Posts tagged writer’s block
#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.

Read More
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
#294 – 2025 Spun Today Wrap-Up Show
#294 – 2025 Spun Today Wrap-Up Show

Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast—the show anchored in writing, but unlimited in scope. In this episode, host Tony Ortiz celebrates the start of a new year with a reflective journey through personal creative goals and the highlights of 2025. After the longest hiatus in the podcast’s history, Tony Ortiz dives into a wrap-up of the top five Spun Today episodes from the past year, sharing the stories, lessons, and memories that shaped the journey, including heartfelt tributes to friendships, deep-dive breakdowns of TV and movies through a writer’s lens, and insightful interviews with fellow creatives.

Read More
Tony Ortizwriting goals, creative process, podcasting consistency, Spun Today Podcast, episode recap, motivation, inspiration, writer’s block, publishing, audiobooks, AI in publishing, book translation, minimalism in design, friend loss, honoring friends, content creation, YouTube shorts, social media promotion, interview episodes, author entrepreneurship, Back to the Future inspiration, Fractal book series, creative breakthroughs, merchandise design, community engagement, supporting creatives, affiliate marketing, Amazon affiliate, storytelling lessons, time managementComment
#292 – Motivation for Writers: Tracking Progress and Learning from Noir Fiction
#292 – Motivation for Writers: Tracking Progress and Learning from Noir Fiction

Welcome to Episode 292 of the Spun Today Podcast! In this episode, host Tony Ortiz dives deep into the writing life, inviting listeners into another motivating free writing session. Tony shares his latest writing stats and candidly discusses the ups and downs of creative consistency, including the struggles of writer’s block and the magic of finding inspiration after unexpected detours. He also offers practical writing tips sourced from Sandra Chwialkowska and Jordan Peele, reminding us why showing up to the page matters and why fun should always be at the heart of our creative process.

Read More
Tony Ortizwriting tips, creative process, writer’s block, motivation for writers, inspiration for creatives, Manhattan Noir, Lawrence Block, short story anthologies, New York City stories, pacing in writing, tone in storytelling, character development, ProWritingAid, editing tools for writers, Instagram writing advice, Sandra Chwialkowska quote, Jordan Peele advice, following the fun in writing, novel drafting, perfectionism in writing, objectivity for creatives, dedication to writing, creative breakthroughs, resisting writer’s block, time management for writers, noir fiction, Akashic Noir series, short story exercises, book marketing tools, mockup shots for books, podcast support methodsComment