The Fearless Creative: Recent Episodes
Tarah Thornburg
Conversations about the creative life. The Fearless Creative is a podcast for writers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who want to build a business around their passions and live a life that feeds their soul. Tarah Thornburg discusses the ups and downs of creative entrepreneurship, the fearless mindset and winning strategies that have helped her build a business around her creativity, and how you can ditch the day job, make great sh*t, and gain the freedom you deserve.
In this episode, I go through the second set of steps any creative entrepreneur should take to vet any new business idea. This applies to brand-new businesses and new ideas you're considering implementing in your existing business.
In episode 53, we discussed how to define your big idea, how to uncover your true motivation, the steps to take in researching the market, how to define opportunities and potential barriers, and do some sample calculations.
This week, I explain how you can walk a mile in the shoes of the person who already has your business, why a "marination period" is important, how to discover what's holding you back, and how to test your idea.
Show Notes:
- Get your copy ofCreative Morning Magic.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I go through the first series of steps any creative entrepreneur should take to vet their new business idea. This applies to brand-new businesses and new ideas you're considering implementing in your existing business.
I've been running my author business for 7 years, and I wish I'd had this list from the get-go. I've finally defined the steps I need to take to ensure any business idea is a sound one, and now you can use them to test your idea for any creative venture.
We'll start by defining our big idea in detail, digging deep to uncover our own motivation, researching the market, defining opportunities and barriers, and then we do the math!
Show Notes:
- Listen to "How to Stay Creative in Difficult Times" on The Creative Penn from this week's Discovery segment.
- Check out Author Business Bootcamp here.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I talk all about CRYSTALS! I highlight five of my favorite stones for promoting creativity, inspiration, confidence, and enthusiasm. I delve into the history and benefits of each stone and share how to collect and care for your crystals.
Show Notes:
- Explore “The Science Behind Healing Crystals Explained.”
- Read the article, “You Can Heal Yourself With Your Mind for Real.”
- Read about amethyst here and here.
- Read about citrine here and here.
- Read about ametrine here.
- Read about carnelian here, here, here.
- Read about labradorite here and here.
- Read about activating your crystals here.
- Get your copy ofCreative Morning Magic.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
Things to Distract You From the Constant Coverage of COVID-19:
- Read: The Witches of Manitou Springs: History, hysteria and wand-waving Wiccans behind a stubborn urban myth
- Read: Is There a Crystal Bubble? Inside the Billion-Dollar Healing Gemstone Industry
- Read: Titanic Mysteries That May Never Be Solved
- Watch: Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness
- Watch: Outlander
- Watch: Merlin
In this episode, I share some of my favorite ways to unlock fresh creative ideas. This week we go beyond the more common tips we've discussed in previous episodes to some of my off-the-wall, wacky — and perhaps downright weird — tips for getting your ideas flowing.
I discuss how I changed from a poetry-hating teenager to a poetry lover, how I've been delving into symbolism and archetypes through the study of tarot, and how sometimes it's good to bring a little magic and ritual to your creative practice.
Show Notes
- Listen to “Fabulous Folklore with Icy Sedgwick” from this week’s Discovery segment.
- Get your copy of Creative Morning Magic.
- Order your first tarot deck and Rachel Pollack's book, Tarot Wisdom.
In this episode, I share some advice on how creative entrepreneurs can thrive — not just survive — the COVID-19 pandemic. I talk about using the resources at your disposal, increasing revenue, and capitalizing on changing consumer behavior rather than just reacting. (I also share what I'm doing differently with my author business!)
Also in this episode: Finally, some GOOD news related to COVID-19...We reach episode 50 and downloads in 50 different countries. I share the four pandemic personality types and tips for managing social distancing blues from isolation experts!
Show Notes:
- Read the Guardian article with advice from isolation experts.
- Check out my course for authors, Author Business Bootcamp.
- Read about the Colorado animal shelter that emptied its cages amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Read about the reduction in air pollution here and here.
- Learn about how Minneapolis entrepreneur Houston White is turning the lockdown into an opportunity for growth.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, we dance on the darker side! As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, we as creatives have an imperative to keep making art!
