The Daily Writer with Kent Sanders
The Daily Writer Podcast helps you cultivate the mindset and habits for creative success. Each weekday, author and ghostwriter Kent Sanders brings you a short lesson on writing inspired by some of history's greatest artists, authors, and thinkers. The weekend edition features listener Q&A, conversations with notable writers and creatives, and teaching to help you take a deeper dive as a writer. Learn more at DailyWriterLife.com.
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My Story of Traveling the Writer's Path
06/30/2022
My Story of Traveling the Writer's Path
Now that you have a basic idea of what The Writer’s Path is all about, I’d like to share my story of traveling this pathway myself. I began blogging around 2007 or 2008. I had several blogs and was just writing for fun. I wanted to build a business but didn’t know how. I was a college professor and wanted to create more income to support my family. On this episode, you’ll be inspired by Kent’s story of how he has taken the Writer’s Path to increase his income, maximize his strengths, and pursue success. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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The Key Idea Behind the Writer's Path
06/29/2022
The Key Idea Behind the Writer's Path
I was a college professor for many years, so anytime I’m creating content, I begin with what I call a “key idea.” Anytime that I created class material, it always started with the main idea of what I wanted to talk about or accomplish in that class session. As we look at the 7 steps to building a writing business, there is one central idea that ties it all together. Let me give you the key idea, and then I want to break it apart phrase-by-phrase so you can see why each part is so important. On this episode, you’ll understand the essence of what the Writer’s Path is all about. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Why Does the Writer’s Path Matter?
06/28/2022
Why Does the Writer’s Path Matter?
Today I want to explore the question, “Why does the Writer’s Path matter?” What’s the point of it, anyway? Why am I doing this series? Here’s what I have observed: Lots of writers are frustrated because they are working hard but not seeing tangible results. You can be the most hard-working, talented writer in the world, but if you don’t have the proper systems and framework in place to help your business grow, you won’t see much success over the long haul. On this episode, you’ll discover the why behind The Writer’s Path, so you can maximize the benefits that this framework provides your writing, your business, and your life. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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New Series—The Writer's Path: 7 Steps to Building a Writing Business
06/27/2022
New Series—The Writer's Path: 7 Steps to Building a Writing Business
You might know (or maybe you don’t) that about a year ago, I left my full-time job as a college professor to do ghostwriting full-time. That’s my main gig, but I also run The Daily Writer Club, which is our membership community, as well as produce this daily podcast. I also write my own books. Most writers have a desire to make money and build either a part-time or full-time career with their writing, so we’re going to lean into this topic for a while. As I’ve thought about my own journey and examined the journey of many other writers I know who have successful businesses, I’ve distilled it down into 7 key components. On this episode, Kent shares the overview of his new series, The Writer's Path: 7 Steps to Building a Writing Business. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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What We Relate to as Humans
06/26/2022
What We Relate to as Humans
It’s natural for us to talk about our successes and triumphs. It’s not quite so natural to talk about our mistakes and failures. We’re afraid people will think less of us. Truthfully, though, none of us is perfect. And whenever we see another writer be vulnerable enough to talk about their failures, we relate to it. On today’s episode, you’ll discover how being vulnerable strengthens your relationships and encourages others. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Clint Evans, The Behavior Chef, on Building Healthy Habits
06/25/2022
Clint Evans, The Behavior Chef, on Building Healthy Habits
Summertime is now fully upon us, and with that, the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Summer is also the perfect time to take a look at our habits related to health, wellness, exercise, and nutrition. Let’s face it—it’s easy to live a sedentary life as a writer. But what good is it to build a business around our writing, or write lots of books, only to lack energy and cut our lives short because we haven’t taken care of ourselves? My guest today is here to help us develop a better mindset around all these issues. His name is Clint Evans, and he is the founder and creator of The Behavior Chef. Clint is a recovering binge-restrict eater and yo-yo dieter. Clint has found success in weight loss and Nutritional Behavior Change for himself (losing according to personal values over 90 pounds) and continues to do so with the unique understanding of Nutritional Coaching and the Psychological Science known as Applied Behavior Analysis. Clint has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for the past 8 years. After becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, he noticed the field pushing into Health, Sports, and Fitness, but not much push was seen specifically for nutrition. This is where The Behavior Chef was born. Clint is currently certified by Precision Nutrition as a Level One Nutrition Coach. Clint and his co-host Tony host the Behavior Chef Podcast as well. In this conversation, we dive into all things nutrition and wellness for writers. Clint gives us a rundown of what applied behavior analysis is and why it’s helpful for writers, how to break out of negative health patterns with small steps, and how better eating and sleep can support your writing. To learn more and connect with Clint, you can do so through the links below: *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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The Central Question for Every Writer
