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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Planting: Keep Track of Your Ideas
10/20/2021
Planting: Keep Track of Your Ideas
If we look at growth as a natural byproduct of good habits we practice on a regular basis, the first habit is preparing the soil of your mind. The second one is planting. We writers deal with thousands of seeds. Those seeds are ideas. They are scraps of stories, articles, books, speeches, or workshops. Ideas come and go by the dozens every day. It’s hard to tell in the moment which ones are worth keeping, and which we should discard. That’s why we need to make a habit of planting those seeds—in other words, keeping track of them. On this episode, you’ll be reminded why it’s vital to keep track of your ideas so you can harvest them later. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Preparing: Till the Soil of Your Mind
10/19/2021
Preparing: Till the Soil of Your Mind
Everyone who has ever planted anything knows that you can’t just throw seeds on the ground. You must prepare the soil. Otherwise, the soil won’t be ready to receive the seeds. The seeds will die and all the effort and future potential will have been wasted. Your creative mind works the same way. It can’t just receive ideas and then cause those ideas to sprout. Your mind must be prepared. On this episode, Kent shares ideas for how you can prepare your mind so you can increase your creativity and seize your ideas. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Two Mindsets: Which One Do You Have?
10/18/2021
Two Mindsets: Which One Do You Have?
In her landmark book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dr. Carol Dweck argues that your mindset, far more than your talents or abilities, is responsible for your personal and professional success. To be more specific, she contrasts two approaches to life: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Over the next seven episodes/days, we will explore what it means to grow as a writer by using some metaphors from nature: preparing, planting, watering, pruning, harvesting, celebrating, and resting. These consistent actions will help you grow as a writer and an overall person. But before we dive in, it’s critical to ask yourself this question: Are you willing to do what it takes to grow into a stronger writer than the one you are today? On this episode, you’ll discover the difference between having a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and how you can maximize your potential through this week’s series. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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5 Steps to Building an Amazing Non-Fiction Book Outline
10/17/2021
5 Steps to Building an Amazing Non-Fiction Book Outline
Today I want to explore a topic that a lot of people ask me about. It's also a topic that, when you give it the attention it deserves, will transform your book-writing experience. When I mention the topic "how to build an amazing non-fiction book outline," it may not sound like the most exciting topic. However, if you're writing a non-fiction book, this is a critical topic because your outline is the backbone of your book. A great outline makes everything easier. In this episode, Kent answers a few questions about book outlines, and walks you through a 5-step process to create your own outline. Check out the resources Kent shares: . Brainstorm It!, which is available here: . *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Cathy Davis: How Someone Decides to Buy Your Book
10/16/2021
Cathy Davis: How Someone Decides to Buy Your Book
It seems like such a simple question, but the answers are more profound than you realize: What is the thinking process a person goes through when they are deciding whether to buy your book? I'm excited to have my friend, Cathy Davis, here on this episode to walk us through some answers. Cathy spent the bulk of her career as a Designer and Creative Director at Bank of America’s Trust Division, managing a team of 18 designers and print specialists. Then, in January 2004, she founded Davis Creative, LLC after corporate downsizing. What originally began as a boutique creative services agency is now known as Davis Creative Publishing Partners, a sought-after publishing industry leader providing concierge publishing services for authors around the corner and around the world. Books are in Cathy's DNA and have always played a big role in her life. Cathy believes we all have a story to tell, and it is through our stories that we are able to find our voice, share our wisdom, and make a difference in the lives of others. Wisdom not shared is wisdom lost forever. In this conversation, Cathy walks through the elements of a book that influence a buyer's purchasing decision. We talk about the importance of your title, book cover, fonts, the Table of Contents, and more. This is one of the most illuminating and interesting conversations I've had in a long time. And not only that, Cathy is also based here in St. Louis, so it's always good to have a fellow St. Louisan on the show! Click on the links below to enjoy Cathy’s free downloads, buy her book, or connect with her on social media: *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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The Beauty is All Around You
10/15/2021
The Beauty is All Around You
Think about the last time you went to the eye doctor. You probably thought you were seeing just fine until the exam. It turns out your vision was blurry and you didn’t even know it. Our creativity works the same way. We get busy and distracted. We lose sight of the amazing world around us and forget to maintain a sense of wonder. Our hearts and minds get blurry. On this episode, you’ll discover why your heart and your mind need beauty. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Getting Your Priorities Un-Mixed Up
10/14/2021
Getting Your Priorities Un-Mixed Up
