Beyond Better with Stacy Ennis

Connect with Mike: Mike’s book: Wandermust Mike’s website: mikegreenleadership.com LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn

I’m excited to share a conversation on my podcast with an individual who has had a profound impact on my career: Tim Vandehey. = Tim is a friend and business mentor—not to mention a renowned writer. A freelance writer since 1995, he is an award-winning New York Times best-selling ghostwriter of more than sixty-five nonfiction books. In this week’s episode, we talk about why we humans are notoriously awful at finishing projects and what we can do about it. We discuss how we’ve each been able to tackle and complete big projects—you know, like writing dozens of books—and share practical strategies to get things done. Plus, we talk about the business of ghostwriting and share insider tips for writers looking to succeed in the field. Learn More About Tim: www.timvandehey.com Facebook and Linkedin Tim’s most recent book: Swipe: The Science Behind Why We Don’t Finish What We Start Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn

Not only is Misty a dear friend, but she’s also a lighthouse for women around the world. We recently hosted a conversation live on LinkedIn that ended up being so powerful I had to share it again on my podcast. It’s short—about twenty minutes—and so inspiring. Listen to this week’s episode on how to set yourself up as an expert. In our conversation, we also talk about the transition from expert to thought leader and how to fully step into your powerful purpose. Learn more about Misty: www.mistymegia.com All social media platforms: @mistymegia Public speaking program for women: https://mistymegia.com/work/program/ Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn

This week, I’m joined by parenting and confidence coach, May Lam Rocco. May is an author, entrepreneur, businesswoman, and former Nonfiction Book School student who recently released her memoir, Confi-Dance: Memoirs of an Asian Businesswoman’s Journey from a Traditional Upbringing into Unconditional Love. Her book has been endorsed by the former president of Gucci China; the speaker-elect of the US House of Representatives; and my friend and coauthor, Ron Price, president of TTI Success Insights. During her time in Nonfiction Book School, May went from thinking her memoir was meant for an audience of one—her son—to realizing that her book had a significant role in fulfilling her newfound purpose of helping other people up-level their confidence in business, parenting, and life. Join us as we talk writing, publishing, social media, traveling, and much more. Connect with May: Get May’s book: Confi-dance Follow May on TikTok: maylamrocco Follow May on Instagram: instagram.com/maylamrocco/ Linktree: linktr.ee/maylamrocco Email: maylamrocco@gmail.com Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn

This week, I’m joined by Shaheen Shamavati, a fellow US expat and business owner living in Malaga, Spain. Shaheen is CEO and Founder of Vera Content and is a multilingual context expert, managing global social media and marketing channels for international brands. I met Shaheen through an entrepreneurship group I’m part of and instantly connected with her. Not only is she a smart business leader, but she’s also chosen to build a unique life in Spain, where she lives with her family and co-leads a remote team. In this episode, we discuss building an unconventional life, family, and business abroad—and the challenges and joys of being an expat business owner. We also dig into her area of expertise: global social media and content marketing channels. She shares advice for showing up with consistency and tips for scaling a truly global brand. Learn more about Shaheen: Vera Content: veracontent.com Social handle: @veracontent Co-hosted podcast: The Content Mix – veracontent.com/mix Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn

At least once a week, but often more frequently, I get questions on all things Portugal. They range from how we afford our life to how we do schooling to why we would choose to leave everything we know in pursuit of an unknown life abroad. This week, I am digging into the looooong list of questions to . . . well, answer them. In this episode, I dive into more of the visa and legal specifics, digging into some of the steps we researched to make this move, things to consider, and lessons learned along the way. I also share some behind the scenes of our lives here and why it’s a wonderful fit for our family. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question or an inquiry, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Many aspiring writers want to be able to make a living as a writer. But how in the world does someone go from dreaming to doing the thing? This week, I’ve got answers for you. Along with sharing my own experience in nonfiction, I’m joined by novelist Mindy McGinnis to share her journey on the fiction side. Mindy is an Edgar Award-winning novelist who writes across multiple genres, including post-apocalyptic, historical, thriller, contemporary, mystery, and fantasy. Her experience has not always been rosy, and, as you’ll learn in this frank and open discussion, she has experienced hardships along the way to make her dream happen. But she’s done it—she’s doing it—and she shares some of the behind-the-scenes of a novelist living the dream. I also share insights from my world of nonfiction and offer insights for nonfiction authors who are writing books connected to a bigger purpose. We also dig into marketing and social media, and Mindy shares what she does to attract new readers and book paid speaking gigs. Learn more about Mindy at her website: www.mindymcginnis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question or an inquiry, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

