The Creative Penn Podcast for Writers
Episode: Embracing Change: How To Flux with April Rinne
Release Date: May 19, 2025

Joanna Penn, esteemed thriller author and creative entrepreneur, delves into the intricate realms of writing craft and the creative business in episode 809 of The Creative Penn Podcast for Writers. Titled "Embracing Change: How To Flux with April Rinne," this episode explores the dynamic nature of change in both personal life and the authorial journey, featuring a compelling conversation with futurist and best-selling author April Rinne.

1. Navigating Amazon KDP's Royalty Changes ([00:00] – [20:39])

Joanna begins the episode with a candid discussion about Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)'s recent announcement regarding alterations in royalty rates and printing costs. Starting June 10, 2025, KDP reduced the royalty rate for print books priced below $9.99 USD from 60% to 50%, primarily affecting novellas and short nonfiction works. Additionally, KDP introduced lowered color printing costs for certain markets, subtly highlighting benefits for authors of children's books, comics, and graphic novels.

Joanna shares her personal reaction:

“I think they did a terrible job of this email which has resulted in a lot of drama on author social media.” ([05:30])

She emphasizes the importance of authors taking control of their careers amidst these changes, advocating for developing direct-to-reader platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to mitigate dependency on KDP.

“Empower yourself, do your research, get on, take action if you are mad about it.” ([10:15])

2. Draft2Digital’s Pre-Launch Checklist ([20:39] – [24:19])

Highlighting a resource from Draft2Digital, Joanna reviews their comprehensive pre-launch checklist designed to guide authors through the intricate steps of a successful book launch. Key stages include:

• 6-12 Months Out: Defining clear goals (e.g., profit, visibility, acquiring reviews).
• 3-6 Months Out: Researching and securing promotional opportunities such as book blogs, podcasts, and reviewer partnerships.
• Additional Tasks: Ordering print proofs, designing promotional graphics, and detailed planning.

Joanna underscores the significance of aligning launch activities with specific objectives to maximize effectiveness.

“Your goal will define a whole load of other stuff.” ([18:50])

3. The Rise of AI Narration in Audiobooks ([24:19] – [36:43])

Joanna discusses the burgeoning integration of AI in audiobook production, spotlighting Audible's collaboration with AI voice technologies like 11 Labs. She shares personal experiences with AI-narrated works, such as her mother's books in the Penny Appleton series, and hints at her upcoming project, Death Valley, featuring her own voice clone.

Quoting Audible’s CEO:

“Audible believes that AI represents a momentous opportunity to expand the availability of audiobooks.” ([30:25])

Joanna advocates for a balanced approach, blending AI and human narration to enhance accessibility without sacrificing the personal touch.

“It's a mix depending on the situation.” ([34:10])

4. US Copyright Office’s Fair Use Report on AI ([36:43] – [43:22])

The episode delves into the US Copyright Office's recent report on the fair use of AI in content creation. The guidance suggests that while some AI uses are transformative and thus fair, others—especially those involving commercial exploitation of copyrighted works—exceed fair use boundaries.

Joanna interprets the report as a call for enhanced licensing agreements and collective licensing solutions, emphasizing that generative AI will continue to evolve despite legal challenges.

“The genie is not going back in the bottle. The clock cannot be rewound.” ([39:50])

5. Upcoming Webinar and Community Engagement ([43:22] – [62:29])

Joanna announces her forthcoming webinar, "Being an AI Assisted Artisan Author," scheduled for June, aimed at AI-positive and curious authors. The session will cover ethical AI usage, copyright considerations, and practical applications of AI tools in writing and business strategy.

She also shares personal updates, including her latest projects and book signings, fostering a sense of community and ongoing engagement with her audience.

Interview with April Rinne: Embracing Change and Building a Portfolio Career ([24:19] – [62:29])

a. April Rinne’s Journey and Motivation for Flux ([24:19] – [28:49])

April Rinne introduces herself as a futurist, professional speaker, lawyer, and best-selling author of Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change. She traces her inspiration for the book to a personal tragedy at age 20, when she lost both parents in a car crash while abroad. This life-altering event ignited her passion for understanding and navigating change and uncertainty.

“My real interest in what do you do when you don't know what to do and what do you do when your entire world is thrown in flux is deeply, deeply personal.” ([25:15])

b. Understanding Different Types of Flux and Change ([28:49] – [37:41])

April elaborates on the various dimensions of change, distinguishing between abrupt, life-altering events and gradual, pervasive shifts like those induced by technological advancements. She emphasizes the human tendency to resist change unless it is immediately necessary, such as during a crisis.

