The Daily Writer

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.

On today's episode, a lesson from Taylor Sheridan, creator of "Yellowstone" and several successful movies and TV series.

If you want to reach for something bigger, you need an open hand. And that means letting go of what you’re already holding onto. Might be time to kill your darlings—an old assumption, an outdated habit, or even an old identity that’s holding you back

Have you ever felt stuck in a situation you wanted to change? In this episode, I share a story from my years as a college professor and the simple lesson that has shaped my career ever since: you’ll never hear “yes” if you never ask. If you want a different writing life or business, sometimes the first step is simply having the courage to ask.

Sometimes it’s the little unfinished tasks that drain our mental energy the most. In this episode, I share how “closing open loops” can reduce stress, free up mental bandwidth, and help you focus more fully on your writing and creative work.

A reader recently asked how to pursue a writing career that aligns with your calling. In this episode, I share how I transitioned from college professor to full-time ghostwriter and why I believe your writing career should begin with a clear vision of the life you want to build.

What does success really look like for a writer? In this episode, I share how my definition of success has changed over the years and why I no longer measure it by book sales or big milestones alone. Instead, I focus on making progress every single day.