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When Writing Became a Product Instead of an Art
At some point in modern publishing, something shifted. Writers stopped asking “What story do I need to tell?” and started asking “Will this sell?”
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert tackle a growing problem in the writing world: what happens when authors put the business hat on too early and lose the art of storytelling.
In an era of rapid publishing, AI writing tools, and constant pressure to monetize creativity, many writers are approaching their craft like a product before it’s even a story. But great books (books that actually connect with readers) don’t start as products. They start as art.
Stacey and Troy dig into the tension between creative expression and commercial publishing, why writers are feeling more pressure than ever to produce marketable content, and how putting business considerations ahead of the creative process can sabotage both the story and the author’s long-term career.
They also explore why discomfort, conflict, and honest storytelling are essential to powerful writing—and why authors shouldn’t be afraid to challenge readers or tackle difficult topics.
If you're a writer trying to balance craft, creativity, and the realities of the publishing business, this conversation will help you rethink where the art belongs in your process.
Because the truth is simple: The story has to exist before it can ever become a product.
In This Episode
• Why putting the “commercial hat” on too early can damage your story
• The difference between writing as art vs. writing as a product
• How AI and rapid publishing are changing the creative process
• Why conflict, discomfort, and honest storytelling matter
• When authors should actually start thinking about the business side of publishing
• The balance between creative freedom and audience expectations
Who This Episode Is For
This episode is for:
Fiction and nonfiction authors
Indie and traditionally published writers
Writers struggling with creative burnout
Authors navigating AI and modern publishing pressures
Anyone building an author business without losing their creative voice
#WritingPodcast #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingCraft #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #PublishingIndustry #Storytelling #CreativeProcess
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By Stacey SmekofskeAt some point in modern publishing, something shifted. Writers stopped asking “What story do I need to tell?” and started asking “Will this sell?”
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert tackle a growing problem in the writing world: what happens when authors put the business hat on too early and lose the art of storytelling.
In an era of rapid publishing, AI writing tools, and constant pressure to monetize creativity, many writers are approaching their craft like a product before it’s even a story. But great books (books that actually connect with readers) don’t start as products. They start as art.
Stacey and Troy dig into the tension between creative expression and commercial publishing, why writers are feeling more pressure than ever to produce marketable content, and how putting business considerations ahead of the creative process can sabotage both the story and the author’s long-term career.
They also explore why discomfort, conflict, and honest storytelling are essential to powerful writing—and why authors shouldn’t be afraid to challenge readers or tackle difficult topics.
If you're a writer trying to balance craft, creativity, and the realities of the publishing business, this conversation will help you rethink where the art belongs in your process.
Because the truth is simple: The story has to exist before it can ever become a product.
In This Episode
• Why putting the “commercial hat” on too early can damage your story
• The difference between writing as art vs. writing as a product
• How AI and rapid publishing are changing the creative process
• Why conflict, discomfort, and honest storytelling matter
• When authors should actually start thinking about the business side of publishing
• The balance between creative freedom and audience expectations
Who This Episode Is For
This episode is for:
Fiction and nonfiction authors
Indie and traditionally published writers
Writers struggling with creative burnout
Authors navigating AI and modern publishing pressures
Anyone building an author business without losing their creative voice
#WritingPodcast #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingCraft #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #PublishingIndustry #Storytelling #CreativeProcess