Podcast Summary: The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers Episode: Music, Writing, And The Mind-Body Connection With Jennifer Roig-Francoli
Host: Joanna Penn
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In episode 811 of The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers, host Joanna Penn delves into an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Roy Franco Lee, an international prize-winning violinist, certified Alexander Technique teacher, high-performance coach, and author. The episode explores the intricate relationship between music, writing, and the mind-body connection, offering valuable insights for creatives navigating both their artistic and personal lives.

Pre-Interview Highlights

Independent Creativity and Intellectual Property

Joanna begins by celebrating Taylor Swift's recent acquisition of her first six albums, emphasizing the importance of creators retaining control over their intellectual property. She remarks:

"If you own and control your intellectual property rights, you can make all kinds of creative and business choices along the way without asking for permission because you are in charge."
(05:30)

This discussion underscores the significance of understanding and negotiating contracts, especially for independent creators striving for long-term control and financial benefits.

Publishing Insights with Becca Syme

Joanna references Becca Syme's insights from the Book Funnel podcast, highlighting the complexity of the publishing "game." She notes:

"People think, oh, it's one thing, but it is so not one thing... It's a different game trying to get millions of KU page reads... or to do TikTok shop or whatever."
(09:15)

Becca Syme emphasizes the necessity for authors to choose their publishing strategies deliberately, whether pursuing traditional deals, direct sales, or leveraging crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter.

AI in Publishing and Voice Cloning

A notable segment covers the advancements in AI technology within the publishing industry. Joanna shares her experience with voice cloning for her audiobook "Death Valley," and discusses Melania Trump's memoir being narrated by her AI-generated voice:

"Melania Trump revealed her memoir audiobook is narrated by her voice clone with 11 labs... It's a harbinger of industry-wide reinvention."
(19:45)

This development highlights both the potential and ethical considerations of AI in creative fields, including accessibility, scalability, and the importance of consent and clear labeling.

Main Interview: Jennifer Roy Franco Lee

Background and Motivation for Writing

Jennifer Roy Franco Lee shares her journey from a childhood immersed in music to becoming an author. Raised in a musical household, she began playing the violin at age four through the Suzuki method. Inspired by her father, an English professor, Jennifer cultivated a love for writing alongside her musical pursuits.

"Writing has been therapeutic for me as an adult... I wanted to get my ideas out there, so a book made sense."
(23:06)

Her decision to write was driven by a desire to convey her expertise in the Alexander Technique and its application to music, creativity, and overall well-being.

Overcoming Barriers to Writing

Jennifer reflects on her challenges in writing her first book, having attempted twice without success before finally completing it on her third try. She attributes her breakthrough to embracing a no-editing approach during the writing process:

"Don't edit as you go along... Just write. That saved me that book."
(33:15)

This strategy allowed her ideas to flow freely without the constraints of perfectionism, facilitating a more authentic and productive writing experience.

The Intersection of Music, Writing, and the Mind-Body Connection

A central theme of the interview is the seamless integration of creative disciplines and the importance of the mind-body connection. Jennifer explains how her background in music and the Alexander Technique informs her approach to both performing and writing:

"The Alexander Technique is a way to connect how you're thinking with how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally."
(45:49)

She emphasizes that creativity is not solely a mental endeavor but involves the whole person—mind, body, and emotions working in harmony.

Addressing Performance Anxiety and Physical Pain

Jennifer discusses common challenges faced by creatives, such as performance anxiety and chronic physical pain. Drawing from her expertise, she offers strategies to manage these issues:

• Performance Anxiety: Jennifer advises cultivating self-observation without judgment, encouraging individuals to become curious about their physical responses to stress.

  "Get curious like a little kid... Just take. You're giving yourself the time to notice and be curious."
  (38:22)

• Chronic Pain Management: She shares how the Alexander Technique has helped her and her clients alleviate physical pain by fostering greater body awareness and reducing unnecessary tension.

