Podcast Summary: The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
Episode: The Intuitive Author With Tiffany Yates Martin
Host: Joanna Penn
Guest: Tiffany Yates Martin
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Introduction to the Episode
In this insightful episode of The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers, Joanna Penn engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with Tiffany Yates Martin. Tiffany, an esteemed editor, speaker, and teacher with over three decades in the publishing industry, shares her expertise on managing a sustainable and happy writing career. She also discusses her latest non-fiction work, The Intuitive How to Grow and Sustain a Happier Writing Career, which delves into the emotional and strategic aspects of being an author today.
Background of Tiffany Yates Martin
Tiffany Yates Martin is not only a seasoned editor but also a prolific writer of contemporary women's fiction under the pseudonym Phoebe Fox. Her extensive experience in the publishing world has allowed her to mentor countless authors, helping them navigate the complexities of both the creative and business sides of writing.
Why Tiffany Wrote The Intuitive Author
Timestamp [24:21]
Tiffany explains her motivation for penning The Intuitive Author. Transitioning from focusing solely on hard skills and craft in her previous works, she noticed a surge of authors feeling overwhelmed by the rapidly changing publishing landscape. "I was hearing from a lot of authors that they were feeling overwhelmed by all the changes and the constantly evolving publishing environment," Tiffany shares. This feedback inspired her to address not just the technical aspects of writing but also the emotional and strategic challenges authors face, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's writing career with personal values and motivations.
Challenges Faced by Modern Authors
Timestamp [26:45]
Tiffany highlights several hurdles that contemporary authors encounter:
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Overwhelm from Multiple Responsibilities: With the democratization of publishing, authors now juggle writing, marketing, graphic design, legal aspects, and more. "We're not just writing, we're marketing, and we have to learn graphic design and... manage our contracts," she notes.
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Increase in Competition: With over two million books published annually, standing out is harder than ever.
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Evolving Traditional Publishing: There's a noticeable shift towards favoring debut authors, making it challenging for established writers to build long-term careers.
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Emotional Struggles: Writers battle imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and procrastination, exacerbated by the increasing demands of the industry.
Managing Overwhelm and Setting Priorities
Timestamp [29:36]
To combat overwhelm, Tiffany advocates for clear prioritization. She recommends creating a priority list that ranks goals based on personal importance and feasibility. "When I started to consider what I wanted to say yes to and book myself with, I was able to literally go back to that list and rank it in order of how important is this to me," Tiffany advises. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of having a "not to do" list to help authors decline tasks or activities that don't align with their primary objectives. For instance, Tiffany personally limits her engagement with platforms like TikTok, recognizing that it doesn't suit her workflow or preferences.
The Role of Intuition in Decision-Making
Timestamp [34:55]
Intuition plays a pivotal role in Tiffany's approach to both writing and career management. She defines intuition as the ability to grow a story or career "from the inside out," rather than forcing it into external systems or molds. This approach ensures authenticity and preserves the unique voice of the author. Tiffany encourages writers to listen to their inner selves and make decisions that resonate emotionally, rather than succumbing to industry pressures or trends. "We have to do more of what you were just talking about. Set up our personal path, our boundaries. We have to say no to the things that don't suit us," she emphasizes.
Dealing with Feedback, Rejection, and Criticism
Timestamp [47:22]
Tiffany offers comprehensive strategies for handling the inevitable feedback and rejections authors face:
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Understanding Types of Feedback: Distinguishes between criticism, commentary, and critique. She advocates for valuing constructive critique that provides actionable insights over mere criticism or unsolicited commentary.
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Professional Editing: Stresses the importance of seeking feedback from professional editors who can offer objective and constructive advice. "Good critique is not commenting on you or your talent... It's simply reflecting what is on the page," Tiffany explains.
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Resilience Against Rejection: Compares rejection in writing to dating, highlighting that not every offer or feedback is a reflection of one's worth. She encourages authors to view rejection as a step closer to finding the right fit. Tiffany shares her own experiences, noting how persistence led her to secure her first agent after 113 queries.
Notable Quote:
"Good critique is simply reflecting what is on the page and whether it's conveying your vision as effectively as possible for the reader." — Tiffany Yates Martin [47:50]
Building Resilience and Persistence
Timestamp [44:12]
Tiffany discusses the intrinsic motivation that drives writers, emphasizing passion over discipline. She believes that genuine love for writing fosters resilience and persistence more effectively than sheer discipline alone. By finding joy and satisfaction in the daily writing process, authors can better weather the challenges of the industry. Tiffany underscores the importance of defining personal success and finding fulfillment in the creative journey itself.
Reclaiming Creativity During Troubled Times
Timestamp [58:05]
In the face of global unrest, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, political upheaval, and technological disruptions like the rise of AI, Tiffany offers strategies to maintain and even enhance creativity:
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Analytical Consumption: Encourages authors to analyze other people's stories as a way to stay engaged creatively when personal inspiration wanes.
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Leveraging Emotions: Suggests channeling feelings like anger, fear, or frustration into writing, turning personal and societal challenges into creative fuel.
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Rest and Reflection: Highlights the importance of rest and taking breaks to rejuvenate the creative spirit.
Notable Quote:
"Some of the most impactful moments I've had as an artist have been when a single individual said something to me. Like one lady said, your books helped me get through chemo." — Tiffany Yates Martin [63:08]
Personal Experiences and Advice
Throughout the interview, Tiffany shares her personal journey, including her transition from acting to writing and editing, and how her experiences shaped her approach to authoring and mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of aligning one's career with personal values and the need to adapt to the ever-evolving publishing landscape. Tiffany also offers practical advice on maintaining work-life balance, setting boundaries, and the continual pursuit of creative fulfillment.
Conclusions
In wrapping up the episode, Joanna and Tiffany reaffirm the significance of intuition, resilience, and personal alignment in building a sustainable and fulfilling writing career. They encourage authors to stay true to their creative passions, prioritize their well-being, and navigate the complexities of the publishing world with grace and strategic thinking.
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a valuable resource for both emerging and established authors seeking to harmonize the creative and business facets of their careers. Tiffany Yates Martin's insights offer actionable strategies for managing overwhelm, harnessing intuition, and sustaining happiness in the competitive and ever-changing world of writing.
Connect with Tiffany Yates Martin:
- Website: Foxprint Editorial
- Online Classes: Available on her website
- Social Media: Follow her for updates and resources
Join The Creative Penn Community:
- Website: thecreativepenn.com
- Patreon: Patreon.com/TheCreativePen
- Social Media: Follow Joanna on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @thecreativepen
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened. For a deeper dive, tuning into the full episode is highly recommended.