Summary:
Some of the most notable authors in history have also been the most prolific – Stephen King, Michael Lewis, Agatha Christie. They have made a name for themselves by producing dozens, if not hundreds, of notable works.
But what does it really mean to be prolific? How is it measured? And to what extent does being prolific equal success?
In episode #117 of The Author’s Corner, Robin is joined by Brock Swinson, whose mission is to uncover the secret to being a prolific writer. In their conversation, Brock divulges all kinds of insights and advice for writers who want to be prolific. They touch on topics such as research, writer’s block, and accountability, and discuss what each of them has to do with being prolific. Brock also dispels many myths about the writing process and reveals the key to becoming a prolific writer: falling in love with the craft.
Key takeaways:
- How to reverse engineer your book
- The key role that research plays
- Does writer’s block exist?
- The relationship between quality and quantity
- changing your attitude towards writing (and money)
- How to hold yourself accountable
- The importance of creative growth
- Brock’s favorite piece of advice
- Common false beliefs about writing
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Steven King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
- Elizabeth Gilbert
- Turning Pro: Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life’s Work, by Steven Pressfield
- Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, by Chip and Dan Heath
About Brock Swinson:Brock Swinson is an interviewer for Creative Screenwriting and the author of Ink by the Barrel: Secrets from Prolific Writers. His book is broken into three parts – time, voice, and process – and contains advice to help novice writers become prolific. He also has his own podcast Creative Principles, where he interviews writers, directors, actors, and musicians such as Aaron Sorkin, Ethan Hawke, and Judd Apatow, about the habits, routines, and methods of a creative life.
