Episodes
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In this episode of the Become a Writer Today podcast, my guest is Amy Yamada, a former marketing director and AI expert.
During the interview, Amy shares her innovative approach to using AI to develop authentic messaging and form deep connections with audiences.
Amy and her use of ChatGPT to help content creators scale their businesses is a one-of-a-kind approach. No one else is teaching what she does. Amy's method allows busy content creators to generate more content while preserving their authentic voice and speaking directly to their audience.
Here are my top 3 takeaways from our discussion:1. Authenticity is Key: Amy uses an innovative approach called the "heart speech model" to infuse her voice into AI-generated content, ensuring that her communication is not only efficient but also authentic and resonates with her audience.
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2. Utilizing AI for Relationship Building: Amy highlights how entrepreneurs, including writers, can leverage AI for various forms of communication, such as marketing emails, social media posts, and even difficult conversations with clients or team members while maintaining their authentic voice.
3. Future of AI in Content Creation: Amy shared insights on the growing role of AI in content creation and how it's important to balance efficiency with maintaining a human touch in the content we generate. We also discussed the potential of AI in serving as a research assistant and helping with content organization.
If you're interested in learning more about Amy's unique approach to using AI in writing, check out the full podcast episode. Don't miss out on these valuable insights!
Resources:
Amy's WebsiteIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
In our latest episode of the Become A Writer Today podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Hand, an experienced content strategist and SEO team lead. We delved into the world of content strategy and discovered some valuable insights into this fascinating field.
Client Goals and Data: Content strategy goes beyond writing and editing. As a content strategist, understanding client goals and aligning them with data is crucial. Become a data nerd, master tools like Google Analytics, and marry creativity with data-driven strategy.User Behavior Analysis: Dive deep into user data to understand what drives decision-making and meet users' needs. Learn to follow the user's journey from the first website visit to the final conversion goal. This understanding will help shape effective content strategies.Continual Learning and Skill Development: Embrace the ever-evolving nature of the content strategy field. Take advantage of free courses, such as Google Analytics, to acquire new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Adaptability and curiosity are essential in this exciting industry.
In this episode, we discuss the following:If you want to learn more about content strategy and how to transition from content writing to strategy, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources:
Regex SEO
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
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Missing episodes?
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In today's episode, we delve into the world of Irish literature and explore the works of some of the best Irish authors you must read.
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From the celebrated CS Lewis, who straddled the line between British and Irish, to the incomparable James Joyce and his masterpiece "Ulysses," we'll take you through a journey of influential writers who have shaped modern literature.
Join us as we uncover the rich literary heritage of Ireland and provide insights into these renowned authors.
So, whether you're searching for your next book club read or simply looking to expand your literary horizons, this episode is for you.
Stay tuned as we explore the works of Oscar Wilde, Maeve Binchy, Bram Stoker, Roddy Doyle, John Banville, Brendan Behan, and Samuel Beckett. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Irish literature.If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
I am thrilled to share that in the latest episode of the "Become a Writer Today" podcast, I've profiled 15 of the best horror authors, both alive and dead. If you're a fan of horror or looking to explore the genre, this episode is a must-listen!
Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:1️⃣ Stephen King: Known as the master of horror, Stephen King's entry point into the genre is his debut novel "Carrie." Don't miss his other iconic works like "Pet Sematary," "The Shining," and "The Stand."
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2️⃣ Bram Stoker: If you're into vampires, you can't miss Bram Stoker's original masterpiece, "Dracula." Explore his other chilling works like "Dracula's Guest" and "The Jewel of the 7 Stars."
3️⃣ Anne Rice: Alongside Stephen King and Clive Barker, Anne Rice is a favorite horror author. Start with her captivating "Interview with a Vampire" and delve into the mesmerizing Vampire Chronicles series.
Tune in to the episode for more spine-chilling authors and their notable works! Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes and share the podcast with fellow horror enthusiasts. Happy reading, and may your nights be filled with terrifying tales! 🧛♂️💀📚If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
In this week's episode of the "Become a Writer Today" podcast, we're diving into the world of copywriting books that every aspiring writer must read! 📖✍️ Join me, Bryan Collins, as I share some invaluable insights and recommendations on the best copywriting resources out there.
