Skip to main content
Become a Writer Today

Become a Writer Today

By Bryan Collins

Welcome to Become a Writer Today hosted by Bryan Collins from Ireland. Get practical advice about creativity, productivity, writing and lots more.

Need help writing? Visit becomeawritertoday.com/join and I'll send you a free course.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
PodBean Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

How to Write a Good Recipe Book With Sean McCormack, Head Vet of Tails

Become a Writer Today Dec 11, 2019

00:00
24:19
How to Start A Creative Business In Two Hours a Day With Dane Maxwell

How to Start A Creative Business In Two Hours a Day With Dane Maxwell

Could you start a creative business in two hours a day? That's how I launched Become a Writer Today. I got up early in the mornings to write, create courses and figure out what readers wanted.

I'm hardly unique.

Dane Maxwell believes one can do it.

He is the author of
Start From Zero: Build Your Own Business and Experience True Freedom and the founder of several software-as-a-service businesses.

In this interview, Dane explains:

  • How to build your creative business in two hours a day
  • What to outsource if you want to increase profits fast
  • How to balance your ideas with what readers, students or clients will pay for 
  • Why he likes James Patterson's writing routine

And lots more.

I start by asking Dane how to build a business in two hours a day.


Attention writers

Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon.

May 07, 202030:06
How To Write an Allegory With Jordan Gross

How To Write an Allegory With Jordan Gross

Would you like to write an allegory?

An allegory is basically a story that reveals a hidden meaning or moral. One great example is *The Alchemist* by Paulo Coelho. An allegory is necessarily as long as a novel, but it should leave the reader with an understanding of a key concept or idea.

An allegory is a little like self-help, except in the vein of a story.

Jordan Gross is author of the allegory
The Journey to Cloud Nine and a TEDx speaker. He's also a prolific non-fiction Medium writer.

In this interview, Gross explains:

  • The problems with traditional self-help books today
  • Why he veered away from this genre
  • How to write an allegory
  • What it took to land a TEDx speaking gig
  • How he's selling copies of his new book through public speaking  

And lots more.

I started by asking Jordan why he decided to write the allegory The Journey to Cloud Nine in the first place

Resources

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Attention writers

Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon

Apr 29, 202033:44
Collaborative Writing And Creative Projects With Jared Geller of HitRECORD
Apr 22, 202024:34
Writing Memoir, Making Big Decisions and Bonus Time With Author Brian Pennie

Writing Memoir, Making Big Decisions and Bonus Time With Author Brian Pennie

Will it make our boat go faster? That's a question Great Britain's 2000 Olympic rowing team asked itself every day prior to winning gold in Australia.
For a writer, your boat might represent writing a memoir and publishing it, landing a new client or launching a course. So when faced with a decision about to do more or less of, frame it around the boat question.


This is an idea Irishman Brian Pennie speaks about regularly. The author of Bonus Time, Pennie is also a PhD student of neuroscience, lecturer and a recovering heroin addict.


In this interview he explains:

  • How he overcame his heroin addiction
  • Why he decided to write a memoir about his painful personal story
  • How to make decisions faster
  • What his writing process looks like
  • And lots more.


I started by asking Brian how he overcame heroin and started writing a memoir.


Resources:
**Attention writers**
Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon

Apr 15, 202031:28
How to Go From Blog to Book With Nina Amir

How to Go From Blog to Book With Nina Amir

Do you want to go from blog to book?

Nina Amir is the author of titles like *How to Blog a Book* and *The Author Training Manual*. Amir coaches clients and students through this iterative creative process.

Formerly a journalist like me, Amir has been blogging since 2006 and runs not one but four different sites including Write Nonfiction Now!, How to Blog a Book.

In this interview, Nina explains:

  • How to go from blog to book
  • Why bloggers have all they need to become nonfiction authors
  • What to do before you write a single blog post
  • How to conquer problems like overwhelm and not having time to write

And lots more.

I started by asking Nina why she left her journalism career behind and if she'd ever go back.

Resources:

Poor Brother, Rich Brother
The Art of Writing a Non-Fiction Book
The Power of Creativity
This Is Working

Quote for podcast intro


The idea is that you're writing the book, at the same time you're blogging and the blog is building your platform, your author platform, right? It's getting you that promotional engine going, the pre-promotion of your book so that you have a fan base that's ready to buy the book when it comes out. Do it all at once.