06/24/2022
The Central Question for Every Writer
When you look back over your life, you can see a pattern. We spend lots of time and energy going from person to person trying to find an answer to the central question that drives our lives: What is my purpose? On today’s episode, you’ll gain knowledge on how to discover your purpose, so you can live the life you are meant to live. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Be a Creator, Not a Critic
06/23/2022
Be a Creator, Not a Critic
When it comes to the creative arts, there have always been two roles in society: those who are creators and those who are critics. The creators are the ones who make things, while critics offer intelligent reflection and commentary on culture. But make no mistake, the real action lies in creating something. The French novelist Gustave Flaubert said, “A man is a critic when he cannot be an artist, in the same way that a man becomes an informer when he cannot be a soldier.” On today’s episode, you’ll be inspired to be a creator, instead of a critic. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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You Have to Make the Leap
06/22/2022
You Have to Make the Leap
Nothing else defines you quite like your family. It’s where you got your name, your personality, your sense of a place in this world, and so much more. Some writers came from a supportive environment, while others were not so lucky. On today’s episode, you’ll be encouraged that regardless what family you come from, you have the ability to dream big, set huge goals, and define yourself. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Be a Finisher
06/21/2022
Be a Finisher
It’s scary to start a writing project. But you know what’s even scarier? Finishing it. Sometimes we think that being a writer means to be constantly gaining new ideas and exploring creative possibilities—which is true. But those ideas and possibilities must live somewhere. They need to be published. On today’s episode, Kent challenges you to be confident and finish what you started. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Your Only Competition
06/20/2022
Your Only Competition
If you ever run a race, you’ll notice there are two kinds of runners: those who are competing against everyone else, and those who are competing against themselves. The ones who are competing against everyone else take running very seriously. They like to set records and get the glory of being known as a winner. The runners who are competing against themselves aren’t worried about anyone else’s time. They just want to run their own race and hopefully beat their previous record. On today’s episode, you’ll be reminded that the only person you need to compete against is yourself. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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If You Want to Change the World
06/19/2022
If You Want to Change the World
Most of us grow up believing that we can change the world. Then, as we get older, some life experience and a bit of cynicism set in. Pretty soon we give up on the idea of changing much of anything… much less the world. But imagine for a moment… what if you COULD actually change the world? How would you go about it? On today’s episode, Kent reminds us that writers are uniquely positioned to change the world. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Historian Craig Fehrman on the U.S. Presidents as Authors
06/18/2022
Historian Craig Fehrman on the U.S. Presidents as Authors
The office of the President of the United States gets a lot of attention for various reasons, but have you ever looked at our Presidents through the lens of the books they wrote? If you've never considered this, you're in for a treat today because my guest is Craig Fehrman, author of the excellent book Author in Chief: The Untold Story of Our Presidents and the Books They Wrote. The Wall Street Journal called it “one of the best books on the American presidency to appear in recent years.” Craig is a writer and historian who lives in Bloomington, Indiana, with his wife and kids. We had a blast in this conversation, and I got to ask Craig all my questions on this topic. He shares the background of the book, how he conducted research, the value of books in presidential campaigns, the two types of presidential books, the place of ghostwriters in presidential books, and his detailed process for getting endorsements for the book. If you love books, U.S. History, or learning about Presidents, you'll love this conversation. Learn more about Craig’s books and connect with him through the links below: by Craig Fehrman by Craig Fehrman *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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But Does it Make You Happy?
06/17/2022
But Does it Make You Happy?