Key takeaways from this episode:
🔸 Dive into "The Robert Collier Letter Book," a classic written in the 1930s that offers timeless advice on writing high-performing copy, including real examples that have stood the test of time.🔸 Explore the autobiographical gem, "Confessions of an Advertising Man" by David Ogilvy, and gain a deeper understanding of the mindset and psychology behind successful copywriting.
🔸 Uncover the power of long-form sales page writing with "The Ultimate Sales Letter" by Dan Kennedy, which provides detailed guidance and examples on constructing persuasive and effective sales pages.
Tune in to the full episode on the "Become a Writer Today" podcast to discover more captivating copywriting books that will enhance your writing journey! 🎧✨
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
I had the opportunity to go behind the headlines with Isaac Saul, the creator of Tangle, on my latest episode of the Become a Writer Today podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into Isaac's journey of running and monetizing a media newsletter while striving for balanced reporting in today's politically divided climate.
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:
Building Trust through Balanced Reporting: Isaac's upbringing in a politically divided community inspired him to create a publication that both liberals and conservatives trust. With Tangle, he offers accurate, thorough, and balanced information by summarizing controversial political stories using neutral language and including arguments from both sides. This approach has earned them a diverse readership and positioned Tangle as a trusted source for fair news.
The Power of Organic Growth and Mailing Lists: Tangle's success began with a daily newsletter on Substack. Their mailing list grew organically, and they tapped into the power of surveys to identify their readers' demographics and preferences. By understanding their audience and building relationships with them, Tangle attracted a loyal readership. They aim to expand further, especially among younger audiences, by branching out to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Strategy, Research, and a Growing Team: Behind Tangle's impactful content lies a strategic process. Isaac and his team carefully select and research the main story, finding arguments from various perspectives. Extensive research, including reading news articles, listening to podcasts, and watching political commentators, helps them curate fresh and diverse takes. The team's hard work has paid off, growing Tangle from a one-person operation to a full-time team with four employees and an extended network of part-time editors and interns.Resources:
Tangle News
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
I recently had the pleasure of discussing 27 must-read classic literature books on the Become a Writer Today podcast. These books have stood the test of time and offer timeless wisdom and insights into the human condition.
Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting your literary journey, these classics are an essential addition to your bookshelf.🔹 Classic Literature: Dive into the world of the classics and explore timeless themes and masterful storytelling. From epic adventures to thought-provoking social commentaries, these books offer a rich and diverse reading experience.
🔹 Coming of Age Tales: Many of the classic literature books discussed on the podcast explore the coming-of-age journey. These stories allow us to reflect on our own growth, self-discovery, and challenges as we navigate life's complexities.
🔹 Understanding Society: Classic literature gives us a window into different cultures and historical periods, offering a deeper understanding of society and human nature. Through these books, we can explore themes of love, power, identity, and social injustice.
So, whether you're seeking to expand your literary horizons or simply looking for a captivating read, make sure to check out these must-read classic literature books. They are a treasure trove of inspiration and storytelling that will leave a lasting impact on your reading journey.
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
My guest today is Eddie Shleyner. He is the Founder of VeryGoodCopy, a popular newsletter I subscribe to. He's also the former Copy Chief at G2.com, an excellent resource for finding software and other services.
In this episode, we discuss the following:
How Eddie got into copywritingSocial media managementThe role of AI in copywritingDirect response campaignsHow to create an effective landing pageResources:
Eddie's website
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
Could Instagram or TikTok help you generate reviews and sell copies of your new book?
One author who offers a resounding yes to that question is Doug Evans. He's behind The Sprout Book: Tap into the Power of the Planet's Most Nutritious Food. The Sprout Book is hugely popular and was an Amazon Best Seller.
Doug has grown social media accounts on TikTok and Instagram, with many of his posts going viral and attracting thousands or hundreds of thousands of likes. Doug used his social media accounts to generate reviews for The Sprout Book and sell more copies.
I wanted to catch up with Doug to determine what types of content authors should create on social media and how they can get started if they procrastinate.In this episode, we discuss the following:
Which networks are the best these daysThe art of creating short-form contentDoug's content creation process for social mediaResources:
The Sprout Book Website
Doug Evans on TikTok
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
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My guest today is Hiten Vyas. He is the founder of Writing Tips Oasis, a fantastic resource for writers.
Writing Tips Oasis started in 2014 to help writers across India ride on the wave of digital publishing that was about to take over the country. The site used to be called e-Books India and published regular articles that helped writers improve their writing and learn how to market and sell their ebooks and books.
