In this powerful and reflective episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee explore what it really means to hit a brick wall in your creative or business journey — and why you shouldn’t always try to smash through it. Through stories of coaching calls, spiritual metaphors, and mindset shifts, they unpack how resistance often signals misalignment, not failure. Learn how to recognize when you’re forcing the wrong path, how to find “the door” instead of breaking the wall, and how to diagnose whether your challenge is a project, audience, prioritization, or income problem.

Topics Covered:

* Why most “brick walls” aren’t meant to be broken — they’re signals, not barriers

* Healing limiting beliefs one “brick” at a time instead of fighting the whole wall

* The armor we build from childhood and how to safely shed it for true growth

* Addition by subtraction: why scaling up often requires doing less, not more

* Learning to control inputs, not outputs — and embracing creative surrender

* How collaboration and outside perspectives accelerate your author growth

* Releasing control and building trust through editing, partnerships, and feedback

* The difference between “real” blocks and imagined ones — mindset vs. mechanics

* The universe’s brick walls as invitations to pivot, not punishments

* Understanding when pain or loss is actually clearing the path for expansion

* The “lock through” metaphor: waiting for alignment before moving to the next level

* How fear disguises itself as over-control or over-effort

* The “Happy Compass” framework: diagnosing your true problem

* Heart / Project problems – issues inside the book or creative work

* Audience problems – not enough or the wrong readers

* Prioritization problems – too many low-impact actions

* Income problems – conversion or pricing challenges

* Why solving the wrong problem keeps authors stuck

* Choosing the money: how to double down on what’s already working

* Micro-practices to open your “flow” with money and creative energy

* Nervous system regulation and somatic awareness for sustainable creativity

* How embodiment, mindset, and business systems interconnect

* From frustration to flow: how to reconnect with joy and direction

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this thought-provoking episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell, Lee, and guest Heather Hildenbrand dive deep into The Science of Scaling — exploring what happens when manifestation meets hustle culture. They debate the book’s “tech bro” tone versus its powerful mindset principles and uncover how authors can use identity shifts, nervous system regulation, and space-making to create success sustainably. From millionaire self-concept to burnout recovery, this episode bridges business strategy, psychology, and woo-woo wisdom to redefine what “scaling” really means.

Topics Covered:

* Why The Science of Scaling feels more like “Manifestation for Tech Bros”

* The connection between identity, self-concept, and rapid transformation

* Reframing impossible goals as catalysts for identity shifts

* Raising your “floor”: creating boundaries and cutting clutter to scale effectively

* How nervous system regulation impacts creativity, peace, and success

* The biology of manifestation: using the reticular activating system (RAS) intentionally

* Healing burnout and reclaiming calm after hustle culture

* The power of “creating space” for deep work and emotional health

* Why authors must believe they are capable before success can manifest

* Delusional goals, embodiment, and future-self meditations

* Balancing masculine (strategic) and feminine (energetic) approaches to business

* Making peace with uncertainty and doing “dumb” experiments that actually work

* Scaling peace of mind versus scaling income

* How regulating your body makes scaling sustainable

* From survival mode to creative flow: learning to close the stress cycle

* Simplifying to scale: finding your “one great idea” instead of chasing everything

* Freedom to create vs. freedom from obligation

* How to hold your “want” tightly but your “how” loosely

* Accepting imperfection: “I’m rich and a hot mess” mindset

* Millionaire problems vs. survival problems—and why normalization matters

* Manifestation, belief systems, and emotional neutrality as keys to sustainable growth

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, Lee and Russell are joined by Seth Norris, CPA and founder of Author CPA. Together, they demystify accounting, taxes, and cash flow for authors, with a focus on the popular Profit First method. Seth explains how authors can structure their finances to increase profit, manage ad spend, and avoid costly tax mistakes. From S-Corps to home office deductions, they cover practical strategies to help authors keep more of what they earn while building a sustainable business mindset.

Topics Covered:

* Why most authors avoid money conversations—and why that’s a mistake

* The core principles of the Profit First method

* How to use multiple bank accounts to enforce profit, taxes, and expenses

* Recommended Profit First percentages for authors under $250K/year

* What “real revenue” means and why ad spend may belong in cost of goods

* Challenges of funding growth and why debt can be dangerous

* How to reinvest profit and owner pay strategically

* The role of intellectual property as an asset in author businesses

* When and why to consider switching from sole proprietor/LLC to S-Corp

* The true tax differences between LLCs and S-Corps

* How “reasonable compensation” works under IRS rules

* Smart ways to save on taxes: SEPs, Solo 401Ks, and home office deductions

* Hobby vs. business rules and how to prove intent to profit

* Why mindset matters: paying yourself and thinking like a business owner

* Memorable tax court cases authors can learn from (including a brothel research deduction!)

