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One of the most common themes I hear from people who want to write is, “Where do I start?” So many people have the desire, even the calling, to write … yet they don’t know where to begin.

Rather than do a straight-up teaching episode on this topic, or having a single guest, I thought it would be fun to do a round-table discussion with a few of my writer friends to give different perspectives on getting started. This was so much fun that I’ve decided to do a monthly round-table format on different topics.

I’m thrilled that three good friends have been able to join me for this conversation: Eric Elder is an online pastor, author, pianist, and music producer. Mary Felkins is a novelist who released her first book last year, and Ashley Rescot is a violinist, music teacher, and short story author. Of course, each of these friends is much more, but that gives you a little context for what each of them brings to the table.

In this conversation, we tackle some topics such as:

• What would you say to someone who believes they’re not a good writer?
• How and where do get started?
• What was a failure you have experienced as a writer, and what did you learn from it?
• How do you stay on track with your writing?

By the way, all four of us have been participants in the Online Christian Writers Group that Eric has so graciously been leading for the past year. In this group, you’ll learn things like how to get started writing, how to make a first draft, how to edit, how to format and upload to self publish on Amazon, how to approach traditional publishers, and so on. Visit the link above to watch all the episodes.

You can connect with Eric at TheRanch.org, Mary at MaryFelkins.com, and Ashley at RescotCreative.com.

Thanks for Listening!

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The post Writers Roundtable: Getting Started as a Writer (with Eric Elder, Ashley Rescot & Mary Felkins) appeared first on Kent Sanders.

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Here is the U.S., we like to talk about ownership. In fact, one of the hallmarks of American society is the concept of owning land, owning a house, and owning a car.

But when it comes to our careers and the direction of our lives, we often leave that completely up to chance.

My guest today is here to help us do a course-correction. His name is Andy Storch, and he is a consultant, coach, speaker, and facilitator specializing in the Talent Development space. Andy is also the host of two podcasts, including The Talent Development Hot Seat and the Own Your Career, Own Your Life Show.  In addition, Andy also heads up the Talent Development Think Tank Conference and Community and can now add “author” to his growing list of achievements.

Andy’s brand-new book just released on Amazon this past week, and it’s called Own Your Career, Own Your Life: Stop Drifting and Take Control of Your Future. I can honestly say this is one of the best professional and personal development books I have read in a long time. Andy teaches you how to own your career, take responsibility, do networking the right way, and a lot of other key habits and practices that will make you successful.

I first got to know Andy in the Total Life Freedom Community, which you probably recall is a running theme with a lot of my podcast guests. Andy is the real deal. He is kind, generous, brilliant, a great connector, and the kind of person who will help you succeed in life just because you spend time with him.

In this conversation, Andy and I talk about the importance of asking for help, how to network properly (especially if you’re an introvert), Andy’s process of writing this book, and his advice to aspiring authors. I definitely recommend that you purchase Andy’s book and use some time over the holidays to digest it.

You can connect with Andy via his website, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter.

Thanks for Listening!

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The post Own Your Career, Own Your Life (with Andy Storch) appeared first on Kent Sanders.

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If you’ve been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know that I place a big emphasis on habits, mindset, creativity, and related topics.

Those are all inputs into our writing. I emphasize those things because those are essential for any type of writing success.

Today I want to shift gears a bit and talk about a very practical topic related to writing, and that is making money. I fundamentally believe that if you are a writer, you should be getting compensated for your work in some way.

If you can learn to persuade, tell stories, and transmit ideas through the power of your words, that is a very powerful skill. If you can also add other potential services, even better!

On this episode, we walk through 15 ways to earn money from your writing, and skills you will develop as part of your writing platform. (Just to keep things transparent, I have earned money from each of these.)

CONTENT CREATION

1. Book sales
2. Ghostwriting
3. Writing articles for publications
4. Copywriting
5. Speaking
6. Courses
7. Editing
8. Podcast show notes

TECHNICAL SERVICES

9. Building websites
10. SaaS tools
11. Podcast / audiobook production
12. Graphic design services

OTHER

13. Coaching
14. Memberships
15. Affiliate income

Thanks for Listening!

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As I talk to writers, one of the most common themes I hear is, “I’ve always wanted to write a novel.” It seems like almost everybody has a story they would love to tell.

But how do you get it done? What is the process for writing a novel? And how do you work through all the inevitable struggle of the messy middle — the part where the excitement wears off and you’re still a long way from finishing?

I’m thankful that I have an amazing guest today who is here to give us some answers. Her name is Bethany Lee, and she has published her first novel, which is an amazing young adult book titled Called Upon. Bethany describes herself as an “outside girl” who loves biking, hiking, and basically any activity that can be done in yoga pants. She is a communications graduate who has a soft spot for young adults and all of the cringy moments they experience every day.

Bethany has been a creative writer since early childhood, and she uses humor, honesty, and whimsy to pull the reader in and invite them to laugh, relate, and introspect. Bethany lives in Lehi, Utah with her husband and three children.

In our conversation, Bethany talks about the power of fiction, how she came up with the story, her writing process for getting it done, and much more. If you have ever thought about writing a novel, I’ll know you’ll be inspired by her journey and determination to get a book out into the world.

You can connect with Bethany via her website or on Instagram. When you buy her book Called Upon via her website, make sure to use the coupon code “Writers40” to get 40% off your total purchase, including shipping and handling.

