The Creative Shift with Dan Blank

In the past year, I have worked with author Mary Carroll Mooreto help her release two novels within six months of each other. There is so much to learn from this experience, I wanted to share it in a mega case study today. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play' below, or in … Continue reading "Launching Two Books in Six Months, a Case Study (podcast)" The post Launching Two Books in Six Months, a Case Study (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to share a case study on how to engage your readers by focusing on story and emotions. As a writer, you share in your newsletter or social media because you hope it connects with people in a meaningful way. What do we all feel before clicking “publish?” Crickets — no one engaging, … Continue reading "Moving Beyond ‘Likes' to Real Connections with Readers (Podcast)" The post Moving Beyond ‘Likes' to Real Connections with Readers (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

It is so tempting for each of us to just focus on the items that are still undone on our to-do lists. To constantly be focused on tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. But when we pause, even for a moment, to recognize what we have created and learned, I feel that is … Continue reading "Celebrate What You Create (podcast)" The post Celebrate What You Create (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to remind you of something incredibly important: you get to choose. You get to choose if and how you create. You get to choose if and how you publish. You get to choose if and how you share. I want to share two stories of people taking a bold creative risk, and … Continue reading "Take the Creative Risk (podcast)" The post Take the Creative Risk (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Recently, I was speaking with a writer who described feeling stuck. They were in a rut, believing in the work they do, but just demotivated on a day-to-day basis. This conversation resonated with me for many reasons. If you are a writer or creator who sometimes wonders if you are in burnout, if you are … Continue reading "Feeling stuck? Define your values. (podcast)" The post Feeling stuck? Define your values. (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to talk about why we create and share. This is something I meditate on all the time, and it is why I work with writers. This week in particular I've been thinking about it a lot because I heard of the death of one of my favorite musicians. As I considered his … Continue reading "Art lasts… (podcast)" The post Art lasts… (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

I have heard versions of this from many writers over the years: “An agent told me that if I had 10,000 followers, they would sign me.” Is that true? I don't think so. Largely, I think this number is entirely made up. What agents and publishers may instead be seeking is a writer's ability to … Continue reading "Will 10,000 followers get you a book deal? (podcast)" The post Will 10,000 followers get you a book deal? (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

If you are a writer, why bother sharing? Why spend your time and energy sharing on social media, starting a newsletter, or vying for attention at all? Sharing is a risk. Yet, I find that sharing what we create and why opens up the possibility for so many good things. I believe that sharing deeply … Continue reading "Why take the risk of sharing? (podcast)" The post Why take the risk of sharing? (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to share a step-by-step guide to publishing a bestselling book. There are just 6 steps, and I will be clear about each one. As a model for this guide, I am going to use one of all-time favorite stories of creative success. Please bear with me here… I want to use the … Continue reading "A 6-Step Guide to Publishing a Bestselling Book (podcast)" The post A 6-Step Guide to Publishing a Bestselling Book (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

The more I see of it, the more I am understanding how AI (artificial intelligence) will change the fields of writing, art, and all creative fields in a profound way. Today I'll share examples of what I've been seeing, but my first goal today is to make this episode useful to you. If you are … Continue reading "How Writers, Artists, and Creators Can Thrive in an AI World (podcast)" The post How Writers, Artists, and Creators Can Thrive in an AI World (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

If you are reading this, chances are you are a writer, illustrator, artist, or creator of some sort. You have embraced your creative craft, and work to develop it year after year. I've always considered how we share to be a craft as well. How we show up. How we listen. How we connect. How … Continue reading "How you share is a craft (podcast)" The post How you share is a craft (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

I've sent a weekly email newsletter for 18 years. Recently, I moved it to Substack. In today's episode I want to share the story of my newsletter, and why I am finding Substack to be interesting for writers. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play' below, or in the following places: Apple Podcasts … Continue reading "Why I moved my newsletter of 18 years to Substack (podcast)" The post Why I moved my newsletter of 18 years to Substack (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Last episode I talked about the potential impact that artificial intelligence will have on writing, art, and creative work. Today, I want to focus on the opposite: the value of handcrafted creative work (writing, art, etc.), that by their nature are limited edition and deeply personal. What I will cover today: 1.) Why one writer … Continue reading "Handcrafted vs AI writing and art (podcast)" The post Handcrafted vs AI writing and art (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Maybe you may have seen a lot of headlines recently about artificial intelligence (AI) writing or art. Recently, I've seen things with both that are giving me pause. Today I want to share three things: 1.) Why artificial intelligence in creative work is compelling. 2.) Why AI is likely to create a crisis in creative … Continue reading "How AI may change writing and creating (podcast)" The post How AI may change writing and creating (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to share details on how one writer I'm working with is selling more books, getting rapid growth in her audience, and increasing the revenue she earns from her writing. Melinda Wenner Moyer is a science journalist and author of the book How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes. She and I began … Continue reading "Case study: Book sales, audience growth, and earnings from an email newsletter (podcast)" The post Case study: Book sales, audience growth, and earnings from an email newsletter (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

In the work I do in helping writers connect with readers and grow their platforms, I find that there is often this pressure to “go viral.” To identify a tactic that reaches the most people with the minimum effort. And sure, that's definitely useful. But that can also be elusive. Today I want to talk … Continue reading "Simple Ways to Connect with Others (podcast)" The post Simple Ways to Connect with Others (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Every week, my friend Jennie Nash and I have a mini-mastermind call. On it, we discuss business challenges, creative goals, new ideas, and so much else. Today, I want to share two of the biggest and most consistent insights we have had, and how they relate to how you can approach sharing your work and … Continue reading "Doing stuff works (podcast)" The post Doing stuff works (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

