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    Arts

    The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

    If you’re searching for a show that pulls back the curtain on the mystique of the writing life, look no further than The Writer Files. Hosts Kelton Reid and Milena Gonzalez study the habits, habitats, and brains of the biggest and brightest authors of our time.

    Tune in each week to learn from bestselling and acclaimed writers on how to keep the ink flowing, the cursor moving, and avoid writer’s block. Please follow The Writer Files wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a rating or review to help other writers find us.

    Advertise

    Copyright: © New Media Dojo LLC, All Rights Reserved

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    Latest Episodes:
    How New York Times Bestselling Author Sherrilyn Kenyon Writes: Part Two Jun 04, 2019
    Show notes

    In Part Two of this file the prolific, award-winning, #1 New York Times and international bestselling author, Sherrilyn Kenyon, returned to talk about what it's like to be a literary legend with over 70 million copies of her books in print in over 100 countries.

    "When the characters have chosen you ... you need to go tell their stories, because nobody else can do it, and they picked you for the job. Are you really going to disappoint them?" - Sherrilyn Kenyon

    Sherrilyn is considered one of the most popular and influential writers in the world and the multi-genre author is best known for urban fantasy and paranormal romance, including her popular Dark-Hunters series (Amazon), now also a NY Times bestselling manga.

    Since her debut in the mid-90s she has placed more than 80 novels on the NY Times list in all formats and genres, including YA, children’s books, coloring books, historical romance (under the pen name Kinley MacGregor), and even graphic novels – her Lords of Avalon novels were adapted by Marvel.

    Ms. Kenyon's path to bestselling novelist was winding one, as you'll hear, but through all the ups and downs she has cultivated an incredibly loyal fan community who call themselves Menyons who even design tattoos in honor of her more popular genre-bending books.

    Her latest bestseller in the expansive Dark-Hunters series, titled Stygian, is described as a "...blend of tortured heroes, strong heroines, [and] historical mythology...."

    Stygian was named one of best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the year by Kobo and Publishers Weekly has called her work, "A delicious balance of suspense and sensuality."

    This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And If you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

    In Part Two of this file Sherrilyn Kenyon and I discussed:
    • Why she prefers her PC over a Mac
    • Her unique workflow and organizational hacks for keeping all of her characters and worlds straight
    • Why her intense workload and work ethic require "combat napping"
    • On viewing creativity as an adventure
    • How great writers make a human connection (and a huge shoutout to copywriters)
    • And the author's great advice on storytelling and your obligation to the characters who choose you
    Show Notes:
    • Author Accelerator
    • Audible is Offering a Free Audiobook Download with a 30-day Trial: Grab Your Free Audiobook Here – audibletrial.com/writerfiles
    • How New York Times Bestselling Author Sherrilyn Kenyon Writes: Part One
    • Sherrilyn Kenyon's Amazon Author Page
    • Stygian: A Dark-Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon
    • SherrilynKenyon.com
    • Sherrilyn Kenyon on Facebook
    • Sherrilyn Kenyon on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
    • Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    How New York Times Bestselling Author Sherrilyn Kenyon Writes: Part One May 29, 2019
    Show notes

    Prolific, award-winning, #1 New York Times and international bestselling author, Sherrilyn Kenyon, joined me this week to talk about what it's like to be a literary legend with over 70 million copies of her books in print in over 100 countries.

    "To me, the characters are why I write. They're family. And I love the worlds." - Sherrilyn Kenyon

    Sherrilyn is considered one of the most popular and influential writers in the world and the multi-genre author is best known for urban fantasy and paranormal romance, including her popular Dark-Hunters series (Amazon), now also a NY Times bestselling manga.

    Since her debut in the mid-90s she has placed more than 80 novels on the NY Times list in all formats and genres, including YA, children’s books, coloring books, historical romance (under the pen name Kinley MacGregor), and even graphic novels – her Lords of Avalon novels were adapted by Marvel.

