The Fearless Creative

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 of Creative 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 of Creative 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 mythRead: Is There a Crystal Bubble? Inside the Billion-Dollar Healing Gemstone IndustryRead: Titanic Mysteries That May Never Be SolvedWatch: Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and MadnessWatch: OutlanderWatch: 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 NotesListen 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 NotesCheck 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 NotesGet 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 NotesListen 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 NotesEnroll 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 NotesListen 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 NotesMap 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 NotesGet 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 DickensThe Book People: Fascinating Facts About Charles DickensThe 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 SuccessThe Vintage News: Charles Dickens' Pet Raven Inspired Edgar Allen Poe's Most Famous WorkChristmas Past podcast: Did Charles Dickens Really Invent Christmas?