“Humans are great at adaptation when it's a life or death situation, but we're not that good at opting into changes we know would be beneficial.” ([32:50])

She introduces the concept of a "flux mindset," advocating for proactive engagement with change rather than reactive management. This mindset involves embracing uncertainty and leveraging personal agency to navigate the ever-evolving landscape.

“If I can't control the fact that AI exists, what can I control in terms of how I relate to it and what I stand for?” ([35:10])

c. The Portfolio Career: Future-Proofing in the Age of AI ([49:34] – [56:55])

April introduces the idea of a "portfolio career," contrasting it with the traditional linear career ladder. A portfolio career encompasses a diverse array of skills and roles, enabling individuals to adapt and thrive amidst constant change.

“The portfolio is something you create. It's uniquely yours. It's something you have agency over.” ([54:30])

She illustrates how non-traditional skills, such as parenting or managing grief, contribute to a robust career portfolio by fostering invaluable human capabilities like empathy, conflict resolution, and resilience. April underscores that a well-curated portfolio allows for greater flexibility and control, especially in uncertain times.

“Parenting skills are super skills for time management, conflict negotiation, empathy... invaluable in the workplace.” ([52:45])

d. Practical Steps to Building a Portfolio Career ([56:55] – [61:36])

Addressing the practicalities, April advises authors and professionals to:

1. Identify and Catalog Diverse Skills: Recognize and document both traditional and unconventional skills.
2. Develop a Portfolio Narrative: Craft a cohesive story that connects various skills and experiences, showcasing versatility and adaptability.
3. Leverage Skills for Diverse Opportunities: Utilize the portfolio to explore varied roles within organizations or entrepreneurial ventures.

She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in presenting a portfolio, ensuring that potential employers or collaborators understand the value of a multifaceted career.

“When you tell your narrative, it allows others to see you as a multifaceted individual with diverse capabilities.” ([60:15])

e. Embracing Uncertainty and Reshaping Personal Agency ([37:41] – [43:22])

April discusses the psychological aspects of dealing with uncertainty, advocating for comfort in the "messy middle" of change. She encourages embracing the unknown as a space for transformation and innovation, rather than fearing it.

“The new insights happen in that space of not knowing. That's where transformation occurs.” ([38:30])

She also touches on the ethical use of AI, stressing that human creativity and connection remain irreplaceable by technology. April calls for a balanced approach, where AI serves as a tool to enhance rather than replace human capabilities.

“The more technology bombards our lives, the more valuable humanity—the human touch—becomes.” ([43:10])

Conclusion and Takeaways

This episode of The Creative Penn Podcast for Writers offers a profound exploration of embracing change through the lens of April Rinne's expertise. Key takeaways include:

• Proactive Engagement with Change: Adopting a flux mindset empowers authors and professionals to navigate uncertainty with resilience and creativity.

• Building a Portfolio Career: Diversifying skills and crafting a cohesive career narrative equips individuals to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape, particularly in the age of AI.

• Ethical Integration of Technology: Balancing AI tools with human ingenuity preserves the unique value of personal connection and creativity in the authorial journey.

Joanna and April's insightful dialogue serves as a valuable guide for writers seeking to future-proof their careers and embrace the inevitable flux of the modern world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joanna Penn on KDP Changes:
  “I think they did a terrible job of this email which has resulted in a lot of drama on author social media.” ([05:30])

• Joanna Penn on Empowerment:
  “Empower yourself, do your research, get on, take action if you are mad about it.” ([10:15])

• April Rinni on Personal Motivation:
  “My real interest in what do you do when you don't know what to do and what do you do when your entire world is thrown in flux is deeply, deeply personal.” ([25:15])

• April Rinni on Human Adaptation:
  “Humans are great at adaptation when it's a life or death situation, but we're not that good at opting into changes we know would be beneficial.” ([32:50])

• April Rinni on Portfolio Careers:
  “The portfolio is something you create. It's uniquely yours. It's something you have agency over.” ([54:30])

• April Rinni on Ethical AI Use:
  “The more technology bombards our lives, the more valuable humanity—the human touch—becomes.” ([43:10])

This episode not only addresses immediate changes affecting authors but also equips them with the mindset and strategies necessary to thrive amidst ongoing and future uncertainties.