This week, I talk about the "shadow side" of creativity and how you can harness your own inner darkness to create your best work. I discuss how I've worked with my creativity in periods of darkness and death, the emergence of the antihero, my current struggle with distraction, and how we can all use our art as medicine.
Show Notes:
- Donate masks to Sew You Care.
- Check out the show Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix.
- Enroll in Author Business Bootcamp.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
As a full-time author, I've been successfully working out of my home for years. In this episode, I share my best tips for structuring your day for positivity, productivity, and creativity while working from home and while staying in during the COVID-19 outbreak.
I offer my perspective on how we can use the daily disruptions of COVID-19 for good. I give you a complete plan for hacking your day to feel more energetic and uplifted when you might be experiencing some cabin fever.
I also talk about creating spaces in your home for work, creative pursuits, and leisure; setting boundaries with family members; feeling connected despite social distancing; and breaking up your day to be more productive and stay sane.
We're all going to get through this together. And, hopefully, we'll be more creative for it.
Show Notes:
- Check out episode 30 of the "Six-Figure Authors" podcast from this week's Discovery segment.
- Get my book, Creative Morning Magic: The Life-Changing Daily Practice for Writers, Artists, and Makers.
- Try Slack to stay connected with co-workers while working remotely.
- Check out this article about getting outside to exercise during the pandemic.
- Read "Dude Making a Difference" by Rob Greenfield.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I discuss the benefits of optimism for creative entrepreneurs and how you can actually alter your world outlook through learned optimism. I delve into all the latest research on optimism — including frameworks for developing it — and explain how we can hone our personal optimism to be happier and more successful.
Also in this episode: a brief history of the Optimist's Creed, the habits of ride-or-die optimists, and my very best tips for taking on the Optimism Challenge.
Show Notes:
- Listen to the "10 Percent Happier" podcast from this week's Discovery segment.
- Enroll in Author Business Bootcamp.
- Read about learned optimism here.
- Learn about the health benefits of optimism here and here.
- Check out Optimist International.
- Print out your own copy of the Optimist's Creed.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
This episode is all about better brainstorming! I share my own creative process and give tips for encouraging inspiration so you can come up with those big ideas. I offer several methods for coaxing your muse out of hiding: travel, movement, getting out into nature, and "following your obsessions." I also give my best tips on developing that big idea into a finished product through free writing and my go-to "question and answer" method.
Show Notes:
- Watch When The Dragon Swallowed the Sun or Still Tibet from this week's Discovery segment.
- Get more info on the plight of Tibet at FreeTibet.org or SaveTibet.org.
- Get Wired for Story:The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook the Reader From the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron.
- Use Nameberry to help brainstorm character names.
- Check out Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey materials here.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I explain why mantras and affirmations are the ultimate mental tool to help you achieve your goals and create a more positive outlook.
I share the science behind mantras (as well as the spiritual and esoteric beliefs behind them) and why they're the ultimate mental hack for positivity. I discuss why I've become such a believer in mantras and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.
Show Notes
- Check out the Daily Mantra podcast from this week's Discovery segment.
- Get my book, Creative Morning Magic: The Life-Changing Daily Practice for Writers, Artists, and Makers.
- Grab a copy of Healing Mantras by Thomas Ashley-Farrand.
- Check out "9 Fascinating Facts About the Vagus Nerve."
- Read the study on mantras' effect on plants.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I do a deep dive into the basics of Patreon — a platform that allows creatives to get paid for their work.
I discuss the basic structure of Patreon (creators, patrons, the two different models, and tiers). I share how I've used Patreon in the past for my author business, how I plan to use it in the future, and how artists, musicians, illustrators, YouTubers, and knitters (yes, knitters!) are using Patreon to generate income from their creations. I'll also share the top Patreon pitfalls to avoid when setting up your Creator account.
Show Notes:
- Get my book, Creative Morning Magic here.
- Listen to the interview with Marie Forleo from this week's Discovery segment or buy her book, Everything Is Figureoutable.
- Check out the case studies I mentioned: Cynthia Lin, Lisa Clough, Peter Mohrbacher, Studio TRIGGER, Melody (the knitwear designer), SV Devos (the sailing videos).