At least once a week, but often more frequently, I get questions on all things Portugal. They range from how we afford our life to how we do schooling to why we would choose to leave everything we know in pursuit of an unknown life abroad. This week, I am digging into the looooong list of questions to . . . well, answer them. In this episode, I answer questions on why we chose to move, how we selected schools, what it’s like to live in a different country, how learning the language is going, and much more. If you’re thinking of moving abroad—maybe even to Portugal—or you’re just curious about our life here, this episode is for you. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question or an inquiry, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Ghostwriting has been made more visible recently with Prince Harry’s writer, J. R. Moehringer. But the practice has been around long before the prince’s memoir—and is utilized by people other than princes. In fact, an estimated 60 percent of all nonfiction books and 70 percent on the New York Time’s best-seller list are ghostwritten. In this episode, I am demystifying all things ghostwriting with writer, developmental editor, and book coach Robin Bethel. This episode is like listening in to two ghostwriters talking shop, trading notes, and discussing the many misconceptions about our craft. Not only do we dive into a detailed discussion of how ghostwriting works, why someone might hire one, and our approach to the craft, but we also talk dollar bills. As in: How much will this cost you? Ghostwriting is not only a powerful process but also a smart investment for entrepreneurs, CEOs, consultants, coaches, and people who want to uncover their unique story and message to make an impact. We discuss how to create a “shelf stable” book that becomes a business sustainability tool—and how to engage fully in the process with a ghostwriter to uncover new insights about yourself and your business. This is a detailed, fun, and insightful episode. Learn more about Robin Stacy’s website: www.stacyennis.com/about Robin's website: www.prosestudio.com On Instagram @robinbethelwriting Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question or an inquiry, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Last year, I hosted an alumni celebration for graduates of my program, Nonfiction Book School. As part of the event, I asked past students to share their stories. And—wow—I was so inspired! I knew I had to share their stories with you too. This week, I’m sharing a live Facebook broadcast with five authors discussing how they accomplished their goal of authorhood. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Some themes: courage, action, discipline. Believe in your big vision. Commit to your goal. Show up and do the work. No matter where you are on your author journey, I know this episode will inspire you to take action just like these five phenomenal authors. Don’t miss this episode! If you’re ready to uncover your unique story, write your book, and step into your purpose, join me in Nonfiction Book School! Enrollment closes January 23, 2023: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Many aspiring authors anchor to one thing early in the book-writing process—often before they’ve even written a word: potential book sales. They do the math: how many books will I have to sell to make back my investment (time and money)? But that’s a false equation, because the true ROI of a book isn’t as simple as calculating the number of books sold by your author royalty per book. In fact, the greatest benefits are harder to measure—but can equate to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of opportunities. This week, I explore the true internal and external ROI of writing a book, including speaking engagements, media attention, a steady stream of inbound clients, new career opportunities, or stepping into your “next level” professionally—whatever that may be for you. If you’re ready to write your book and step into your purpose, join me in Nonfiction Book School! Enrollment closes January 23, 2023: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Listen to past episodes with NBS students Lindsey Weigle and Mike Green. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Answers to your burning questions on all things writing, publishing, platform, and more—part 2! I often say that entering the world of publishing is like learning a new language. I should know. I’ve tried to learn Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, and Portuguese. And I’ve only been successful at near-fluency in one so far! (Portuguese is also coming along. Slowly.) First, you embark on a project to achieve one of the hardest goals out there: write a book. Not only do you need to learn the skill of writing a book, but you need to show up with discipline and consistency to actually get it done. Then, you have to navigate self-editing, professional editing, and the publishing process (which has its own language!). Meanwhile, you need to build an author platform and put together a launch plan so your book doesn’t do a not-so-graceful flop on release day. It’s a lot. But I’ve got you. Show notes: Access a life visioning guide at stacyennis.com/resources Access a platform guide at stacyennis.com/resources I have a helpful book checklist at stacyennis.com/learn Great episode on copyright with attorney Brad Frazer: stacyennis.com/episode41/ P.S. At the beginning of the episode, I say "2023 was the shortest but longest year ever.” I meant 2022. Case and point! Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Joseph Perry is a publishing attorney and literary agent. As an attorney, Joseph counsels clients in the publishing industry, where he drafts and negotiates various publishing agreements, gives legal reads of manuscripts, registers copyrights, and helps authors start their own publishing companies. As an agent, he represents best-selling cookbook authors, athletes, musicians, journalists, influencers, academics, and more. In this episode, we discuss the difference between a publishing attorney and a literary agent, when someone might need a publishing attorney, how authors can better protect themselves in publishing negotiations, what to consider when assessing which publishing route is the right fit for you, and tips for getting represented by a literary agent. Show notes Listen to the Beyond Better podcast episode about copyright with Brad Frazer IBPA.org Learn more about Joe and his work at www.josephperrylaw.com and www.perryliterary.com Nonfiction Authors Association Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This week, I’m answering your burning questions on all things writing, publishing, platform, and more. I often say that entering the world of publishing is like learning a new language. I should know. I’ve tried to learn Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, and Portuguese. And I’ve only been successful at near-fluency in one so far! (Portuguese is also coming along. Slowly.) First, you embark on a project to achieve one of the hardest goals out there: write a book. Not only do you need to learn the skill of writing a book, but you need to show up with discipline and consistency to actually get it done. Then, you have to navigate self-editing, professional editing, and the publishing process (which has its own language!). Meanwhile, you need to build an author platform and put together a launch plan so your book doesn’t do a not-so-graceful flop on release day. It’s a lot. But I’ve got you. Show notes: Publishing resource: www.JaneFriedman.com Listen to the Beyond Better podcast episode about the ROI of a Book Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This week, I’m joined by author David Morales. His book, American Familia: A Memoir of Perseverance, was released in February 2022 and already has dozens of five-star reviews and has impacted readers across the US and beyond. In this conversation, David shares the inspiration behind the book and his larger vision of impact, including the work he’s doing through Ahora Inc., a nonprofit organization he cofounded with his wife, Samanda Morales, focused on increasing economic mobility and empowering individuals and families to gain financial freedom. We discuss how two qualities, self-agency and critical thinking, helped him overcome both rural and urban poverty to become the person he is today. He also delves into how he navigated publishing a vulnerable memoir while working as a high-level executive in the health care industry. If you’re an aspiring author on the journey to impact, David’s insights about his own author journey will inspire you to take action. Learn more and connect with David: American Familia on Amazon David’s website Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter Ahora Inc. Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This short and sweet episode details my plans for season 4 (!!!) of this podcast. I need your support to reach more listeners. Please rate and review this show—and share with a friend! Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Meet Amy Lafko, a client who has seen great success—both with her book and her business—after the publication of her best-selling book, People First: A Proven Method for an Exceptional Healthcare Practice. While surprised at becoming an author, Amy’s love for People First concepts drove her to writing a book that she loves. It has elevated her keynote career and shaped the work she does with clients. In this conversation, Amy shares about her author journey before and after publishing her book, and shares wise advice for any authors on the same journey. In this episode, we cover: What the journey of authorhood has been like and what she’s learned How her book has been a catalyst for achieving her big vision Roadblocks she faced and how she overcame them What the publishing process was like for her Wisdom and practical advice for aspiring authors Get to know Amy: Learn more about her book: www.thepeoplefirstbook.com Learn more about her work: www.cairncs.com Connect with her on LinkedIn Follow her on Instagram Email her at amy@cairncs.com  Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

As an expert in traditional publishing, Meghan Stevenson helps clients get the book deal of their dreams. She helps entrepreneurs and experts become published authors and has helped her clients earn more than $4 million from major publishers. In this conversation, she explains the importance of the three p’s—potential, platform, proposal—when it comes to having the highest chance of success in getting a traditional book publishing deal. In this episode, we cover: book marketability the difference between writing and writing a book how to establish the purpose and desired outcome of your book what an author platform is and how to build one Get to know Meghan: Follow her on Instagram @megstevenson Check out her website: meghanstevenson.com Get the free guide, 3 Tips Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Writing a Book Register for Meghan’s September 17th workshop here Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

I’m pleased to welcome one of the foremost publishing experts, Jane Friedman. Jane has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, which was named 2020 Media Outlet of the Year by Digital Book World. I’ve been following Jane’s work for years, and her site was a critical resource for me early in my writing career (and still is!). In this candid discussion, we cover: the three main types of publishing and considerations for each an overview of traditional publishing, including working with an agent and a basic time frame why an author might self-publish or work with a hybrid publisher what makes a nonfiction book marketable how to get crystal clear on your reader and niche what Jane says all aspiring authors should know We also have a lot of fun talking shop, sharing our personal perspectives about the publishing industry, writing, and much more. No matter what stage you’re at in your author journey, you won’t want to miss this episode. Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Get to know Jane: Access her valuable free content at https://www.janefriedman.com. Subscribe to her paid newsletter at https://hotsheetpub.com. I’m a subscriber and highly recommend it if you want to keep up on publishing industry news, trends, and more. Content discussed in the interview: Questions to Ask Your Publisher Before Signing: https://www.janefriedman.com/questions-to-ask-your-publisher-before-you-sign-the-contract/ How to Define & Describe Your Readership (gluten-free example): https://www.janefriedman.com/define-readers-book-proposal/ Using Partnerships to Land a Book Deal (getting forewords/intros from other experts): https://www.janefriedman.com/using-partnerships-to-help-land-a-nonfiction-book-deal/ Additional links from Jane: How to Write a Book Proposal (+ template) https://www.janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-write-a-book-proposal/ Key Book Publishing Paths https://www.janefriedman.com/key-book-publishing-path/