I want to encourage you to do is be intentional about connecting with potential readers. No, I am not saying that you have to embrace networking. Instead, consider how you can regularly create moments and experiences around the kind of books or themes that inspire you. Joy should be infused in the process. You can … Continue reading "Find your readers with intention (podcast)" The post Find your readers with intention (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

It's common for me to read a headline or social media post from someone who shares a story or statistics that illustrate that a specific channel is “too crowded” and not worth pursuing. That may include email newsletters, podcasts, social media, or Zoom events. Yet if you are someone who writes or creates, without these … Continue reading "Are newsletters, podcasts, and social media too crowded? (Podcast)" The post Are newsletters, podcasts, and social media too crowded? (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Recently I have seen people begin using the word “brand” a lot more. The context being that you have to “define your author brand” or “establish yourself as a brand” if you want to get the attention of readers. But you are not a brand. You are a person. Who you are and what you … Continue reading "You are not a brand (podcast)" The post You are not a brand (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - 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)" The post What is the value of having social media followers? (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Honor your connection to readers (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Typewriters, and social media (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Why your book isn't getting reviews (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Do your friends & family support your writing goals? (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post A Window or a Gateway (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post What does “just be authentic” on social media mean? (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Great marketing is giving people something they WANT to share (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Why should writers worry about marketing at all? (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Prepare your author platform earlier than you think (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Generosity should be your platform, part 2 (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Anxiety and Sharing (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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" The post Rejection is a normal part of the creative journey appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Can an introvert get good at marketing? (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post The marketing advice few writers want to hear (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Generosity should be your platform (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post To engage readers: be consistent & delight them (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post 4 critical steps to growing your audience (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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" The post “I'm so happy to be writing, I feel like this is where I was meant to end up,” with Corie Adjmi appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

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)" The post Create a Sharing System (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

I'm so excited to welcome author Mary Laura Philpott onto the podcast. We discuss how she developed her career as a writer, transitioned from a traditional job office job to freelance work, and how she got her first big bylines in major publications. She tells the amazing story of how a sharing on social media … Continue reading "“I don't create great work if I'm trying to figure out what trends to follow.” My interview with Mary Laura Philpott" The post “I don't create great work if I'm trying to figure out what trends to follow.” My interview with Mary Laura Philpott appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Have you struggled to develop the platform you want as a writer? I encourage you to hone the most powerful tool in your entire  presence as a writer: Defining your voice. Embracing your voice. Sharing your voice. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play' below, or in the following places: Apple Podcasts Spotify … Continue reading "Define Your Creative Voice (podcast)" The post Define Your Creative Voice (podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

So many writers strive to get more followers for their writing. Today I want to discuss how to design an experience for how you engage with your readers, and develop your author platform. One that is thoughtful, focuses on engagement, and helps you view your platform as a craft, not an obligation. My friend Lori … Continue reading "What Great Design Teaches Us About Building an Effective Author Platform (Podcast)" The post What Great Design Teaches Us About Building an Effective Author Platform (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to talk about how you share is a craft. Learning how to do so is akin to developing a new literacy. So many writers and creators consider “author platform” or social media as an overwhelming obligation. What if you flipped that perspective, and instead considered it an opportunity to create deeply meaningful … Continue reading "How You Share Is a Craft" The post How You Share Is a Craft appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to share a case study of the work I did with author and artist Meera Lee Patel. She is the author of four books which have sold more than a million copies in total. She has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram, and a thriving career as an artist and writer. I … Continue reading "Finding Joy in Sharing Your Writing (Podcast)" The post Finding Joy in Sharing Your Writing (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

I would like to ask for your help today. Can you share your reaction to the possible title of my next book. Here it is: Share Like It Matters. In today's episode I share more about this title and what it represents in the book I'm working on. I'd love your feedback: dan@wegrowmedia.com You can listen … Continue reading "Share Like It Matters (Podcast)" The post Share Like It Matters (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

This is my 12th year of working full-time with writers and creators. Each day, I get to wake up and spend time with people who write because they choose to, create what speaks to their heart, and share what makes people's lives better. Every day is a gift. Today, I want to talk about how I … Continue reading "How I Work With Writers (Podcast)" The post How I Work With Writers (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Are you a writer who is trying to develop your author platform, or plan for a book launch? Well, today I want to talk about three essential tips I would encourage you to focus on. I also want to invite you to join me for a live workshop on this topic on Friday January 21, … Continue reading "Author Platform and Book Launch Essentials (Podcast)" The post Author Platform and Book Launch Essentials (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

So many writers and creators I speak with feel that if they could just find their audience, then the path forward would be obvious. Today I want to talk about a concept for how to find your ideal audience, and invite you to a work session next week where I answer your questions and show … Continue reading "Find Your Ideal Audience (Podcast)" The post Find Your Ideal Audience (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Want to reach your audience in 2022? Start with creative clarity. My Clarity Card method is simple exercise that has filled people's lives with more time and energy to create, and the foundation to growing their platform and sharing their work. These 10 cards can change your life. Download the entire Clarity Card method for … Continue reading "Start the Year with Creative Clarity (Podcast)" The post Start the Year with Creative Clarity (Podcast) appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.

Today I want to share 11 habits I have been working on, meant to improve not only my creative work, but my life in general. Many of these are daily habits, and I discuss not only how I'm pursuing each, but why they matter to me. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play' … Continue reading "Healthy Creative Habits" The post Healthy Creative Habits appeared first on WeGrowMedia - Dan Blank.