The Daily Writer

Here’s a strange tactic I use all the time when writing book chapters or longer pieces: I write material out of order . Let’s explore why this works so well in helping you be more productive.

Many writers don’t think much about the business side of things. But if you sell products or services (or don’t yet, but want to), you have a business . And if you want to make more money, improving your business skills should be a top priority. These seven books will definitely help you get there.

Many moons ago, when I was in my early twenties, I started a practice that I continue to this day: I keep an encouragement file. Let’s explore why this is such an important practice and how it can impact you as a writer.

I answer a question from email subscriber Frank Ball: “ Why do we want writing to be easy when valuable things always come at great cost?”  

Tony Robbins wrote in his excellent book, Awaken the Giant Within , “It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” Let’s explore how to keep going and be more consistent.

As I look back over the projects I’ve enjoyed writing the most, they have always involved great collaborators. We’ll explore four qualities of great collaborators on this episode. You can grab a copy of my book here: 18 Words to Live By: A Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most

On today’s episode, I answer a reader question about whether it’s appropriate to leave reviews for books written by friends.

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.