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Joanna Penn
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The Successful Author Mindset: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer's Journey (Creative Business Books for Writers and Authors) Kindle Edition

by Joanna Penn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 608 ratings
Being a writer is not just about typing. It’s also about surviving the roller-coaster of the creative journey.

Self-doubt, fear of failure, the need for validation, perfectionism, writer’s block, comparisonitis, overwhelm, and much more. When you’re going through these things, it can feel like you’re alone. But actually, they are part of the creative process, and every author goes through them too.

This book collects the mindset issues that writers experience, that I have been through myself over the last decade, and that perhaps you will experience at different times on the creative journey.

Each small chapter tackles a possible issue and then offers an antidote, so that you can dip in and out over time. It includes excerpts from my own personal journals as well as quotes from well-known writers. I hope it helps you on the road to becoming a successful author. The book includes:

Part 1: Mindset Aspects of Creativity and Writing

* Self-doubt and imposter syndrome

* Need for validation

* Fear of failure

* Fear of rejection and criticism

* Your inner critic

* Fear of judgment

* Perfectionism

* Writer’s block and procrastination

* “I’m not creative. I don’t have any ideas”

* “My writing isn’t original”

* “Why write? There are too many books in the world already”

* “I don’t have the time or self-discipline to write”

* “I’m not finding writing much fun. It’s hard work.”

* “I keep starting things and not finishing them”

* Dealing with friends, family and writer’s groups

* “How do I find my voice?”

* Comparisonitis or “Everyone is better than me”

Part 2: Mindset Aspects after Publishing

* Anti-climax and creative dissatisfaction

* What is your definition of success?

* What happens when you tell people that you’re an author?

* “I’m overwhelmed”

* Dealing with fans, authenticity and drawing the line

* Haters gonna hate

* Ambition, fame and fortune

* Giving up

Part 3: Tips for Success on the Author Journey

* Know thyself

* Understand and hone your creative process

* Develop professional habits

* Manage professional relationships

* Take control of your writing career

* Find your community

* Keep learning

* Schedule rest and take time off

* Think long term. Create a body of work

You're not alone on the author's journey. Download a sample or buy now.

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  1. Accessibility
    Learn more
  2. Publication date
    June 29, 2016
  3. Part of series
    Creative Business Books for Writers and Authors
  4. Language
    English
  5. File size
    1.1 MB
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joanna Penn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers under J.F.Penn. She also writes inspirational non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning creative entrepreneur and international professional speaker. Her site, TheCreativePenn.com is regularly voted one of the top 10 sites for writers and self-publishers.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01H0LBC2Q
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Curl Up Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 29, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 166 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Creative Business Books for Writers and Authors
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 608 ratings

About the author

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Joanna Penn

Joanna Penn

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Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller, dark fantasy, crime, and horror author as J.F. Penn.

She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. www.TheCreativePenn.com

Check out Jo's Podcast for Writers: The Creative Penn Podcast

You can get a free Author 2.0 Blueprint ebook and video series at www.TheCreativePenn.com/blueprint

Jo lives in Bath, England with her husband and two British Shorthair cats, Cashew and Noisette (often featured on Instagram @jfpennauthor ). She enjoys a nice G&T (Hendricks, or any local gin).

Jo is also a travel junkie, weaving her adventures into her fiction and travel memoir and podcasting at www.BooksAndTravel.page

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
608 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great motivational guide filled with incredible advice, making it one of the best writing books they've read. Moreover, the book is particularly valuable for indie authors, with one customer noting it provides common-sense suggestions for all authors. Additionally, the writing style is well-crafted and easy to read, while the information content is comprehensive, with one customer highlighting the helpful resources in the back. Customers appreciate the book's honest and realistic approach, and find it offers good value for money.

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Motivational valueReadabilityAuthor supportWriting styleInformation contentPacingValue for moneyVoice
66 customers mention "Motivational value"66 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly motivational, praising its incredible advice and insightful ideas, with one customer noting how it helps keep the mind in a positive place.

"..."secrets." I finished the book feeling encouraged, energized, and confident, as if I had just spent a couple hours chatting with a friend or..." Read more

"Lots of interesting, thought-provoking, and insightful ideas in this fairly short book...." Read more

"This is one of those books that's a quick read but full of useful information because it gets directly to the point. There is no fluff here...." Read more

"Practical knowledge, combined with psychology and inspiration throughout...." Read more

40 customers mention "Readability"40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as one of the best writing books they've read, and mention that it's worth re-reading multiple times.

"...creativity, and productivity "secrets." I finished the book feeling encouraged, energized, and confident, as if I had just spent a couple..." Read more

"This is a great book for any creative, author or not, who needs to understand that they are not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel...." Read more

"...It’s the perfect read and reflection for someone several years into their writing journey." Read more

"...There are some good tidbits in here you can use." Read more

23 customers mention "Author support"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beneficial for authors, particularly indie writers, and appreciate its common-sense suggestions.

