The Creative Shift with Dan Blank

In this podcast interview, I speak to illustrator, author, and art director Samantha Hahn about why — and how — she made a huge creative shift in her career. How, even though she had a thriving career as a full-time illustrator and author, she wanted to expand her work and her creative process. She shares … Continue reading "“I learned to not be afraid of risk.” Illustrator, Author, and Art Director Samantha Hahn on Making her Creative Shift"

Last Spring, I spoke to writer and artist Meera Lee Patel, and the conversation was filled with so many practical tips and deep wisdom that I reached out to her again to record a second podcast. To my total delight, she said yes! So three huge things jumped out at me in this conversation that … Continue reading "“I rely on my creative community to feel sane.” My 2nd Interview with Writer and Illustrator Meera Lee Patel"

In my interview with writer Sean McCabe, we dig into the reality of what it means to run your own business. He shares the behind the scenes decisions that have sometimes cost him tens of thousands of dollars, or more than a year of his time going down a path that he later reversed. Sean … Continue reading "A Creative Career Guided by Principles: My Interview With Writer Sean McCabe"

I first met Robert Fieseler, who I know as Bobby, when he was working at an ad agency. Then, to my astonishment, I saw him make some big changes in his life. Even though he was on a great career track in advertising, he began taking classes in the evenings and weekends to get his … Continue reading "Risking It All to Become an Author — My Interview with Robert Fieseler"

In today’s podcast episode, I take you through the three steps of my Creative Shift process. I have honed this after working with hundreds of writers who wanted a sense of clarity to move their creative work to the next level and truly reach people. I also talk about my next Creative Shift Mastermind program, … Continue reading "Make Your Creative Shift"

I recently spoke to author, book blogger, and school librarian Travis Jonker about three aspects how he became an author: How he got his literary agent through his blog. How he developed courage to share his creative work by “failing in public” by creating a series of zines that he would mail to friends and … Continue reading "How to Build a Following with Uniqueness, Authenticity, and “Getting Crazy.” My Interview with Travis Jonker."

Author Allison Leotta made an incredible career transition. After spending 12 years as a federal prosecutor who specialized in sex crimes, domestic violence, crimes against children, she became an full-time novelist. She now has five books published, one being prepared for publication, and another being written. You can listen the interview on iTunes or via this … Continue reading "Why Writing a Novel is Harder than Law School, Running a Marathon, or Climbing a Mountain. My Interview with author Allison Leotta"

I invited author/illustrator Lori Richmond to talk about what we wish we knew when we first started in our creative careers. Both Lori and I made big creative shifts midway through life: we left safe corporate jobs to start our own companies that focus on creative work. In her case, she became a children’s author/illustrator. … Continue reading "“What I wish I knew when I first became an author/illustrator,” with Lori Richmond"

Today I want to share with you the four essential ingredients to making a creative shift in your life. What is a creative shift? It is about taking a leap forward to get unstuck and ensure that your creative work — your writing and art — has an impact on the world. This is what … Continue reading "How to Make a Creative Shift"

How can one man write 10 books per year, while working a full-time job, going to law school in the evenings, and raising a young family? Today we find out. I am so excited to share my interview with author Michael La Ronn. He has published more than 40 books in the past six years: … Continue reading "The Man Who Writes 10 Books Per Year – My Interview with Michael La Ronn"