Misty Megia is a creative producer extraordinaire who has helped craft and produce keynotes on some of the biggest stages in the world. After leaving her high-profile Fortune 500 position on February 26, 2020, to start her own company, Misty lost $85,000 in contracts in one day as events around the US were cancelled due to the pandemic—income she’d been counting on for the first few months of her new enterprise. Quickly, she reframed the situation, came up with a new strategy, and took action, applying insights from helping tech companies reach multi-hundred-million-dollar exits. Today, she helps speakers and event producers create phenomenal presentations and keynotes, and inspires people around the globe with her business insights and positivity. This episode is full of practical tips, inspiring storytelling, and lots of laughter. (So much laughter!) Don’t miss this insightful, practical discussion. Learn more about Misty at http://mistymegia.com/. Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This podcast episode is a recording of past webinar I did on the book-writing process. This training replay covers an overview of the book-writing process, including the why behind a book (so important!). You’ll learn the difference between the creation and production processes, and we'll deep dive into creation: idea, outline, write, and revise. We’ll also take a high-level look at production: design, proof, publish, and launch. Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Growing your influence and impact as an author requires more than just writing a book people want to read. You need to show up with passion, purpose, and consistency to develop a solid author platform that attracts an audience. In this episode, I talk with founder and CEO of Amplify Publishing and Mascot Books, Naren Aryal. Along with solid advice for growing a thought leadership platform as an author, Naren shares insider publisher secrets. If you’re an aspiring or published nonfiction author, don’t miss this informative (and fun!) episode. Learn more about Naren’s publishing companies: Learn more about Mascot Publishing: www.mascotbooks.com Learn more about Amplify Publishing: www.amplifypublishing.com Learn more about Real Clear Publishing: www.realclearpublishing.com Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Money. It’s one of the biggest sources of stress entrepreneurs face. This week, Octavia Conner, founder and CEO of Say Yes to Profits, shares some of her top strategies to go from financial distress to abundance—and grow your company as you grow your money mindset. Octavia Conner has been quoted in Forbes and featured in Afro Tech and Intuit. Selected as a top-50 accountant in North America for two consecutive years and acknowledged as an award-winning, best-selling author and professional speaker, Octavia combines over 20 years of business, accounting, and financial experience. Basically, she knows her stuff! If you want to reclaim your financial power and grow your business, you won’t want to miss this episode! In this episode, we cover: money moves to reach six and seven figures in your business how to go from money drought to six-figure cash flow why and how Octavia left a cushy role as CFO to start her own business what Octavia learned when she failed the first time launching her business how to achieve financial peace of mind why having a financial strategy matters in reaching your business goals Get to know Octavia: Say Yes to Profits website Follow her on Instagram Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Michael Zipursky is the CEO of Consulting Success®, a consulting business that specializes in helping entrepreneurial consultants grow profitable, scalable, and strategic businesses. We talk about Michael’s journey through multiple businesses and how he transitioned from burning the midnight oil to structuring his business in a way that supports a lifestyle of freedom. He shares what a healthy entrepreneurial work-life balance looks like for him and the mindset shifts necessary to achieve it. Hint: the key is to optimize our business and our lifestyle so that we can start enjoying more of what we want today and not delaying it for the future. Michael explains how authorhood impacted his business (Michael has published three books to date), as well as the four pillars of developing a highly profitable, scalable coaching business (the components of his Clarity Coaching program); content marketing; social media; and more. This is a value-packed episode you don’t want to miss! Get to know Michael: Consulting Success website: www.consultingsuccess.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zipursky Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

In this week's solo episode, I share three core stages of my business, the mindset changes I made along the way, and the support I leaned on to make my dreams happen. I also share why my husband decided to be a stay-at-home dad, and how we have made decisions in alignment with the life we want—not what society thinks we should do. I recorded this episode on Independence Day in the US, as I was reflecting on what independence means to me. (Hint: It's not the American value of self-sufficiency.) I can’t think of a better topic to share this week as I reflect with gratitude on thirteen years of business and all the help my family and I have gotten along the way. Join my email list: http://stacyennis.com/join Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This week, I’m joined by Jeffrey Shipley, cofounder of TONIC Site Shop. In this insightful, vulnerable discussion, we cover effective website design, and Jeffrey shares practical action steps to create a website that effectively communicates your brand and converts. My favorite part of this interview? His story. We discuss mistakes and lessons learned along his entrepreneurial journey cofounding TONIC Site Shop and building it into the wildly successful company it is today. Plus, we pull back the curtains on our businesses to explore working within one’s zone of genius, and the power of entrepreneurship and choice. (I teared up while interviewing Jeffrey for this episode. Our conversation is that powerful!) Whether you’re looking to revamp or refresh your site, or want to listen in on two entrepreneurs sharing the hard and great stuff, you won’t want to miss this episode! Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Get to know Jeffrey Check out the TONIC Site Shop and sign up for their phenomenal newsletter: tonicsiteshop.com Follow TONIC Site Shop on Instagram: instagram.com/tonicsiteshop Follow Jeffrey on Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreyshipley

Rhea Allen is the president and CEO of Peppershock Media, a full-service marketing and advertising agency with creative production services that has been building brands and bottom lines since 2003. In this episode, Rhea shares how she took a sports marketing and television background and turned it into a successful marketing company. We talk building business brands, evolving into the “new” media of social media, culture building, transitioning to remote work, and so much more. Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Get to know Rhea Learn more about Rhea’s agency at: www.peppershock.com Check out the Marketing Expedition Community: www.themarketingexpedition.com Listen to The Marketing Expedition Podcast: www.themarketingexpedition.com/podcasts/

This week, I speak with Renée Warren, an award-winning entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, author, and founder of We Wild Women, a platform that helps women grow wildly successfully companies. She has over 23 years of experience as an entrepreneur running marketing and PR agencies. In this episode, we discuss her personal journey to entrepreneurship, founding and running a PR company, the challenges and lessons of raising two boys as an entrepreneur, and coauthoring a book. After she shut down her company (you’ll have to listen to find out why!), she started business coaching and founded We Wild Women. We talk about the role of commitment, bravery, and growth in being an entrepreneur and running a small business. Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Get to know Renée: Get her coauthored book, Get Covered! How to Craft, Pitch and Tell Your Startup’s Story to Get More Customers Check out her website: https://www.wewildwomen.com/ Listen to her podcast: https://www.wewildwomen.com/podcast

This week, I’m joined by my friend and marketing leader Madeline Pratt. Madeline Pratt is the founder and CEO of Fearless Foundry, a creative consulting firm that specializes in helping ambitious entrepreneurs with their marketing, branding, and business development. Madeline is a thoughtful, intentional business strategist and marketer. In this episode, we discuss her personal journey to entrepreneurship and how she grew a connected, dynamic team. We also get real about the challenges of growing a small business and cover what a business development strategy is, how joyful marketing fits into that strategy, and some practical steps for anyone looking to be more effective with marketing. If you want to grow your business and level up your marketing at the same time—plus hear real talk from two seasoned entrepreneurs—don’t miss this episode. Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Get to know Madeline: · Learn more at https://www.fearlessfoundry.com/. · Listen to the Finding Fearless podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-fearless/id1320634079. · Access her library of resources here: https://fearlessfoundry.podia.com/.