"...resources and books that Joanna Penn includes as mentorship and support for a writer whether they are just beginning their authorship journey or if..." Read more

"...Oh, how wrong I was. The Successful Author Mindset should be required reading material for all writers, no matter the stage in their..." Read more

"This is a great book for authors at all stages as it embraces the important idea that I am not a purple unicorn, alone in the world with no one who..." Read more

"This is a great book for any creative, author or not, who needs to understand that they are not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel...." Read more

21 customers mention "Writing style"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well written and easy to read, with one customer noting how it helps improve their focus and another mentioning how it fosters confidence as a writer.

"...if you want a book about mindset and the mental and emotional challenges of writing and publishing." Read more

"This is one of those books that's a quick read but full of useful information because it gets directly to the point. There is no fluff here...." Read more

"...to Podcasters and this book is a reason why as she has a perfect voice for talking writers through the quicksand and out the other side...." Read more

"...My writing out and focused was much improved, even before finishing the book...." Read more

7 customers mention "Information content"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the information content of the book, with one customer noting its clear takeaways and another highlighting the valuable resources in the back.

"...I also like some of the online resources and books that Joanna Penn includes as mentorship and support for a writer whether they are just beginning..." Read more

"...'s a quick read but full of useful information because it gets directly to the point. There is no fluff here...." Read more

"...me, 'The Successful Author Mindset' with its Frank admissions and clear takeaways is one of the essential books for any writer...." Read more

"...So much incredible info given out for free, so why not pay for her other work when you can?" Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as honest and realistic without being discouraging.

"Lots of interesting, thought-provoking, and insightful ideas in this fairly short book...." Read more

"...Joann’s non-fiction books, and I found this to be a nice departure from the others. It is less “how to do” and more “how to think and feel.”..." Read more

"...It was realistic without being discouraging. The audio book was really great. I subscribed to the podcast" Read more

"...Her friendly, conversational tone makes for a quick read. As always, honest and full of positivity...." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great value.

"...n't get bad is important to everything we want to do and this book provides nice and good information aimed specifically at writers and how their..." Read more

"...I think it is a valuable asset for authors to be reminded of the realities of the author journey and that we are not alone with our questions, doubts..." Read more

"...Lots to digest and re read. Great value" Read more

"I gained great value from this book..." Read more

4 customers mention "Voice"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's voice in the book, with one noting its conversational tone.

"...Not only is Joanna’s advice great, her author voice makes this story like. I looked forward to reading her book and applying it to my work." Read more

"...Her friendly, conversational tone makes for a quick read. As always, honest and full of positivity...." Read more

"I truly enjoyed it, I love to read and listen to Joanna Penn." Read more

"Love her voice and love the message." Read more

Inspiring book
5 out of 5 stars
Inspiring book
The author transformed her life from corporate to creative and this book inspires those of us who long to do the same. The take home message: you are not alone in your struggles and insecurities, but those who keep going will reap the rewards.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Stella Carrier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Healing And Unconventional Writing Advice
    Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I preface this review by making it clear that I’m flattered to have been confused for a paid reviewer/paid writer before but I write these reviews as a passion and a way to expand my way of thinking as an author. The Successful Author Mindset; A Handbook For Surviving The Writer’s Journey by Joanna Penn (kindlebook version) caught my attention for multiple reasons. One of the reasons has to do with the admission that I write to help me therapeutically tap into the self-confident and carefree spirit that helped me to become valedictorian of my 8th grade graduating class (author Doreen Virtue inspired me from one of her books the Courage To Be Creative to allow myself to take up writing for creative writing therapy). Additionally, like millions of others who have writing dreams, I have reasons to continue my writing journey for life stemming from some reasons I prefer to keep secret. However, what I do feel comfortable sharing is that reading about the the author who penned the book for the Revenant movie and still works full-time made me realize that I harbor dreams of being a writer for life while still holding a full-time job (with awareness that I must hold little concern for whether my determination and intent to be a writer/author for life culminates in obscurity andor fame). Anyhow, one of the advice takeaways that was healing for me to glean from Joanna Penn’s book was the benefit of a writer making a creative date for themselves to where they would allow themselves to do activities andor go out places that would help creativity. I also like some of the online resources and books that Joanna Penn includes as mentorship and support for a writer whether they are just beginning their authorship journey or if they have been pursuing writing for quite a while. She also gives helpful advice on when to listen to a critic and when it is ok to leave the criticism alone. She also makes it clear in a healing way that criticism often comes to those who stand out in a positive way even when the persons being criticized for their writing may not realize it. Penn also makes it clear that a writer must try to recognize their own critical thoughts to their writing when it comes up and gives suggestions for how to compassionately tell your inner critic to relax while making a time to honor the critic later (plus more constructive advice). I also acknowledge that I’m blessed with an amazing husband who encourages and supports my goal to be a writer/author while also balancing a full-time job.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kate M. Colby
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everything authors need to hear in one short book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I went into this book thinking that I wouldn't get much out of it. After all, I have been through my tormented "aspiring writer" phase and come out the other side a proud, independently published author. Sure, I'm still plagued by insecurity and doubt, but how much help could a glorified pep talk really be – even from someone I respect as much as Joanna Penn?

