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2. Ego impact on author success

Strategic Author Decision-Making

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Unlock the secrets to strategic author decision making. Explore strategic mindset approaches, effective ego management, and proven techniques with guest Stephen Holly Martin, offering invaluable insights for navigating writing challenges and optimizing your author journey.

In this episode of Author Nation Interviews, host Melody Ann explores the impact of ego on nonfiction authors’ writing and book promotion with guest Steven Hawley Martin, a former marketing executive and award-winning author. The conversation delves into defining ego, its positive and negative influences, and strategies to overcome ego-related obstacles in the author’s journey.

You'll Learn How Your Ego May Hold You Back

  • Understand the definition of ego and its impact on writing and book promotion.
  • Recognize the positive and negative aspects of ego in the author's journey.
  • Learn how ego can lead to writer's block, opinionated writing, and reluctance to promote one's work.
  • Discover ways to overcome ego-related obstacles for a healthier and more successful author journey.
  • Strategies for building a healthy ego and overcoming obstacles in the writing and promotion process.

Guest Steven Hawley Martin

Steven Hawley Martin, a former marketing executive and editor/publisher of the Oakley Press, is a prolific author with over three dozen books to his name. A three-time winner of the Writer’s Digest Book Award, he brings valuable insights into the discussion.
Expert Interview with Steven Hawley Martin on Ego in Authorship

Resources for You and Your Ego...

Highlights from Strategic Author Decision-Making

  • Definition of ego: Influenced by cultural, familial, and educational programming.
  • Overcoming writer's block and opinionated writing by understanding and managing ego.
  • The role of fear of criticism in authors' reluctance to promote their books.
  • Developing a healthy ego involves recognizing it as a construct and operating from the rational self.
  • Importance of removing judgment and fostering curiosity when faced with negative emotions.

Actionable Steps for Effective Nonfiction Writing

Overcoming Writer’s Block:

Quick Action Item: Before bedtime, gather your research and spend a few minutes reviewing it. As you drift off to sleep, tell yourself that your subconscious mind will organize this information, leading to creative flow when you wake up. This simple practice can break the cycle of writer’s block.

Morning Reflection for Creativity:

Quick Action Item: Upon waking up, resist the urge to immediately jump out of bed. Instead, take a few moments to let your mind wander and reflect. Many authors find this first half-hour after waking to be a fertile time for creative ideas. Use this brief period to consider your book or any writing challenges you’re currently facing.

Utilize Google Docs for Proofreading:

Quick Action Item: Before finalizing your manuscript, run it through Google Docs. The platform is adept at catching small errors that might have been overlooked due to familiarity with the text. Spending just a few minutes doing this can significantly improve the overall polish of your work.

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