We can all agree that being a writer is more complicated than it used to be. Back in the days before the internet was a thing, being a working writer essentially meant that you submitted your articles to magazines and wrote books for publishers. Now, things are more complicated. There is marketing, social media, self-publishing options, speaking engagements, courses, and many other ways you can spend your time as a writer. So what should you focus on? On this episode, Kent reveals the two key things we must focus on as writers. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Appreciate This Moment
10/13/2021
Appreciate This Moment
As writers, we are constantly dreaming about what’s next. The next book. The next conference. The next interview. The next connection. The next source of income. The next five years. All you have is today, this moment, right here and now. Don’t keep your head so far in the clouds that you forget to keep your feet planted on the ground. On this episode, you’ll be inspired to be grateful for this present moment. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Uncovering the Pearl Inside
10/12/2021
Uncovering the Pearl Inside
You were born with a gift. You can think of it as a beautiful white pearl. This gift, this pearl, is meant to be shared with the world. As a child, you were excited to share your gift with others. But over the years, as you accumulate disappointments, rejection, and hurts, your pearl becomes dark and encrusted. Most people either get used to the lump or they simply throw it away. But a select few remember the gift they were given. On this episode, you’ll be reminded that you are called to uncover and share your gift with the world. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Breathe, Just Breathe
10/11/2021
Breathe, Just Breathe
If we could give our modern age a name, it might be called, “The Age of Hurry.” Commerce and communication can happen instantaneously around the world. And when you look at your task list, you have messages to answer, deadlines to meet, material to write. It all feels like it needs to be done right now. Like everyone else, you have a busy schedule. But trying to go faster won’t help. Instead, you need perspective. You need calm. You need to breathe. On this episode, Kent encourages you to take a moment, gather yourself, and breathe. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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October 2021, Business Update
10/10/2021
October 2021, Business Update
Welcome again to my monthly business update. As usual, I will focus on three areas: ghostwriting, The Daily Writer, and personal updates. Ghostwriting Here are three important lessons I’m learning: You probably need to raise your prices. Clients are not mainly concerned about your writing ability. Having the right connections makes a huge difference. The Daily Writer Let me highlight a few important things happening: DW is getting more active on Instagram with quotes, writing prompts, and other content coming soon. The Daily Writer Community is growing, with courses coming in November. The first course is "How to Build a Writing Habit." This podcast continues to grow in listenership and provide a source of content to repurpose into other forms. I have started to offer one-on-one coaching to authors to help them get their books written and self-published. (Reach out if interested. Spots are very limited.) I'm working steadily on three books of my own: The Daily Writer, How to Build a Writing Habit (lead magnet), and a secret project! Personal Update I just completed a half-marathon. I’m considering transitioning to a co-working space. I’m loving The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Christy Piper: How to Write About Difficult Topics
10/09/2021
Christy Piper: How to Write About Difficult Topics
When you are writing straightforward how-to content, or perhaps writing for clients, it's fairly easy to put your mind in third gear and follow a standard writing formula. But what happens when you are writing about highly emotional or sensitive topics? How can you communicate effectively but also do it in a way that honors you, the subject, and your listeners? My guest today is here to walk us through this delicate situation. Her name is Christy Piper, and she is a human dynamics, mindset, and relationship expert. She developed strategies to rise above her circumstances, and teaches that you don’t have to stay stuck in the same predicaments in life. Christy emphasizes that you can level up your relationships and get what you deserve; ultimately, you can choose your role in life. Christy just released her first book, Girl, You Deserve More: How to Break His Spell over You, Escape Your Toxic Partner, and Become Independent. In this conversation, we will explore why writing about difficult topics is hard and how to write about these topics effectively. Christy also shares what she has learned about book marketing from her recent book launch. If you're an introvert who typically doesn't like marketing, you will appreciate your advice and strategies! Click on the links below to enjoy Christy’s free handout, buy her book, schedule a consultation, or connect with her on social media: by Christy Piper by Christy Piper by Christy Piper . . . *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Breaking Out of the Ordinary World
10/08/2021
Breaking Out of the Ordinary World
In the Hero’s Journey storytelling template, we begin with the main character. He or she exists in what is called the “ordinary world.” The ordinary world is Luke Skywalker on Tatooine, Dorothy in Kansas, Frodo in the Shire, Michael Corleone before he gets wrapped up in the family business, and a thousand other examples from movies, literature, and comics. The ordinary world is a place where the hero is comfortable. They are not fulfilled but they feel safe. You know about all the opportunities to be an amazing writer. You have been called to join the adventure. But will you break out of the ordinary world? On today’s episode, you’ll be emboldened to embrace your calling as a writer and embark on this adventure. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Validate Yourself First