This week, I’m pleased to welcome one of the foremost publishing experts, Jane Friedman. Jane has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, which was named 2020 Media Outlet of the Year by Digital Book World. I’ve been following Jane’s work for years, and her site was a critical resource for me early in my writing career (and still is!). In this candid discussion, we cover: the three main types of publishing and considerations for each an overview of traditional publishing, including working with an agent and a basic time frame why an author might self-publish or work with a hybrid publisher what makes a nonfiction book marketable how to get crystal clear on your reader and niche what Jane says all aspiring authors should know We also have a lot of fun talking shop, sharing our personal perspectives about the publishing industry, writing, and much more. No matter what stage you’re at in your author journey, you won’t want to miss this episode. Join the waiting list for my accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Get to know Jane: Access her valuable free content at https://www.janefriedman.com. Subscribe to her paid newsletter at https://hotsheetpub.com. I’m a subscriber and highly recommend it if you want to keep up on publishing industry news, trends, and more. Content discussed in the interview: Questions to Ask Your Publisher Before Signing: https://www.janefriedman.com/questions-to-ask-your-publisher-before-you-sign-the-contract/ How to Define & Describe Your Readership (gluten-free example): https://www.janefriedman.com/define-readers-book-proposal/ Using Partnerships to Land a Book Deal (getting forewords/intros from other experts):https://www.janefriedman.com/using-partnerships-to-help-land-a-nonfiction-book-deal/ Additional links from Jane: How to Write a Book Proposal (+ template): https://www.janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-write-a-book-proposal/ Key Book Publishing Paths: https://www.janefriedman.com/key-book-publishing-path/

A couple weeks ago, I hosted an alumni celebration for graduates of my program, Nonfiction Book School. As part of the event, I asked past students to share their stories. And—wow—I was so inspired! I knew I had to share their stories with you too. This week, I’m sharing a live Facebook broadcast with five authors discussing how they accomplished their goal of authorhood. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Some themes: courage, action, discipline. Believe in your big vision. Commit to your goal. Show up and do the work. No matter where you are on your author journey, I know this episode will inspire you to take action just like these five phenomenal authors. Don’t miss this  episode! If you’re ready to uncover your unique story, write your book, and step into your purpose, join me in Nonfiction Book School! Enrollment closes March 31, 2022: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Many aspiring authors anchor to one thing early in the book-writing process—often before they’ve even written a word: potential book sales. They do the math: how many books will I have to sell to make back my investment (time and money)? But that’s a false equation, because the true ROI of a book isn’t as simple as calculating the number of books sold by your author royalty per book. In fact, the greatest benefits are harder to measure—but can equate to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of opportunities. This week, I explore the true internal and external ROI of writing a book, including speaking engagements, media attention, a steady stream of inbound clients, new career opportunities, or stepping into your “next level” professionally—whatever that may be for you. If you’re ready to write your book and step into your purpose, join me in Nonfiction Book School! Enrollment closes March 31, 2022: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Listen to past episodes with NBS students Lindsey Weigle and Mike Green. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

*Important: I’m running a FREE 5-day writing challenge March 14–18. Register now.* In this episode, I answer your questions, gathered from a survey sent to my email list. They include: How do you make time to create and write? Aside from growing your business, what work-related topics are you interested in (my answer goes beyond work!)? Can you dig into how to build an audience? As always, I aim to provide valuable, meaningful content in this episode to support your growth and success. Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Create an Influential Author Platform – this is my newly updated author platform guide, helpful for non-authors too! Core Message and Professional Story Writing Guide – this training will help you uncover your core message. Don’t forget to access the free training that accompanies the guide and download the training handout. ConvertKit– this is the software I use for my email list growth, landing pages, and more. They also offer valuable education for creators. (Note that I am a paid affiliate of ConvertKit—but I wouldn’t recommend them if I wasn’t a loyal user.) If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Your kid opens your door. Your email chimes. The delivery person rings the doorbell . . . three times. Your partner calls out from the other room to ask what you need from the grocery store. We’ve all been interrupted while writing, and sometimes those interruptions can completely derail focus and flow. In this episode, I detail my best advice for reengaging your brain, so you can reconnect with flow and have a productive writing session. I also dig into preventive strategies to avoid interruptions before they happen. If you’ve ever struggled to regain writing focus after interruptions, this episode is for you! If you’re ready to achieve your dream of writing your book, join me in my LIVE accelerated author program, Nonfiction Book School. Please rate and review the show! If you enjoy this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Let’s connect. Connect with me at stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