- Read the article on fine artists who are killing it on Patreon from The Abundant Artist.
- Read the article on Patreon's top earners.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
Everything we're seeking must come from within. When you create a piece of art — whether that’s a book or a painting or a piece of music — you don’t need to promote that thing. You need to share it with the world as a wonderful and exciting event. This way, your enthusiasm will radiate out to your audience.
In this episode, I share my best tips for generating genuine excitement for your work internally so that you can share it externally. I discuss why you need to consider your favorite creators, revamp your digital storefront, find your favorite medium, and why you should consider using emojis in your written communication. (Yes, really!)
Show Notes:
- Enroll in Author Business Bootcamp today.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I break down the top mistakes I see creatives make when designing a website and why you should think about taking your site visitors on a journey. I touch on the different types of fans/customers that might visit your site and how you can create opportunities to connect and show them how to support you.
I give specific questions you can ask as you redesign your site to help showcase your unique personality, highlight the products and content you want visitors to see, and lead your customers by the hand to become superfans.
Show Notes:
- Read “50 Ways to Be Ridiculously Generous — and Feel Ridiculously Good” by Alexandra Franzen from this week's Discovery segment.
- Check out my free course for aspiring authors, "Stop Procrastinating and Write the Damn Book."
- Reference examples from the show: TarahBenner.com, BudgetBytes, DeepakChopra.com, or WellnessMama.com.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website for writers and creatives at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I talk about the concept of a daily practice and how these positive things in our lives can wax and wane over the years. I share my own experience of allowing my meditation practice to fall by the wayside and what motivated me to reestablish some consistency.
I share my best tips for getting back to doing that thing that keeps you sane — whether it's writing, making art, meditating, or working out. I talk about the concept of accountability, why you should start small, and why it's best not to conflate consistency with morality.
Show Notes:
- Listen to the episode of The Daily Breath on the happiness formula from this week's Discovery segment.
- Get your copy of Creative Morning Magic here.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I share my recent realizations about the consequences of overwork. I discuss why I'm not a fan of the term "self-care" and how our obsession with "having it all" is driving us to the brink of insanity.
Of course, as creative entrepreneurs, building our businesses while working a day job means we must occasionally subject ourselves to periods of overwork. I share my best tips for protecting your health and relationships during periods of intense busyness.
Show Notes
- Get your copy of Creative Morning Magic here.
- Read the Business Insider article on "death by overwork" here.
- Follow me @writewithtarah on Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit my website at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I interview bestselling adventure and romance author Lindsey Pogue. Lindsey has published 14 books, including The Ending Series and the Savage North Chronicles. Lindsey has built a remarkable base of enthusiastic fans on Facebook and Instagram, and I wanted to find out how she's done it.
We discuss the best types of content to share on Facebook, the value of giveaways and the Top Fan badge, why Facebook Groups are taking the Internet by storm, how to be vulnerable online without oversharing, and so much more.
Show Notes
- Listen to Creative Morning Magic on audio with an Audible free trial.
- Follow Tarah on Instagram and Twitter.
- Find Tarah on the web at writewithtarah.com.
- Connect with Lindsey on Facebook and Instagram.
- Join The Collective — Lindsey’s Facebook Group for aspiring authors.
- Visit Lindsey on her website at LindseyPogue.com.
- Get Plann or Preview to optimize your Instagram.
In this episode, I talk about how our goals and experiences are constantly shaping us as creatives and as human beings. I chat about recent challenges I've faced in building our house and building my business (firing people, splitting my focus) and how those challenges are forging me into a more confident creative entrepreneur.
To progress without losing perspective, it's important to begin any project with a clear vision, maintain a record of your progress, remember that you can accomplish a lot in five years, and talk to friends and family to realize how much you've changed.
Show Notes
- Enroll in my free course for authors, Stop Procrastinating and Write the Damn Book.
- Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @writewithtarah.
- Find me on the web at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I break down my creative goals for 2020.
I discuss how I'm shifting gears in the New Year to focus on creating more fiction, making my author business more sustainable in the long term, and how an emphasis on owned media and content creation is going to help me strengthen my author brand. I also share my word of the year. Hint: We could all use some of this!