10/07/2021
Validate Yourself First
Have you ever had this experience? You’re sitting with someone you admire over dinner and mention that you completed a writing project that is important to you. You show them your finished project, they look at it for three seconds, shrug as they acknowledge that it’s cool, then go back to their food. These moments can be crushing, but only if you let them. So often, we look to other people for validation. We want their approval because it makes us feel good. On today’s episode, you’ll learn that your validation should not come from others, but should be rooted in your identity. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Talent Is Overrated
10/06/2021
Talent Is Overrated
You probably knew a kid in high school who was supremely gifted. They might have even been voted “most likely to succeed” or “most talented.” Everyone assumed their gifts would carry them on to great success. In most cases, this never happened. They went through life frustrated because the promise of their great talent was never realized. On today’s episode, you’ll be reminded why hard work trumps talent. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Which Voice Are You Listening To?
10/05/2021
Which Voice Are You Listening To?
One of the most interesting characters in literature is the unreliable narrator. This character might be delusional, a liar, or is simply prone to exaggeration. Or, they might not have a firm grasp on reality because of their personality or mental state. Each of us has an unreliable narrator in our heads. This is the voice telling you you’re not good enough, you’re not gifted, or nobody will like your writing. It is telling you lies and trying to give you false information. On today’s episode, Kent challenges us to ignore the unreliable narrator in our minds and listen to the reliable voice inside of us that is speaking the truth. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Nobody Knows Anything
10/04/2021
Nobody Knows Anything
William Goldman was one of the most successful Hollywood screenwriters of all time. He was the creative genius behind scripts for The Princess Bride and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, among many others. In total, he had nearly three dozen scripts produced, which is remarkable by anyone’s standards. In his funny and insightful book Adventures in the Screen Trade, he famously said, “Nobody knows anything. Not one person in the entire motion picture field knows for a certainty what's going to work. Every time out it's a guess and, if you're lucky, an educated one.” On today’s episode, you’ll be encouraged to determine your own definition of greatness, because everyone’s path is different. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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The Best Way to Stop Being a Perfectionist
10/03/2021
The Best Way to Stop Being a Perfectionist
On today's episode, I dive into the topic of perfectionism. This is an area where so many writers struggle. We have this ideal of what we should be writing, or the kind of success we should be having, and then we get stuck because it seems unattainable. Perfectionism is not about the reader you're serving, it's about you. If you're obsessed with perfection to the point where you can't create, that's a very self-centered approach to your work. Start focusing on the reader and the people you are trying to help. When you obsessively focus on trying to serve people instead of obsessing over what people think of you, you will enjoy writing a lot more and be far more productive. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Tips for Writing at a Coffee Shop
10/02/2021
Tips for Writing at a Coffee Shop
A few months ago, I left my job as a full-time college professor after doing that work for 17 years. Even though I had a fair amount of discretionary time in that job, and I also worked from home during the summers, it has been a big switch to go from having a college office to now being able to work from anywhere at any time. I've found myself working a lot more in coffee shops the last few months, which is enjoyable but has its challenges. On this episode, I thought it would be fun to share a few tips that have been helpful to me as I've learned to navigate some interesting dynamics of working in coffee shops, a location where a lot of writers do their work. Whether or not you write in a coffee shop, these tips can help you be more successful and productive in your writing. Also, if you’re interested in the music playlists that I listen to while I write and work, check out the links below: *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Dreams Are Made, Not Found
10/01/2021
Dreams Are Made, Not Found
One of the most pervasive ideas in Western culture is the concept of “finding your dreams.” No one knows for sure where this idea came from. The idea goes something like this: the main purpose of your life, vocationally speaking, is to find your dream. The dream is what you are meant to do. It’s granted by some otherworldly force or power. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to keep seeking and searching, defeating obstacles and naysayers, until the dream becomes a reality. On today's episode, you’ll discover that your dreams are things you actively create, not things that you passively wait for. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Bring Your ‘B’ Game
09/30/2021
Bring Your ‘B’ Game
Do you struggle with being a perfectionist? Perfectionism is the tendency to get paralyzed by the idea that your work is never good enough. Perfectionists imagine there is a standard out there and they can never reach it. They have convinced themselves that they will be an utter failure unless they reach that unreachable standard. Therefore, they never take action and instead live in a perpetual state of frustration. On today's episode, Kent shares a strategy that can help you overcome perfectionism. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Why Not You?
