The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Award-winning poet Sharon Fagan McDermott and author M.C. Benner Dixon share insights on finding joy in writing, dealing with jealousy, and deepening writing with metaphor and sense of place. They discuss the challenges and rewards of writing, embracing playfulness, the power of descriptive writing, and the dynamics of collaborative book writing and promotion.

Indie filmmaker Jeffrey Crane Graham shares tips for indie authors, including choosing yourself rather than waiting, creating a micro-budget feature, writing shootable screenplays, and the challenges of making an indie film. They also discuss the use of AI in the creative process and its impact on cultural conversation.

The podcast discusses the importance of author brand in a saturated market and how to define one's author brand story. It also explores the process of transforming deeply personal stories into a version that resonates with readers, including the challenges of vulnerability and fear of backlash.

What are the benefits — and the challenges — of crowdfunding on Kickstarter? How can you fund successfully, as well as make a profit with your campaign? Paddy Finn gives his tips. In the intro, you can find more selling direct resources here; Streaming due for a streamlining [FT]; Authors Guild explores AI licensing deal […] The post How To Be Successful On Kickstarter With Paddy Finn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

James Helps, a book cover designer at Go On Write, discusses the use of generative AI tools in the book cover design process. He talks about various AI-generated image tools, the benefits of using AI in design, and addresses misconceptions about AI. They also explore the rapid progress of AI development and its connection to server farms. Despite the efficiency of AI, they emphasize the importance of working with a designer for a personalized touch.

Bestselling author and expert in direct sales and merchandising, Alex Kava, discusses the struggles of traditional publishing, becoming an indie author, and the benefits of direct sales. She emphasizes the importance of merchandise as an extension of the reader experience and shares insights on personalized books and sourcing quality items. The chapter also touches on AI assistance in writing and upcoming developments, as well as marketing strategies for driving sales like newsletters and private Facebook pages.

Barbara Nickless, an award-winning author, discusses mindset and writing craft in this wide-ranging interview. Topics include moving past fears in writing, creating unique and compelling characters, writing as a form of healing, and the challenge of developing well-rounded characters in a series.

Joe Solari outlines a strategic step forward for new authors, midlist indies, and those with ambitious financial goals. Topics include business strategies at different stages, allocating time and money as a new author, branding for midlist indies, financial freedom vs business expansion, advancements in AI in publishing, updates and book recommendations, stepping out of comfort zones for success, publishing audiobooks on Kobo, the importance of planning and adjusting in the author journey, defining your best life in writing, and the importance of professionalism for authors and speakers.

Joanna Penn, an award-nominated author and creative entrepreneur, discusses her goals for 2024, including streamlining her website and updating her backlist books. She plans to optimize her Shopify stores and experiment with AI tools. Penn also mentions her speaking engagements, health, and finances. The podcast covers topics like Gothic cathedrals, AI technology, and the impact of AI in various aspects of life. The hosts emphasize the importance of fitness, financial freedom, and setting author goals in 2024.

Another year ends, and once more, it's time to reflect on our creative goals. I hope you will take the time to review your goals and you're welcome to leave a comment below about how the year went. Did you achieve everything you wanted to? Let me know in the comments. In the intro, 2023 […] The post Review Of My 2023 Creative And Business Goals With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.