The Daily Writer

When you’re sick, it’s important to get the rest you need. But the reality of being a writer who has clients—and a daily email and podcast among other projects—is that the work still has to get done. Let’s dive into three quick tips for making it through these difficult times.

When I was growing up, nearly all the adults I knew worked “regular jobs.” Meaning, they showed up to the job, were dependable, and worked regular hours. That great work ethic inspires me today because I think of writing as a “blue-collar” job. We show up and get the job done.

Today I’m interrupting my typical podcast rhythm to ask for a tiny favor: Can you send me a question related to writing, ghostwriting, books, publishing, or creativity? You can email me at kent@kentsanders.net . I love to use reader and listener questions and would enjoy hearing from you.

As a writer, you know that reading is central to improving your mind and your craft. But have you ever wondered how to improve in these areas? I share a few tips for what and how to read.

I became a full-time writer in May 2021, a little over five years ago. Since then, dozens of people have asked how I actually made the transition from teaching college to full-time writing. After all, going from teaching to writing is not a transition you hear about every day. If you have a goal of becoming a full-time writer, this episode will help you think about a strategy to get there.

A couple of weeks ago, I was working on the umpteenth round of edits for my upcoming book, The Ghost-Powered Author: Save Time, Build Authority, and Amplify Your Voice with the Power of a Ghostwritten Book. You’re not supposed to admit this as a writer, but I was done . I was really tired of working on it and was emotionally ready to move on to the next thing. Here are three questions I asked myse...

I want to go to bed every night thinking, “Today was a great day.” I want the same for you. But in order to do that, we have to change our perspective. Let’s talk about four questions that will help you do that.

Today's episode focuses on a simple, quick exercise to help you move past fear and build more courage into your life.  If you want to build more courage and other qualities of success into your life, grab my book here: 18 Words to Live By: A Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most

A college grad who’s an aspiring editor recently emailed me to ask for some career advice. On this episode, I share my reply to her. No matter what stage of your career you’re in, this advice will also be helpful to you.

If you want to be a full-time writer, but you currently have a full-time or part-time job working for someone else, today’s episode is for you. You’ll learn a simple tip to help you build skills that are directly transferable to the business you want to build.

Do you send handwritten cards in the mail? If not, this episode will give you a few simple tips to start using this powerful way to build relationships and make someone’s day.

The Writer’s Notebook is a monthly digest where we dive into books, questions, and resources to help you help you become the author of your own life . I hope these pique your interest and give you something to think about.

Have you ever struggled with perfectionism? If so, today's episode will give you a simple principle you can use to get unstuck and write more consistently.

Why do I publish something every single day? In this episode, I share the three biggest reasons I maintain a daily publishing habit—and why creating consistently has made me a better writer, communicator, and thinker. 

On today’s episode, a short lesson from an inchworm about making a little progress each day.

In the movie “The Dark Knight,” Gotham D.A. Harvey Dent carries a two-headed coin so he can “make his own luck.” You can do the same with these three habits we explore on this episode. To help you make your own luck, check out my book on creativity: The Artist’s Suitcase: 26 Essentials for the Creative Journey

If I had to sum up everything I teach into one sentence, it’s this: Authorship is the decision to take ownership of your life and work. It’s refusing to accept the story everyone else wants to write for your life … and choosing to write your own story. You can choose authorship every day by weaving the threads of your own story.

It seems like yesterday that I was just 25 years old. Then I turned around, and today I’m 52. Where did the time go? As the great theologian Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” In that spirit, today I’m celebrating my birthday by sharing a lesson on gratitude for each decade of life I’ve been given.

If you want to self-publish your book, it requires an investment. On this episode, I share I took initiative to raise the cash required to self-publish my second book back in 2015. I also share a few ways you can raise cash quickly for self-publishing.

Growth isn't always met with applause. Sometimes it's met with resistance. In this episode, I explore why pursuing a healthier, more meaningful life often creates friction with the people around us—and why that's usually a sign you're moving in the right direction. 

Every writer gets stuck at some point. In this episode, I answer a listener's question about finding motivation and creative sparks, then share five practical strategies I use whenever I feel stuck—including walking, dictation, music, and a few unconventional techniques that can help get your ideas flowing again.

What separates highly successful people from everyone else? In this episode, I share one simple habit I've noticed among CEOs, bestselling authors, and other top performers: they're remarkably responsive. Discover why replying quickly to messages can immediately set you apart and strengthen your relationships, reputation, and career.

On today’s episode, we reflect on how to keep writing during a painful season.

On today’s episode, a lesson on persistence from Christopher Nolan’s new film, “The Odyssey.”  For some encouragement for your creative life, check out my book: The Artist’s Suitcase: 26 Essentials for the Creative Journey

If you’re wasting time on side hustles that aren’t taking you where you want to go, maybe it’s time to say no to those things … and start saying yes to your writing.