    Ms. Kenyon's path to bestselling novelist was winding one, as you'll hear, but through all the ups and downs she has cultivated an incredibly loyal fan community who call themselves Menyons who even design tattoos in honor of her more popular genre-bending books.

    Her latest bestseller in the expansive Dark-Hunters series, titled Stygian, is described as a "...blend of tortured heroes, strong heroines, [and] historical mythology...."

    Stygian was named one of best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the year by Kobo and Publishers Weekly has called her work, "A delicious balance of suspense and sensuality."

    This episode of The Writer Files is brought to you by the team at Author Accelerator. Author Accelerator book coaches give writers feedback, accountability, and support while you write, so you can get that your idea out of your head and onto the page.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    In Part One of this file Sherrilyn Kenyon and I discussed:
    • How she started out as one of the first female web developers in the '90s
    • Why the author's determination and resilience through good times and bad led to her success (and superstition)
    • How she stays sane, focused, and organized writing hundreds of characters across multiple genres (and how she still finds her car keys)
    • On writer's block and why the author set aside an unfinished book for ten years before finishing it
    Show Notes:
    • Author Accelerator
    • Audible is Offering a Free Audiobook Download with a 30-day Trial: Grab Your Free Audiobook Here – audibletrial.com/writerfiles
    • How New York Times Bestselling Author Sherrilyn Kenyon Writes: Part Two
    • Sherrilyn Kenyon's Amazon Author Page
    • Stygian: A Dark-Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon
    • SherrilynKenyon.com
    • Sherrilyn Kenyon on Facebook
    • Sherrilyn Kenyon on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
    • Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    How to Finish Your Big Scary Book with Jennie Nash: Part Two May 21, 2019
    Show notes

    In Part Two of this special edition of the show the author, educator, book coach and founder of Author Accelerator, Jennie Nash, returned to go deeper on tools and strategies for writers on the winding, sometimes daunting journey, to finishing your big, scary book.

    "Writing a book is a noble endeavor, it does something no other art does." - Jennie Nash

    Jennie started her career in publishing at Random House and has over 30 years experience in all facets of the industry. She also taught at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program for 12 years and has spoken at writing conferences across the country.

    She's the author of seven books including a self-help book for writers – The Writer's Guide to Agony and Defeat (Amazon) – and has written hundreds of magazine articles for national publications.

    For nearly a decade now Jennie has been coaching authors "from inspiration to publication" (including Lisa Chron, author of Wired for Story and Story Genius, and Sam Polk, author of For the Love of Money: A Memoir), helping them to land top New York agents and book deals with major publishers.

    As the founder of Author Accelerator, described as "A personal trainer for your writing life," she and her team of book coaches now provide writers the blueprint so often lacking in the traditional publishing world ... including the tools, nurturing, and encouragement needed to finish their work and get it into the world successfully.

    In a serendipitous turn of events, after this interview Author Accelerator became a sponsor of this show, and I'll tell you all about a resource they've created just for listeners of this show during our chat.

    This conversation is tailor-made for writers just starting out or well along on your journey to publish.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

    In Part Two of this file Jennie Nash and I discussed:
    • Why there is no such thing as a truly "original story"
    • How book coaches keep up with trends and best practices across multiple genres
    • Why authors need to understand the universe they're writing in
    • The key to getting the most out of your investment in writing retreats, conferences, courses, and coaching
    • The three top reasons writers want and need to write a book
    • And why you have a duty to take the risk, be intentional, and persevere and write your book
    Show Notes:
    • Author Accelerator
    • The Writer's Guide to Agony and Defeat: The 43 Worst Moments in the Writing Life and How to Get Over Them by Jennie Nash (Amazon)
    • For the Love of Money: A Memoir by Sam Polk
    • Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron
    • Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid
    • Author Accelerator on Facebook
    • Jennie Nash on Twitter
    • Author Accelerator on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
    • Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    How to Finish Your Big Scary Book with Jennie Nash: Part One May 15, 2019
    Show notes

    Author, educator, book coach and founder of Author Accelerator, Jennie Nash, joined me this week in a special edition of the show dedicated to unearthing tools and strategies for writers on the winding, sometimes daunting journey, to finishing your big, scary book.

