232. Leading with purpose and care

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to wish you a wonderful holiday season and share a few exciting updates for what’s ahead. While I’m taking a short break to rest and recharge, Rita steps in to offer a look at what we have planned for the new year.We’ll be returning in the new year with brand-new episodes and an incredible lineup of guests exploring book writing, the publishing industry, business, marketing, and more. Rita also shares details about what’s coming up in 2026, including our annual webinar, New Year, New Book: How to Write a Nonfiction Book in 2026.Thank you for being part of this community. I hope you’re able to slow down, reconnect, and make space for what matters most this season. We’ll be back with you before you know it.Show notes:Register here for our free webinar: New Year, New Book: How to Write a Book in 2026 Group book coaching program, Idea-to-DraftWriting + Welness Retreat, November 2026Follow me on:Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit stacyennis.com/contact

18 Dec 4min

So many aspiring authors believe finishing a book is about talent, inspiration, or finding the perfect moment. But the truth is much simpler—and far more empowering. Books get finished because of discipline, structure, and support.In today’s episode, I break down the three biggest drivers of book completion: consistent writing time, a deep and detailed outline, and accountability. You’ll learn why protecting regular space on your calendar matters more than waiting for inspiration, how a 15–30 page outline becomes the roadmap that carries you past the notorious 20,000-word stall point, and why accountability can increase your chances of finishing your book by up to 95%.If you’re ready to make 2026 the year you will write your book, this episode is for you. Make sure you subscribe, like, comment, or share this video. It helps me reach more future authors with highly valuable short tips for their book-writing journeys. 👉 ⁠Join me on YouTube. 👉 Be sure to subscribe for more insights about writing, publishing, and building an author-led business.📘 10 Things You Must Know Before Writing Your Nonfiction Book 📩 Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: https://stacyennis.com/contact.

17 Dec 6min

Most authors worry about standing out, but the real secret isn’t writing a “bigger” book. It’s writing a clearer one. In today’s episode, we dig into why defining a focused niche is one of the most powerful strategic decisions you can make as an author.You’ll learn how uncovering your unique story and passion helps you identify the exact reader you’re meant to serve, why testing your early ideas through posts, talks, and conversations reveals who truly resonates, and how an evolving, continually refined niche keeps your message sharp. I’ll also share how imagining one ideal reader can transform both your writing and your marketing—and why this clarity leads to stronger visibility, more loyal readers, and a book that supports your broader mission.If you’re ready to stop speaking to everyone and start connecting deeply with the people who need your message most, this episode will give you the guidance and encouragement to niche down with confidence.Make sure you subscribe, like, comment, or share this video. It helps me reach more future authors with highly valuable short tips for their book-writing journeys. 👉 ⁠Join me on YouTube.👉 Be sure to subscribe for more insights about writing, publishing, and building an author-led business. 📘 ⁠Core Message and Professional Story Writing Guide.📩 Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: https://stacyennis.com/contact.

11 Dec 7min

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Leah Paulos—founder of Book Publicity School and Press Shop PR—who brings more than 25 years of experience helping authors break through the noise and get meaningful media attention. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where to put your PR energy, how to position your book, or what actually makes a launch successful, this episode is packed with clarity, strategy, and mindset shifts.We dive into what’s changed in PR (hint: everything), where authors should focus their limited time and resources, and how to build a strategic, sustainable publicity plan that aligns with your goals—whether those goals are business growth, speaking, brand authority, or simply getting your book into more hands. Leah shares practical, doable steps, including how to reverse-engineer a PR plan by researching comparable titles, how to tie your expertise to timely news cycles, and why promoting your book is essential.If you’re an aspiring or published author wanting to grow your influence, reach your readers, and launch with confidence, this episode will give you the road map you need.Learn more about Leah:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram @bookpublicityschoolYouTube @bookpublicityschoolBook recommendation:The Sounds of Life: How Digital Technology Is Bringing Us Closer to the Worlds of Animals and Plants, by Karen BakkerAreas of Fog, by Will DowdFollow me on:Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

10 Dec 42min

This week, we’re diving into a topic every self-employed creative needs to understand—but that most of us avoid: taxes. And trust me, this conversation is anything but dry.I’m joined by Hannah Cole, tax expert, longtime working artist, founder of Sunlight Tax, and author of the brand-new book Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed. Hannah has helped tens of thousands of creatives build confidence around money through her clear, compassionate, jargon-free approach. She believes that financial clarity is a foundation for better, more meaningful creative work.Whether you’re early in your business or leveling up, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and equipped to make smarter financial decisions—so you can focus on your best creative work.Grab Hannah’s book Taxes for Humans, and get ready to rethink what’s possible with your money and your creativity.Show notes:Writers Tax Deduction GuideLearn more about Hannah:The Sunlight Tax PodcastWebsiteLinkedInInstagramTikTokYoutubeBook recommendation:Long Walk to Freedom, by Nelson MandelaFollow me on:Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

26 Nov 49min

Many aspiring authors believe they need more time—or a more flexible life—before they can write a book. In today’s episode, we’ll break down the truth: Books get finished not because life slows down, but because you build a consistent, sustainable writing routine.You’ll hear why writing at the same time each day (especially in the morning) boosts your productivity, how simple temporary sacrifices can open up the space you need, and why communicating your goals with the people in your life helps protect your writing hours. I’ll also share how clear, time-bound commitments can move you from intention to real progress.Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, family, or a busy schedule, this episode will give you the practical strategies and encouragement to integrate writing into your daily life and keep your book moving forward.Make sure you subscribe, like, comment, or share this video. It helps me reach more future authors with highly valuable short tips for their book-writing journeys. 👉 ⁠Join me on YouTube.  👉 Find out more about my self-study book-writing course.👉 Be sure to subscribe for more insights about writing, publishing, and building an author-led business.📘 ⁠Download my free 10 Things You Should Know Before Writing a Nonfiction Book⁠.📩Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: https://stacyennis.com/contact.

20 Nov 9min

One of the biggest challenges for authors, business owners, and anyone building a brand is leaning into their niche. In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Luke, president of Kaleido Creative Studio and Amazon best-selling author of Uncomparable: The Financial Advisor’s Guide to Standing Out Through Niche Marketing, to unpack exactly how focusing on the right audience can transform your marketing and your business.Kristen shares her practical framework for helping professionals define their niche, craft their message, and position themselves so they’re truly “uncomparable.” From identifying profitable audiences, leveraging your expertise, and building meaningful networks to using your book as a marketing powerhouse, Kristen walks us through every step of making your marketing focused, effective, and authentically you.We also dive into why a quarterly, agile approach to strategy beats the traditional annual plan and how writing a book can supercharge your business, even before it’s published. If you’ve been struggling to stand out in a noisy world, this conversation is packed with clarity, inspiration, and actionable steps to help you attract the clients and opportunities that are truly meant for you.Tune in to learn how to stop appealing to everybody and start serving the people who matter the most.Learn more about Kristen:WebsiteLinkedInSubstackBook recommendation:Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, by Cal NewportFollow me on:Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

19 Nov 43min