Show Notes
- Listen to Stuff You Should Know from this week's Discovery segment.
- Enroll in Author Business Bootcamp — my online course for authors.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah, or find me on the web.
Are you sick of setting the same old New Year's resolution year after year? Do you start out strong in January only to fizzle out in February?
In this episode, I explain why I'm NOT setting a New Year's resolution for 2020 and discuss six things you could try instead. I talk about choosing a one-word theme for the year, setting areas of focus for each month, and how to perform a life audit.
You can make great strides this year in your life and in your business...and you don't need to set a big hairy goal to do it.
Show Notes
- Map out your family tree with FamilySearch.org from this week's Discovery segment.
- Enroll in Author Business Bootcamp — my online course for authors.
- Listen to Happier — Gretchen Rubin's podcast.
- Learn how to perform a Life Audit.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Find me on the web at writewithtarah.com.
In this very special Christmas episode, I sit down with my husband and some hot wassail to spread holiday merriment and channel the creative spirit of the man who reinvented Christmas — yes, we're talking about Charles Dickens!
Charles Dickens was a fascinating man — and a creative entrepreneur in his own right. We share some wisdom gleaned from the life and work of Dickens...as well as some truly astounding facts about Christmas itself.
So pour yourself some wassail (or spiked egg nog), snuggle up by the fire, and allow us to regale you with some festive facts and creative wisdom!
Show Notes
- Get yourself some Old Tyme Wassail from McGowan's just like Ben and I were sipping on.
- Listen to the unabridged serialization of A Christmas Carol from this week's Discovery segment.
- Get Creative Morning Magic as an e-book or paperback on Amazon. Or download on Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, or Kobo.
- Check out these phenomenal resources on Charles Dickens:
- Mental Floss: Facts About Charles Dickens
- The Book People: Fascinating Facts About Charles Dickens
- The Telegraph: Charles Dickens 'invented Christmas,' but how good was he at managing his own fortune?
- Market Watch: What the Insane Circumstances Under Which Charles Dickens Wrote A Christmas Carol Reveal About Money, Debt, and Success
- The Vintage News: Charles Dickens' Pet Raven Inspired Edgar Allen Poe's Most Famous Work
- Christmas Past podcast: Did Charles Dickens Really Invent Christmas?
In this episode, I discuss the insidious phrase "I don't have the time for X." We often use it as an excuse for why we don't do those things that are important to us, such as giving ourselves time for our creative passions, exercising, or growing our side hustle into a business.
I explain what we really mean when we say "I don't have time" and how we can conserve our physical, mental, and emotional resources to free up energy for creativity, family, health, and leisure. I uncover those sneaky "energy sinks" that we all fall victim to and give my best tips for how to avoid them.
Show Notes:
- Donate to Toys for Tots on behalf of that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Visit me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
Let's face it, as we approach the end of the year, we find ourselves crammed between holidays with too much to do and facing an overwhelming number of expectations! In this episode, I discuss my own holiday escapades and how the demands of December can lead to creative burnout. I share my own experience with a staycation and why you might take time off to spend at home. I also offer my best tips for getting cozy, kicking back, and enjoying a wonderful time for relaxation!
Show Notes:
- Check out Uncommon Goods from this week's Discovery segment.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Visit me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I go through Warren Buffett's 10 rules for success and explain how creative entrepreneurs can put these timeless business ideas into practice.
I discuss the concept of reinvesting your profits, watching small expenses, persistence, and defining success for yourself. I also explain what Buffett means by "thumb-sucking" and touch on how to work with your personal risk tolerance and learn from your mistakes.
Show Notes:
- Read Warren Buffett's 10 Rules of Success.
- Learn about Author Business Bootcamp — my new course for aspiring authors.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Visit me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
Do you ever have a hard time focusing because you have so many ideas? This week, I discuss the problem with "shiny object syndrome" and how it can derail creative success. I talk about how to deal with an abundance of ideas when you need to focus on a single project and give my best tips for managing all of your passion projects.
Show Notes:
- Watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel from this week's Discovery segment.