However, by the very nature of the Internet, the materials quickly reached writers, authors, freelancers, and independent publishers from across the world—the brand e-Books India needed to be more expansive, so Hiten rebranded.
Writing Tips Oasis provides tips, advice, and guidance for published authors, freelance writers, business writers, journalists, and poets.In this episode, we discuss the following:
Hiten's entrepreneurial journeyHow to generate a sustainable income from writingThe free novel writing course available on Writing Tips OasisResources:
The Writing Tips Oasis website
Sign up for Novice to Novel – A Free Novel Writing Course
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
Welcome to another episode of the Become a Writer Today podcast. Today we have an exciting lineup for all you aspiring writers out there. In this episode, we'll dive into the world of motivational books.
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We'll explore eleven must-read titles that will inspire and ignite your personal and professional creativity.
Get ready to discover some old classics that have stood the test of time and some contemporary gems that will challenge your mindset. From Dale Carnegie's timeless masterpiece to James Clear's revolutionary "Atomic Habits," we've covered everything.
So please sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of motivation and inspiration.
But before we start, I'd like to remind you to leave a review for our show on iTunes and share it with your fellow writers. Your support helps us reach more people who can benefit from our content. Also, remember to check out our companion YouTube channel for even more writing advice.
So, without further ado, let's jump into the captivating world of motivational books and become the best writers we can be!If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
In this episode of the Become a Writer Today podcast, my guest is an entrepreneur and author, David Jenyns, who specializes in helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives like you scale their businesses through the power of systems.
David introduces his book SYSTEMology, which outlines seven stages of implementing systems and processes in a business, from defining to optimizing.
The importance of lead generation and onboardingThe need for business owners to delegate tasks Building a business that doesn't solely rely on the owner's skills
He emphasizes the importance of mapping out client flows and using automation to improve efficiency.
David also shares his experience in writing and promoting his own book, as well as the benefits of delegating tasks and hiring part-time help or offshoring for solopreneurs with a tight budget.
In this episode, we discuss the following:Resources:
David's Website
SYSTEMology on Amazon
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
In this episode, I consider some of the best books on creativity. Many aspiring writers and artists feel they don’t have what it takes to express themselves. I felt the same way for years.
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The funny thing is that all creatives have felt this at some point during their careers. It’s a common theme found in many of the best books about creativity. Other themes include procrastination, fear of failure, and even a fear of success!
I’ve read dozens of creativity books over the years. This guide profiles the best creativity books for modern writers and artists, so you can start writing, creating, and publishing your best works.If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
In this week's podcast, we're diving into the thrilling world of Stephen King and exploring some of his most captivating best-selling novels. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering King's work, these books are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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So buckle up and get lost in Stephen King's world of spine-tingling suspense, heart-pounding thrills, and unforgettable characters. Discover why his books have become cultural touchstones and made King a literary legend.
Until next time, keep listening and let your imagination soar!If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
Do you want to learn how to become a prolific screenwriter?
I love catching up with screenwriters. I don't write screenplays myself, but it's a fascinating genre because many principles apply to other types of writing.
My guest today is Brock Swinson. He's the interviewer for Creative Screenwriting magazine and the author of Ink by the Barrel, which illustrates Brock's prolific writing principles.
In the interview, Brock shares his secrets for breaking into the screenwriting industry and how to overcome the most significant challenge most writers face.In this episode, we discuss the following:
Screenwriting principlesProductivity hacks and the intersection between creativity and productivityThe importance of finding your voice and organizing your ideasBalancing writing with editing and marketingThe benefits of becoming a PatreonResources:
Creative Principles Podcast
Creative Screenwriting
Brock's Website
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
Would you like to break into freelance writing? And if so, how do you pitch the editors of big-name publications?
I was a freelance writer and journalist before I set up Become a Writer Today. It was a challenging profession. I studied journalism in college for a few years, and when I graduated, I struggled to find any work at all.
It was only when I specialized in a particular niche that I was able to start finding regular commissions. And even then, I found it quite difficult to pay the bills as a freelance writer.
If you're looking to get into freelance writing, my tip is to spend some time each week or every other week pitching for new clients and finding additional work, even if you have enough work in the queue.
This week's interviewee, Rebecca Weber, has written for several prestigious publications, including CNN, Forbes, and The Guardian. She's an expert at pitching high-profile editors.