    "Writing a book is like childbirth." - Jennie Nash

    Jennie started her career in publishing at Random House and has over 30 years experience in all facets of the industry. She also taught at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program for 12 years and has spoken at writing conferences across the country.

    She's the author of seven books including a self-help book for writers – The Writer's Guide to Agony and Defeat (Amazon) – and has written hundreds of magazine articles for national publications.

    For nearly a decade now Jennie has been coaching authors "from inspiration to publication" (including Lisa Chron, author of Wired for Story and Story Genius, and Sam Polk, author of For the Love of Money: A Memoir), helping them to land top New York agents and book deals with major publishers.

    As the founder of Author Accelerator, described as "A personal trainer for your writing life," she and her team of book coaches now provide writers the blueprint so often lacking in the traditional publishing world ... including the tools, nurturing, and encouragement needed to finish their work and get it into the world successfully.

    In a serendipitous turn of events, after this interview Author Accelerator became a sponsor of this show, and I'll tell you all about a resource they've created just for listeners of this show during our chat.

    This conversation is tailor-made for writers just starting out or well along on your journey to publish.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    In Part One of this two part file Jennie Nash and I discussed:
    • Why the stages of writing a book are like the stages of grief
    • How Jennie came up with a winning formula for helping writers bring their books to life
    • The questions so many writers forget to ask before they start writing their book
    • The frustrations and roadblocks authors run up against in the middle of a book
    • How to make meaningful progress toward finishing
    • Creativity and the myth of the lone genius
    • And why writers can't wait around to be picked
    Show Notes:
    • Author Accelerator
    • The Writer's Guide to Agony and Defeat: The 43 Worst Moments in the Writing Life and How to Get Over Them by Jennie Nash (Amazon)
    • For the Love of Money: A Memoir by Sam Polk
    • Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron
    • Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid
    • Author Accelerator on Facebook
    • Jennie Nash on Twitter
    • Author Accelerator on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
    • Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    How Bestselling Author Elizabeth Ann Atkins Writes: Part Two May 08, 2019
    Show notes

    In Part Two of this file the multi-hyphenate and bestselling author of over 20 books, Elizabeth Ann Atkins, returned to share her inspiring and winding journey from Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist to groundbreaking novelist, ghostwriter, educator, TV host, and health & wellness expert.

    "When you write from that intuitive voice, it's your truth. And writing from that is your power." - Elizabeth Ann Atkins

    She received a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, the San Diego Tribune, Essence, Ebony and the Detroit News, for her articles on race which were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

    Elizabeth has written 20 books, including novels White Chocolate, Dark Secret (Amazon), and Twilight (a collaboration with Billy Dee Williams), and she's also one half of the indie publishing duo Two Sisters Writing and Publishing, with sibling Catherine, where the two share the mission to promote diverse voices in the book world.

    Their credo is to "... publish quality anthologies of exceptional short fiction and inspirational nonfiction..." and "... books by authors of color, [and] women writers." They offer consulting, editing, and ghostwriting services as well.

    Elizabeth has been featured on Oprah, Montel, NPR, Good Morning America Sunday and CBS Evening News, and also co-hosts a weekly TV talk show, MI Healthy Mind, with a focus on mental health and wellness. She is presently working on her memoir.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And if you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer Files you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

    In Part Two of this file Elizabeth Ann Atkins and I discussed:
    • How intuitive writing can give your voice a turbo boost
    • Why unplugging from notifications and the internet is so important to avoid burnout
    • The importance of exercise for staying sane and getting into a flow state
    • How the author juggles multiple deadlines and stays so prolific
    • The power of rituals and routines for productivity
    • How to use self-awareness and naps to supercharge your output
    • And more inspired advice from an author with one amazing laugh
    Show Notes:
    • Two Sisters Writing and Publishing
    • Elizabeth Ann Atkins' author page on Amazon
    • Power Journal: A 28-Day Challenge (Amazon)
    • Gods Answer is Know by Elizabeth Ann Atkins - Godsanswerisknow.com
    • "Mental training changes brain structure and reduces social stress" - Science Daily
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (Amazon)
    • Two Sisters Writing - @2sisterswriting on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
    • Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    How Bestselling Author Elizabeth Ann Atkins Writes: Part One May 01, 2019
    Show notes

