148: How to Become a Prolific Writer and Publish Over 200 Books: Interview with Jerry B. Jenkins
Writing your first book is like running a marathon. When it's finally over, you're equally excited and exhausted. You might even be a little sick (of your book). Now, imagine doing that almost 200 times. With my fifth book getting ready to release this su
Writing your first book is like running a marathon. When it's finally over, you're equally excited and exhausted. You might even be a little sick (of your book). Now, imagine doing that almost 200 times.
With my fifth book getting ready to release this summer, I can barely fathom the level of discipline and creativity required to produce 20 books in a lifetime, let alone a couple hundred.
This week's guest on The Portfolio Life, has sold over 70 million copies of his 189 books (and counting) and yet maintains a humble demeanor, works diligently at his craft, and encourages other writers on their journey.
Listen in as Jerry B. Jenkins and I talk about how he got started writing at a young age, the hyperbole of public perception of writers, and the advantage of experiencing success later in life.
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Show highlights
In this episode, Jerry and I discuss:
How writing was his answer to a calling
Achieving the freedom to write leisurely because you love it
Rejecting the idea of retirement
Not measuring success by sales or accolades
How not to get on the bestseller lists
The relationship between passion and purpose
What is within your control as a writer
If it gets easier to write as you publish more
When to say "no" to a writing project
Why deadlines are a writer's best friend
How writing a book is like giving birth
Treating fear as a healthy motivator
What role procrastination plays in getting writing done
The myth of writer's block and the truth behind it
Why perfectionism is a mask for fear
Getting a phone call from Stephen King
Writing without guilt and still being present for his kids
Quotes and takeaways
Writing may be the vehicle through which you answer your calling.
"You don't get on the bestseller lists by trying to get on the bestseller list." --Jerry B. Jenkins
Writing books doesn't get easier. It gets harder.
"Writers don't write because they are writers, they write because they have something to say." --Jerry B. Jenkins
Schedule your procrastination
"Procrastination may be a prerequisite to being a writer." --Jerry B. Jenkins
Just write something. It doesn't have to be pretty.
"Writers are the only profession in the world who allow themselves the conceit of writer's block." --Jerry B. Jenkins
[share-quote author="Jerry B. Jenkins" via="JeffGoins"]The only thing I can control, is how much of myself I give to the quality of the writing.
Resources
Left Behind Series by Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye
Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins
Podcast sponsor: Tribe Theme by Notable Themes
What is writing to you? How are you answering a calling as a writer? Share in the comments
Click here to download a free PDF of the full interview transcript.