Thanks for Listening!

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The post The Journey of Writing a Novel (with Bethany Lee) appeared first on Kent Sanders.

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On this month’s Listener Q&A, we tackle a number of great questions (time stamp and the name of the person asking the question are included):

• 1:57 – How do you stay productive during the pandemic, and when you have a lot of different ideas? (By Shawn Washburn & Mike Singleton)
• 6:20 – How do you deal with being a perfectionist? (By Ted Biermann)
• 11:50 – How do you get past emotions to write a memoir? (By Becca White)
• 17:25 – What are some tips for dealing with writer’s block? (By M.J. James & Sree Sripathy)
• 20:15 – What do you think about Dorothy Parker’s quote, “I hate writing, I love having written”? (By Derek Brink)
• 25:35 – How do you include the right amount of background information in a novel? (By Brittany Musgrave)
• 27:04 – How can I overcome feeling shy around others? (By Brittany Musgrave)
• 31:58 – Should I work from an outline or just start writing? (By Tad Dickel)
• 34:10 – How can a new writer gain confidence? (By Josey Sewell)
• 38:28 – I can’t afford to self-publish . . . what should I do? (By Ray Jewell)
• 42:50 – What are 3 mental muscles to build good daily writing habits? (By Ben Killoy)
• 45:25 – How can I develop my writing voice or style? (By Susan Stitch)
• 46:42 – Where do I get started as a writer? (By Mike Snyder)
• 51:08 – How important is the use of story in a non-fiction book? (By John Stange)

Thanks to all of our listeners who submitted questions!

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I’m thrilled to bring you this conversation with my good friend Terry Stafford. Terry is an award-winning author who has written four novels, the most recent of which, Left Coast Left, completed a trilogy. Terry is also an editor, and in fact, he recently edited a book I ghostwrote for a client. He did an amazing job.

Terry has a background in the US Navy, and also with NASA as a project manager. Based on his experience in project management, Terry saw how his experience in that field could bring order out of creative chaos in his own writing life. He strongly believes that leadership principles can be taught through story, which is what we’re here to talk about today.

Terry shares how he explores leadership through his novels, as well as his process for crafting a story. He also talks about writing habits, the writing tools he uses, and much more. You can connect with Terry on LinkedIn or his website.

Thanks for Listening!

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I’m thrilled to bring you the first episode of my new podcast, The Daily Writer!

If you consider yourself a creative entrepreneur who wants to build a business with your writing, or writing is a key part of your business, this show is for you. If you write books, articles, blog posts, newsletters, curriculum, sermons, novels, short stories, screenplays, video scripts, or anything else . . . this show will help you be more successful.

The title “Daily Writer” has a double meaning. First, this is a daily show. On weekdays, we’ll bring you short lessons to help you be more creative and productive. On weekends, we’ll bring you listener Q&A, conversations with notable writers and thinkers, and expanded teaching content.

Second, the show is designed to help you write every day. A big factor in your writing success is establishing a great writing habit. Writing is not just an activity or obligation–it’s a lifestyle.

I go into lots more detail about what to expect from the show, including the four key practices of a great writer: Creativity, Consistency, Courage, and Connection.

Thanks for Listening!

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The post Introduction to the Daily Writer Podcast appeared first on Kent Sanders.

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When you’re a writer, it’s easy to get caught up in the content treadmill. We sometimes forget that we write to change lives.

That’s why a call to action is such a vital part of any content. On this episode, you’ll learn why a CTA (call to action) is so important, and some ideas for creating a great CTA.

Thanks for Listening!

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The post Blogging 101: How to Write a Clear Call to Action appeared first on Kent Sanders.

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I’m excited to bring you this conversation with Dr. Tracey Jones, who is the President of Tremendous Leadership. She’s an author, speaker, veteran, international leadership expert, publisher, and host of the Tremendous Leadership podcast.

Tracey is a passionate lifelong learner and her career spans top positions in four major industries, from the military to high tech, to defense contracting, and publishing. She is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a decorated veteran who served in the First Gulf War and Bosnian War, earned an MBA in Global Management, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies.

If you haven’t yet been introduced to Tracey, you might have heard of her father, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, who wrote the very well-known book Life is Tremendous. For years, I have used her father’s famous quote in many lessons and talks I’ve given. He said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for two things; the people you meet and the books you read.” It was a real blessing to be able to talk to his daughter, who now leads their company.

This conversation focused on books and the impact they can have on our lives. Tracey gives us some insights into their publishing company, Tremendous Leadership, her process for writing books, and some of her daily habits for writing.

You can connect with Tracey on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or her website. Also be sure to check out her excellent podcast, Tremendous Leadership, as well as her new book, ​Spark: 5 Essentials to Ignite the Greatness Within.

Thanks for Listening!

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The post Tremendous Leadership & The Power of Books (with Dr. Tracey C. Jones) appeared first on Kent Sanders.

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You’ve worked hard to write a blog post or article that communicates great information. But have you looked at your content from your reader’s perspective?

Objections are the mental and emotional roadblocks that a reader experiences when they see your content. On this episode, we dive into a bit of psychology and look at several types of objections readers typically have. You’ll also learn four ways to counter those objections so you can help them be more successful.

Thanks for Listening!

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The post Blogging 101: How to Counter Your Reader’s Objections appeared first on Kent Sanders.