Attention writers

Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon

Apr 08, 202031:46
How to Build a Niche Website That Earns Six Figures A Year with Jon Dykstra

How to Build a Niche Website That Earns Six Figures A Year with Jon Dykstra

During the early 2000s, Canadian-lawyer Jon Dykstra faced a unique challenge. His employer wanted him to attract more clients through blogging and content marketing. So, Dykstra began writing about legal topics that interested clients, based on their search queries.

Today, he regularly earns over $40,000 a  month from online publishing.

In this interview, Jon explains:

  • What is a niche website and why they're so profitable 
  • Why niche sites are ideal business opportunities for writers
  • Where to get niche website ideas
  • What Jon would do if he had just one hour a week to work

And lots more

I started by asking Jon how he transitioned from a career as a lawyer to becoming an online publisher, running nine profitable niche sites.

Resources:

Fat Stacks Blog

Attention writers

Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon

Apr 01, 202030:11
Writing From Home During the COVID-19 Crisis
Mar 26, 202011:20
Side Hustle Ideas for Creatives Who Want to Earn Thousands per Month

Side Hustle Ideas for Creatives Who Want to Earn Thousands per Month

Are you looking for profitable side hustle ideas? It’s not a good idea to depend on one income source. If you’re working a fulltime job, you could lose it and find yourself scrambling to pay the bills.

That happened to me back in 2008 when I was a freelance journalist dependent on one client. It happened again in 2012 when a charity I was working for let me go.

Even if you don’t depend on your employer, profitable creatives avoid trading all their time for money. They create assets that help them focus on what they love making without worrying about paying the bills.

You can too

Mar 25, 202023:30
What Most Writers Get Wrong About Personal Branding
Mar 11, 202008:20
Why Creatives Need a Business Disaster Recovery Plan With Sally Binard
Mar 04, 202023:33
5 Great Ways to Get Paid to Write
Feb 26, 202011:23
Writing Children's Books and Storytelling for Brands with Leah Komaiko

Writing Children's Books and Storytelling for Brands with Leah Komaiko

What was the first children's book you ever read? Mine was The BFG by Roald Dahl. Thinking of that book could help you tell better stories and even connect with readers today.

That's an approach branding consultant and children's book author Leah Komaiko recommends.

In this interview, Leah explains:

  • How she got started writing children's books
  • Why the first children's book you ever read is so important
  • What effective copywriting looks and sounds like
  • Why I (and you) should re-read the first children's book you remember...and      what it could mean for your creative work

And lots more.

I start by asking Leah to describe how she transitioned from writing children's books to advising Fortune 100 clients about storytelling.

Resources

Story by Robert McKee

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Quote "I discovered, in writing kids' books, that there's a very strong connection between what makes a great kids' book and what makes it a very powerful brand."

Attention writers

Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon

Feb 19, 202034:01
3 Strategies for Becoming a More Efficient Writer
Feb 06, 202010:57
How Newsletters Make Money for Writers with Hamish McKenzie of Substack
Jan 29, 202025:51
My Annual Review 2019

My Annual Review 2019

January is one of my favourite times of the year. Much like a blank page, it's a fresh start rich with possibility.

A key part of any new year involves putting the past to one side. The best way to do that is by writing an annual review, a practice I follow every year.

In this annual review podcast and article, I'll explain what I did and wrote during 2019. I'll also cover what did and didn't work.

Strap in.

Jan 27, 202022:31
Unlocking Your Extraordinary Mind with Vishen Lakhiani of Mindvalley
Jan 22, 202031:55
How To Find More Time to Write by Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal
Jan 15, 202030:51
The Fiction Formula And Self-Publishing Quickly with Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant

The Fiction Formula And Self-Publishing Quickly with Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant

Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant co-founded Sterling & Stone and the authors of a touchstone non-fiction book Write. Publish. Repeat. They've just released the follow up to that book The Fiction Formula and are co-hosts of the Story Studio podcast.

In this interview, Johnny and Sean explain:

  • Why they stopped creating courses and hosting in-person events for authors
  • How they're going to publish 150 books in 2020 (yes, 150!)
  • What it takes to generate thousands of dollars a month in revenue each month on Amazon
  • Where new indie authors should start if they want to self-publish quickly
  • How the Flywheel Effect (a concept from the business world) informs their creative process

And lots more.

I start by asking the pair why they decided to write a follow up to Write. Publish. Repeat.

