DIY MFA Radio

Welcome to DIY MFA Radio, where I do a deep dive into the writing life as well as the craft and business of writing. Today’s episode ends our series: Ten Lessons from Ten Years of Podcasting. This is Lesson 10 – Embrace the Journey. Have you gotten the DIY MFA Starter Kit yet? This is a two week email series full of worksheets to help you DIY your MFA, so you can get the “knowledge without the college.” You’ll learn more about how to write with focus, read with purpose, and build your community. You’ll also receive Writer Fuel, our newsletter full of words of wisdom and resources to help you keep the momentum going in your writing. And you’ll be the first to hear about other fun goodies we only share via email. Best of all, it’s free to join! You can sign up with your email at diymfa.com/join.   In this episode I discuss: My end-of-year process for taking stock and evaluating my progress. Why you need to understand your natural tendencies before setting goals. The importance of giving each year a theme or name. How to use that yearly theme to course-correct or keep yourself on track For more info and show notes: diymfa.com/485

Discover the power of taking small steps in your creative journey. Learn how goal setting resembles climbing a mountain, where each milestone is a moment to celebrate. The concept of 'planting the flag' highlights key achievements along the way. You'll also find out how to reverse-engineer your action steps to stay on track and motivated. Incremental progress can transform your writing life, making big dreams more attainable!

Welcome to DIY MFA Radio, where I do a deep dive into the writing life as well as the craft and business of writing. Today’s episode continues our series: Ten Lessons from Ten Years of Podcasting. This is Lesson 8 – Track the Money Have you gotten the DIY MFA Starter Kit yet? This is a two week email series full of worksheets to help you DIY your MFA, so you can get the “knowledge without the college.” You’ll learn more about how to write with focus, read with purpose, and build your community. You’ll also receive Writer Fuel, our newsletter full of words of wisdom and resources to help you keep the momentum going in your writing. And you’ll be the first to hear about other fun goodies we only share via email. Best of all, it’s free to join! You can sign up with your email at diymfa.com/join.   In this episode I discuss: Why it’s so important for writers to talk about and track money. The two “magic numbers” of publishing, what they are and why they matter. Five essential questions to think strategically about IP.  The trifecta of success, and how to consider ROI (return on investment). For more info and show notes: diymfa.com/483

Dive into the transformative power of consistent writing practice! Discover how practice isn't just about discipline but also personal growth and creativity. Learn the concept of deliberate practice and its importance in honing your skills, much like athletes and musicians. Explore the essential components of a structured writing practice and why reflecting on your method boosts your development. This is a playful yet insightful exploration of becoming a better writer through the joys of practice!

Discover the flawed concept of balance in writing and everyday life. Embrace the notion of 'honoring your reality' to enhance creativity. Personalize your writing routine instead of adhering to rigid expectations. Learn that real-life constraints can shape your journey, and listen to personal stories that highlight the beauty in the messiness of writing. This engaging discussion challenges conventional advice, encouraging a flexible approach to the writing life.

Dive into the transformative power of mindset in writing! Explore how a scarcity mentality can trap writers in self-doubt while an abundance mindset opens doors to creative confidence. Discover the importance of equity, ensuring every writer gets their chance to shine. Listen as personal experiences from writing conferences reveal the benefits of collaboration and community in the publishing world. It's all about viewing creativity as a shared journey rather than a competition!

Explore the transformative power of accepting failure as a vital part of the creative process. Learn how labeling a challenging year can help embrace hardship and pave the way for growth. Discover why complacency hinders progress and how stepping outside your comfort zone can be a game-changer. Personal anecdotes reveal the lessons found in discomfort, especially in areas like technology and public speaking. Prepare to be inspired to challenge yourself and thrive through the struggles!

Explore the fascinating intersection of writing and iteration, likened to the agile practices seen in tech startups. Dive into the contrasting philosophies of Yoda and Samuel Beckett on failure and commitment, revealing their surprising similarities. Discover why embracing imperfection is essential for creativity and growth, and how iterating can enhance your craft. This discussion encourages resilience and a proactive mindset, transforming setbacks into stepping stones for success.

Explore the transformative concept of acting 'as if' and how it aligns your behaviors with your professional aspirations. Discover personal insights on how authenticity and confidence can elevate your writing career. Learn the vital difference between acting 'as if' and faking it, and how true confidence can reshape your mindset. Embrace the idea that embodying the traits you seek may lead to personal transformation and growth in your writing journey.

Dive into the creative process and discover why taking risks can lead to success. Embrace the beauty of imperfection as the host shares insights on navigating failures and how they can drive innovation. Learn that originality often hinges on execution rather than mere ideas. Explore the importance of moving past perfectionism and accepting 'good enough' to foster growth. Get inspired to engage with your audience early and see the potential in every idea.