There's a difference between an author and a writer. An author is someone who published a book at least once. A writer is someone who continues to write and publish, cultivating a writing life. But how do you know what to write about, and when to start your next project?

We often start out with a specific intent when we begin a new project. We're out to prove an argument and make a point. But what happens when, in the course of writing, we discover new truths that derail our message?

When author and memoir consultant Marion Roach Smith worked at The New York Times, she was told: Never go out with intent. Even when you know someone has committed a crime.

The idea was that setting out to capture a story with a verdict already in mind would skew your writing. A good journalist is open to not proving what she thinks to be true.

Authors are no exception.

It doesn't matter how original your idea is or how well the message of your book resonates with readers, if it's missing this essential quality, your writing will lack legitimacy and credibility. A little research goes a long way.

Writing your first book is equal parts intimidating and exhilarating. You're scared and excited at the same time. One fear that grips new authors is how to write a book in the first place. Turns out, you re-learn this skill with every new title.

After writing four books, you might assume that it was easy for me to tackle a fifth without much help. But we both know that lasting creative success happens in the context of community. Real Artists Don't Starve was no exception.

It's becoming increasingly apparent that traditional publishing and hitting the bestseller lists is a game. You don't write a bestseller so much as you launch one. And yet, for those who want their work to endure, the question hangs in the air: is the game worth playing?

As a writer and five-time author, I'd be lying if I told you that hitting the Wall Street Journal bestseller list twice meant nothing to me. Honestly, it feels good.

But you know what?

With over 2.7 million blog posts published every day and hundreds of thousands of books published every year, it's difficult for writers to stand out from the crowd. Or is it?

Think about your favorite restaurant. You're not just there for the food are you? You like the ambiance, friendly staff, comfy chairs, efficient service, and the presentation of the desserts.

Writers and creatives have the same opportunity to create an experience for their audiences.

You can't write a book called "Real Artists Don't Starve" and not expect a reaction. If you try to write for everyone, no one will pay attention. With my latest book, readers are asking some tough questions.

This week on The Portfolio Life, Andy Traub rejoins us to cohost this special episode as I sit in the hot seat to answer a few pointed and insightful questions about Real Artists Don't Starve, the myth of the starving artist, the steps it takes to thrive as a creative, and the rules of New Renaissance.

It's really frustrating when you don't enjoy your calling or you struggle to find your calling in the first place. Sadly, many of us have been thinking about calling all wrong.

Some people talk about missing their calling and continue to go through the motions of life until they take the aching in their heart to the grave.

One of the biggest challenges any creative faces is what to make and who to make it for. How do you determine if an idea is a good fit for you, or if anyone will pay attention long enough to buy it?

Being a full-time writer doesn't necessarily equate to writing "full-time". I don't sit at my desk for eight hours every week day and pound away at the keyboard writing books and blog posts. There's a bit more complexity to running a successful blog, launching books, and operating a digital business.

People start writing for all kinds of reasons. Fame, fortune, boredom, or another hobby they'll quit in three weeks. But sometimes, a person writes for something more. They write for freedom.

Most of us want freedom from something. Our past, a bad habit, a toxic relationship, a dull day job, or even the distractions we let keep us from writing.