Resources

 The Fiction Formula

Write. Publish. Repeat. The No Luck Required Guide to Self-Publishing Success

The Flywheel Effect by Jim Collins

Attention writers

Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon

Jan 08, 202043:56
How Meditation Helps Creativity with Dr. Megan Jones of Headspace
Jan 01, 202023:47
Creativity for Writers with Dr. Roger Firestien
Dec 25, 201938:02
Writing a Book About Leadership With Mark Brown, of Outward Bound

Writing a Book About Leadership With Mark Brown, of Outward Bound

What does it take to become a great leader? There are many great books on this topic. One book I read recently is Outward Bound Lessons to Live a Life of Leadership by Mark Brown.


From Ohio, Brown has worked with the learning and leadership organization Outward Bound for over twenty years and has served as a transformational coach in many industries.


In this podcast episode, he explains:

  • Why he wrote a book about leadership
  • How to apply the 70/20/10 leadership model
  • Why interviewing other leaders and coaches formed key parts of his book
  • How he broke his book up into three acts

And lots more


I started by asking Mark to explain what the organization Outward Bound is and how it helps aspiring leaders.

Dec 18, 201933:26
How to Write a Good Recipe Book With Sean McCormack, Head Vet of Tails

How to Write a Good Recipe Book With Sean McCormack, Head Vet of Tails

You don't have to write a novel or a 60,000-word magnum opus to become an author. Successful recipe books can earn authors a healthy paycheque and build a brand in a way that's just not possible through other forms of media.

Sean McCormack is the head vet for
Tails, a pet food company that provides personalised dog food in the United Kingdom and France. He's also the co-author of The Happy Dog CookBook, a recipe book for dogs.

In this interview McCormack explains:

  • Why he co-wrote a recipe book for dog
  • The value of writing ideas down in a book as opposed to an interview or video
  • What it took to produce the first draft in just a few weeks
  • How he road-tested the recipes inside of The Happy Dog CookBook
  • How a business can build its brand through publishing a book

And lots more

I start by asking Sean to explain what Tails do and why they decided to publish a cookbook for dogs with Sean.

Dec 11, 201924:19
Turn Your Writing Into a Course That You Love Launching With Laura Philips

Turn Your Writing Into a Course That You Love Launching With Laura Philips

One of my goals on Become a Writer Today is to help you earn more money from writing.

Creating courses and offering coaching is a great way of getting paid. You can easily turn a non-fiction book into a course.

Selling courses and coaching packages is a little bit trickier though. Believe me, I've made a lot of mistakes!

Many writers feel uncomfortable with asking for the sale. I know I did when I first started selling courses online.

Laura Philips is a British entrepreneur who runs
Love to Launch. Her business coaches students and clients how to create, launch and sell online courses, products and services.

In this interview, she explains:

  • How to launch a product or service to it feels effortless
  • How to align your creative passion with what readers and customers want
  • What a non-fiction writer should consider before their next launch 
  • How to avoid overwhelm and still find time for your creative work... or time off

And lots more

I started by asking Laura to describe how she helps online entrepreneurs launch courses, products and services.

Dec 04, 201930:11
How to Work With An Editor With Neha Vaidya of PaperTrue

How to Work With An Editor With Neha Vaidya of PaperTrue

PaperTrue provides copyediting and proofreading services to writers, entrepreneurs and academics. Based in India, the company employs over 100 editors and works with writers, academics, entrepreneurs and executives around the world.

In this interview, CEO Neha Vaidya explains:

  • Why every writer should work with an editor
  • How to prepare your story, screenplay or book for an editor
  • How much editing and proofreading costs
  • What to expect from your editor

And lots more

I started by asking Neha to explain a little more about how PaperTrue helps writers.

Further reading
This Is Working

Nov 27, 201927:09
How Journaling Helps Writers Find Better Ideas With Michal Korzonek

How Journaling Helps Writers Find Better Ideas With Michal Korzonek

Michal Korzonek is the co-founder of Journal Smarter. Living in the UK with his partner and co-founder Silvia Barros, he teaches clients and students how to use journaling for cultivating habits and  focusing on their goals.

In this interview, he explains:

  • How writers and creatives can use journaling to find more ideas
  • How to cultivate a journaling habit if you don't have one
  • The tools he uses...and why analogue is sometimes best
  • How journaling encourages creative and clear thinking

Further reading

And lots more

I started by asking Michal what he wants to achieve with Journal Smarter.

Nov 21, 201928:26
Want to Earn More From Creative Work? Give Your Best Stuff Away For Free
Nov 14, 201925:24
Diversify Your Income With Magician and Author Joshua Jay

Diversify Your Income With Magician and Author Joshua Jay

Joshua Jay is an award-winning magician and the author of popular books like several popular books including Magic: The Complete Course. He's also the founder of Vanishing Inc. one the largest magic retailers in the United States.

I recently caught up with Jay, and in this interview, he explains:

  • How writing and publishing books helped grow his business
  • The role of suspense and surprise in any creative work
  • How he balances business and creative projects
  • Why we should prepare for the next recession today (and how to do it)

And lots more


Attention writers! 

What's the best grammar checker of 2019?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.

Nov 07, 201925:35
How To Become More Creative With Michael Gelb

How To Become More Creative With Michael Gelb

How can you unlock creative thinking? What would it take to think like Leonardo da Vinci?

One man with answers to those questions is New York Time best-selling author
Michael Gelb.

Michael is the author of over a dozen books about creativity, innovation and leadership, including the best-seller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci.

His latest book is called The Healing Organization: Awakening the Conscience of Business to Help Save the World.

Prior to its release, I caught up with Michael. In this interview, he explains:

  • Why every creative and business owner should give something back
  • How you can think like Leonard da Vinci
  • Where he gets ideas for his books
  • How you can unlock creative thinking
  • How side-pursuits, like Tai-Chi and Qigong inform his creative process

And lots more


Attention writers!

What's the best grammar checker tool you can use?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.


Oct 31, 201931:58
How to Write a Novel in 90 Days With Man Booker Nominated Author Louise Dean

How to Write a Novel in 90 Days With Man Booker Nominated Author Louise Dean

Louise Dean is a British novelist, the author of four published works including Becoming Strangers, This Human Season, The Idea of Love and The Old Romantic.


Becoming Strangers was long-listed for the Man Booker prize while The Old Romanic was an Oprah book of the week. Dean also teaches aspiring novelist how to write fiction and secure book deals via the
Novelry.

In this interview, she explains:

  • The one skill every writer must learn (this applies to fiction and non-fiction)
  • Why 90 days is the perfect amount of time for first drafts
  • How she approaches writing and business
  • What it's like when your works becomes an Oprah book of the * week
  • Her radical approach to fighting writer's block

And much more.

Attention Writers!
Would you improve your writing skills? This article explains to top online writing courses available online today and includes details about Louise Dean's course.

Oct 24, 201927:29
How To Become a Prolific Writer With Pascal Gambardella

How To Become a Prolific Writer With Pascal Gambardella

Pascal Gambardella, who holds a PhD, is an author and lecturer specialising in creative thinking. Over the years, he has taught students how to become more prolific and how to overcome problems like writer's block.

In this interview, Pascal explains:

  • How he encourages prolific writing
  • The questions you should ask yourself at the start of any writing project
  • Why every writer should trigger a creative state and how to do it
  • What his writing routine looks like

And lots more

Resources

How to Write a Journal


Attention writers!
What's the best grammar checker of 2019?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.

Oct 17, 201922:50
How To Standout on Social Media and Grow Your Business Using Content Marketing With Timothy Sykes

How To Standout on Social Media and Grow Your Business Using Content Marketing With Timothy Sykes

Timothy Sykes is a blogger, a millionaire day trader, teacher and now philanthropist through his charity Karmagawa.

Sykes teaches students how to trade penny stocks. He has built a business around his controversial approach using blogging, content and social media marketing.

Sykes is also the author of An American Hedge Fund: How I Made $2 Million as a Stock Operator & Created a Hedge Fund.

In this interview, Sykes explains:

  • How he uses content marketing to build his business and promote his charity
  • What it takes to stand out on social media today
  • How he deals with online critics
  • Why storytelling is every entrepreneur and creative professional's secret weapon

And lots more

Attention writers!
What's the best grammar checker of 2019?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.

Oct 10, 201927:13
What's Your Book's Big Idea? Building a Culture of Good With Scott Moorehead

What's Your Book's Big Idea? Building a Culture of Good With Scott Moorehead

Not every author writes a book to earn more money. Some authors have a message they want to share with the world.

Scott Moorehead is one such writer.

He is the  co-author of Build A Culture of Good: Unleash Results by Letting Your Employees Bring Their Soul to Work.

In this book, Moorehead and his co-authors Ryan McCarty and Marshall Goldsmith make a case for promoting philanthropy in the workplace.

In this interview Moorehead explains

  •  Why he choose to write a book about philanthropy in the first place
  • How he came up with the big idea behind this book
  • His take on most business books today
  • The reason why he cut the last six chapters from his book

I started by asking Scott to give some background information about his business before getting into his reasons for writing Build a Culture of Good.

And lots more.

Further Reading

The Runner’s Guide to Better Writing

Attention writers!
What's the best grammar checker of 2019?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.

Oct 03, 201926:38
How to Tell Stories on Instagram With Screenwriter Max Marlow

How to Tell Stories on Instagram With Screenwriter Max Marlow

Max Marlow studied screenwriting in Goldsmiths in London, graduating in 2017. He wrote several 30-page scripts only to face rejection from film and television agents who wouldn't accept unsolicited materials. Then, Marlow started sharing his writings on Instagram.

In this interview, he explains:

  • Why every writer can use Instagram to connect with readers
  • How he uses Instagram photos as a means of conquering writer's block
  • What it takes to tell stories on this social media network
  • How he ended up being mentored by Han Solo director Ron Howard

And lots more

Resources

The Best Online Writing Courses


Attention writers!
What's the best grammar checker tool you can use?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.

Sep 26, 201929:08
How to Write SEO Friendly Articles with Abidemi Sanusi

How to Write SEO Friendly Articles with Abidemi Sanusi

Abidemi Sanusi is a former human rights worker and now writer. Her book, Eyo, was shortlisted for the 2010 Commonwealth Writers' Prize. Based in London, she's also an SEO consultant and coach. In this podcast episode she explains:

  • Why every writer should learn to write for the web
  • How to balance writing fiction and nonfiction
  • What's working in SEO today for writers and authors
  • How she balances creative and analytical work
  • Why she still writes fiction

And lots more


Attention writers! 

What's the best grammar checker of 2019?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.

Sep 19, 201926:10
Ultralearning with Scott Young: How to Learn Skills Faster

Ultralearning with Scott Young: How to Learn Skills Faster

Canadian writer Scott Young learnt the entire MIT computer science curriculum in just one year, travelled around the world for 12-months without speaking english and has taught himself creative skills like drawing portraits.

In his new book, Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, he's condensed what he and others have discovered about learning hard skills fast.

I recently caught up with Scott and in this interview, he reveals:

  • Why he decided to write a book about ultra-learning
  • How he approaches writing, research and self-editing
  • What new writers should do if they want to acquire skills like copywriting
  • The essential role of critical feedback for writers
  • What his writing and ideal early morning routine looks like

And lots more

Attention writers!
What's the best grammar checker of 2019?  Find out in my guide and get a discount on your tool of choice.

Sep 05, 201934:51
Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life With Garrain Jones

Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life With Garrain Jones

In 2011, Garrain Jones was 40 pounds overweight and living out of his car in California. Today, he runs a seven-figure coaching business, has spoken in 32 countries and is about to release his new book *Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life*.

Jones's journey from the backseat of his car to the stage started with studying how successful entrepreneurs spend their day. He was surprised to find they often rise between 04.30 and 06.30.

In this interview, Jones explains:

  • How to Create Your Panda Power Hour
  • What he learnt after studying how successful entrepreneurs operate
  • His process for writing his book Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life

And lots more.

I started by asking Jones to tell me about how he got from living out of his car to running a seven figure coaching and speaking business.

Attention writers:
Would you like a discount for grammar checker? If so, check out my ProWritingAid review

Jul 29, 201926:04
Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage With Joanna Nylund
Jul 29, 201918:58
How to Build a 7 Figure Business in 12 Months With Ryan Daniel Moran

How to Build a 7 Figure Business in 12 Months With Ryan Daniel Moran

Ryan Moran is the founder of Capitalism, Freedom Fast Lane and the author of an upcoming book called 12 Months to One Million.

He has also helped over 300 entrepreneurs launch and grow seven figure businesses on places like Amazon by encouraging them to ask and answer three simple questions that guides them through these stages.

In this interview, Moran explains:

  • The three questions every entrepreneur (and author) should ask themselves before launching a product or selling book
  • Why he wrote a book even though it's not necessarily the fastest way to build a business
  • What his writing process looks like
  • Why he teaches his ideas in different media, from books to podcasts to videos
  • How he manages his time as an author, entrepreneur and coach

And lots more.

I started by asking Ryan about the background behind his business Capitalism.com and why he decided to write a book in the first place. 

