Frank was honored to have writer, creator, journalists, and overall deeply interesting human, Brian Penny, to step into Reader’s Labyrinth for a chat. 

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Brian’s experiences as a professional, full-time writer has seen his life take many twists and turns. From turning whistle blower against corrupt insurance practices in 2008-09, to citizen/activist journalism, to technical/medical & ghost writing, and everything in between. 

Life hasn’t been easy, and through it all Brian’s one “True North” is his desire to write. From living in a van for 3 years, to working the “gig” writer economy, Brian offers his fascinating insights into a seldom talked about corner of the craft, and the brutal grind that drives many weaker souls away. 

As a host, Frank was both intrigued and humbled by Brian’s tales of overcoming challenges and hardships to always stick with what he loves most: the art of crafting words and affecting a positive change in the world. 

You can find his work in the links below. Brian is also published in Cracked, High Times, Phoenix New Times, Paste Magazine, Forbes, Fast Company, HuffPost, The Street, and others. He is a professional ghost writer as well. 

Brian’s YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@BrianPenny

Follow Brian on Twitter: @TheBrianPenny 

Brian on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-penny-journalist

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Time Stamps

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:40 Interview Begins

00:02:30 The background of a Whistle Blower 

00:05:33 2011 and leaked documents

00:07:35 Brian’s decision to move on from his Whistle Blower days

00:10:25 Frank & Brian discuss concerning events in the world of real estate

00:13:35 How Brian makes a living writing

00:14:40 On the road, and living in a van

00:15:12 Online Mags will over “exposure” in place of paying writers 

00:17:36 Brians 3 year struggle to get by

00:19:17 Medical/Technical writing grind

00:20:12 Writing eBooks for clients

00:22:39 The “Bread & Butter” for writers earning money

00:23:25 Ghost Writing as a way to explore other perspectives 

00:23:45 Ghost Writing as a gig

00:25:00 Does Brian miss the road at all? 

00:31:40 Problem isn’t massive content, it’s getting books into reader’s hands

00:34:27 Hollywood’s portrayal of writers is WILDLY off and not true

00:35:22 Opening week of a book, makes or breaks it

00:36:41 Only top 1% of authors make it “big”

00:37:15 James Patterson uses an army of Ghost Writers 

00:38:20 Grind over Craft when it comes to sales 

00:39:20 Authors need a WEBSITE and NEWSLETTER

00:41:35 Linktree SUCKS so get a REAL website please

00:43:25 The importance of building a community to market to

00:45:10 Brian’s success with blogs 

00:46:00 “Work for hire Gig Writer” vs. “Writer as Business” 

00:48:33 Examples of “true” word of mouth 

00:49:50 Don’t buy reviews on Amazon, everyone knows you do and they SUCK ASS

00:51:30 Brian talks about influencers and people trying to break into music industry 

00:53:00 You need to track your numbers

00:54:31 Social Media 

00:55:53 Does Brian write any fiction? 

00:58:12 #SPFBO controversy 

01:05:18 A.I. Chat vs writers 

01:08:33 People using A.I. as a “crutch” and failing to learn the “craft”

01:12:33 How a writer learns the craft 

01:15:46 Frustration, failure, and pain is part of the learning process

01:17:30 Music and copyright HELL 

01:25:41 Final closing, thanks Brian!