Beyond Better with Stacy Ennis

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, I’m joined by an extraordinary leader in the funeral and deathcare industry. Lisa Baue is a third-generation funeral director, former CEO of Baue Funeral Homes, and founder of Funeral Women Lead—the first nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in her profession. She’s also the best-selling author of Wake-Up Calls: A Journey of Learning to Lead and Succeed in the Funeral and Deathcare Profession, a powerful hybrid memoir on leadership, resilience, and redefining success.In this conversation, Lisa pulls back the curtain on a profession few of us truly understand. She shares her unexpected journey into funeral service; the sudden loss of her father that thrust her into leadership at just 30; and the decades of growth, mistakes, and hard-earned wisdom that shaped her as a leader. We talk candidly about burnout, the realities of being on call at all hours, inequities in pay and opportunity, and why so many women—despite entering the field at unprecedented rates—are leaving it.Lisa also offers a hopeful vision for the future. She walks us through her work with Funeral Women Lead, including its mission to “unleash greatness” in women through leadership development, community, and wellness.Whether you’re in funeral service or another demanding profession, Lisa’s insights on leadership, purpose, and well-being will inspire you. Her story is a reminder that our greatest challenges often become our greatest offerings—and that it’s never too late to rewrite our path.Learn more about Lisa:WebsiteFuneral Home Lead organizationLinkedInInstagram @lisabaue_Book recommendation:Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder, by Arianna HuffingtonFollow 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.

3 Dec 54min

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

So many aspiring authors wonder if they need to be good writers before hiring a book coach. In today’s episode we will break down the truth: great books aren’t born from perfect writers; they’re built through guidance, structure, and a willingness to learn.You’ll hear why writing is a skill you can develop, what it looks like to grow as a writer alongside your book coach, and how simple daily practices can help you prepare for your author journey.Whether you’re dreaming of writing a book or still wondering if you’re “good enough,” this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to take the next step.Make sure you subscribe, like, comment, or share this video. It helps me reach more future authors with high valuable short tips for their book writing journeys. 👉 ⁠Join me on YouTube.  👉 Find out more about my self-study book writing course.📘 ⁠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.

13 Nov 7min

In this episode, I’m joined by Tanya Hall, CEO of Greenleaf Book Group and author of Ideas, Influence, and Income: Write a Book, Build Your Brand, and Lead Your Industry. Tanya has helped countless authors—including multiple New York Times bestsellers—navigate the publishing world and build lasting influence through their work.We dig into what hybrid publishing is, how it’s different from self-publishing, and why positioning and distribution are such key pieces of a book’s success. Tanya also shares how writing her own book shaped her leadership, the emotional challenges authors face during the process, and how to create real momentum around your launch.If you’re considering hybrid publishing for your book, this conversation will give you a clear, honest look at how to make your book work for you.Learn more about Tanya:WebsiteLinkedInBook recommendation:On the Road, by Jack KerouacFactfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think, by Hans RoslingFollow 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.

12 Nov 51min