There are a lot of questions you have probably asked about the results of your writing. Here are a few of them: Will it make my life better? Will it make me money? Will it grow the size of my audience? Here is another important one to consider: Will it make me happy? On this episode, Kent shares insight on how to find true happiness in your writing. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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3 Ways to Write About Your Pain
06/16/2022
3 Ways to Write About Your Pain
If you had to pin down one universal emotion that all humans experience, it’s pain. We are often afraid to share our pain because we’re afraid we will look weak. So, we lock up our feelings in a box, set it on a shelf in the back of a dark closet, and try to forget about it. This is not a healthy way to deal with grief or loss. One of the best ways of working through your pain is to write about it. On today’s episode, Kent shares three methods you can use to work through painful emotions. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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It's the Most Important Skill
06/15/2022
It's the Most Important Skill
There are lots of skills that are important for writers, but there is one skill that trumps them all. It also happens to be the oldest communication skill in the world: storytelling. But, when it comes to fiction, what is the purpose of storytelling? What is the use of engaging in stories that aren’t even real? On today’s episode, you’ll be reminded that storytelling allows you to connect directly with people’s hearts through timeless truths *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You
06/14/2022
Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You
The comedian Steve Martin famously said, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” The simplicity of this statement is stunning. Those seven words contain the secret of getting noticed, building an audience, and all the other things writers and creatives want. On today’s episode, you'll learn that people will take notice of you if you’re willing to put in the work and continue getting better. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Here’s How to Instantly Multiply Your Ideas
06/13/2022
Here’s How to Instantly Multiply Your Ideas
John Steinbeck said, “Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.” Writers are known for their creativity, but the truth is that the well sometimes runs dry. If you’ve ever found yourself fresh out of ideas, a way to instantly get more is by using a strategy called “Idea Mating.” On today’s episode, you’ll discover an effective method for coming up with lots of ideas. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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What Do You Want to Say?
06/12/2022
What Do You Want to Say?
If you identify as a writer—and I assume you do since you’re listening to this podcast—you probably have some type of outlet for writing. Having a place to write, and having an audience who expects your work on a regular, consistent basis is a great way to develop a writing habit because it puts the pressure on you to deliver. On this episode, you’ll be inspired to hone in on the fundamental message you’re sharing with the world, so you can be consistent and passionate as you write. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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John David Mann on the Art & Craft of Storytelling
06/11/2022
John David Mann on the Art & Craft of Storytelling
There are many different types of writing—journalism, novels, short stories, nonfiction, blog posts, graphic novels, and a hundred others. But one thing that ties all writing together is storytelling. Stories are the way we process information and make sense of our lives. Therefore, it is critical that we learn how to construct and weave stories the best way can. It’s a craft I am still very much learning, and I’m thrilled that our guest today is here to help us learn to be better storytellers. John David Mann is coauthor of more than thirty books, including four New York Times bestsellers and five national bestsellers, including The Go-Giver (coauthored with Bob Burg). The Go-Giver has sold over 1 million copies and won the 2017 Living Now Book Awards Evergreen Medal for its “contributions to positive global change.” John is married to Ana Gabriel Mann and considers himself the luckiest mann in the world. You might remember that I had both John and Ana here on the podcast as guests a couple of months ago to share about their new book, The Go-Giver Marriage. I have the pleasure today of talking to John about this even newer book that was released just this week: Cold Fear, which he wrote with Brandon Webb. This is a sequel to their previous novel, Steel Fear, which was very successful. In this conversation, we dive into all things storytelling. I get to ask John about his experience as a ghostwriter and collaborator, the biggest challenges of writing a sequel, the ins and outs of writing a novel, how to write an action scene, how to start a story, and much more. You can learn more about John David Mann or pick up his awesome books below: by Brandon Webb & John David Mann by Brandon Webb & John David Mann by John David Mann & Ana Gabriel Mann
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Are You Open to Receiving?
06/10/2022
Are You Open to Receiving?
On this podcast, we talk a lot about giving. I want you to be a generous writer. But what does that mean, exactly? I look at it this way. Being a generous writer means that you give more in value than you receive from others. It means that you are always looking for ways to serve your audience through good content and great stories. It means you are connecting with others and connecting them with each other. It means you are filling your own creative well so that it overflows, and you can give to others. On this episode, you’ll learn that generosity has two aspects: giving to others and receiving from others. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Friendliness is a Habit
06/09/2022
Friendliness is a Habit
This episode is for all the writers who struggle to be outgoing. I get it—most of us writers are introverts. We get our energy by spending time alone rather than spending it with people. But the reality is that people need to be a huge part of our lives as writers. On this episode, you’ll recognize, even if you’re an introvert, engaging with others is a choice you must make. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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4 Key People Skills for Writers
06/08/2022
4 Key People Skills for Writers
We writers have the well-earned reputation for not being the best at people skills, which is unfortunate because it’s certainly not always true. Writing is a people-centered business even though we spend a good amount of time sitting in front of a screen typing. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement. Even if you’re an outgoing people person, you can always use a reminder of the basics. On this episode, you’ll discover four ways to develop better connections and increase your success. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Choose Your Model
06/07/2022
Choose Your Model
It’s a blessing and a curse to live in the internet age. It’s a blessing, of course, because we have access to unlimited knowledge and connections. There are a million options for where you want to take your writing business or creativity. This also represents a curse because, well, too many options is overwhelming. It’s easy to get paralyzed by all the different models of a writing career. On this episode, you’ll learn the best way to grow is simple: choose your model. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Who Are Your Six?
06/06/2022
Who Are Your Six?
Have you ever heard someone refer to your “six”? It refers to the six people who will carry your casket at your funeral. I want you to think about the six people in your life who would indeed carry your casket. How often do you speak to them? How close would you say these friends are to you? On this episode, Kent reminds us to invest in our friends, because they’re the ones who always stay with us at the end of the day. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Be a Curator, Not Just a Consumer
06/05/2022
Be a Curator, Not Just a Consumer
Like me, you probably get sucked into lists of books, movies, or music that others have put together. These might consist of the top 10 movies of all time, the best 50 guitarists, the top 15 novels, the top 10 books on writing, a ranking of Star Wars movies, and so on. Human beings have made those curated lists. Someone, somewhere, decided they were going to be a tastemaker and put their opinion out there for the world. You can do the exact same thing, and there is great power in doing so. On this episode, you’ll be emboldened to help others find the best content in your field and shape how material is consumed. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Ghostwriter Alice Sullivan on Writing a Compelling Memoir
06/04/2022
Ghostwriter Alice Sullivan on Writing a Compelling Memoir
As writers, we love to tell stories. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, stories are a critical part of how we share information and help others engage in the human experience. Maybe you've thought about doing the ultimate deep-dive into storytelling, which is writing your OWN story by creating a memoir. My guest today is here to give us guidance on writing a compelling memoir. Her name is Alice Sullivan, and she is a ghostwriter, collaborator, and 11-time New York Times bestselling editor. A natural-born storyteller, she’s written 54 books and edited over 1,300 titles. She specializes in nonfiction, specifically memoir, self-help, and personal growth. Alice helps clients identify their goals and messages while creating engaging content to connect with their target markets. Her favorite projects are those that challenge her point of view and expand her knowledge. A couple of months ago, I mentioned here on the podcast that I was working on my father's Vietnam memoir. This was my opportunity to ask Alice everything I wanted to know about memoirs, and she did not disappoint! In this interview, we discuss topics like how to find the narrative thread or theme in a story, how to figure out the structure of a memoir, where to begin and end a memoir, how to structure a chapter and the transitions between chapters, and some of Alice's favorite authors. You can check out the books Alice has ghostwritten and connect with her using the links below: by John Clauson by Danette May by Warren Rustand by Jen Hatmaker *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Pour Out the Healing Waters
06/03/2022
Pour Out the Healing Waters
Water can be a metaphor for life or death. Ask anyone who has gotten sick from contaminated water or tried to avoid falling out of a canoe while going down the Amazon River teeming with deadly piranhas. They will tell you that water can be deadly. But what about a person dying of thirst in the desert or someone who goes into the hospital because they’re dehydrated? Water can bring life. On this episode, Kent inspires us that our words can bring life or death to those around us. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Take a Break
06/02/2022
Take a Break
When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s hard to stop. Ask any writer who loves writing and they can attest that it can be hard to let your foot off the gas pedal and take a break. It’s especially hard when you value and practice a writing habit. And like all habits, if practiced to the extreme, it can start to be harmful. On this episode, you’ll be reminded to take a break from your writing, so that you can boost your creativity, improve your life, and strengthen your mental energy. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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The World Without You
06/01/2022
The World Without You
Each year on Christmas Eve, millions of people gather around their TV sets—or today, their computer screens—to watch the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life. The main character, George Bailey, has a chance to see what the small town of Bedford Falls would have been like if he had never been born. In one scene, just after George’s mother slams the door in his face because she doesn’t know him, the angel Clarence can see he is distressed. He tells George, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” On this episode, you’ll be encouraged that your life has impacted and bettered so many other people. *** Check out my NEW book: . Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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