09/29/2021
Why Not You?
One of the most helpful perspectives we can adopt as writers is understanding that we don’t have an objective view of reality. This is hard to hear because most of us naturally believe we see things as they are. We assume we can see ourselves and everyone else clearly, as they are. We trust that our perceptions about our giftedness and other people’s talent are basically on target. But that’s almost never the case. In truth, we tend to underestimate our own potential, while overestimating everyone else’s. We think everyone else deserves success while we don’t. On today's episode, you’ll be reminded why success does not have anything to do with what you deserve, but with your actions. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Life is Not a Multiple-Choice Test
09/28/2021
Life is Not a Multiple-Choice Test
There is a common trait among successful writers, and it has nothing to do with skill, talent, genre, or style. Instead, it has everything to do with taking responsibility for your own life choices. Most people are passive observers of their own lives. They accept the choices that life hands to them. They assume what they see other people doing is what they should be doing also. They go along with the crowd, never rock the boat, and never achieve their dreams. On today's episode, you’ll be emboldened to take responsibility for your own life and stand out from the crowd. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Listen and Learn
09/27/2021
Listen and Learn
Have you ever sat in a coffee shop and listened to the conversations happening around you? It’s fascinating. 99% of the time, people are only talking about themselves. Almost everyone in every social situation makes a conversation about them. It is rare to hear someone who is listening empathetically to the other person who is speaking. In fact, communication experts have told us for decades that there’s far more communication happening in the facial gestures and body language of people than there is in their words. To go even a step further, our words are sometimes even designed to hide what we are really thinking and feeling. On today's episode, Kent challenges us to become better communicators as we listen and learn from the conversations happening around us. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Vincent Pugliese: Generosity is the Key to Book Marketing Success
09/26/2021
Vincent Pugliese: Generosity is the Key to Book Marketing Success
There are many keys to your success as a writer and author. Writing a great book is an important part of it, but there are other important things as well. One of those components is book marketing, which can seem like an intimidating and mysterious part of your business as a writer. While there can definitely be a lot of moving parts to marketing, it's important not to lose sight of the bigger picture, which is serving and connecting with readers. On today's episode, I want to share a recent call from our Daily Writer Community. One of our members is Vincent Pugliese, who is the author of the fantastic book, Freelance to Freedom. He also is the creator and leader of the amazing Total Life Freedom Community, a membership group that has had a radical impact on my mindset and success over the last couple of years. I can tell you unequivocally that I would not have been able to build a business and leave my day job without the encouragement of this community, particularly Vincent’s. One of the reasons Vincent is so successful as an entrepreneur and coach is that he looks at things differently. He approaches life and business with a generous mindset. On this call, he shares how he approaches book marketing through the lens of generosity. Not only does this take the pressure off of marketing your book in a sleazy way… it's also a lot more fun! This is a community call, so you'll hear others speaking on the call, in addition to myself and Vincent. Below, you'll find Vincent's links, in addition to a link for an episode he did on his Total Life Freedom podcast. That episode is "Becoming a Non-Bestselling Author," and I highly encourage you to give it a listen. It's a critical perspective for every writer! Click on the links below to connect with Vincent, purchase his book, or listen to his podcast: by Vincent Pugliese *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Chad Allen: Secrets to Building Your Author Platform
09/25/2021
Chad Allen: Secrets to Building Your Author Platform