In this week's interview, she goes through her five-step process, which you should use to pitch an editor for a publication. I wish I'd known about this five-step process as a freelance journalist. It would have saved me a lot of time and heartache.In this episode, we discuss the following:
The importance of researching before you pitchConsidering your unique angleKeeping abreast of trendsResources:
Rebecca's Website
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
Many people say they have a book inside them, but few actually take the time to write it. Writing a book is a great way to build a personal brand and authority and make a name for yourself. But it takes a lot of work to write a book. So why even do it?
What is my book about? Who is my book for? And what does success look like?
This week, I caught up with Anna David, a New York Times best-selling author of not one but eight different books.
She also runs a company, Legacy Launch Pad Publishing. Her company helps people build authority and, in some cases, reach The New York Times bestseller list.
Anna made the point that whether you're writing a book or working with a ghostwriter, asking yourself a few questions before starting on page one is helpful. For example:That's an exercise I undertook a couple of years ago when I started writing and self-publishing books. Once I understood what the book was about, it immediately gave me some constraints to work within.
In this episode, we discuss the following:
The process of identifying what success looks like for you.The importance of understanding your ideal reader.How to motivate yourself to finish that book!Resources:
Anna's website
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
My guest today is Josh Spector, a writer, podcaster, and consultant. He also runs an engaging newsletter over at fortheinterested.com.
Josh has been publishing the For The Interested Newsletter for almost seven years. It exists to help creative entrepreneurs grow their audience and business.
Around a year ago, Josh launched the podcast I Want to Know. It's a three-question podcast. Guests come on and ask three questions about things they're struggling with, trying to figure out how to grow their audience or business.
Josh also operates as a consultant, offering clarity calls where he takes people through his framework to help them develop their strategy for audience growth.
In Josh's words, "In order to build an audience, you have to provide value."
"You want to help a specific person who's at point A get to point B. And your content, your product, your social posts, your services, whatever you're doing — free or paid — is the bridge that gets them from point A to point B."In this episode, we discuss:
Providing value for your audienceGetting the total value out of the content you createLeveraging social mediaResources:
For The Interested Newsletter
Josh's Website
I Want To Know Podcast
Skill Sessions
Josh on Twitter
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
What should writers, bloggers, and authors know about email marketing automation?
Email marketing automation can be overwhelming. When I started figuring out what to send to readers and subscribers, I ended up with a smorgasbord of forms, segments, and rules to follow and check.
It took me quite some time and a lot of hair-pulling to get it right.
I'm currently using the email marketing software ConvertKit, which is easy to use and was initially built with bloggers and writers in mind.
People with lists of all sizes use ConvertKit to send the right message to their readers, segment their list, and sell their latest books, courses, and offers.
Email marketing automation can still be tricky to get your head around. So, if you're struggling, you may enjoy this week's interview with Matt Treacey. He teaches authors and writers how to monetize their lists more effectively through the power of marketing or email marketing automation.In this episode, we discuss:
Email marketing automation as a powerful way to build a narrative for authorsNurturing the relationship with your readers or audienceMatt's helpful strategies and tips for email marketing automationResources:
Support the show
Matt's websiteIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
Thanks for listening! -
AI tools like ChatGPT are all the rage these days. While they won't write everything effectively for you, they can be a real time saver if used correctly. So rather than opening up Microsoft Word or Google Docs and wondering how you will write some compelling copy for your customers or clients, you can use a tool like ChatGPT.
How Neville got started way back in 1998How Neville built a successful finance blogNeville's approach to using AI tools to write copyThe art of using a swipe fileHow to grow your platform as a writer
It'll generate headlines for you. It could help you turn product features into benefits and give you a good angle or an introduction for your emails, your sales page, or even your blog post about your latest product or service.
Not only that, but these tools take away some of the mystery surrounding copywriting. In other words, they make it easier for everybody to express themselves. And if you're a writer working online, copywriting is a valuable skill because it will help you sell your products, services, books, articles, and, of course, your ideas.
In this week's interview, I caught up with the expert copywriter, Neville Medhora. He runs swipefile.com, a fantastic website if you want to browse new and old copy that has stood the test of time.
He also runs copywritingcourse.com, where you can get your copy workshops from Neville and his team.
In this episode, we discuss:Resources:
Swipefile
Copy Writing Course
Support the showIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins
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