The Black Belt Mindset for Successful Writing 🥋 -- with Jennifer Lawler
Jennifer Lawler is my guest today. She’s authored or coauthored more than 30 nonfiction books and nearly 20 novels, including the award-winning Dojo Wisdom series (Penguin). One of those titles — "Dojo Wisdom for Writers: 100 Simple Ways to Become a More Inspired, Successful, and Fearless Writer" — is now on my reading list.Jennifer is a prolific and versatile creative professional. She’s written everything from fantasy and paranormal romance to martial arts guides and career how-tos. She also holds a Ph.D. in medieval English literature and a black belt in Taekwondo — which, as she explains, taught her lessons she still applies to writing.She’s worked as a developmental editor for over 20 years, has been a literary agent, a magazine editor, and now runs Club Ed, an online school for editors. She’s also taught editing and writing at universities and through professional programs across the U.S.If you’re a writer or an editor who wants to grow, improve, and stay inspired, this conversation is for you.Here's what I asked her...00:00 – Intro03:10 – How did you start writing?05:56 – Where do your ideas come from?08:40 – Do you finish every project?11:28 – How do you write nonfiction?14:36 – Does a personal story make nonfiction unique?16:23 - Self-publishing or traditional publishing?19:59 – How did editing help you?23:18 – Do writers need editors?25:15 – Beta reader or editor?28:04 – When is a draft ready for an editor?31:13 – Have you ever worked with writers who were resistant to feedback? 36:10 – What should writers ask when hiring an editor?42:01 – Can AI replace editors?45:50 – Has book quality dropped?48:30 – Advice for aspiring writers?51:08 – What’s in Dojo Wisdom?55:01 – How do you handle criticism?01:00:00 – Last questions 01:01:05 – Join Better WritersLinks- Jennifer's website - www.jenniferlawler.com- ClubEd - www.clubedfreelancers.com- Better Writers - www.fabiocerpelloni.com/privateSearch words (ignore)writing, editing, non-fiction, fiction, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing feedback, AI in writing, martial arts, author advice
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Self-Publishing Lessons, Costs, and Services from a First-Time Author: with Dr Alexandra Rogers (Ph.D.)
Dr. Alexandra Rogers is a clinical psychologist from California. She recently published Your Journey to Successful Parenting, a project that took her two years to complete. In this conversation, she shares how she did it--what tools and services she used, how much she spent, what she learned along the way, and what she’d do differently next time.If you're planning to self-publish a book, hearing from someone who's been through the process might be well worth your time.Enjoy!***Resources, tools, and services Alexandra used to self-publish her book***Book cover design: 100 Covers https://100covers.com/Editors - Christine Grail - https://www.thescriptconsultant.com/- Kirkus Editing - https://www.kirkusreviews.com/editing-services/Professional reviewers - Kirkus Reviews, for independent publishers- Publishers Weekly, the arm for independent publishers is BookLife ReviewISBNs- BowkerLibrary of Congresshttps://www.loc.gov/programs/preassigned-control-number/about-this-program/Paid Book promotion companies- Fussy Librarian- Hello Books- EreaderIQ- FreebooksyVoice over actor for audiobooks- https://www.voices.com/Audiobook published through: Findaway Voices - https://my.findawayvoices.comAlexandra's website - https://arogersbooks.com/Your Journey to Successful Parenting - https://www.amazon.com/YOUR-JOURNEY-SUCCESSFUL-PARENTING-STRESS-FREE/dp/B0DZQRH5N1Alexandra also mentioned "How to Get Paid for What You Know" by Graham Cochrane ***Join Better Writers - https://fabiocerpelloni.com/private
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The Writer's Most Important Skill 🧠👁
What's the writer's most important skill? A few reflections and stories about that...Join Better Writers - https://fabiocerpelloni.com/private/Several Short Sentences About Writing - https://youtu.be/UEJmxMuKecg?si=Xl4BCXIFP_L2owIgWriting Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer - https://youtu.be/_W90D4dTdhA?si=kBo6MXzxZuwQuUB8
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You Might Not Read These Books … But I Will 😄
Join the Tiny Book Writing Group - https://fabiocerpelloni.com/tiny-book-writing-group/Better Writers - https://fabiocerpelloni.com/private/The speeches we would watch at the end of each day. Don't be put off by the quality of the videos. They're great - https://youtu.be/cz7QHNvNFfA?si=aaQxfporzLNFRwMB
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16:40
How to Write Well (50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer)
Book recommendation: "Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer" by Roy Peter Clark***Join Better Writers - https://fabiocerpelloni.com/private/
I have this podcast to help writers and creatives improve their craft. You'll find conversations with brilliant thinkers (Seth Godin, Derek Sivers, Kerri Sackville, Matthew Dicks, and more) interviews with authors, unscripted rambles, unedited reflections, tips, stories, rants -- anything to help you become a better writer, artist, and creative thinker.
You're welcome to join me!
I ask more questions than I answer.
(The show is also available on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@fabiocerpelloni)
Ascolta Open Draft - with Fabio Cerpelloni, Kinghiana. Un podcast su Stephen King e molti altri podcast da tutto il mondo con l’applicazione di radio.it