than I imagined it could be.”
– Barbara Boyd
“Dan’s Mastermind has made reaching my dreams possible. I might not have taken action on writing my novel or selling my art if it weren’t for Dan showing me the way in both practical and inspiring ways, day in and day out. He leads by example. I’m in awe of how much I’ve accomplished under his guidance and gathering of creative individuals.”
— Heather Keyser
“One of the best investments I’ve made in my creative work is participating in Dan’s Mastermind. He is open, accessible, and enthusiastically shares his wealth of knowledge and insights every day. If you’re ready to take your creative work to the next level, working with Dan is a fantastic way to do it.”
— Pam Laricchia
“Joining Dan’s Mastermind was the best decision I could have made. He helped me break down my big creative goals into one small action step at a time. To say I’m grateful to Dan for his guidance, insights and support would be an understatement! ”
— Irene Buchine
Oh, and we are going to have FUN doing it all!
The next session begins in late summer 2025. To be the first to know when I open this up again, sign up for the early interest list:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mastermind an online ‘course’ or ‘class’?
No. The problem I have found with most online courses is that you are basically buying content (videos and text) and are left to struggle on your own. Instead, the Creative Shift Mastermind is a structured engagement with me and other writers and creators.
I provide the framework, the process, and the prompts. It is your choice how much you want to share, but the purpose to discuss your process, inspiration and what holds you back. Working through your process leads to clarity and meaningful actions..
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! When you register, you are agreeing to a 3-month commitment in The Creative Shift Mastermind. This is what will happen when you register:
- You pay $75 right now which saves your spot in the Mastermind.
- On May 1, 2025 you will be charged $475.
- On June 1, 2025, you will be charged $475.
- On July 1, 2025, you will be charged $475.
What technology do I need in order to access the Mastermind?
The main tool to access the Creative Shift Mastermind is Mighty Networks, a platform for creating provide communities and groups. It is a free app you can access through your web browser or through their mobile app.
When the Mastermind begins, I walk you through accessing and using Mighty Network. Regardless of technical skills or lack thereof, the app is simple and easy to use.
That’s it! Within the group, I share assignments, prompts, videos, and offer feedback. Participants can comment, post updates, ask questions, and engage with other writers and creators in the Mastermind.
How many other people will be in the Mastermind?
The typical group size of the Mastermind is between 10-25 people.
Are there any days or times I have to show up live for anything?
Nope! The Creative Shift Mastermind happens entirely online, and on your schedule. You have a full and busy life, which is why I spent years honing the Mastermind so you can access it when and where you want to.
I post prompts or videos each morning and am responding to conversations throughout the day, so I can respond to messages posted by Mastermind members on their schedule, not mine.
There are no scheduled calls or specific days/times you need to be in a meeting or online.
In terms of scheduling, what does a typical week in the Mastermind look like?
The Mastermind generally follows this schedule:
- On Monday’s I post a topic for the week via a 10 minute video.
- Throughout the week, I post additional prompts and videos each day based upon feedback and comments.
- Throughout the program, I provide specific tasks for you to do (aligned with the curriculum), so you always feel focused and that you are moving towards your goals.
- Each day, there will be various text-based discussions in various channels in the Mastermind. Here we work through your questions, your goals and your challenges. You can also engage with other writers and creators in the group.
- At the end of each week I encourage you to post assessments of your week.
How much time per week will the Mastermind require?
I would encourage you to plan to spend a minimum of 1-2 hours per week on the work in the Mastermind. This, of course, does not include holidays, vacations, or other time off you need to take. Over the three-month period, I expect that there are some weeks that you will be away.
The goal of your engagement in the Mastermind is to move your work forward and make your own Creative Shift. At a minimum, I want you to:
- Review the Monday video that I post.
- Spend time during the week working on your focus for the Mastermind (doing your work) and sharing progress/questions in a channel that is created just for your work.
- Posting an assessment at the end of each week (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)
- Viewing the other prompts or videos posted that week as you can.
Although daily check-ins are not required for the Mastermind, I encourage you to pop in on weekdays. I’m there every day!
What about vacations and holidays I have already scheduled?
The Creative Shift Mastermind takes place over the course of 3 months. Because of this, I expect that you may be away for a week here or there for vacations, holidays, and other obligations.
Members of the Mastermind will simply flag this ahead of time, and I can help ensure that you don’t feel you are ever “falling behind.” It is common for someone to take a week off here or there.
Likewise, on weeks where there are holidays, I am still present in the Mastermind every single day, but I do not expect you to be. I respect that each of us needs to take time to attend to other important facets of our lives, and I adjust the Mastermind accordingly.
Do you offer a refund or cancellation policy?
To join the Mastermind is to commit to the process. Because of this, there are no refunds once you register. Full terms and conditions can be found here.