- Learn about Author Business Bootcamp — my new course for aspiring authors.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Visit me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I discuss the importance of staying flexible: how it can help you identify new business opportunities, abandon what's no longer profitable, and find creative solutions to old problems. I talk about how life keeps trying to teach me the importance of flexibility and areas of my business where I'm applying this lesson.
Show Notes:
- Try Dragon Naturally Speaking software from this week's Discovery segment.
- Get your copy of Creative Morning Magic on Amazon, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Google, or Kobo.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Visit me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I share my greatest discoveries of the year for being more productive. I talk about why you should wake up an hour earlier (and how to actually do it!) and why sometimes it's better not to think too far ahead. I touch on the pitfall of living in your to-do list and how to make procrastination work for you.
Show Notes
- Get your copy of Creative Morning Magic on Amazon, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Google, or Kobo.
- Listen to the episode of The Self-Publishing Formula with Amanda Lee from this week’s Discovery segment.
- Listen to the episode of Happier where Gretchen Rubin speaks about the importance of bright light in the morning.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Visit me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In the kickoff to National Novel-Writing Month, I talk about the idea of "totally crazy goals" and why they can be transformative for creative success, business, and fitness. I share my experience with big hairy goals (like writing 50,000 words in one month and running a marathon) and offer my five best tips for coping with and achieving your craziest goals.
Show Notes:
- Learn more about NaNoWriMo here.
- Get my free 20-page NaNoWriMo workbook.
- Watch my latest video, “How to Win NaNoWriMo.”
- Read “How to Wake Up at 5 A.M. Everyday.”
- Enroll in Author Business Bootcamp here.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Find me on the web at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I share how I survived the technology apocalypse brought on by the iOS Catalina update and still managed to get this podcast in your ears!
Today, I talk all about fan engagement — including the email I sent that brought me a flood of fan mail and successfully reengaged my sad and neglected fiction audience. I talk about a book you need if you want to run a tremendous email newsletter and which author is inspiring me with her fun and creative fan goodies!
Show Notes:
- Read Newsletter Ninja by Tammi Labrecque from this week’s Discovery segment.
- Enroll in Author Business Bootcamp — my self-guided course for aspiring authors.
- Get your website up and running with Wix or Wordpress.
- Start your very own email newsletter with MailChimp or ConvertKit.
- Find me on the web at writewithtarah.com.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter.
In this episode, I share my recent travel escapades "glamping" in the Arizona desert with my husband and two dogs. I talk about Walden on Wheels: On the Road From Debt to Freedom by Ken Ilgunas and the message of how our environment can shape our outlook on life. Wild places create wild people.
This week, I challenge you to consider your environment and your limitations (both real and imagined). By questioning these limitations and expectations, I believe it's possible to open up a whole new world of exciting possibilities and create a life on your own terms.
Show Notes:
- Read Walden on Wheelsby Ken Ilgunas from this week's Discovery segment.
- Read Creative Morning Magic: The Life-Changing Daily Practice for Writers, Artists, and Makers by Tarah Thornburg.
- Follow Tarah Thornburg on Twitter and Instagram or find her on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I discuss some of the causes of a creative funk and how to get yourself out of it. I break down the most common stumbling blocks that stop me from creating and some of the very best tips I have for feeling better and getting back to writing.
Show Notes
- Listen to “Stuff They Don't Want You to Know” from this week’s Discovery Segment.
- Get Creative Morning Magic as an e-book or paperback on Amazon. (Or get the book on Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, or Kobo.
- Learn about Morning Pages here.
In this episode, I share my personal morning routine from Creative Morning Magic. I discuss the power of first priorities and why you should "pay yourself first" in terms of creative energy. I also discuss the astounding benefits of meditation — as backed by science.
Get Creative Morning Magic as an e-book or paperback on Amazon.
Get the book on Apple.
Get the book on Barnes & Noble.
Get the book on Google Play.
Get the book on Kobo.
In this minisode, I share my experience at The Gathering of Creatives with Julia Cameron and celebrate the launch of my book, Creative Morning Magic. I share two important messages for writers, artists, and creatives straight from the pages of my book.
Get the e-book or paperback on Amazon.
Get the book on Apple.
Get the book on Barnes & Noble.
Get the book on Google Play.
Get the book on Kobo.