    The multi-hyphenate and bestselling author of over 20 books, Elizabeth Ann Atkins, joined me this week to share her inspiring and winding journey from Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist to groundbreaking novelist, ghostwriter, educator, TV host, and health & wellness expert.

    "I'm trying to help people see ourselves through our hearts and spirits instead of through our skin, our religions, and all the labels and divisions." - Elizabeth Ann Atkins

    She received a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, the San Diego Tribune, Essence, Ebony and the Detroit News, for her articles on race which were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

    Elizabeth has written 20 books, including novels White Chocolate, Dark Secret, and Twilight (a collaboration with Billy Dee Williams), and she's also one half of the indie publishing duo Two Sisters Writing and Publishing, with sibling Catherine, where the two share the mission to promote diverse voices in the book world.

    Their credo is to "... publish quality anthologies of exceptional short fiction and inspirational nonfiction..." and "... books by authors of color, [and] women writers." They offer consulting, editing, and ghostwriting services as well.

    Elizabeth has been featured on Oprah, Montel, NPR, Good Morning America Sunday and CBS Evening News, and also co-hosts a weekly TV talk show, MI Healthy Mind, with a focus on mental health and wellness. She is presently working on her memoir.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    In Part One of this two part file Elizabeth Ann Atkins and I discussed:
    • How the author wrote herself into American literature
    • What it's like to write a novel with Billy Dee Williams of Star Wars fame
    • Why the author leans toward underdog and against-the-odds stories
    • How she combines her passion for writing and health and wellness in her work
    • The power of journaling and meditation for writers
    • And how mindfulness and writing notes by hand can help you cut through all of those modern distractions
    Show Notes:
    • How Bestselling Author Elizabeth Ann Atkins Writes: Part Two
    • Two Sisters Writing and Publishing
    • Elizabeth Ann Atkins' author page on Amazon
    • Power Journal: A 28-Day Challenge
    • Gods Answer is Know by Elizabeth Ann Atkins - Godsanswerisknow.com
    • "Mental training changes brain structure and reduces social stress" - Science Daily
    • "Here's why writing things out by hand makes you smarter" - Business Insider
    • Two Sisters Writing - @2sisterswriting on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
    • Please click the PayPal Donate button to support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    How to Stay Creative with Bestselling Author Austin Kleon: Part Two Apr 23, 2019
    Show notes

    In Part Two of another special edition of The Writer Files focused squarely on creativity and how to keep the creative juices flowing under duress, New York Times bestselling author, Austin Kleon, returned to talk about his journey, a wariness of technology, and his new book.

    "Do good work and share it with people." - Austin Kleon

    Austin Kleon has been deemed “one of the most interesting people on the Internet” (The Atlantic Magazine), and he is “a writer who draws,” best known for illustrated creativity manifestos Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!

    His latest, Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad (Amazon), is the third book in his "box set." It offers ten simple, timeless, practical "...rules for how to stay creative, focused, and true to yourself — for life." Important messages for writers.

    His work has been translated into over twenty languages and featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, PBS Newshour, and The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Kleon speaks about “creativity in the digital age” for organizations as varied as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist.

    If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And If you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer’s Brain you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    In Part Two of this two part file Austin Kleon and I discussed:
    • Why unplugging is so important for writers
    • A return to the importance of 'productive procrastination'
    • The unsolvable tension for creatives between connection and disconnection
    • The author's love of being lazy
    • Why we need to redefine productivity
    • The zen of Getting Things Done
    • How 'you can be woke without waking to the news'
    Show Notes:

    This podcast is produced solely by yours truly and New Media Dojo, my production moniker, and I'm incredibly thankful to you for your continued listenership and loyalty.