  "Everything's related, and you start noticing how you react to things and you get curious... then your pain starts dissolving."
  (52:43)

These insights highlight the profound impact of bodily awareness and mindful practices on creative performance and overall well-being.

Integrating Personal and Professional Life

Jennifer speaks to the importance of balancing creative pursuits with personal responsibilities. She describes her journey toward integrating writing, music, and her coaching business, ultimately striving for authenticity and joy in all endeavors.

"I'm working on how can I be really myself, authentically myself right now... That's a really creative process."
(60:03)

Her approach underscores the value of aligning personal passions with professional goals to foster a fulfilling and sustainable creative life.

Practical Applications and Accessibility

Jennifer emphasizes that the Alexander Technique is accessible to all, regardless of profession. While she specializes in working with musicians, she welcomes clients from various fields, illustrating the universal applicability of mind-body integration.

"We're all just human, so we're all working on how do you bring your whole self to whatever activity you are engaged in."
(47:50)

This inclusive perspective encourages creatives from all disciplines to explore holistic practices for enhancing their craft and personal health.

Conclusion

Joanna Penn wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body in creative endeavors. She encourages listeners to prioritize self-care to enhance their writing, creativity, and overall happiness. Recommending Jennifer's insights alongside resources like Kelly and Juliet Starrett's Desk Bound, Joanna emphasizes the necessity of maintaining physical well-being to support a thriving creative career.

"Focus on self-care and you will help your writing, your creativity, your happiness and your author career at the same time."
(61:00)

The episode serves as a compelling reminder that embracing the mind-body connection can lead to more authentic, productive, and joyful creative experiences.

Key Takeaways

1. Control Over Creative Work: Retaining intellectual property rights empowers creators to make independent and strategic decisions about their work.

2. Mind-Body Integration: Practices like the Alexander Technique can significantly enhance creative performance and alleviate physical and emotional stress.

3. Overcoming Creative Blocks: Adopting a no-editing approach and focusing on authentic expression can facilitate the completion of creative projects.

4. Holistic Well-being: Prioritizing both mental and physical health is essential for sustained creativity and personal fulfillment.

5. Ethical AI Use: As AI technologies like voice cloning become more prevalent, creators must navigate ethical considerations to maintain authenticity and integrity in their work.

Notable Quotes

• "If you own and control your intellectual property rights, you can make all kinds of creative and business choices along the way without asking for permission because you are in charge."
  (05:30)

• "People think, oh, it's one thing, but it is so not one thing... It's a different game trying to get millions of KU page reads... or to do TikTok shop or whatever."
  (09:15)

• "Melania Trump revealed her memoir audiobook is narrated by her voice clone with 11 labs... It's a harbinger of industry-wide reinvention."
  (19:45)

• "Don't edit as you go along... Just write. That saved me that book."
  (33:15)

• "The Alexander Technique is a way to connect how you're thinking with how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally."
  (45:49)

• "Get curious like a little kid... Just take. You're giving yourself the time to notice and be curious."
  (38:22)

• "We're all just human, so we're all working on how do you bring your whole self to whatever activity you are engaged in."
  (47:50)

• "Focus on self-care and you will help your writing, your creativity, your happiness and your author career at the same time."
  (61:00)

Resources Mentioned

• Books:

  • Successful Self-Publishing (4th Edition) by Joanna Penn
  • Desk Bound by Kelly and Juliet Starrett

• Websites:

  • Jennifer Roy Franco Lee: www.artoffreedom.me

• Podcasts:

  • Book Funnel Podcast
  • Publishing Performance Podcast

• Companies:

  • Atticus (for writing and formatting books)
  • ElevenLabs (voice cloning technology)

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Creative Penn Podcast offers a rich exploration of how integrating physical awareness and mindful practices can profoundly impact creative work. Jennifer Roy Franco Lee's insights provide actionable strategies for writers and musicians alike to enhance their craft, overcome personal barriers, and achieve a harmonious balance between mind and body.