Posts tagged writing goals
#309 – Micro Transformations and Big Lessons Writing Takeaways from Louis C.K.’s Ingram (Free-Writing Session)
#309 – Micro Transformations and Big Lessons Writing Takeaways from Louis C.K.’s Ingram (Free-Writing Session)

Welcome to episode 309 of the Spun Today podcast. In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the craft of storytelling, sharing the inside baseball of his own creative process—complete with writing stats, recent experiments with AI-powered ads, and a practical tool recommendation for overcoming writer’s block. Through a detailed breakdown of Louis C.K.’s debut novel, Ingram, Tony Ortiz explores how character growth stems from small, meaningful lessons and how supporting characters, symbolic objects, and well-timed revelations fuel emotional storytelling. He also shares an inspiring writing tip from Steven Pressfield that invites creators to protect their work with the dedication of a parent. Plus, Tony Ortiz wraps up with a motivational free writing piece that challenges listeners to seize the present moment and move deliberately toward their creative goals. If you’re a writer or creative looking for motivation, craft insights, and that extra push to get your words on the page, this episode is for you.

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Tony Ortizwriting tips, creative process, character development, story structure, micro transformations, Ingram novel, Louis C.K. book, learning through experience, creative inspiration, motivational writing, creativity tips, free writing, writing stats, time management for writers, writing tools, ProWritingAid, overcoming writer’s block, cross-pollination in creativity, advertising books, Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads for writers, Tome tool, supporting characters, Maslow’s hierarchy in storytelling, objects as symbolism, writing goals, learning from setbacks, story revelations, persistence in writing, creative identity, Steven Pressfield adviceComment
#297 – Fueling Your Creative Fire: Stats, Strategies, and Celebrating Writing Wins (Free-Writing Session)
#297 – Fueling Your Creative Fire: Stats, Strategies, and Celebrating Writing Wins (Free-Writing Session)

Welcome to episode 297 of the Spun Today Podcast! I’m your host, Tony Ortiz, and in this free writing session, we’re diving into the intersection of motivation, creativity, and the craft of writing. In this episode, I’ll share my own writing journey, including detailed stats on how I've been keeping up with my writing goals—even amid holidays and life’s curveballs. I'll talk about the process of revamping and self-publishing my first book, "Make Way for You," and discuss the labor—and breakthroughs—of translating it into Spanish using cutting-edge AI tools.

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Tony OrtizHere are 30 topical keywords covered in the transcript: writing tips, creative process, freewriting, commonplace book, book publishing, self-editing, AI-assisted cover design, ProWritingAid, writing stats, writing goals, book translation, Spanish translation, Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, independent publishing, marketing books, Mockup Shots, motivation, inspiration, setting goals, consistency, creative routines, Ryan Holiday, Robert Greene, Jared Henderson, Omar El Akkad, One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, Gaza conflict, Guantanamo Bay, language and translation, emotional resonance These keywords highlight both the creative and motivational aspects discussed by Tony Ortiz throughout the episode.Comment
#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.

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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
Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast! In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the creative process, taking you behind the scenes of his own writing journey. This is a special “free writing

Tony opens up about the challenges of working on his second novel, the importance of letting go of perfectionism, and the power of the so-called “zero-th draft” approach, inspired by N.K. Jemisin’s masterclass on writing. You’ll hear about his ongoing project of translating his book "Make Way for You" into Spanish with a little help from AI, and how tracking writing habits can be both humbling and motivating.

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Tony Ortizwriting stats, free writing, creativity, writer's block, book translation, AI in writing, time management for writers, NK Jemisin, masterclass notes, world building, character development, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, writing goals, publishing, inspiration, motivation, writing tips, substack for writers, reader feedback, self-discipline, writing tools, ProWritingAid, productivity, accountability, fiction writing, non-fiction writing, translating books, creative process, imposter syndrome, personal growth, recurring writing habitsComment