Peg Dolls and Postcards: This Professor's Subscription Box Might Be the Writing Workshop You Need

What if writing could be fun again?

In this episode, I'm talking with Chris McRae, a tenured professor of communication and published author who found himself burnt out by the grind of academic publishing. But instead of staying stuck, he created something entirely new: Writing from Wonder: the Writing Workshop in a Box—a sensory, curiosity-driven experience that brings joy and creativity back to the writing process. (Keep reading to find out how to get your free gift! 🎁)

The problem for many authors? Writing feels like a chore. Burnout is real, and the joy of discovery is often lost in the pressure to publish.

To help solve this, Chris shares how he reconnected with the joy of writing through creative play—and how he turned that insight into a physical product for writers everywhere.

After joining my program, Becoming an Academic Editor, Chris explored editing, coaching, and eventually launched a limited-run product that sold to total strangers—proof that your creativity can become a business.

In this episode, you'll find out how to turn your love of writing into a meaningful side hustle (or full-time gig) using the expertise and skills you already have.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Chris's Website: https://www.creatingcuriositycoaching.com

🎁 For your free gift: mention the "Leaving Academia" podcast in the notes for your Etsy purchase

“Source of Sources” for PR leads: https://sourceofsources.com/

Connect with Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingcuriosity_box/

Connect with Aubrey (Chris's business partner) on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyahuber/

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mcrae-phd/

👉 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

00:00 - Introduction of Chris McRae, a communication professor and entrepreneur.

01:45 - Discovery of potential in applying academic skills to support others.

02:48 - Desire to contribute more meaningfully beyond academia.

03:23 - Constraints of academic writing affecting creative expression.

04:16 - Starting a side hustle to recapture creativity in writing.

06:26 - Innovators thrive during disruptions through creativity.

07:44 - Academic burnout leads to questioning writing's enjoyment.

08:46 - Transition from editing to launching writing workshops in a box.

09:05 - Appeal of the workshop concept, especially for academics.

10:32 - Freedom to write without academic constraints fosters creativity.

12:00 - Box includes sensory prompts to enhance writing experience.

14:31 - Using physical items as inspirational aids for writers.

18:25 - Commitment to launch business by a self-imposed deadline.

19:34 - Emphasizing learning through experimentation in business.

20:34 - Acknowledgement that imperfect efforts can still be valuable.

23:02 - Surprise at first sales coming from unknown sources.

24:10 - Importance of experimentation in marketing strategies.

27:20 - Ideas for creating a community around writing workshops.

28:44 - Potential collaboration with writing workshop facilitators.

36:20 - Understanding the numbers game in e-commerce and marketing.

51:05 - Offering a special surprise for Etsy purchases to promote outreach.

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