The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

Acclaimed New York Times bestselling sci-fi author, Richard K. Morgan, spoke with me from overseas about his winding journey from English tutor to bestseller, having his novel adapted for the small screen, what it’s like to write for Marvel comics, and his unique take on creativity and the writing life. Richard is best known as the award-winning author of the noir sci-fi novel Altered Carbon (Amazon), a New York Times Notable and Philip K. Dick Award winner, that was recently turned into a hit Netflix series. [Beware: Some ‘explicit’ language.] The author of the hard-boiled, “carbon-black,” futuristic thriller series, the Takeshi Kovacs novels (including Altered Carbon), also writes the dark fantasy series A Land Fit for Heroes (The Steel Remains, The Cold Commands, and The Dark Defiles). His award-winning novels also include stand-alones Market Forces (also optioned for film) and Thirteen, and he’s the author of two volumes of Black Widow comics for Marvel, as well as the Crysis 2 and Syndicate computer games. His latest novel, Thin Air, is described as “an atmospheric tale of corruption and abduction set on Mars” and it’s a return to his signature hardboiled sci-fi that The New York Times Book Review called, “Ferociously readable.” Join us for this two-part interview. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of the file Richard K. Morgan and I discussed: His American literary doppelganger The door that finally opened and dumped him onto the red carpet How The Sopranos helped change the zeitgeist toward darker fiction Why luck plays such a big part in success for writers The author’s hallucinatory visit to the set of the Altered Carbon Netflix series The two distinct DNA types of writers and the fallacy of block  The Show Notes: How Bestselling Sci-Fi Author Richard K. Morgan Writes: Part Two Thin Air: A Novel – Richard K. Morgan (Amazon) RichardKMorgan.com Fragments of a Jet-lagged Dream – Richard K. Morgan Richard K. Morgan on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Please click the donate button to support the podcast with a secure PayPal donation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Two of this file the prolific pro comedy writer, author, and amateur parenting expert, James Breakwell, took a timeout to rap with me about @XplodingUnicorn and his rise to viral Twitter fame, how he juggles multiple writing projects, his family and his sanity, and the writer as entrepreneur. In the early days of his writing career James told me that he knew he wouldn’t score a book deal sending out query letters or tossing his ideas over the transom, so he decided to build an online following for his unique, self-effacing comedy. Finding inspiration in his family of four girls all under the age of eight, he turned his attentions to blogging, web comics, podcasting, and family humor on Twitter where he eventually found viral fame. In 2016 Buzzfeed dubbed him “The Funniest Dad On Twitter” and shortly thereafter his audience grew … in a big way. He has been featured on media outlets around the world, has attracted over a million followers on social media, has signed multiple book deals, and even writes a column for a newspaper. His second book, Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not Quite Ruining Your Child, comes out November 6th, 2018, and is “… a book about doing as little as possible without quite ruining your child.” New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins said, “… Parents! Read this book and free yourself from the blood sport that parenting has become!” And bestselling author Liliana Hart wrote, “Breakwell has a hit … uproariously funny, and at times, unexpectedly poignant.” Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part Two of the file James Breakwell and I discuss: How he balances his work and family life The author’s unique workflow and process How his humor builds on real-life experiences The difference between comedy and non-fiction The conundrum of internet fame And why writers have to like what they’re writing to succeed over the long haul The Show Notes: How Professional Comedy Writer & Author James Breakwell Writes: Part One Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not Quite Ruining Your Child – James Breakwell @XplodingUnicorn, James Breakwell on Twitter Exploding Unicorn on Facebook James Breakwell on Instagram This Guy With Four Daughters Just Might Be The Funniest Dad On Twitter – BuzzFeed Podcast: Wrong & Wronger – Steve Olivas & James Breakwell Podcast: 10 Minutes to Save Your Marriage – Steve Olivas & James Breakwell Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific pro comedy writer, author, and amateur parenting expert, James Breakwell, took a timeout to rap with me about @XplodingUnicorn and his rise to viral Twitter fame, how he juggles multiple writing projects, his family and his sanity, and the writer as entrepreneur. In the early days of his writing career James told me that he knew he wouldn’t score a book deal sending out query letters or tossing his ideas over the transom, so he decided to build an online following for his unique, self-effacing comedy. Finding inspiration in his family of four girls all under the age of eight, he turned his attentions to blogging, web comics, podcasting, and family humor on Twitter where he eventually found viral fame. In 2016 Buzzfeed dubbed him “The Funniest Dad On Twitter” and shortly thereafter his audience grew … in a big way. He has been featured on media outlets around the world, has attracted over a million followers on social media, has signed multiple book deals, and even writes a column for a newspaper. His second book, Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not Quite Ruining Your Child, comes out November 6th, 2018, and is “… a book about doing as little as possible without quite ruining your child.” New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins said, “… Parents! Read this book and free yourself from the blood sport that parenting has become!” And bestselling author Liliana Hart wrote, “Breakwell has a hit … uproariously funny, and at times, unexpectedly poignant.” Join us for this two-part interview. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of the file James Breakwell and I discussed: The irony of the 10-year overnight success Why James hated journalism right out of college Why it’s better to practice your art in public How to be so good they can’t ignore you Why comedy writers need an audience to improve And the author’s unique process for writing 10,000 words in a day  The Show Notes: How Professional Comedy Writer & Author James Breakwell Writes: Part Two Here’s where you can get the details for the copywriting course Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not Quite Ruining Your Child – James Breakwell @XplodingUnicorn, James Breakwell on Twitter Exploding Unicorn on Facebook James Breakwell on Instagram This Guy With Four Daughters Just Might Be The Funniest Dad On Twitter – BuzzFeed Podcast: Wrong & Wronger – Steve Olivas & James Breakwell Podcast: 10 Minutes to Save Your Marriage – Steve Olivas & James Breakwell Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Two of this file the prolific, bestselling author of the paranormal and dark fantasy, Steff Green, returned to talk with me about overcoming rejection, perseverance, her inspiring journey from copywriter to bestseller, and her advice to fellow scribes who may be facing adversity. Steff Green is a New Zealander who is a fervent self-publishing advocate, public speaker, and a legally blind writer who has turned her disability into a superpower to self-publish 24 books and counting. She has topped the USA Today bestsellers list writing paranormal romance under the pen name, Steffanie Holmes, and is also the author of six dark fantasy books under the name S C Green. Steff received both the 2017 Attitude Award for Artistic Achievement, and was a finalist for the 2018 Women of Influence award. She recently launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to raise interest and awareness for an anti-bullying storybook for kids that caught the eye of traditional publishing. That book, Written and illustrated by two artists who were victims of bullying themselves, Only Freaks Turn Things Into Bones uses darkly gothic humour to address the very real issue of being different.” Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part Two of the file Steff Green and I discuss: Her simple yet effective workflow and organizational hacks Why curiosity is a synonym for creativity What motivates the author to write 20,000 words in just a few days Jack London’s timeless and moving credo How to read an ebook … with your nose And why we need to remember why we’re doing this crazy thing called writing  The Show Notes: Copyblogger’s first persuasive copywriting course — coming this autumn How Bestselling Self-Published Author Steff Green Writes: Part One Steff Green’s author website Only Freaks Turn Things Into Bones – Steff Green Story behind the crowdfunding of Only Freaks Turn Things Into Bones Blind and bullied, now a bestselling author: Steff Green’s next book is personal Steff Green on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific, bestselling author of the paranormal and dark fantasy, Steff Green, dropped by the show to talk with me about overcoming rejection, perseverance, her inspiring journey from copywriter to bestseller, and her advice to fellow scribes who may be facing adversity. Steff Green is a New Zealander who is a fervent self-publishing advocate, public speaker, and a legally blind writer who has turned her disability into a superpower to self-publish 24 books and counting. She has topped the USA Today bestsellers list writing paranormal romance under the pen name, Steffanie Holmes, and is also the author of six dark fantasy books under the name S C Green. Steff received both the 2017 Attitude Award for Artistic Achievement, and was a finalist for the 2018 Women of Influence award. She recently launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to raise interest and awareness for an anti-bullying storybook for kids that caught the eye of traditional publishing. That book, Written and illustrated by two artists who were victims of bullying themselves, Only Freaks Turn Things Into Bones uses darkly gothic humour to address the very real issue of being different.” Join us for this two-part interview. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of the file Steff Green and I discussed: Why you should never give up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles How a dare from a friend led to a big breakthrough Her “rocking” life as a full-time writer How to juggle multiple pen names and genres Her obsessions with heavy metal, ancient languages, and checklists And how to write yourself out of a corner The Show Notes: How Bestselling Self-Published Author Steff Green Writes: Part Two Steff Green’s author website Only Freaks Turn Things Into Bones – Steff Green Story behind the crowdfunding of Only Freaks Turn Things Into Bones Blind and bullied, now a bestselling author: Steff Green’s next book is personal Steff Green on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The author of the captivity memoir, The Desert and the Sea: 977 Days Captive on the Somali Pirate Coast, Michael Scott Moore joined me this week to talk about his fascinating journey as a writer, how he wrote his harrowing and detailed memoir (much of it without notes), and why it’s changed him as a writer and a person. Michael is an investigative journalist, novelist, and author of a critically acclaimed folk history of