OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
Today is an exciting and also terrifying day, because this is my most honest book to date. It contains excerpts from my journals which hopefully will help you understand that you're not alone.
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.
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.
Available in ebook, print and audiobook formats
The print book is also available as a Workbook version, with space to write your answers to the questions within the book.
Click here to buy the Companion Workbook on Amazon.
Try an audio sample or buy the audiobook & ebook bundle
Table of Contents:
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
Available in ebook, print and audiobook formats
Try an audio sample or buy the audiobook & ebook bundle
I'd love to know what you think of the book and what you think the biggest mindset issues for authors are. Join the conversation by leaving a comment below.
Darren Stephenson says
Read the first paragraph… scrolled down… clicked Amazon…. bought.
Can’t wait to read it, Joanna.
Joanna Penn says
Thanks Darren!
Paul says
Will you offer the audio by itself? I pre-ordered the ebook from Amazon long ago, and received it this morning.
Joanna Penn says
Thanks for asking – here’s the link to the audiobook only: http://selz.co/4yK7EH0Sb and I will add it to the page as well.
S. J. Pajonas says
Insta-buy! Looking forward to reading it!
Joanna Penn says
Thanks SJ 🙂
Scott McGlasson says
Just passed the link on to our Space Opera Writers group. Thanks for all you do, Joanna.
Joanna Penn says
Thanks for sharing!
Tari Akpodiete says
bought it!