"Treat writing a book like  a road trip. Have a starting point and destination, but be ready for detours. Who knows? Your side journey might just be the chapter you need.

Notable Moments

03:10 The Golden Age of Animation in the 90s

06:12 From Freelance to Disney and Back Again

08:12 Writing Tips Related to a Road Trip

14:50 Staying Productive While Writing a Book

20:43 The Challenge of Writing a Non-Chronological Story

23:17 The Realities of Freelance Work

Order Michael's Books:

Michael offers signed and personalized copies if you purchase through his website!

• Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance
• Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a 20-Year Career at Walt Disney World

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Michael Lyons is a 20-year veteran cast member of Walt Disney World and now a freelance author. His first book, "Drawn to Greatness," captures the magic of Disney's animation renaissance in the '90s. An era of iconic movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. His second book, "Magic Moments," dives into his 20-year career at Walt Disney World. From customer service to leadership, it's packed with lessons that apply far beyond the parks!

During our conversation we dive deep into his journey, from his Disney days to his blossoming writing career, and discuss his books Drawn to Greatness and Magic Moments.

Notable takeaways from our conversation:

• Repurpose Your Work: Michael repurposed years of old interviews and articles to craft his acclaimed book Drawn to Greatness. It's a testament to the power of leveraging past work to create something new and impactful.

• Dedicate Time Like a Job: Treat writing your book like a part-time job, setting realistic and consistent time slots dedicated to writing. Consistency can turn daunting projects into achievable milestones.

• Embrace Diversions: While writing, it's important to stay flexible. Sometimes the unexpected diversions or inspirations can lead to new chapters or topics you hadn't initially considered.

If you've ever wondered about the magic behind Disney animation or are looking for motivation to kickstart your own creative projects, this episode is a must-listen! Take a listen to the full episode to hear more about Michael’s fascinating journey and writing tips, especially if you've got a book idea simmering on the backburner.