surfing, Sweetness and Blood, named a book of the year by The Economist in 2010. The author travelled to the Horn of Africa, while researching piracy along the coast of Somalia in 2012, where he was abducted and held captive for over two and half years, for a ransom of $20 million. In his riveting personal account of the experience, chronicled in The Desert and the Sea, Mike deftly examines the history of piracy, religious extremism, geopolitical factors, and his own dark humor and humanity to capture what reviewers have called, “A harrowing and affecting account of … captivity at the hands of Somali pirates.” (Kirkus) His story, described as a “Catch-22 meets Black Hawk Down,” has been featured on NPR s All Things Considered, Fresh Air, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, CBS This Morning, The Joe Rogan Experience, and many others. The author has covered the European migration crisis for Businessweek, and politics, travel, and literature for The Atlantic, Der Spiegel, The New Republic, The New York Times, and The L.A. Review of Books. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In this file Michael Scott Moore and I discuss: How the author was able to write about his lengthy and traumatic time as a hostage Why the discipline of taking handwritten notes is so important for retention How memory shapes stories so deeply Why Mike recorded everything he could remember as quickly as he could once he was freed How the author found an existential detachment in order to stay sane Why revision is the scaffolding that allows inspiration The Show Notes: radio free mike – Michael Scott Moore’s author website The Desert and the Sea: 977 Days Captive on the Somali Pirate Coast – Michael Scott Moore What It’s Like To Be Held Hostage By Somali Pirates For 2 1/2 Years – NPR Michael Scott Moore on Instagram Michael Scott Moore on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second half of this special edition of the show we’re shining the light on two more freelance writers out there who are making it happen as professional online content creators. These are scribes who have found success — and a very good living — doing what they love … writing and helping others achieve success. In full disclosure, the two writers I’m highlighting in this show, Sharlyn Lauby and Trudi Roth, are both online content creators and strategists who run profitable freelance writing businesses. The other thing they have in common, though they came to professional writing from very different paths, is that both writers graduated from Copyblogger’s Certified Content Marketer Training Course (a program that makes this show possible). The program is usually closed, but it reopens periodically for a short time to invite new classes of students into the course. If you re interested in learning more you can simply head over to the Certified Content Marketer training program and get your name on the list. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. My first guest is HR pro turned consultant, speaker, and foodie, Sharlyn Lauby of HRbartender.com, who specializes in strategic human resources content with a focus on increased engagement and lead generation. She is also the President of ITM Group, Inc. “… a training company focused on developing programs to retain and engage talent in the workplace,” and a Master Level Certified Content Marketer. Her business creed is, “Great HR makes great organizations.” In this segment Sharlyn Lauby and I discuss: Her unique path to blogging and content marketing Resources, tools, and teaching she found invaluable at the start of her journey The importance of feedback to mastery How a mindset shift makes all the difference for the growth of your business What it takes to find success and satisfaction in your chosen niche My second guest is writer, editor, and content strategist, Trudi Roth of ItsTheTruStory.com, who runs the gamut of specialties from website copy, blog posts, video, and even social media strategy. Trudi has been a hired gun for over twenty years doing client work on everything from website content, ecommerce, blogs, books, direct & email campaigns, and social media marketing. CNN dubbed her a “popular mommy blogger” for her blog, “Bitch in Suburbia.” She has a B.S. in Economics from University of Michigan, and a Master s Degree in Mass Communications from Boston University. She is also a Certified Content Marketer. Her business slogan is, “Superlative content, copy, and editing … You have my word.” In this segment Trudi Roth and I discuss: Why so many people need help “wordsmithing” today How she went from a VP of Marketing to a “mommy blogger” featured on CNN Why now’s as good a time as any to hang out your digital shingle The writer’s high praise for Copyblogger’s Certified Content Marketer Training Course The double-edged sword of working from home The Show Notes: Copyblogger s Certified Content Marketer training is a powerful program that helps writers attract better clients — and more of them. New students will be able to sign up for a limited time soon. Add your name to join the waitlist and to get all of the details when they re available. How to Make a Living as a Pro Content Writer: Part One ITM Group, Inc. – Sharlyn Lauby HRbartender.com – Sharlyn Lauby HR bartender on Twitter Freelance Writers Share the Surprising Keys to Their Successful Careers ItsTheTruStory.com – Trudi Roth It’s The TruStory – Trudi Roth on YouTube Profitable Writers Demonstrate How to Prosper from Your Words Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special edition of the show we’re shining the light on freelance writers out there who are making it happen as professional online content creators. These are scribes who have found success — and a very good living — doing what they love … writing and helping others achieve success. In full disclosure, the two writers I’m highlighting in this show, Mark Crosling and Aaron Wrixon, are online content creators and strategists who both run profitable freelance writing businesses. The other thing they have in common, though they came to professional writing from very different paths, is that both writers graduated from Copyblogger’s Certified Content Marketer Training Course (a program that makes this show possible). The program is usually closed, but it reopens periodically for a short time to invite new classes of students into the course. If you re interested in learning more you can simply head over to the Certified Content Marketer training program and get your name on the list. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. My first guest is serial entrepreneur, copywriter, content marketer, and founder of StrategicContent.co, Mark Crosling, who offers content creation, social, and search strategy services. His business credo is “All roads lead to your inbox.” Mark has founded numerous start-ups — four of which became stock exchange listed companies — he has an MBA from the University of New South Wales, and is a Certified Content Marketer through the Copyblogger Certification Program. In this segment Mark Crosling and I discuss: A look at the inner workings of the digital commerce ecosystem How to find a holistic approach to online marketing Why copywriters are the stonemasons of the digital age The upcoming voice search revolution for online writers How to get completely aligned with your audience My second guest is the content maestro and journeyman Aaron Wrixon, of Wrixon.com, who specializes in content marketing services for web agencies and their clients. His business slogan is, “Repeatable process. Repeatable results.” He has over 20 years experience in technical and online content writing, with over five million words and hundreds of projects in dozens of industries under his belt. He is also a Copyblogger Certified Content Marketer. In this segment Aaron Wrixon and I discuss: How to make a living as a writer without hitting the bestseller lists The timing and determination required to find a fulfilling freelance career Why there’s no bad time to become an online content creator The writer’s unique content creation framework for success Why so many online writers struggle with the “Sistine Chapel” effect The Show Notes: Copyblogger’s Certification program is closing to new students on Wednesday this week! You can snag the details (and jump into the program) here.. How to Make a Living as a Pro Content Writer: Part Two StrategicContent.co – Mark Crosling Mark Crosling on Twitter Freelance Writers Share the Surprising Keys to Their Successful Careers Wrixon.com – Aaron Wrixon Aaron’s BRAVER content framework Profitable Writers Demonstrate How to Prosper from Your Words Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Two of this archival file from early 2016, the prolific international bestselling thriller author and self-publishing advocate, Mark Dawson, rapped with me about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the productivity hacks that have helped him publish over 30 books. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Dawson’s multiple thriller series, self-publishing savvy, and an impressive email list of over 100,000 subscribers, have all helped him to build a large audience of loyal readers and unparalleled success. In addition to international bestsellers, and stellar ratings from fans, Mark has become an indie author advocate and online marketing authority for writers. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. Join us for this two-part interview. If you missed the first half you can find it here. In Part Two of the file Mark Dawson and I discuss: How an 80s tv show can inspire your writing Why great writers have to understand story first How to write page-turning fiction Why you should leave out the parts that readers skip And best practices for new writers Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes Writers: Boost your credentials and visibility as a content marketer by becoming Copyblogger Certified. Learn more about the program here. How Bestselling Self-Published Author Mark Dawson Writes: Part One MarkJDawson.com Amazon Pays $450,000 A Year To This Self-Published Writer BookFunnel SelfPublishingFormula.com Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prolific international bestselling thriller author and self-publishing advocate, Mark Dawson, dropped by the show back in early 2016 to talk with me about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the productivity hacks that have helped him publish over 30 books. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! Mr. Dawson’s multiple thriller series, self-publishing savvy, and an impressive email list of over 100,000 subscribers, have all helped him to build a large audience of loyal readers and unparalleled success. In addition to international bestsellers, and stellar ratings from fans, Mark has become an indie author advocate and online marketing authority for writers. Join us for this archival two-part interview. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of the file Mark Dawson and I discussed: The challenges and rewards of the writer’s life Why if your process isn’t broken … you don’t need to fix it How to write (and publish) one million words in one year And what the bestselling author does to unwind Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes Writers: Boost your credentials and visibility as a content marketer by becoming Copyblogger Certified. Learn more about the program here. How Bestselling Self-Published Author Mark Dawson Writes: Part Two MarkJDawson.com Amazon Pays $450,000 A Year To This Self-Published Writer BookFunnel SelfPublishingFormula.com Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices