Posts tagged self-publishing
#304 – Staying Present as a Writer: Learning by Living and Wisdom from Anne Lamott (Free-Writing Session)
#304 – Staying Present as a Writer: Learning by Living and Wisdom from Anne Lamott (Free-Writing Session)

Welcome to episode 304 of the Spun Today podcast, where we dive deep into the creative life—its challenges, joys, and moments of breakthrough. In this free writing session, Tony Ortiz shares his latest writing stats, practical tips for writers, and an honest look into the ways presence and mindful living can fuel the creative process. This episode explores inspiration from Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, actionable advice on tackling writer’s block, and the value of noticing the world like a child. Tony Ortiz also introduces a bite-sized writing tool for overcoming stuck points, breaks down actionable writing tips from social media, and spotlights a personal freewriting piece about embracing life’s constant transitions. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, this episode is packed with creative motivation, strategies for productivity, and reminders to keep writing—one bird, one story, and one moment at a time.

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Tony Ortizwriter’s block, living with presence, inspiration for writers, creative process, free writing, writing statistics, consistency in writing, writing routines, book marketing, Amazon ads, ChatGPT for writers, Claude AI, self-publishing, A+ Content on Amazon, writing tools, Tome writing app, self-guided writing courses, discovery writing, outlining vs discovery writing, character arcs, plot development, reading for writing improvement, writing tips, School of Plot, short story practice, writing for yourself, thick skin for writers, vulnerability in writing, criticism in writing, presence in storytelling, capturing memories through writingComment
#301 – Highlight the Possibilities: Writing Motivation from Jay Z, Creative Marketing, and Trust by Hernan Diaz (Free-Writing Session)
#301 – Highlight the Possibilities: Writing Motivation from Jay Z, Creative Marketing, and Trust by Hernan Diaz (Free-Writing Session)

Welcome to another episode of Spun Today, where writing is both our anchor and our gateway to a universe of creativity. I’m Tony Ortiz, and in this episode, I take you deep into my own writing journey — breaking down my day-to-day habits, the victories and setbacks in sticking to a writing schedule, and the lessons learned along the way. I’ll share actionable tips, including a powerful insight from Jay Z’s creative process and how even a single well-chosen word can completely shift the meaning of a story.

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Tony Ortizwriting tips, creative process, motivation for writers, inspiration for creatives, free writing, book marketing, Amazon ads, self-publishing, Jay Z interview, economy of words, structure in storytelling, character development, Trust by Hernan Diaz, authorship, narrative control, narrative bias, minimalist book covers, AI for writers, ChatGPT for marketing, spike ads, book promotion strategies, selling books online, writing stats, creative challenges, storytelling techniques, memoir structure, book within a book, juxtaposition in writing, using metaphor in writing, creative productivityComment
#290 – Building the Lucas Literacy Lab: One Writer’s Journey from Home Classroom to School Founder
#290 – Building the Lucas Literacy Lab: One Writer’s Journey from Home Classroom to School Founder

Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Tony Ortiz sits down with returning guest Amanda Lucas—educator, writer, and now founder of her very own microschool, the Lucas Literacy Lab. Amanda shares her incredible journey of resilience, starting from homeschooling her daughters during the pandemic to navigating the bureaucratic maze of opening a school from scratch—all while balancing motherhood, creativity, and her passion for writing.

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Tony OrtizEntrepreneurship, starting a school, creative writing, alternative education, homeschooling, micro school, resilience, project-based learning, children’s books, self-publishing, education innovation, juggling parenthood and business, student-centered learning, personalized curriculum, overcoming obstacles, parental involvement, small class sizes, bureaucracy in education, teacher entrepreneurship, building a creative communityComment
#275 – Unleashing Creativity: Tips, Tricks, and Motivations from Fellow Writers
#275 – Unleashing Creativity: Tips, Tricks, and Motivations from Fellow Writers

Welcome to Episode 275 of the Spun Today Podcast! I’m your host, Tony Ortiz, and today, we're diving back into the archives for a throwback to Episode 175, packed with creative tips and insights to fuel your writing journey. This episode is designed to motivate and inspire writers dealing with challenges like writer's block. We'll explore responses to the creative questionnaire from fellow writers and creatives, featuring contributors like Amy Marcello, Joshua Robertson, Elaine Almonte and more.

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Tony OrtizThe Spun Today Podcast, Tony Ortiz, writing tips, writer's block, creative questionnaire, spuntoday.com, ProWritingAid, Amy Marcello, Joshua Robertson, Elena Monte, motivational strategies, writing advice, creative inspiration, dance hobby, quiet writing spaces, overcoming rejection, self-publishing, Amazon bestselling author, authorpreneur, Joanna Penn, multiple income streams, disciplined writing schedule, travel inspiration, writing community, short stories, "Make Way for You" book, "Fractal" novel, "Melted Cold" collection, audiobook recommendations, Cyber Dust messaging, authentic writingComment