Jun 28, 201926:47
How to Conquer Writer's Block for Good
May 27, 201920:34
How to Unlock Creative Thinking With Best-Selling Author Professor Michael A. Roberto
May 10, 201927:30
Finding Your Motivation and Writing Viral Nonfiction with Jeff Hayden
Apr 26, 201924:08
Make Your Business Run Like Clockwork and Put Your Profits First With Mike Michalowicz
Apr 16, 201928:06
How To Write a Nonfiction Book With Joanna Penn
Apr 04, 201926:38
The Creative Process Behind Writing a Memorable Business Book With Ajit Nawalkha

The Creative Process Behind Writing a Memorable Business Book With Ajit Nawalkha

Are you considering quitting your job to work in your business full-time?


You may not have to burn the boats or go beyond the point of no return, just yet. 


Ajit Nawalkha is the author Live Big: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Passion, Practicality and Purpose. 


From Jaipur, he's also the CEO and co-founder of online education platform Mindvalley. 


As a business coach, Nawalkha also helps new entrepreneurs turn their fledgeling business idea into something they can work on full-time. 


In this podcast episode, he explains:


  • Why you shouldn't quit your job, at least not yet
  • His process for creating memorable business books
  • What the creative process looks like for non-fiction writer and entrepreneurs


And lots more


Finally, here's my take on the best grammar checker for 2019.

Mar 12, 201930:04
Daniel Pink on When You Should Write, Research, Work and Play

Daniel Pink on When You Should Write, Research, Work and Play

Daniel Pink is the New York Times best-selling author of books like When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing and Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. 

His new book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing was one of my favourites of 2018 and it informs how I now structure my day.

In this podcast episode, Pink explains:

● His research process for writing best-selling non-fiction books like When, Drive and To Sell is Human

● The ideal time for writing, researching, attending to admin and more 

● How he approaches his workday and keeps to a writing routine

● The differences between early risers and night owls

And lots more.


Finally, here's my take on the best grammar checker for 2019.

Mar 05, 201925:09
Jason Chicola Weighs in on How to Make More Money as a Freelancer

Jason Chicola Weighs in on How to Make More Money as a Freelancer

 A founder of UpWork and Rev, both online businesses, Jason Chicola shares how writers can earn an income online.

UpWork is a platform that connects freelance writers and others with clients. 

After years of working directly and indirectly with freelancers, he is convinced that the gig economy is steadily growing and paying well. 

In this interview, discover:

● How to succeed in a gig market

● Two ways to create a successful writing business

● Why he believes opportunities continue to grow

And lots more.

Listen Now

Feb 12, 201923:07
Gaming, Storytelling and Creative Projects With John Romero

Gaming, Storytelling and Creative Projects With John Romero

Latest episode of Become a Writer Today

 

In a now famous essay, Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham argued for dividing a working day up into maker and manager time. 

Writers and creative professionals can use the former to attend to business and the latter for deep work, like writing or coding. 

But what does this look like in practice?

Enter John Romero. 

Although not a writer, he's the creative talent behind games like Doom and Quake.

In this podcast episode, Romero explains:

  • How he structures his day for working on his business and deep creative work
  • The role of play for creative professionals
  • His approach to building a relationship with fans

And lots more

Jan 24, 201922:02
Turning Your Writing Into a Million Dollar Business With Elaine Pofeldt

Turning Your Writing Into a Million Dollar Business With Elaine Pofeldt

What does it take for an author to create a seven figure business? A team of writers. A marketing department? Offices around the world? 

The answers may surprise you.

Elaine Pofeldt is an independent journalist who specialises in small business,

entrepreneurship and careers.

She is the author of The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business, a look at how entrepreneurs are hitting seven-figure revenue in businesses where they are the only employees 

In this podcast episode, Elaine explains:

  • How writers and creative entrepreneurs can create a seven-figure business
  • What her writing routine looks like and why physical exercise is so important
  • Why outsourcing and collaboration are so important if you want to scale your author business

And lots more

Jan 19, 201924:43
Anthony Metivier on Memory Palaces, Mind-Mapping and Self-Publishing Non-fiction Books

Anthony Metivier on Memory Palaces, Mind-Mapping and Self-Publishing Non-fiction Books

Anthony Metivier is the author of more than a dozen best-selling non-fiction books that help people improve their memory and learn new languages.

He’s also a popular blogger and a professor. I’ve known Anthony for a few years and his approach to creativity can help writers of all types create better books that readers love.

In this podcast episode, Metivier explains:

* How to use a memory palace to research a book
* Why he believes every writer should embrace mind-mapping
* How self-publishing non-fiction books helped him build an online business
Jan 10, 201926:15
My Annual Review - 2018
Jan 09, 201914:16