The Creative Shift with Dan Blank

In recent episodes of this podcast, I’ve encouraged you to stop thinking about social media as being just about growing how many followers you have. But today I want to talk about the opposite: why having followers on social media can matter to your goals as a writer. The context I’m talking about here is … Continue reading "What is the value of having social media followers? (podcast)"

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I have seen so much discussion recently about social media and email newsletters. Today, I want to encourage something critical: Focus on your goals as a writer and the experiences you want to have with readers. I worry that focusing too much on what each social network provides (the trends, the algorithms, etc.), has us … Continue reading "Honor your connection to readers (podcast)"

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I am often in conversation with writers and creators about their mixed feelings about social media, or their downright dislike of it. In some ways, it feels like we are at a crossroads with social media. Relying on it for some important things, constantly distracted by it, and repulsed by it for different reasons. Today, … Continue reading "Typewriters, and social media (podcast)"

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Many writers I speak with are surprised at how difficult it can be to get reviews for their books — even from friends, family, or colleagues. Today I want to talk about some reasons why that might be, and I’ll share advice on how you can get more reviews. You can listen to the podcast … Continue reading "Why your book isn’t getting reviews (podcast)"

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I was speaking with a writer recently who shared a question someone asked them. You see, this writer is embarking on a new phase of her life where she wants to write fiction and creative nonfiction. Her friend asked: “If you were going to do something with your writing, wouldn’t you have done it already?” … Continue reading "Do your friends & family support your writing goals? (podcast)"

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I recently rewatched the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. I can’t help but feel as though it is a lens into the challenges that writers face in navigating social media. Today I want to talk about how the movie is a metaphor for these challenges. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ … Continue reading "A Window or a Gateway (podcast)"

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As a writer or creator, I’m sure you have read that you should connect directly with your potential readers on social media, a newsletter, and elsewhere online. And when you ask “Um, what exactly do I share? How — specifically — do I do this?” You may have heard the advice of: “Just be authentic!” But that … Continue reading "What does “just be authentic” on social media mean? (podcast)"

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There are many writers and creators who think that marketing is the act of getting in someone’s way. Of tricking someone to subscribe to a newsletter by giving them a freebie; using a hashtag to game the social media algorithm to share your work; or posting a random meme to social media to get any … Continue reading "Great marketing is giving people something they WANT to share (podcast)"

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Isn’t it enough just to create a great book or work of art? Why would a writer ever have to feel responsible for marketing their own book? Shouldn’t that be the job of the publisher? Let’s dig into this topic.  You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places: … Continue reading "Why should writers worry about marketing at all? (podcast)"

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Regardless of the publishing path you choose, I encourage you to prepare your author platform for sharing your writing or publishing a book way before you think you need it. Like, years before. Today I want to talk about why that is. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the … Continue reading "Prepare your author platform earlier than you think (podcast)"

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Are a writer or creator who feels that you one day want your work to be read/seen? Or you worry you just don’t have the network — the access — to others who create, who engage your ideal readers, and to your ideal readers themselves? Then I want to tell you about this truly incredible resource … Continue reading "Generosity should be your platform, part 2 (podcast)"

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Today I want to talk about the anxiety we feel when we share. So much of the work that I do is to help writers feel a sense of purpose and strategy in sharing their books, their writing, and their mission. But there are often hidden emotions and psychology which stops us from sharing, delays … Continue reading "Anxiety and Sharing (Podcast)"

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Rejection is a normal part of the creative journey Author Fleur Bradley shared this recently: “I would say I have at least 1,000 rejections, though I stopped counting long ago.” Today I want to talk about why rejection is a common part of the creative journey, and how that should empower you to choose your … Continue reading "Rejection is a normal part of the creative journey"

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Boundaries actually make better art, and help you get better at sharing what you create. We all have boundaries. We all have preferences that feel like they are rules set in stone. The one I run into most often is this: “I have a hard time sharing because I’m an introvert. Marketing just isn’t for … Continue reading "Can an introvert get good at marketing? (podcast)"

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I’ve asked this question to writers many many times: “Would you prefer people you know buy your book, or strangers.” Their face lights up with unquestioning certainty: “STRANGERS!” But what I often find is that to build momentum in how your creative work is shared, it starts with those you already have a connection with. … Continue reading "The marketing advice few writers want to hear (podcast)"

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Instead of just recommending a book here and there, instead of just doing a #FollowFriday on Twitter, instead of just linking to someone, what if you gushed about them? What if you celebrated them in a big way? What if you honored what they create? What if you took on the role of someone who shares … Continue reading "Generosity should be your platform (podcast)"

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Today I want to discuss two strategies for effectively marketing your writing that may seem to conflict with each other. Yet, both are essential. Here they are: #1 Consistency Matters. #2 Delight and Surprise Your Audience. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Stitcher … Continue reading "To engage readers: be consistent & delight them (podcast)"

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Today I want to talk about how to reach your goals as a writer. That may be book sales, or book reviews, or appearances, or getting essays published, or developing a following, or so much else. I will cover four key areas from a marketing perspective: 1. Proximity Matters 2. Focus on Conversion 3. Understand … Continue reading "4 critical steps to growing your audience (podcast)"

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Growing up, Corie Adjmi was always experimenting with creativity, but grew up in a house full of athletes: “In the bookcase in my house, there were very few books, but a lot of trophies. But they always gave me the opportunity to take classes.” That support translated into a life of dance, art, and then… … Continue reading "“I’m so happy to be writing, I feel like this is where I was meant to end up,” with Corie Adjmi"

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Many writers and artists who consider how others will find their work look to the common channels: social media, email newsletters, and the like. But right away, they are confronted with challenges: “Um what do I share? And how often do I have to do that? And why will anyone care? And… shouldn’t I be … Continue reading "Create a Sharing System (Podcast)"

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