If you’ve never heard the term “go-to-market strategy,” this week’s episode will shift everything about how you approach marketing. I’m joined by Christina Del Villar, author, marketing expert, and client who has rocked the marketing world since releasing her book, Sway: Implement the GRIT Marketing Method to Gain Influence & Drive Corporate Strategy. With over twenty-five years of experience at Fortune 100 companies and more than twenty startups, Christina knows her stuff. Whether you’re a CEO driving revenue growth, an author launching a book, or a solopreneur building an audience or launching a program, I know you’ll gain value from both the insights and practical advice Christina shares in this discussion. While her expertise is in corporate strategy, we dig deep in this discussion to apply her corporate strategies to personal brands and small businesses. Along with methodology, we dig into practical steps you can implement immediately. If you’re building an author platform, be sure to check out my valuable free guide, How to Create an Influential Author Platform. About Christina Del Villar Christina Del Villar is a Silicon Valley marketing executive, consultant and author who geeks out on helping companies transform, grow, and scale, leveraging technology with over twenty-five years of experience at Fortune 100 companies and more than twenty startups. Christina has developed go-to-market and marketing strategies for exponential growth, new product launches, acquisitions, and IPOs, particularly for high-growth companies where she leverages her experience and industry perspective to take them to the next level. Christina’s GRIT Marketing Method focuses on helping marketing professionals build smarter programs, be more efficient, and exponentially grow revenue to improve overall company performance. Her book, Sway: Implement the GRIT Marketing Method to Gain Influence & Drive Corporate Strategy, arrived in bookstores in August 2021. Learn more about Christina at https://christinadelvillar.com/. Please rate and review the show! If you enjoy this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Let’s connect. Connect with me at stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn.  To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This week, I speak with lawyer-turned-Indie Business Network founder, Donna Maria. In this episode, we talk about creating a clear life vision, building a lifestyle business, growing an audience, and leveraging that audience for business success. Donna Maria is an author, award-winning home-based business advocate, and Certified Entrepreneur Mentor. Her personal story will inspire you to build your own lifestyle business. If you enjoy this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Mentioned in this episode: Life Visioning Guide: https://stacyennis.com/lifevisionguide Indie Business Network: https://indiebusinessnetwork.com/ Lifestyle CEO: https://lifestyleceo.com/ Connect with me at stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Looking to build a platform to establish yourself as a thought leader? I've got you covered. This week's solo episode dives deeply into both the experience of building one (mine) and nine practical steps to build yours. Whether you're an aspiring or published author, entrepreneur, or looking to build a powerful personal brand, this episode is for you. Best of all, I’ve created a free, detailed guide to walk you through each of the steps. Download: How to create an influential author platform: stacyennis.com/platform If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Connect with me at stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis, on Facebook @stacyenniscreative, and on LinkedIn. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Have you ever wondered how people become a go-to authority in their industry? Back when I started my business in 2009, I wondered that very question. I looked at successful people in my space, scratched my head in confusion, and wondered how the heck they ended up so successful. Today, more than twelve years and multiple national and global brand campaigns later, I understand that being seen as an expert is as much about feelinglike an expert as it is about marketing strategy and execution. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Jaclyn Mellone to this week’s podcast episode. Jaclyn is the founder of Go-To Gal Media, an online business coach for entrepreneurs, and host of the Go-To Gal podcast, named one of Forbes Top 21 Podcasts for 2021 and a top 200 Marketing podcast on iTunes. From mindset shifts to practical strategies, Jaclyn shares her advice for busting through mental blocks to become a go-to authority in your industry and exponentially grow your business. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! If you’re one of the first ten people to leave a review and send a screenshot to hello@stacyennis.com, I’ll send you a digital copy of my latest book, Growing Influence. Your reviews help me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Listen to the Go-To Gal Podcast and take Jaclyn’s Villain quiz here: www.jaclynmellone.com/quiz.

Anyone building a personal brand knows that the more attention, the better. But how do you gain the right kind of attention—media features and audience growth—that positions you as an expert in your industry? This discussion with public relations pro Kristen Elworthy details the intersection between a personal brand and PR, and offers practical advice for an expert positioning strategy. Whether you’re in the early stages of brand building or looking to up-level your impact, this episode is full of useful insights and advice to grow your influence. Tools and resources mentioned in this episode: HARO (Help a Reporter Out) Qwoted One Pitch Podcast Learn more about Kristen Elworthy at http://sevenhillscommunications.com/. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

When I started my business as a side hustle in 2009, I dreamed of becoming my own boss someday. I know what it’s like to look to people who are doing the thing and wonder, how the heck did they get there? In this episode, Melinda Emerson, known as America’s #1 small business expert, shares her advice for anyone looking to start or grow a small business. She also shares hard-won insights from twenty-two years in business in her new book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded, recently released from Simon and Schuster. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming your own boss, don’t miss this content-rich discussion! Learn more and order Melinda’s new book at www.becomeyourownbossbook.com. Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to break the 9-to-5 and run a business completely of your design? Kate Peterson, author-illustrator of the newly released travel journal, Around the World and Back Again, did just that. In this episode, she shares how she journeyed from unhappy, full-time employee to landing a coveted book deal with Penguin Random House; overcame fear and self-doubt to pitch her next book; and embraced adventure and travel. We also discuss how travel influences and supports creativity, and the power of intentional discomfort. Kate is insightful, smart, and an inspiration to every daydreaming creative out there. Learn more and order Kate’s new book: https://www.katepeterson.art/. Follow her on Instagram @katepetersonart. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

In this episode, I answer your wonderful questions, gathered from a recent survey sent to my email list. They include: How do you make time to create and write? Aside from growing your business, what work-related topics are you interested in (my answer goes beyond work!)? Can you dig into how to build an audience? As always, I aim to provide valuable, meaningful content in this episode to support your growth and success. Resources mentioned in this episode: Growing Your Influence as a Nonfiction Author – this is my author platform course, helpful for non-authors too! Crafting an Effective Pitch (training for QuickBooks by Intuit) – this training will help you uncover your core message. Don’t forget to download the handout and bonus free writing guide. ConvertKit – this is the software I use for my email list growth, landing pages, and more. They also offer valuable education for creators. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review, and subscribe! Doing so helps me reach more listeners with the important message that we all deserve lives that are beyond better.

Laura Tully loves people and fashion. When she realized she could merge the two as a style expert, her world became a hefty dose of happy. She built her company on a simple philosophy: great style is for everyone. She shows individuals how they can look and feel fantastic in what they wear by building an intentional wardrobe. She shows organizations how they can create a cohesive team image that merges each team member’s individuality with the company’s brand and culture. In this episode replay, Laura shares how she built a thriving wardrobe styling business. We talk about the importance of wardrobe style and how it can impact your mindset and actions; closet edits and other steps you can take to cultivate more intentional style; and how to craft your story and look good doing it. Laura is fun, inspiring, and full of wisdom—don’t miss this episode! Laura’s favorite places to shop mentioned in the episode are: Shopbop, Net-A-Porter, & Other Stories, and Club Monaco. Learn more about Laura at http://www.lauratully.co and follow her on Instagram @lauratully.co. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This episode is a must-listen for authors at any stage of the publishing journey, even if you’re in the writing process. Stephanie Chandler is an author, publishing industry expert, and the founder of Nonfiction Authors Association (NFAA). We discuss her phenomenal journey from corporate America to bookstore owner to NFAA founder, including some of the wins and hardships along the way. She shares her advice for new authors and book-marketing advice to support your success, including the power of a solid author platform and specific niche. Stephanie Chandler is the author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan and The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan. She is also CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association, a vibrant educational community for writers, and the Nonfiction Writers Conference, twice-yearly events conducted entirely online since 2010. A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, The Writer, Writer’s Digest, and Wired magazine. Links from this episode: Nonfiction Authors Association: https://nonfictionauthorsassociation.com/ Book launch checklist: https://nonfiction.lpages.co/book-launch-checklist/ Connect with me at www.stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com, message me on Instagram @stacyennis, or visit https://stacyennis.com/contactand fill out the form on the page.

