Born To Create

As you continue to grow in your writing skills, your connections, and your influence, you will have more and more opportunities. This is both a good and bad thing. Obviously, opportunities are wonderful! You can write for more outlets or reach more readers with your own writing. With this expanded influence and connection also comes the need the limit your activities to the few things that produce the most results. It’s hard to run a YouTube channel, host a podcast, write books, maintain a blog or newsletter, speak at conferences, and do all the other things you see influencers doing… unless it’s your full-time job and you have a staff. You’re going to have to pick and choose what to focus on. On this episode, Kent shares a strategy for how to filter your opportunities and maximize your success. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, whi

As we talked about yesterday, you need to have a system where you can plant or store all the thoughts, information, and ideas you will use as raw material for writing. And while that is an important start, you need to water these tiny seeds so they can grow into something useful. We have a plethora of ways to gain knowledge today, including podcasts, ebooks, audiobooks, videos, courses, and so much more. But none of these learning sources compare to good old-fashioned books. On this episode, you’ll be inspired to consistently read in order to nourish your creativity and your mind. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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, podc

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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 creati

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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:     https://DailyWriterLife.c

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 yo

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: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-do-keyword-research-ht. Brainstorm It!, which is available here: https://tools.sitesell.com/. *** Are you looking for a community of enthusiastic, generous writers to help you build better habits and grow your writing business? Check out our Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, which will help you break through c

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 other

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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:     https://DailyWriterLife.com     Facebook: https://facebook.com/kent.sanders     Instagram: https://inst

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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:     https://D

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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:     https://DailyWriterLife.com     Facebook: https://facebook.com/kent.sanders     Instagram: https://instagram.com/kentsanders    

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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:     https

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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:     http

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 mag

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 ho

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back in

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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, podcas

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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:     https://DailyWriterLife.com     Facebook: https://facebook.com/kent.sanders     Instagram: https://instagram.com/kentsanders     Linke

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, 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 writ

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Wr

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 Daily Writer Community.      Check out our Daily Writing Prompts, which will help you break through creative blocks, brainstorm new ideas, and get back into a state of flow. Writing prompts are