The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Delve into the intriguing concept of the Shadow and how facing your fears can transform your writing. Explore the 'creative wound' and how rejection fuels creativity. Joanna shares personal stories that shaped her storytelling, revealing the healing power of writing about darkness. Discover the challenges and realities of traditional versus self-publishing, and the psychological impacts of each. Plus, learn about money myths and the importance of building sustainable wealth as an author. Embrace your shadows to unlock your creative potential!

Claire Taylor, a humor and mystery author and certified Enneagram coach, dives into the reasons behind her departure from social media, highlighting how it boosted her focus and wellness. She outlines innovative marketing strategies like email lists and in-person sales. Claire explains the Enneagram, revealing how understanding its dynamics helps authors craft iconic characters with core motivations, using Wednesday Addams as a prime example. The discussion also touches on building author trust through transparency and authenticity in a rapidly changing landscape.

Discover what 2026 has in store for indie authors! Sales through platforms like Shopify and Kickstarter are set to rise. AI is transforming book discoverability and even mainstreaming audiobook narration. Live selling is becoming a trend, enhancing direct sales strategies. The significance of building a loyal fanbase is highlighted as smaller audiences can yield higher value. Joanna discusses the need for authenticity in content creation while leveraging AI to ease marketing tasks. Get ready for a new era in publishing!

Welcome to a fresh start for 2026! Joanna discusses her ambitious transition from digital hustle to creating premium physical books. She dives into four author transformations—helping both new and experienced writers navigate their journeys. Exciting plans for gothic-themed merch, webinars, and a new thriller titled "Bones of the Deep" are on the horizon. Joanna connects creativity with reader transformation, while also balancing her master's studies and personal wellness. A year of growth awaits!

Reflecting on creative goals from the past year, Joanna discusses indie author trends and the impact of the Written Word Media survey. She shares insights on TikTok's evolving platform and emphasizes the importance of maintaining email lists. The conversation dives into the rise of AI-narrated audiobooks and their implications, alongside Kickstarter highlights and premium physical product strategies. Joanna previews her upcoming thriller and webinars, while also reflecting on personal and professional growth, including a new master's degree.

Mark Leslie Lefebvre, an author and publishing expert, joins Joanna Penn, a bestselling author and entrepreneur, to discuss embracing a relaxed approach to writing. They explore choosing a personal writing pace that suits your lifestyle without succumbing to comparison or burnout. The duo emphasizes the importance of writing what you love to maintain passion and creativity. They also suggest scheduling downtime to replenish your creative energy and highlight the benefits of series writing for quicker drafts and familiar characters. Enjoy the journey!

In this conversation, Sacha Black, a multi-six-figure author known for her sapphic romantasy and creator of the Rebel Author podcast, shares insights on building a successful author business without traditional advertising. She discusses the pros and cons of direct sales through warehouses vs. print-on-demand. Sacha reveals the importance of owning reader data, her love for physical products, and unique packaging ideas. They also explore Kickstarter strategies and using TikTok for organic growth, touching on the challenges of burnout and the necessity for resilience in business.

In a captivating discussion, Jennifer Probst, a bestselling romance author with over 60 books to her name, shares insights into her enduring career. She reveals her journey from childhood writing dreams to hitting bestseller lists, and the lessons learned between traditional and indie publishing. Jennifer unpacks the importance of building a legacy brand versus quick releases, and how writing nonfiction can invigorate her fiction work. She also discusses her innovative use of Kickstarter to fund projects, offering invaluable advice on maintaining creative freedom and connecting with her audience.

Jamie Metzl, a technology futurist and author, dives into the interplay of fiction and emerging technologies. He explores how personal history shapes his writing and emphasizes the importance of character over information in science-based fiction. Discussing the ethical implications of genetics and AI, he highlights the potential and risks associated with these technologies. Jamie shares insights on using AI for research and even co-authoring with it, urging writers to embrace their distinctly human qualities amid rapid advancements.

Joanna shares her insights from the Author Nation conference, emphasizing the significance of in-person connections and how constraints can spark creativity. She discusses the importance of having a solid author business plan and contingency strategies for potential disruptions. Tips on growing your author email list and innovative audiobook distribution methods are highlighted, along with her views on the evolving indie publishing landscape. Joanna also warns authors about recognizing scams and making wise financial decisions in their careers.