In this episode, I interview Dr. Derek Novacek about the long-term health impact of stress and how stress affects creativity.
Dr. Novacek is a clinical and research psychologist. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Emory University. He recently completed his clinical residency at UCLA and is now doing his fellowship at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. His research focuses on the consequences of stress exposure for mental health, particularly in marginalized and vulnerable groups.
During our conversation, we discuss how some stress can be beneficial to creative performance. He analyzes my unconventional coping mechanism to beat stress and gives his best tips on staying calm and healthy during those intense times.
Show Notes:
- Read the meta-analysis of studies on stress and creativity.
- Learn the basics of regression as a defense mechanism here.
- Get in touch with Dr. Novacek on Instagram and Twitter.
- Find me on Instagram and Twitter.
- Visit my website, www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I give my best tips for collaborating with other creatives on projects. As an author, I work with an editor and a cover designer on every single book. I've hired graphic designers and interior formatters in the past, and I also have experience on the other side of the freelancer/client relationship as a freelance writer.
Collaboration is wonderful because it allows you to access other people's skills, create a better finished product, and spend more time doing what you do best. But working with other people comes with its own set of challenges.
I discuss how to find quality freelancers, why it's important to set clear expectations from the beginning and pay people fairly, and how to deliver feedback in a way that's sensitive and constructive. I also talk through the pitfalls of working with friends and family on creative projects.
Show Notes:
- Listen to "Boring Books for Bedtime" from this week's Discovery segment.
- Check out 99Designs, Upwork, and Reedsy for quality freelancers. (I've had many positive experiences with 99Designs.)
In this episode, I discuss the feelings of self-doubt that all creative people experience — whether you're a writer, artist, musician, or maker. I share my personal struggles with self-doubt as I get ready to release my first nonfiction book and how I've desensitized myself to self-doubt when it comes to my fiction. I explain why we feel self-doubt in the first place and my tried-and-true methods for getting past self-doubt, gaining more confidence, and managing creative fears long-term.
Show Notes:
- Read "The Unsettlers" by Mark Sundeen from this week's Discovery segment.
- Read about how advertisers convinced Americans they smelled bad (or the social history of commercial deodorant).
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Find me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this special minisode, I share my reflections from "Happier Labor Day" — the movement sparked by Gretchen Rubin to use Labor Day as a chance to reflect on our work life. I share my "ah-ha" moment on how spending time with other authors helps stoke my own enthusiasm and how I plan to make myself less busy by closing open boxes.
Show Notes:
- Listen to the podcast "Happier" with Gretchen Rubin.
- Learn about Happier Labor Day here.
In this episode, I discuss the issue of using paid advertising to drive traffic to an online creative business. As an author, I rely on a variety of paid ads to drive traffic to my books. But with the rising cost of advertising and the time and energy required, I'm seeking other avenues to promote my author business.
In this episode, I go through some of the problems and pitfalls of paid ads, as well as some alternative marketing strategies. I talk about generating traffic organically, using social media, email marketing, and content marketing to create a more sustainable creative business.
Show Notes
- Learn about Gretchen Rubin's "Happier Labor Day" project.
- Read about how the average person sees 5,000 ads per day.
- Learn about Facebook's declining engagement.
- Read about Facebook's human experiment.
In this episode, I discuss the trait that's most highly correlated with creative success: openness to experience. I'll dive deep into the research on openness and why it's correlated with creativity. I'll share some crazy stories and my top tips for becoming more open to experience in your own life.
Show Notes:
- Read Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire.
- Learn about the "BigFive" personality traits and openness here and here.
- Find me on Instagram @writewithtarah and at my website, www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I discuss the four big hurdles that every creative entrepreneur must face when leaving the day job to pursue a creative career. I'll delve into replacing the day-job income, healthcare, creating your own schedule, managing your creative energy, and more.
Show Notes:
- Read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle from this week's Discovery segment.
- Listen to "A New Earth" — the podcast hosted by Oprah.
- Get Teladoc to fill the gaps in your crappy new health insurance.
- Read my post on hacking the desk life to become a healthier creative.