* Building systems that support sustainable growth and financial confidence

Website: authorcpa.com

Youtube: youtube.com/@authorcpa

Newsletter: norriscpafirm.com/newsletter

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

Back Jennifer’s Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jenniferprobst/write-naked-the-official-course

In this inspiring episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee sit down with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst to explore the realities of a long-term writing career. Jennifer shares insights from 35+ years in the industry, reflecting on vulnerability, resilience, and the cycles of growth and reinvention every author faces. Together, they discuss balancing creativity with business, the importance of community, and how to embrace both failures and breakthroughs as part of the journey. The conversation also dives into Jennifer’s Write Naked philosophy, scaling strategies, and how to build sustainable systems that support both creative freedom and financial security.

Topics Covered:

* Jennifer Probst’s 35-year career and hitting 60 published books

* The raw beginnings of writing and finding your first readers

* Building impact versus just chasing income

* Authenticity, vulnerability, and balancing private vs. public life as an author

* Product-led growth and how books grow by being shared

* The evolution of publishing: from query letters to Substack, Patreon, and community platforms

* Navigating shame, pivots, and rebuilding after setbacks

* Root systems: unseen growth periods that lead to future breakthroughs

* Creating space in life and career versus chasing endless hustle

* The value of resilience and the ability to reinvent repeatedly

* Understanding growth seasons vs. monetization seasons

* Simplifying your message and focusing on what truly carries

* Scaling by doing fewer things exceptionally well

* The importance of systems and middle-ground solutions between burning out and blowing up projects

* Why effort doesn’t directly equal income in writing

* Jennifer’s Write Naked course and its focus on joy, craft, and authenticity

* The balance between consistency, reinvention, and longevity in an author career

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this candid episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee discuss navigating significant financial and business changes, the reality behind income and profit, and the crucial systems authors need to succeed long-term. Russell shares the ups and downs of his recent financial rollercoaster, the closure of Writer MBA, and how unexpected challenges ultimately led to growth and newfound financial stability. Lee highlights the importance of building sustainable systems, prioritizing newsletters and community engagement, and emphasizes the value of resilience, emotional regulation, and strategic pivoting.

Topics Covered:

* Managing drastic financial shifts and loss of major income streams

* Realities of revenue versus profit for authors

* The hidden cost of business growth and reinvestment

* Why some authors appear successful but struggle financially

* The importance of reducing friction in business growth

* Long-term strategies versus short-term gains in publishing

* The power and profitability of newsletters and automation

* Creating sustainable income through diverse revenue streams

* The emotional toll of closing down projects and businesses

* Pivoting effectively after setbacks

* Building financial and emotional resilience

* Introducing Russell’s new membership, "Capitalist," focusing on happiness and balanced success

* Lee's Book Marketing Bootcamp details and approach

* How to create systems that continuously support author income

* Understanding the true value of passive income and long-term asset creation

* Learning to embrace endings and creating space for new opportunities

* Strategic budgeting, saving, and financial preparedness for uncertainty

* Emotional intelligence in handling business disappointments and stress

* How mindset and expectations shape enjoyment and success

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this emotionally insightful episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell returns from a whirlwind European tour through Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava with a personal story that carries a deeper lesson. He shares a moment of panic when he thought he lost his expensive SLR camera and how, instead of spiraling into stress and ruining the trip, he chose peace. This unexpected act of mindfulness—of staying present despite looming loss—sparks a conversation about growth, mindset, and how long-term success as a creator is deeply tied to emotional resilience.

Lee and Russell explore how years of professional challenges—from losing companies to surviving chaotic launches—have reshaped how Russell views control, money, and creative life. They touch on themes like letting go of perfection, managing emotional responses, and focusing on what’s truly in your control.

This episode isn’t just a travel tale—it’s a powerful metaphor for author life. Sometimes, you have to trust the process, accept uncertainty, and keep moving forward.

Takeaways:

* Emotional growth is a key part of author success.

* You don’t need to control every outcome to enjoy the moment.

* Losing something can be an opportunity to gain perspective.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this deep and emotionally resonant episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee go beyond marketing strategies to talk about what really holds authors back: fear of being seen, fear of momentum, and the resistance that shows up when we’re close to success.

Lee opens up about launch avoidance, the anxiety of visibility, and the physical effects of pushing through emotional blocks. Together, they explore the tension between doing the “right things” and sabotaging yourself at the moment it matters most. From co-author dynamics to the pressure of performance, from setting the vulnerability level in your community to crafting transformational fiction—this episode is a masterclass in emotional clarity and sustainable authorship.

If you’ve ever found yourself procrastinating the most important thing, questioning your worth, or wondering why you can’t seem to follow through—this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

* Why self-sabotage isn’t laziness—it’s fear of transformation

* The surprising emotional toll of being seen and gaining momentum

* Co-author partnerships and the temptation to hide behind others

* How fear can manifest as over-productivity, burnout, and avoidance

* Physical anxiety responses to visibility and viral success

* Setting the vulnerability tone in small reader communities

* Why readers share: building emotional resonance over gimmicks

* Using fiction to help readers (and ourselves) feel deeply seen

* How dark romance, fantasy, and smut can become safe containers for exploration

* Forest author marketing: transformation, resonance, and identity

* The myth of “needing to connect more” vs. letting your work connect

* Russell’s insight: “Nobody loves your book because you wrote it well”

* Understanding your true offer: what transformation does your book provide?

* Marketing as a conduit—not the transformation itself

* Scaling slowly and sustainably: from one-person bootcamps to lasting legacy

* 31 launches in 36 months: the consequences of saying yes to everything

* Letting go of cluttered calendars to build something amplifiable

* Six Figure series case study: https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/l/pdp/six-figure-series-case-study

* Book marketing bootcamp:

https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/p/bookmarketingbootcamp

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

n this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, we sit down with Erin Wright—bestselling romance author and founder of Wide for the Win—to unpack the real differences between wide publishing and Kindle Unlimited. Erin joins co-hosts Russell and Lee to explore how author archetypes, release strategies, international markets, and even dopamine hits from Amazon rank can affect your success depending on the path you choose.

We dig into the psychology, practicality, and sustainability of both publishing approaches—from mental health and burnout to long-tail income and international reach. This isn’t about one path being better—it’s about helping you choose what actually works for your books, your audience, and your life. Whether you’re in KU, thinking about going wide, or just trying to future-proof your author business, this conversation is full of insight, humor, and real-world experience.

Topics Covered:

* Erin Wright’s journey from librarian to bestselling wide author

* Founding Wide for the Win and growing to over 18,000 members

* How KU limits access to libraries and international markets

* Author archetypes: Forest, Grassland, Aquatic, and Phoenix

* The psychological toll of KU’s treadmill and algorithm dependence

* Why KU can be detrimental—not just neutral—for some authors

* How wide platforms reward longevity vs. KU’s focus on newness

* Preorder mechanics: Apple and Kobo vs. Amazon

* Bank over rank: why chasing rank won’t pay your mortgage

* Wide publishing as “choose your own adventure”

* Transitioning to wide with foreign translations

* Real examples of burnout, bounce-backs, and big wins

* Hiring help for wide distribution (and knowing when to do it)

* Tips for sustainable author careers in an unpredictable market

Links:

* Six Figure series case study: https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/l/pdp/six-figure-series-case-study

* Book marketing bootcamp:

https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/p/bookmarketingbootcamp

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this episode, Jennifer Hilt, author of The Trope Thesaurus series, joins Lee and Russell to break down the true power of tropes in fiction writing—not as clichés, but as emotional shorthand and marketing gold. Together, they explore how tropes function in storytelling, why they’re the secret weapon of bestselling authors, and how to twist them in ways that honor your voice and resonate with readers. Whether you’re writing epic fantasy, spicy romance, domestic thrillers, or cozy mysteries, this episode helps you see tropes not as a box but as a toolkit. You'll learn how to identify, use, and market tropes so readers instantly “get” your story—and want more.

Topics Covered:

* Jennifer’s definition of tropes—and how they differ from clichés

* The three “buckets” of tropes: character, conflict/stakes, and setting

* Why tropes aren’t formulas—they’re ingredients readers crave

* The role of tropes in genre blending (e.g., romance + mystery, fantasy + thriller)

* Using tropes to reverse-engineer your blurb and boost conversion

* The growing importance of “trope cards” in romance marketing

* Why your book already has tropes (even if you don’t realize it yet)

* How identifying tropes can solve plot problems and unlock stalled drafts

* Misdirection and red herrings as underused “conflict” tropes

* Tropes as shared language between you and your reader

* Examples of evergreen tropes: ticking time bomb, forced proximity, only one bed

* Why “structure is just a list of tropes” and how that builds trust with readers

* The value of “same but different” stories in commercial fiction

* Baking marketing into your book from the beginning

* Layering in secondary genre tropes to widen appeal

* How voice transforms tired tropes into unforgettable stories

* Using your personal “id list” to build trope-rich stories that excite you

* The power of identity and series-spanning tropes (e.g., orphan to icon arcs)

* The difference between trope usage in high-concept vs. slow-burn fiction

* Tropes as both creative springboards and safety nets for readers

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, we sit down with Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to dive deep into how authors are leveraging Kickstarter to hit six-figure goals, build powerful communities, and take full control of their careers. Oriana shares insider stats, success strategies, and powerful examples of how direct-to-reader models are reshaping the publishing world. We explore why crowdfunding is more than just funding—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences, amplifying your brand, and future-proofing your author career in an uncertain world. Whether you're a new author, seasoned indie, or thinking about launching your first campaign, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered:

* Oriana Leckert’s journey through publishing and Kickstarter leadership

* Why direct-to-reader models are outperforming traditional and self-publishing

* Year-over-year growth statistics for publishing projects on Kickstarter

* Key success metrics: 84% success rate with 25+ backers, $16K average raise

* How Kickstarter backers behave differently from typical book buyers

* The secret to Kickstarter’s algorithm: attention and early momentum

* Why backer community and engagement trump pure audience size

* The growing power of subscriptions and how Patreon and Kickstarter work together

* Using Kickstarter to test ideas, validate demand, and build sustainable income

* Examples of creative rewards: from scene kits to special editions and experiences

* How Kickstarter campaigns drive amplification even beyond funding

* Curating emotional experiences for readers through physical and digital rewards

* The future of publishing: quality over quantity, 100 true fans, and direct community building

* Oriana’s advice for building a resilient, connected author career in uncertain times

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com