    Please leave us a comment or question and visit the archives at writerfiles.fm where I humbly ask you to support the show with an anonymous, secure donation to help us keep going with more great writerly content.

    For listeners who donate $25 or more and leave me a message, I will include your name and the type of writing you're working on, on air or in the show notes. Just head over to writerfiles.fm and click the Donate button.

    Thank you, sincerely – Kelton

    • Please click the donate button to support the podcast with a secure PayPal donation
    • How to Stay Creative with Bestselling Author Austin Kleon: Part One
    • AustinKleon.com
    • Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon (Amazon)
    • Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon (Amazon)
    • Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
    • How Bestselling Author Austin Kleon Writes: Part One
    • Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
    • Getting Things Done by David Allen
    • 'The Writer's Brain' on Productivity vs. Creativity: Part One
    • Austin Kleon on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    How to Stay Creative with Bestselling Author Austin Kleon: Part One Apr 16, 2019
    Show notes

    Welcome back to another special edition of The Writer Files focused squarely on creativity and how to keep the creative juices flowing under duress. New York Times bestselling author, Austin Kleon, returned to talk about his journey, a wariness of technology, and his new book.

    "Writers aren't born, they are made." - Austin Kleon

    Austin Kleon has been deemed “one of the most interesting people on the Internet” (The Atlantic Magazine), and he is “a writer who draws,” best known for illustrated creativity manifestos Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!

    His latest, Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad (Amazon), is the third book in his "box set." It offers ten simple, timeless, practical "...rules for how to stay creative, focused, and true to yourself — for life." Important messages for writers.

    His work has been translated into over twenty languages and featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, PBS Newshour, and The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Kleon speaks about “creativity in the digital age” for organizations as varied as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews

    In Part One of this two part file Austin Kleon and I discussed:
    • How to stay inspired in crazy times
    • Why life is hard and creative work is harder
    • How to think of creativity like the movie Groundhog's Day
    • Why you should stay mindful and 'practice in public'
    • The importance of lists, rituals, routines, and writing every day
    • And the authors that have shaped Austin's skepticism of technology and his creative journey
    Show Notes:

    This podcast is produced solely by yours truly and New Media Dojo, my production moniker, and I'm incredibly thankful to you for your continued listenership and loyalty.

    Please leave us a comment or question and visit the archives at writerfiles.fm where I humbly ask you to support the show with an anonymous, secure donation to help us keep going with more great writerly content.

    For listeners who donate $25 or more and leave me a message, I will include your name and the type of writing you're working on, on air or in the show notes. Just head over to writerfiles.fm and click the Donate button.

    Thank you, sincerely – Kelton

    • Support The Writer Files with a secure PayPal donation
    • How to Stay Creative with Bestselling Author Austin Kleon: Part Two
    • AustinKleon.com
    • Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon (Amazon)
    • Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
    • Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
    • How Bestselling Author Austin Kleon Writes: Part One
    • Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
    • 'The Writer's Brain' on Productivity vs. Creativity: Part One
    • How WNYC Podcast Host and Author of 'Bored and Brilliant' Manoush Zomorodi Writes
    • Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman (Amazon)
    • The Real World of Technology by Ursula M. Franklin
    • Austin Kleon on Twitter
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    ‘The Writer’s Brain’ on Productivity vs. Creativity: Part Two Jan 16, 2019
    Show notes

    In Part Two of another special edition of The Writer Files called “The Writer’s Brain,” with guest host neuroscientist Michael Grybko, we’ll dig back into the inextricable link between productivity and creativity, and the Catch-22 so many writers face as a result.

    This all began when Michael and I started a conversation about why we need to rethink our definition of productivity.

    As busyness, the cult of productivity, and multitasking seem to take over our lives, it’s easy to forget that the origins of the word productivity comes from the Latin, productivitas.

    Translation: creative power.

    Creativity — a topic Michael and I have discussed at length — is the beating heart of change, progress, and innovation, but our work-life scales are bending dangerously toward more busywork, distraction, inefficiency, and overall dissatisfaction.