- Find me on Instagram or at writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I tackle the five questions that every aspiring entrepreneur needs to ask before turning a creative hobby or side hustle into a profitable small business. I'll cover topics such as determining your costs, your time investment in your final product, working "in the business" versus working "on the business," and how to tap into your local community.
Show Notes:
- Follow me on Instagram @writewithtarah.
- Learn more at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I discuss the concept of dharma, which roughly translates to "right way of living" or "purpose in life."
I'll cover the signs that point to being "in dharma" with your creative business and how to get there if you feel you might be out of dharma. I'll also touch on the difference between a passion, profession, mission, and vocation and ikigai, which lies at the heart of all four.
I also reveal the premise and title of my new nonfiction book for creatives and share how you can get your free copy.
Show Notes:
- Read Kahlil Gibran’s bio from the Poetry Foundation.
- Read “The Prophet” full text online.
- Read “The Book of Secrets” by Deepak Chopra.
- Read “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.”
- See the Ikigai Venn diagram.
- Watch the Ikigai TED Talk.
- Email me for an advanced review copy of “Creative Morning Magic” here or send your message to writewithtarah@gmail.com
In this episode, I interview fellow entrepreneur, adventurer, (and my husband) Ben Thornburg. We'll discuss how to start your own business using your existing skillset, the discipline required to be your own boss, and how teamwork helps us run two successful businesses and one amazing life.
In this episode, I introduce the idea of life architecture and talk about how the design of our lives — including our physical spaces — contribute to our overall happiness. I'll discuss how chaos and congestion in the spaces around us can create chaos and congestion in other areas of our lives. Finally, I'll tackle three key areas of the home and how I've transformed them into calm, orderly spaces.
Show Notes:
- Read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo from this week's Discovery segment.
- Connect with me on Instagram @writewithtarah.
- Find me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I address the stress and overwhelm we can feel anytime life gets in the way of our best-laid plans. Stress can be a creativity-killer for many of us, so it's important that we learn how to support ourselves during these times. Just as we must surrender to the creative process, we must also sometimes surrender to the flow of life.
Show Notes:
- Read "The Book of Secrets" by Deepak Chopra from this week's Discovery segment.
- Follow me on Instagram @writewithtarah.
- Connect online at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I talk about the factors you should consider if you are thinking of moving to another city to pursue your dream. I'll dive into the financial, business, and family considerations that go into making this important decision, as well as the intangibles — such as the artistic influences of our surroundings and the joy of living in your own personal paradise.
In this episode, I discuss one of the most common frustrations of creative life: working really hard without seeing the results we want on our desired timeline. I discuss my own struggle with recognizing small accomplishments and my very best tips for appreciating the power of incremental progress.
Show Notes:
- Listen to the interview with singer-songwriter LP from today's Discovery segment.
- Get my free mini-course: "Stop Procrastinating and Write the Damn Book."
- Follow me on Instagram @writewithtarah.
In this episode, I discuss how our cultural obsession with happiness is making us miserable and why Americans are less happy than ever before. I also share the transformative shift that has allowed me to prioritize my happiness and experience more happiness on a daily basis.
Show Notes:
- Listen to the New Earth podcast hosted by Oprah and Eckhart Tolle from this week's Discovery segment.
- See the stats on antidepressant use in the U.S. and around the world.
- Learn why Americans are unhappy.
- Meet the least happy people in America.
- Learn why women are less happy than men.
In honor of Father's Day, I discuss the greatest business lessons I've learned from my dad. Some of these lessons include how to win in ANY sales negotiation, why you should always stay on brand, and Dad's secret to knowing what will kill your business.
Show Notes:
- Get your copy of Awaken the Giant Withinby Tony Robbins from this week's Discovery segment.
- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah.
- Find me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
In this episode, I talk about creating killer systems and processes so we can spend less time doing the things we have to do and more time doing what we want to do. For me this summer, this means more time creating and more leisure time outdoors. I share my newest life-changing systems — including my life hacks for the grocery store.
Show Notes:
- Check out this week’s Discovery segment: Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
- Read these hacks for choosing the fastest checkout line:
- Learn President Obama’s productivity secrets.