    Oh, how wrong I was.

    The Successful Author Mindset should be required reading material for all writers, no matter the stage in their journey. Unlike so many self-help books, it doesn't shove vague platitudes or useless statistics in your face. Instead, Penn offers excerpts from her actual journey (an incredibly gutsy move) and real-life antidotes from herself or other authors to contextualize the problems the book addresses. You will never once feel alone while reading this book.

    And hey, the inspiration quotations are pretty inspiring, too.

    Penn covers a wide range of doubts, concerns, and inhibitors that affect authors at every stage of writing and publishing. She explains each issue, then follows it with her "antidote" or best advice or steps to move past the problem and on with your creative life.

    Best of all is Penn's generosity. Within the text, she freely offers up creative ideas and her own writing, creativity, and productivity "secrets." I finished the book feeling encouraged, energized, and confident, as if I had just spent a couple hours chatting with a friend or mentor.

    Do yourself a favor and read this book. Start with the chapters that address your own issues, or read it straight through in one day like I did. You will get what you need out of it. You just have to read.
    28 people found this helpful
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  • Selina
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good and encouraging
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Lots of interesting, thought-provoking, and insightful ideas in this fairly short book. Parts I'll definitely be revisiting to pause and ponder and actually do some of the recommended exercises. Knocking a star mostly for a personal thing of this book does lean toward a worldview of defining your worth and value by your production/work, which I find to be a shaky foundation for one sense of self worth, but otherwise, I definitely recommend this for writers at any stage from starting to a multiple books published if you want a book about mindset and the mental and emotional challenges of writing and publishing.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • NP
    5.0 out of 5 stars The good, the bad and the ugly
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Writing, as a vocation, just like any other vocation, has its ups and downs. If you, like me, read the non-fiction books about writing and writers, you would have read about the good things – the joy of writing, the craft, the satisfaction and fulfillment. But not that many authors write about the bad – the crippling self-doubt, the fear of failure and comparisonitis, or the ugly – the haters, procrastination and overwhelm that come with this job.
    Joanna doesn’t just delve in to the bad and the ugly, she gives suggestions on what to do about it. She even manages to help you see the possibility of finding some good in the bad and the ugly. For example – in the section on rejection and criticism, she says: “Rejection by an agent or a publisher who is not a good fit for your book is a blessing in disguise because you may find a home for it elsewhere or happily self-publish later.”
    I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, many passages of this book felt like she was speaking directly to my soul – to that place inside every writer that is vulnerable and sensitive. That part of us that has days when all we want is to go live in the fictional universe we created and not deal with the bad and the ugly of the real world. This book reaches out to that part, gives it a hug and tells it to not be afraid.
    36 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • J9
    5.0 out of 5 stars Voice of Experience
    Reviewed in Australia on June 11, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Joanna Penn is living the dream and bless her, she is reaching a hand back to the rest of us with this guide to the ups and downs of writerly life. A resource for when you are down, overwhelmed or feeling like an imposter through to tips on business models and professional development. I love her podcast and her cheerful resonates throughout this book. The quotes included are perfect and there's a generous bibliography of detailed resources.
    Report
  • AshTalksBooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Product Quality
    Reviewed in India on November 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent
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  • Sacha Black
    5.0 out of 5 stars Because we writers aren't alone - a fab reminder
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Writing isn't lonely, people just think it is. Penn's book is a fantastic short read with bags of reassurance for authors. Feeling like a neurotic writer today? Maybe you're paralysed by self doubt day after day - I've been there I know what it feels like. Joanna Penn is someone I look up to and aspire to be like so it was lovely to see her journal excerpts it really made the book more personable.

    This book is a great reminder for new writers and seasoned alike - it's a reminder that we're not alone and we all suffer with the same mental niggles during the process of creating a book.

    Fab read, well recommended
    Report
  • Issak Friesen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a book to help me understand the battles I face as an author!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book helped me to finally understand the battles that authors face. I loved that Joanna covered every topic that had questions about.
    Report
  • Sara
    4.0 out of 5 stars Soddisfatta
    Reviewed in Italy on May 11, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Un libro simpatico che mi ha incoraggiata.
    Report

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