    Truly scaling creativity requires productivity, so a balance must be struck between the two. Writing is a great example of this push and pull in the human brain.

    Luckily, research scientist Michael Grybko returned to the podcast to help me find some answers from the perspective of neuroscience.

    If you missed the first half of this show you can find it right here. And If you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer’s Brain you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    In Part Two of this file Michael Grybko and I discuss:

    • Why professional writers, musicians, and athletes all share similar brain activity
    • How adrenaline, mind-wandering, dreams, and the default mode network affect productivity and creativity
    • Einstein’s theory of “combinatory play” for greater productivity
    • Why your brain’s ability to filter out irrelevant information is so important to creativity
    • And tips for anyone “drowning in data and starved for wisdom”

    The Show Notes

    • ‘The Writer’s Brain’ on Productivity vs. Creativity: Part One
    • The Best of 'The Writer's Brain' Part One: Creativity
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Two: Empathy
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Three: Storytelling
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Four: Writer’s Block
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Five: Fake News
    • The Writer s Brain on Impostor Syndrome: Part One
    • Productivity vs. Creativity, the Content Creator’s Catch-22
    • Rethink Your Definition of Productivity to Squash Uninspired Filler
    • How to Outsmart Writer s Block with Neuroscience
    • Mapping Creativity in the Brain:
      New research sheds some light on the neuroscience of improvising – The Atlantic
    • This Is Your Brain on Writing
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
    • Please click the donate button to support the podcast with a secure PayPal donation

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


    ‘The Writer’s Brain’ on Productivity vs. Creativity: Part One Jan 09, 2019
    Show notes

    Welcome back to another special edition of The Writer Files called “The Writer’s Brain,” a guest series with neuroscientist Michael Grybko, and in this episode we’ll dig into the inextricable link between productivity and creativity, and the Catch-22 so many writers face as a result.

    This all began when Michael and I started a conversation about why we need to rethink our definition of productivity.

    As busyness, the cult of productivity, and multitasking seem to take over our lives, it’s easy to forget that the origins of the word productivity comes from the Latin, productivitas.

    Translation: creative power.

    Creativity — a topic Michael and I have discussed at length — is the beating heart of change, progress, and innovation, but our work-life scales are bending dangerously toward more busywork, distraction, inefficiency, and overall dissatisfaction.

    Truly scaling creativity requires productivity, so a balance must be struck between the two. Writing is a great example of this push and pull in the human brain.

    Luckily, research scientist Michael Grybko returned to the podcast to help me find some answers from the perspective of neuroscience.

    If you’ve missed previous episodes of The Writer’s Brain you can find them all in the show notes, in the archives at writerfiles.fm, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

    If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews.

    In Part One of this file Michael Grybko and I discuss:

    • How neuroscience views the complex interplay between productivity and creativity
    • Why writers often struggle to finish longer projects
    • The great irony of the “10 year overnight success”
    • How memory plays such a big part in productivity
    • Why so many writing instructors prescribe “life experience” for great writing
    • How always on, open concept workspaces can actually hinder both productivity and creativity
    • And the close study of musicians, artists, and the pitfalls of mapping creativity in the brain

    The Show Notes:

    • ‘The Writer’s Brain’ on Productivity vs. Creativity: Part Two
    • The Best of 'The Writer's Brain' Part One: Creativity
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Two: Empathy
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Three: Storytelling
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Four: Writer’s Block
    • The Best of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ Part Five: Fake News
    • The Writer s Brain on Impostor Syndrome: Part One
    • Productivity vs. Creativity, the Content Creator’s Catch-22
    • Rethink Your Definition of Productivity to Squash Uninspired Filler
    • How to Outsmart Writer s Block with Neuroscience
    • Mapping Creativity in the Brain:
      New research sheds some light on the neuroscience of improvising – The Atlantic
    • This Is Your Brain on Writing
    • Kelton Reid on Twitter
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