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What does it take to become a professional writer with a published book? More importantly, what does it take to become a happy writer? Join multi-genre writer and book coach Courtney Maum and me as we discuss writer mental health, the key ingredients in an author brand, what success really means and how you can achieve it, as well as the number one skill all authors need to cultivate.  

Courtney’s Bio: Courtney is the author of five books, including the groundbreaking publishing guide that Vanity Fair recently named one of the ten best books for writers, BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL and the memoir THE YEAR OF THE HORSES, chosen by The Today Show as the best read for mental health awareness. A writing coach, director of the writing workshop “Turning Points,” and educator, Courtney's mission is to help people hold on to the joy of art-making in a culture obsessed with turning artists into brands. Passionate about literary citizenship, Courtney sits on the advisory councils of The Authors Guild and The Rumpus and runs a bestselling Substack on publishing conundrums. You can sign up for her weekly newsletter and online masterclasses at CourtneyMaum.com

In this episode: 

• 3:00 The Importance of Protecting Your Mental Health
• 6:45 The True Measure of Success
• 15:00 Understanding Your Yeses and Nos
• 19:50 Building Brand Assets for Your Author Platform
• 28:50 Navigating the Realities of the Publishing Industry
• 42:00 The Impact of Health Challenges on Our Identity
• 60:00 Having Faith in Yourself

Resources Mentioned During This Episode: 

Making Art Inside Delicious Darkness 

Last Night an ENT Saved My Life

Exploring the Loneliness Epidemic with Athena Dixon

How to Stop Gaslighting Yourself with Ingrid Clayton

Official Transcript

Connect with Courtney: 

Website: courtneymaum.com

Substack:https://substack.com/@courtneymaum

Instagram: @cbmaum

Connect with your host, Lisa:
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Produced by Espresso Podcast Production