Being a writer is not just about typing. It’s also about surviving the roller-coaster of the creative journey.Self-doubt, fear of failure, the need for validation, perfectionism, writer’s block, comparisonitis, overwhelm, and much more. When you’re going through these things, it can feel like you’re alone. But actually, they are part of the creative process, and every author goes through them too. process, and every author goes through them too.
This book collects the mindset issues that writers experience, that I have been through myself over the last nine years, and that perhaps you will experience at different times on the creative journey.
Each small chapter tackles a possible issue and then offers an antidote, so that you can dip in and out over time. It includes excerpts from my own personal journals as well as quotes from well-known writers. I hope it helps you on the road to becoming a successful author.
The book includes:
˃˃˃ Part 1: Mindset Aspects of Creativity and Writing
* Self-doubt and imposter syndrome
* Need for validation
* Fear of failure
* Fear of rejection and criticism
* Your inner critic
* Fear of judgment
* Perfectionism
* Writer’s block and procrastination
* “I’m not creative. I don’t have any ideas”
* “My writing isn’t original”
* “Why write? There are too many books in the world already”
* “I don’t have the time or self-discipline to write”
* “I’m not finding writing much fun. It’s hard work.”
* “I keep starting things and not finishing them”
* Dealing with friends, family and writer’s groups
* “How do I find my voice?”
* Comparisonitis or “Everyone is better than me”
˃˃˃ Part 2: Mindset Aspects after Publishing
* Anti-climax and creative dissatisfaction
* What is your definition of success?
* What happens when you tell people that you’re an author?
* “I’m overwhelmed”
* Dealing with fans, authenticity and drawing the line
* Haters gonna hate
* Ambition, fame and fortune
* Giving up
˃˃˃ Part 3: Tips for Success on the Author Journey
* Know thyself
* Understand and hone your creative process
* Develop professional habits
* Manage professional relationships
* Take control of your writing career
* Find your community
* Keep learning
* Schedule rest and take time off
* Think long term. Create a body of work
You’re not alone on the author’s journey. Download a sample or buy now.
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Another highly sensible title from Joanna Penn. She’s super successful – so whatever she recommends is definitely tested and worthwhile!
Such a great book to guide you through the different mindset hurdles authors face on a daily basis with explanations of why it happens, what to do about it, and excellent quotes by various creatives to help overcome whatever is bothering you.
Personally, I like the concept of taking time off from everything else to just create. I liked the idea of putting up barriers to protect my creative self.
I really liked the last chapter about creating a body of work and to not cling to one book as the be-all and end-all of your creative career.
It was good to be reminded of some of the stuff in this book.
A must-read for all authors and a must-have in every author’s library.
This is a useful guide for writers about the challenges and issues you’ll face in your career. For each issue, the author gives practical guidance, often based on her own experience, on how to deal with the problems and stay positive. It covers everything from writers block to imposter syndrome and being overwhelmed by what you need to do once you are published.
As a published author, I’d encountered many of the writing issues, though I still found the advice interesting. You never know when writers’ block might creep up on you. The guidance on marketing and making a career from writing was more pertinent and useful to me.
Wherever you are on the writing journey, it’s good to know others have experienced the same challenges you face. It’s even better to know, they’ve found the answers that could help you.
Penn writes plenty of material on the business of being an author, and this book is the best place to start for a newbie if you need a shot of useful inspiration and guidance.
Joanna Penn conveys a wealth of information to indie authors in her books: How to Market a Book, The Successful Author Mindset, and How to Make A Living with Your Writing. Her advice is always actionable and practical, from believing in yourself with a positive mindset, marketing, and making a living from your writing. She has been an inspiration to me since I began my writing career by generously providing information about what she’s learned from her successful publishing practice. If there is one person you should follow, whether you are indie, trade published, or hybrid author, it should be Joanna Penn.
Great book that gives a prospective writer what to expect and how to remedy certain mindsets.
An essential book for every author.
The book helps ensure a proper foundation for building a successful author career from one of the brightest minds in indie publishing today.
I loved The Successful Author Mindset and would recommend it for both experienced and aspiring authors.
She reminded me of how powerful the act of writing is and that authors get better over time. We all get better over time. So create a habit of writing every day and schedule writing time in your diary months in advance.
As authors we should create our assets, i.e. books, e-books, audibles and scale them through translation, film rights and gaming. Books and related products can now be sold in 190 marketplaces. Huge opportunity. These assets can support you for your entire life and seventy years after.
Joanna shared with us notes from her personal journal – showing us that she too started at the beginning and had highs and lows where she was swamped by self-doubt. She has learnt so much as a writer and we are fortunate that she has taken the time to share these lessons with us. As writers we all feel a bit vulnerable so it is great when someone takes the time to share their negative review and how it made them feel. This is important as all authors receive them.
Joanna has an underlying value of abundance and is generous in providing tips, referencing services and mentioning other inspiring authors.
I love the way she defines success for herself. This is such an important thing for writers.
Final takeaways for me:
DREAM BIG and do whatever excites you.
Don’t wait to be picked. I didn’t wait to be picked – I picked myself.
Choose the life that fits your definition of success and recognise that it will be a journey. All great artists started this way.