In this episode, I talk with copyright and intellectual property attorney and novelist Brad Frazer. We cover his professional journey (which is fascinating!), the basics of copyright and intellectual property for writers, what constitutes “fair use” and when to attribute a source, and at what point an author needs to retain an attorney for their book. There are so many gems in this episode, and a big one is this: copyright is a noun not a verb. Curious to learn more? Listen in! Links from this episode: Brad’s novel: The Cure: A Thriller Learn more about Brad and take him up on his generous off for a free consult on your copyright or intellectual property needs: https://hawleytroxell.com/people/bradlee-r-frazer/. Connect with me at www.stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com, message me on Instagram @stacyennis, or visit https://stacyennis.com/contactand fill out the form on the page.

In this episode, I get vulnerable as I answer listener questions and offer my thoughts on topics related to parenting, books, and living abroad. Questions include: Do you experience mom guilt, or is your parenting as effortless as it looks? How do you promote and market a book? Where do you want to live next? What advice do you have for a friend who wants to move to Portugal? Links from this episode: Life Visioning Guide to help you understand your big vision: http://stacyennis.com/lifevisioningguide Nonfiction Authors Association: https://nonfictionauthorsassociation.com/ Resources on Portugal: https://stacyennis.com/?s=Portugal Connect with me at www.stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com, message me on Instagram @stacyennis, or visit https://stacyennis.com/contactand fill out the form on the page.

In this replay from 2020, I get to do one of my favorite things: answer your questions! Questions include: What were the major mental, emotional, or professional milestones that you had to reach or overcome in your career in order to be where you are today? How do you edit/ghostwrite content for projects you don’t love but are paying the bills? Are there ways to make a Zoom call flow smoothly? Is there anything you can share about productivity, habits, and how you “juggle all the balls?" Connect with me at www.stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit https://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

In this replay from 2019, Ron Price joins me to talk about our book, Growing Influence, and how to regain control, take advantage of collaboration, and avoid draining your energy with concern. This episode is full of leadership gems. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

In this replay from 2019, I talk about how growing up in Idaho, I dreamt of going to NYC like my favorite character in The Baby-Sitters Club, Stacey. But life turned out a little wilder, and now I’m living in my third developing country with my husband and two small children. With this most recent move, I was surprised by how deeply entrenched I was in the American Way. This episode explores the mindset of location independence and what I was most surprised by after our recent move to Thailand. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Many aspiring authors anchor to one thing early in the book-writing process—often before they’ve even written a word: potential book sales. They do the math: how many books will I have to sell to make back my investment (time and money)? But that’s a false equation, because the true ROI of a book isn’t as simple as calculating the number of books sold by your author royalty per book. In fact, the greatest benefits are harder to measure—but can equate to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of opportunities. This week, I explore the true internal and external ROI of writing a book, including speaking engagements, media attention, a steady stream of inbound clients, new career opportunities, or stepping into your “next level” professionally—whatever that may be for you. If you’re ready to write your book and step into your purpose, join me in Nonfiction Book School! Applications close April 20, 2021: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Listen to past episodes with NBS students Lindsey Weigle and Mike Green. I love answering your questions! Send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

Over the past decade-plus in the industry, I’ve heard every reason for notwriting a book. And inevitably, those “reasons” are connected to myths—untrue beliefs that stop would-be authors before they even get started writing their books. In this episode, I bust five of those myths and explain why now, not later, is the time to write your book. This is a powerful episode that can help you get unstuck, so be sure to listen if you have even the slightest hint that writing a book might be in your future. The myths include: I need to wait to write a book until [insert career or life reason]. I need to set aside hours and hours every day to write a book. Publishing a book is too expensive. I need to make/save a certain amount of money before I get started. No one would even want to read what I have to write. You have to be a gifted writer to write a book. If you’re an aspiring author, I hope this episode encourages you. And if you know a friend who wants to write a book, consider sharing this episode. You might be the reason someone writes their book! Join the FREE 5-day writing challenge I’m hosting April 12–15: https://stacyennis.com/challenge/. Join the Nonfiction Book School waitlist: https://stacyennis.com/nbswaitlist. Get your free book ideation guide at https://stacyennis.com/bookidea/. Access your free book budget guide at https://stacyennislearn.com/budget/. I love answering your questions! Send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

In 2020, Mike Green's wife said to him, "You should write your book." Like so many of us, Mike was at home, shut off from normal life during the earlier days of COVID. Days later, he joined Nonfiction Book School, my program for aspiring authors. This week on the podcast, Mike Green shares his author story. As a leadership and communication advisor based in the Middle East, he has a lot to share in his book. He gets vulnerable and real, diving into both the good and hard parts of book writing. Learn more about Mike Green’s coaching at http://www.mwellandgreen.com/. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Join the waitlist at Nonfiction Book School: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Get your free book ideation guide at https://stacyennis.com/bookidea/. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

The most asked question I get from aspiring authors: “Do you think my book idea is any good?” Answering this question requires a series of inquiries related to life and work vision, overall goals for publishing, and more. In this episode, I detail a four-step process to come up with a great book idea—plus provide a free guide to walk you through the process. Get your free book ideation guide at https://stacyennis.com/bookidea/. Join the waitlist at Nonfiction Book School: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

In this podcast episode, I connect with author and Nonfiction Book School student, Lindsey Weigle. Lindsey joined Nonfiction Book School last fall to finish writing her book, Enough Already. The first two-thirds of the book came easily, and while she was driven to complete the first draft of her book, she was stuck and unsure of how to write the last third of the draft. In this discussion, we talk about how she overcame some of the common challenges aspiring authors face, and Lindsey shares some words of wisdom she learned throughout her book writing journey. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book—or need a little inspiration along your author journey—don’t miss this episode! Join the Nonfiction Book School waitlist at https://nonfictionbookschool.com/. Learn more about Lindsey and preorder her book, Enough Already, at https://www.bluewateradvisory.com/enough-already/, and connect with her on Linkedin or Facebook. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Laura Tully loves people and fashion. When she realized she could merge the two as a style expert, her world became a hefty dose of happy. She built her company on a simple philosophy: great style is for everyone. She shows individuals how they can look and feel fantastic in what they wear by building an intentional wardrobe. She shows organizations how they can create a cohesive team image that merges each team member’s individuality with the company’s brand and culture. In this episode, Laura shares how she built a thriving wardrobe styling business. We talk about the importance of wardrobe style and how it can impact your mindset and actions; closet edits and other steps you can take to cultivate more intentional style; and how to craft your story and look good doing it. Laura is fun, inspiring, and full of wisdom—don’t miss this episode! Laura’s favorite places to shop mentioned in the episode are: Shopbop, Net-A-Porter, & Other Stories, and Club Monaco. Learn more about Laura at http://www.lauratully.co and follow her on Instagram @lauratully.co. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