In this minisode, I talk about breaking the bad habit of looking for advice in Facebook Groups, trolling curmudgeons, and the wealth of bad advice on the Internet. I discuss why we should only take advice from those we want to emulate AND why I am channeling my inner Granny.
In this episode, I discuss the importance of long-term planning in business and in life. In this week's Discovery segment, I talk about the interview that gave me an "ah-ha" moment with regard to creating a 10-year plan for my author business. I discuss the challenges of charting out the specifics for the next 10 years. I also share my 5-year plan, how I am future-proofing my author business, and what I've done this week to keep my goals in sight.
- You can listen to the interview from this week's discovery segment on the Unemployable podcast here.
- You can find Joanna Penn and her magnificent podcast here.
- Tag me in the photos of your posted goals on Instagram @writewithtarah.
- You can read more from me at www.writewithtarah.com.
- Listen to all episodes of The Fearless Creative here.
In this minisode, I talk about mistakes I've made in work and business and why entrepreneurs shouldn't blame business hiccups on a fake assistant named Maya. (Not that I've done that.) Instead, we should own our mistakes and use them as an opportunity to create connections and show competence.
You can connect with me on Instagram and Twitter and at www.writewithtarah.com.
Deepak Chopra, Marie Kondo, Mark Zuckerberg, oh my! In this episode, I talk about how companies and individuals are experimenting with mature digital mediums to connect with their audiences in surprising new ways. From Deepak on Instagram and podcasts to Marie Kondo on Netflix, I'll break down some exciting trends I'm seeing that creative entrepreneurs can take advantage of.
You can get in touch with me on Instagram and Twitter and at www.writewithtarah.com.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Read Oprah’s Commencement Speech here.
- Get her book The Path Made Clear.
- TV shows mentioned: The Last Kingdom, Game of Thrones, The Crown, and Bonding.
- Deepak Chopra’s long-form podcast, “Infinite Potential”
- Deepak Chopra's short-form podcast, “Daily Breath”
- Mark Zuckerberg's podcast "Tech & Society"
- Marie Kondo's book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
- Marie Kondo's Netflix show: Tidying Up
- Brené Brown's Netflix special: The Call to Courage
In this episode, I discuss how to increase your risk tolerance as a creative entrepreneur. Find out the six human needs we all share and which of these needs is standing in the way of you taking more risks! I'll break down the strategies I have used to expand my comfort with risk and the questions I ask myself anytime I'm making a big decision.
You can find me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah or at www.writewithtarah.com.
The book I referenced is Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins.
In this episode, I discuss the three areas of your life you must master before you go into business for yourself: your personal finance, your time, and your health.
In episode two, I discuss accountability as it relates to artists and creative entrepreneurs. I break down the Four Tendencies from Gretchen Reubin's book The Four Tendencies and explain why knowing your tendency is helpful for creating your own custom accountability system.
I'll break down the different "flavors" of accountability and talk you through the six components of my accountability system.
You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah. You can also find me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
Go get Gretchen Rubin's book, The Four Tendencies or take the Four Tendencies quiz.
In episode three, I discuss the life-changing strategy I have used for years to nurture my creativity and recharge after a big writing project. This strategy has helped me defeat writer's block and has kept me from feeling burned out after six years and 16 full-length novels.
I'll talk about the benefits of challenging your body with intense physical feats; why non-meditators should give meditation another chance; and how nature can be the best medicine whenever you're feeling creatively depleted.
You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @writewithtarah. You can also find me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
Get your copy of Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh and Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire.
In the first episode of The Fearless Creative, I discuss how I went from working 40 hours a week for someone else to being the CEO of my own creative empire. I left my day job in 2015, and today I have published 16 novels and continue to earn a living as a full-time author.
In episode one, I talk about how to break down your "big scary goal" into smaller, more attainable goals; why you should pay yourself first in terms of creative energy; and how to use virtual mentors to stay motivated.
Get in touch with me @writewithtarah on Instagram or Twitter.
You can also find me on the web at www.writewithtarah.com.
Download Jillian Michael's Goal Pyramid Worksheet from her book Unlimited.
Conversations about the creative life. The Fearless Creative is a podcast for writers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who want to turn their passions into a thriving business and live a life that feeds their soul.