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Writing prompts generator and story ideas that will banish writer’s block for good.

Writing prompts generator and story ideas that will banish writer’s block for good.

I’ve been up for days, anxious and paranoid, because I’m excited about a new tool I found on Reddit and immediately reached out to buy. I’ve been thinking about making a “magic 8-ball” tool to generate writing prompts for years so this one caught my eye. The prompts are fun, clever and creative, and there The 3...

December 2, 2022 Derek Murphy creativity, inspiration, writing 230
How to write a novel with ADHD

How to write a novel with ADHD

I’ve seen this question pop up a few times, as well as some answers I don’t agree with. The main presumption seems to be this: that people with ADD can’t sit still and focus on ONE BIG PROJECT, which puts us at a disadvantage. I’ve seen some authors say this is why they can’t plan The 3 secrets to book...

March 28, 2022 Derek Murphy creativity, productivity, writing tips 676
How to deal with doubt and insecurity (the 2 kinds of creative fear)

How to deal with doubt and insecurity (the 2 kinds of creative fear)

I can tell you exactly how to write books that matter, but first we need to agree on some basic tenets, regarding the purpose of writing. Otherwise, you may resist some of the strategies I’m about to share, due to things you’ve been told, and things you believe. You’ll feel them when they come up, The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a...

August 10, 2021 Derek Murphy creativity, productivity 297
Can you make art without passion? (An open letter to struggling authors)

Can you make art without passion? (An open letter to struggling authors)

A lot of authors – almost all I’ve talked to – are very cautious about the money. Several writers have told me they don’t want to make money with their writing, even after publishing several novels. They don’t want to make a living with their writing, because then it would be a job; if they The 3 secrets to book...

June 7, 2020 Derek Murphy creativity, sell art, selling out 266
Free fiction masterclass (how to write a book: besteller blueprint)

Free fiction masterclass (how to write a book: besteller blueprint)

I planned to spend my summer indoors quietly catching up on my backlist of YA fantasy and scifi novels and maybe doing a bit of book editing. But I’ve also been wishing I had a way to help out more and share my expertise. I practically grew up at summer camps, spending 3 months a The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a haunted castle...

May 5, 2020 Derek Murphy creativity, writing tips 320
How to rekindle the passion for your creative pursuits

How to rekindle the passion for your creative pursuits

Passion is worthless. Joy is priceless. The last several weeks I’ve been staying in a castle. At night, I’d scramble up the steep ruins, my path lit only by the moon and the stars. Below I can see the thick pine tree hills and the warm glow of the cabin down the hill. I’d sit The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a haunted...

November 27, 2019 Derek Murphy business, creativity 162
Poesis:  the lost art of reverent production (what it really means to “be creative”)

Poesis: the lost art of reverent production (what it really means to “be creative”)

As someone who helps creative people try to make money with their produce (paintings, books, various products), and also someone working on a PhD in Literature, I am perhaps particularly aware of a devastating, but largely unrecognized, ideology of creative production that is entirely disconnected with the value of the thing being produced. I...

October 10, 2019 Derek Murphy creativity, poesis, techne 127
How to be alone, without being lonely (57 inspirational quotes on solitude and isolation)

How to be alone, without being lonely (57 inspirational quotes on solitude and isolation)

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.” – Michel de Montaigne “The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.” – