The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

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.

Wendy Dale, a memoir author and screenwriter, discusses the art of transforming life events into compelling narratives. She debunks the myth that memoirs are mere chronological accounts, emphasizing the importance of structure and plot. Wendy introduces her Memoir Engineering System, focusing on connected events that create a cohesive story. She also touches on writing about trauma ethically, navigating family dynamics, and the balance between honesty and relationships. With insights on character arcs and the writing process, Wendy offers invaluable advice for aspiring memoirists.

Donn King, a nonfiction author, college professor, and pastor, shares insights from his book, Creating While Caring. He discusses the clash between creativity and the demands of caregiving, revealing why traditional writing advice often fails caregivers. Donn offers practical strategies for capturing ideas in brief moments, from hospital chapels to using technology. He emphasizes the importance of redefining success and maintaining caregiver health, turning emotional fatigue into motivation. His journey highlights resilience and adaptability in the face of personal challenges.

Becca Syme, a USA Today bestselling author and coaching expert, shares her insights on navigating the chaotic publishing landscape. She discusses the fine line between burnout and creative blocks, and the importance of knowing when to say no to avoid overwhelm. Becca introduces the 'Loki' metaphor to embrace unpredictability in publishing. She also emphasizes realistic career expectations and the importance of recognizing which opportunities are worth pursuing. With a focus on resilience, she encourages authors to keep writing and stay hopeful amid industry changes.

Join award-nominated author Laura Baggaley as she delves into crafting climate fiction that weaves in solutions through world-building rather than lecturing. She shares her journey from being a Mislexia finalist to navigating the collapse of her publisher, which ultimately empowered her. Learn how her theatre background enhances dialogue and performance at readings, plus tips on engaging audiences and managing nerves. With a focus on blending eco-messages into storytelling, Baggaley offers a fresh perspective on writing that inspires without preaching.

Steve Brock, a nonfiction author and branding expert, discusses the art of author branding in a market saturated with new releases. He explains the difference between a logo and a real brand, emphasizing that true branding is about audience perception. Steve shares insights on managing multiple pen names and the importance of consistent cover design. He also delves into serving a core fanbase rather than trying to please everyone, while offering strategies on how nonfiction authors can effectively claim their expertise and enhance their marketing confidence.

Pilar Orti, a multifaceted nonfiction author and voiceover artist, shares her journey of navigating career pivots and remote creative work. She delves into recognizing when to wrap up projects, discussing the importance of self-awareness in building connections as a remote writer. Pilar reveals her collaborative process for co-writing across distances and shares insights on using AI to combat creative blocks. With practical tips on managing multiple ideas, she emphasizes the art of knowing when to finish and close chapters in life.