The Black Belt Mindset for Successful Writing 🥋 -- with Jennifer Lawler

Jennifer Lawler is my guest today.

She’s authored or coauthored more than 30 nonfiction books and nearly 20 novels, including the award-winning Dojo Wisdom series (Penguin).

One of those titles — "Dojo Wisdom for Writers: 100 Simple Ways to Become a More Inspired, Successful, and Fearless Writer" — is now on my reading list.Jennifer is a prolific and versatile creative professional. She’s written everything from fantasy and paranormal romance to martial arts guides and career how-tos.

She also holds a Ph.D. in medieval English literature and a black belt in Taekwondo — which, as she explains, taught her lessons she still applies to writing.She’s worked as a developmental editor for over 20 years, has been a literary agent, a magazine editor, and now runs Club Ed, an online school for editors. She’s also taught editing and writing at universities and through professional programs across the U.S.If you’re a writer or an editor who wants to grow, improve, and stay inspired, this conversation is for you.Here's what I asked her...00:00 – Intro03:10 – How did you start writing?05:56 – Where do your ideas come from?08:40 – Do you finish every project?11:28 – How do you write nonfiction?14:36 – Does a personal story make nonfiction unique?16:23 - Self-publishing or traditional publishing?19:59 – How did editing help you?23:18 – Do writers need editors?25:15 – Beta reader or editor?28:04 – When is a draft ready for an editor?31:13 – Have you ever worked with writers who were resistant to feedback? 36:10 – What should writers ask when hiring an editor?42:01 – Can AI replace editors?45:50 – Has book quality dropped?48:30 – Advice for aspiring writers?51:08 – What’s in Dojo Wisdom?55:01 – How do you handle criticism?01:00:00 – Last questions 01:01:05 – Join Better WritersLinks- Jennifer's website - www.jenniferlawler.com- ClubEd - www.clubedfreelancers.com- Better Writers - www.fabiocerpelloni.com/privateSearch words (ignore)writing, editing, non-fiction, fiction, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing feedback, AI in writing, martial arts, author advice