In this episode, I share an update on life here in Portugal (hint: another lockdown), how I’m approaching 2021, and a message of hope for the year. Plus, I share about what’s in store for the year, including opening the doors to Nonfiction Book School. (Hooray!) Here’s to an amazing new year, and to building lives that are beyond better. Join my e-mail list at https://stacyennis.com/joinmylist/and get a love letter in your inbox every Friday. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Misty Megia is a creative producer extraordinaire who has helped craft and produce keynotes on some of the biggest stages in the world. After leaving her high-profile Fortune 500 position on February 26, 2020, to start her own company, Misty lost $85,000 in contracts in one day as events around the US were cancelled due to the pandemic—income she’d been counting on for the first few months of her new enterprise. Quickly, she reframed the situation, came up with a new strategy, and took action, applying insights from helping tech companies reach multi-hundred-million-dollar exits. Today, she helps speakers and event producers create phenomenal presentations and keynotes, and inspires people around the globe with her business insights and positivity. This episode is full of practical tips, inspiring storytelling, and lots of laughter. (So much laughter!) Don’t miss this insightful, practical discussion. Learn more about Misty at http://mistymegia.com/. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

This week, I get to do one of my favorite things: answer your questions! Questions include: What were the major mental, emotional, or professional milestones that you had to reach or overcome in your career in order to be where you are today? How do you edit/ghostwrite content for projects you don’t love but are paying the bills? Are there ways to make a Zoom call flow smoothly? Is there anything you can share about productivity, habits, and how you “juggle all the balls”? Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Joy, freedom, and friend—these are the words that guide Maryanna Young, CEO and founder of Aloha Publishing. In this episode, she shares how the principles she learned coaching Olympic and world class athletes applies to entrepreneurship. We also have a thoughtful conversation about goal setting, productivity, and focus, all some of my favorite subjects. Learn more about Maryanna Young: https://www.alohapublishing.com/ Download the life visioning guide mentioned in this episode: https://stacyennis.com/lifevisioningguide

Growing your influence and impact as an author requires more than just writing a book people want to read. You need to show up with passion, purpose, and consistency to develop a solid author platform that attracts an audience. In this episode, I talk with founder and CEO of Amplify Publishing and Mascot Books, Naren Aryal. Along with solid advice for growing a thought leadership platform as an author, Naren shares insider publisher secrets. If you’re an aspiring or published nonfiction author, don’t miss this informative (and fun!) episode. Email Naren: naren@mascotbooks.com Learn more about Mascot Publishing: www.mascotbooks.com Learn more about Amplify Publishing: www.amplifypublishing.com Learn more about Real Clear Publishing: www.realclearpublishing.com Be the first to know when doors open to Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at www.stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennisand on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. Join my weekly email list at www.stacyennis.com/joinmylist.

I’m joined this week by Caitlin Copple Masingill, founder of Full Swing PR. We talk all things location independence, business, courage . . . and even making money with a liquor license. Alongside her PR firm, she is cofounder of Electable Women, a community of women who want to run, win, and lead in local public office. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical advice on how to successfully strike out on your own and lead a location-independent lifestyle, don’t miss this episode! Learn more about Full Swing PR at https://www.fullswingpr.com/ and Electable at https://electablewomen.com/. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. Join my weekly email list at http://stacyennis.com/joinmylist.

This episode kicks off a brand new season and a new name for the podcast: Beyond Better. I share the story behind the name and how the concept of creating a life that is beyond better impacts every area of my life, including my relationships, work, and more. Be sure to subscribe to the pod and share it with a friend who wants to build a life that is beyond better too. Download the life visioning guide mentioned in this episode: https://stacyennis.com/lifevisioningguide Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. Join my weekly email list at http://stacyennis.com/joinmylist.

This week, I'm sharing an update on all things content-related, including Season 3 of this podcast and the StacyEnnis.com blog. Plus, I share a brief update on Nonfiction Book School. Keep listening for a special guest segment from my five-year-old son, Max.   Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at https://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

This week, I share the backstory of Nonfiction Book School, my new, live book-writing program for aspiring authors. But it’s not just a 411 on the program—it’s a story. A tale about sticking with your dreams, even when your vision seems hard and far and maybe even overly aspirational. I hope this story inspires you to stick with your dreams too. Write your book with me at Nonfiction Book School: http://nonfictionbookschool.com/ Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennisand on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

I'm joined this week by “brand alchemists,” Justin Foster and Emily Soccorsy of Root + River. We talk about their novel approach to branding: starting on the inside with deep work, speaking truth as a brand, owning a conversation, and so much more. The three of us also get personal, sharing some of our own challenges as we shape our professional and personal brands. If you’ve ever wondered how the buzz word “authentic” looks in practice as a brand, don’t miss this episode. And be sure to get a copy of their latest book, Rooting Up: Essays on Modern Branding. Learn more about Root + River: https://rootandriver.com/ Listen to their Being Marketers podcast: https://rootandriver.com/webcast Join their Being Marketers community for marketing leaders: https://rootandriver.com/being-marketers/ Buy their book: https://www.amazon.com/Rooting-Up-Essays-Modern-Branding/dp/035979632X Connect with Root + River on Instagram and Facebook. Follow @emilyatlarge and @fosterthinking on Instagram. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennisand on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

This week, I'm reading my latest blog post about how I fell, and stayed, in love with writing. Read the post at https://stacyennis.com/writinglove. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

When watercolor artist and creative entrepreneur Brittany Sailors and her family got an opportunity to move to Hawaii from Idaho, they leapt at the chance. Within thirty days of accepting the offer, their party of five was in Maui and living a completely new, adventurous lifestyle. In this episode, Brittany also shares her journey as a watercolor artist, and the power of community in helping keep you anchored to your creative endeavor. If you want to be inspired and moved, I highly recommend listening to this episode! Learn all about Brittany at https://www.brittanysailors.com/. Connect with Brittany on Instagram @brittany.sailors Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

This week, I'm reading my latest blog post about what I've learned a lot over the past ten plus years in the publishing industry, working with 100+ books at different capacities (author, ghostwriter, book coach, trainer, and editor). Read the post at https://stacyennis.com/writingtruths/. Download my free e-book, 4 Steps to a Great Book Idea, at https://stacyennis.com/bookidea/. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

In this extra special bonus episode, my seven-year-old reads her short story about ghost horses titled “Apple and I love you.” Writing and recording this story was her final project for first grade. Enjoy!

