This week Andrew talks with #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Sullivan. Mark is the acclaimed author of 18 novels, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Private series which he writes with James Patterson. Mark is also the author of #1 bestseller Beneath A Scarlet Sky, a novel based upon the true story of Italian teen Pino Lella who rescued Jews from the Nazis during World War II. Andrew is also joined by special guest co-host Nathan Baugh. Nathan studies the world’s best storytellers and tweets about it to over 200,000 people every day. He also writes World Builders, an email newsletter about storytelling which he sends to over 50,000 people each week. Andrew and Nathan ask Mark all about his creative process, what he’s learned collaborating with James Patterson, and so much more. This conversation is filled with actionable lessons on how to maximize your creativity, organize your ideas, find your voice, and do whatever you do from a place of joy.

Show Highlights:

(2:42) - Working at Fenway Park
(5:13) - Discovering creative ability as a child
(8:10) - Impact of teacher on Mark’s life
(9:30) - Work in investigative journalism
(10:37) - Standing out from the crowd
(11:33) - Learning to trust your voice
(13:31) - Outlining stories
(14:27) - Keys to writing great novels
(15:05) - Getting to know Pino Lella
(17:29) - Researching a story
(21:11) - Evolution of writing throughout career
(22:47) - Studying with monks
(23:05) - Finding joy in your craft
(24:26) - Mark’s typical day
(24:45) - Role of meditation, exercise, & rest
(26:25) - Pre-writing routine
(31:16) - Lessons from James Patterson
(33:44) - Role of rest in creativity

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Twitter: @nathanbaugh27

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