Platform… it's one of those words that feels mysterious, intimidating, and maybe even confusing to many authors. You've heard that you need a platform and you're willing to do the work, but why do you need one and how do you build it? My friend Chad Allen is here on this episode to join me for a conversation about these questions and more. Chad is a writer, speaker, editor, and writing coach. As a twenty-year publishing professional, he served in acquisitions and directorial roles for Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, before going full-time with his own business. He has collaborated with numerous bestselling authors including Michael Hyatt, Jeff Goins, Mark Batterson, Phyllis Tickle, and many others. Chad is also the creator of Book Proposal Academy, an online course, and BookCamp, a mentoring and community hub for writers. His passion is helping writers get their books into the world. He blogs at . Chad holds a B.A. in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife, Alyssa, live with their two children in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this conversation, you will learn all about your author platform, including the #1 reason publishers turn books down, the best ways to grow your platform, the role of blogging and social media, how to change your mindset about growing your platform, and more. I had the privilege of meeting Chad a couple of years ago at Jeff Goins' Tribe Conference, and I can tell you he is the real deal. He is an excellent book coach and knows more than just about anyone on the planet about what it takes to put together an excellent book. Over the years, I have read and used dozens of books where Chad had a hand in their success… I just didn't know it at the time! In addition, Chad has a special offer for Daily Writer listeners, which is a free 30-day trial of Book Camp, his community that will help you grow your platform. Check out Chad’s special offer for this community, his book proposal course, and ways to connect with him below: *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Most People Will Love It
09/24/2021
Most People Will Love It
We writers often talk about the reasons we write. But what are the reasons we don’t write? What keeps us from writing? Several things probably come to mind: procrastination, not enough time, and not feeling creative, among others. But at the end of the day, there is one main thing that keeps us from writing. The novelist Erica Jong hit the nail on the head when she said, “I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged.” On this episode, Kent reminds us not to worry about who won’t like our writing, but to focus on those who will enjoy it. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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The Whole World is Your Writing Desk
09/23/2021
The Whole World is Your Writing Desk
If you have ever worked on a deadline, you understand the frustration of writing conditions that are not ideal. This can be a challenge if you think you can only write in certain conditions. The weather has to be just right. It has to be the perfect time of day. You need to have a certain drink or snack. You can only use a certain type of pen. The right kind of music has to be playing. You're having a good hair day. Does it help when we have perfect conditions? Of course. But that's not how professionals work. They have work to do, and they find a way to get it done. On this episode, you’ll learn that the only thing stopping you from being productive is the limitation you put on yourself. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Is It Helping You Get the Writing Done?
09/22/2021
Is It Helping You Get the Writing Done?
Here is a question to consider: what activities actually produce writing? This is not a trick question, but a serious one. Why? Because it’s easy for us to fall under the spell of doing writing-related activities while secretly avoiding the hard work of writing. The list of things that help our writing is endless. But they don’t actually constitute writing. On today’s episode, Kent encourages us to focus on putting in the work of actually writing. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Commit to Doing the Work
09/21/2021
Commit to Doing the Work
We writers love to create stories. And why not? There is something fun about creating a fantasy world, living in it for a while, and inviting others to join us there. Sometimes these fantasies bleed over into the real world, where we don’t quite live in reality. Here is one of the fantasies we love: We sit down to write, and all of a sudden, we feel magically inspired with an endless supply of motivation and great ideas. But it doesn’t always work that way. Most of the time, we sit down to write and don't feel the creative juices flow immediately. On today’s episode, you’ll be reminded that you can’t always rely on inspiration to write—you need to put in the work and let inspiration come. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our . Check out our , which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are a fantastic creative tool for creative writing, journaling, teaching, social media posts, podcasting, and more! Connect with Kent: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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