I’m joined this week by two-time New York Times bestselling author Amanda Turner (writing as AK turner). We discuss her unconventional life, including traveling the world two to four months every year with her husband and two kids, and how she finds time to write so many books (nine to date). We dig into the writing process, author mindset, and more. Learn more about Amanda’s upcoming master class: www.bookwrite.org/masterclass Join her Facebook group for writers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/255224582360857/ Access her free video series: https://www.bookwrite.org/getting-started-book Check out her excellent and inspiring Vagabonding with Kids series: http://vagabondingwithkids.com/ Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

This week, I'm sharing a short update on our life in Portugal. Each day, I fall more in love with this amazing country. Keep listening for a special reading from my seven-year-old daughter. Read the post and see pictures I’ve taken of Portugal here: https://stacyennis.com/portugalupdate/ Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

One thing most writers struggle with is . . . well, writing! Almost every aspiring and professional writer I know struggles to show up daily and engage in productive creativity. Drawing on a popular 2014 article on my site, I share some strategies on how to create a consistent writing routine. I also share, in detail, my daily routine and why it works for me. Read the original post: https://stacyennis.com/why-a-writing-routine-matters-and-how-to-start-one/. Get your free book ideation guide at https://stacyennis.com/bookidea. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question about book writing, solopreneurship, living abroad, leadership, productivity, creativity, and everything in between, go to http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

I am joining two movements this week: #theshowmustbepaused and #elevatemelanatedvoices. As such, I’m “muting” my normal show this week to  advocate for Black voices and voices of color, and to draw attention to violence against the Black community. In place of my normal weekly episode, I'm sharing a short list of podcasts and resources to help fight racism. Read the article "8 ways to be a writer activist": http://www.stacyennis.com/writeractivist Listen to Rough Translation: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510324/rough-translation Listen to The Moth: https://themoth.org/ Listen to Story Corps: https://storycorps.org/ Listen to Girl Tales: https://girltalespodcast.com/ Listen to The Nod's reunion episode: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/the-nod Look for a #BlackLivesMatter section in your podcast app Buy the resource, 50 Ways to Fight Bias: https://leanin.org/50-ways-to-fight-gender-bias

The most asked question I get from aspiring authors: “Do you think my book idea is any good?” Answering this question requires a series of inquiries related to life and work vision, overall goals for publishing, and more. In this episode, I detail a four-step process to come up with a great book idea—plus provide a free guide to walk you through the process. Get your free book ideation guide at https://stacyennis.com/bookidea. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question about book writing, solopreneurship, living abroad, leadership, productivity, creativity, and everything in between, go to http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

I get a lot of questions about our nontraditional home life. We live a location independent lifestyle as a family, my husband stays home with the kids, and I'm the sole earner for our household—and have been for more than seven years. This week, I'm reading my latest blog post, which opens the metaphorical curtain to share the challenges and joys of our unconventional life. To see photos of my family and me all over the world, visit https://stacyennis.com/unconventional/. Connect with me at https://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. Get a free life visioning guide, and take your first steps toward an unconventional life: https://www.stacyennis.com/lifevisioningguide

This week, I’m answering your questions! I dig into whether to add an epilogue to a book, discuss business and marketing strategies for someone just starting out as a service-based solopreneur, share my not-so-subtle opinion on providing free samples as an editor or writer (and advice for authors looking to hire talent), and share two of my favorite childhood memories. I recorded this episode live on Facebook and Instagram. Connect with me and send your questions for a future episode at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question about book writing, solopreneurship, living abroad, leadership, productivity, creativity, and everything in between, go to http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page. Learn how to grow your influence as a nonfiction author with my Reedsy course here: https://blog.reedsy.com/learning/courses/marketing/growing-influence-non-fiction-platform/

This week, I’m sharing a recent webinar I did on the book-writing process. This training replay covers an overview of the book-writing process, including the why behind a book (so important!). You’ll learn the difference between the creation and production processes, and we'll deep dive into creation: idea, outline, write, and revise. We’ll also take a high-level look at production: design, proof, publish, and launch. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To access the book-writing training and materials mentioned in this episode, go to https://stacyennis.com/webinar/.

This week, I’m reading my recent blog post, "5 lessons I've learned living an off-the-path life." To read the post and see the picture of my family walking down a cobblestone road in Portugal, visit https://stacyennis.com/5lifelessons/. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To access the life visioning guide mentioned in this episode, go to https://stacyennis.com/lifevisioningguide/.

This week, I share eight of my favorite productivity strategies to access your creativity—even when things are a bit chaotic. Have kids? Me too. I promise these strategies apply to you, even if you have a lot on your plate at home. The big goal: emerge from crisis with clarity. Show up and create, do the work, find meaning, and serve others through your art. To access the book-writing training mentioned in this episode, go to https://stacyennis.com/webinar/. Order my latest book, Growing Influence, coauthored with Ron Price: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Influence-Character-Expertise-Impact/dp/1626345570.

Ron Price joins me this week to talk about our book, Growing Influence, and how to regain control, take advantage of collaboration, and avoid draining your energy with concern. This episode is full of leadership gems—enjoy! Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. Learn more about Ron Price and his work at https://price-associates.com/. To get your Kindle copy of Growing Influence for just $0.99 through the end of April 2020, visit https://amzn.to/2z5mB9G.

Episode 7 | I’m trying something different this week and reading my latest blog post. See photos of Portugal during quarantine at https://stacyennis.com/pandemicinportugal/. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To stay connected and receive updates about free trainings, go to https://stacyennis.com/joinmylist

Episode 6 | What’s it like to live in Portugal? In this episode, I detail my experience so far as a location independent solopreneur. Spoiler alert: I love it, but no country is perfect. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To stay connected and receive updates about free trainings, go to https://stacyennis.com/joinmylist Order my latest book, Growing Influence, coauthored with Ron Price: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Influence-Character-Expertise-Impact/dp/1626345570.

Episode 5 | Exhaustion, fatigue, working nights and weekends—this is no way to live. That’s why this episode is all about taking time away to rest, restore, and connect. I walk you through practical strategies for working rest into your life daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Note: I recorded this episode before the coronavirus chaos, and it seems even more pertinent than before. I hope these recommendations support you in this time of uncertainty.  Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To learn more and register for Next Level Women Leaders, visit https://www.nextlevelwomenleaders.com/.

Episode 4 | Growing up in Idaho, I dreamed of going to NYC like my favorite character in The Baby-Sitters Club, Stacey. But life turned out a little wilder, and now I’m living in my third developing country with my husband and two small children. With this most recent move, I was surprised by how deeply entrenched I was in the American Way. This episode explores the mindset of location independence and what I was most surprised by after our recent move to Thailand.  Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

Episode 3 | I’m digging into the metaphorical mail bag this week to answer your questions! In the episode, we hear from an experienced freelance writer who just quit her day job and is sorting through the early stages of client acquisition. Listen all the way to the end for an interview about Thailand with my sweet kids.  Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

Episode 2 | In this episode, I interrupt my regularly scheduled work day (quite literally!) to record this spur-of-the-moment episode on choice and freedom as a solopreneur. Also featuring the musical stylings of my three-year-old son.  Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.

Episode 1 | A freelancer asks, “How do I navigate those early days where everything is growing outward, away from the center of your core business purpose? When your end goals are one thing but the work required to sustain you until you reach those goals takes you in a million directions, how do you manage that?”  Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative.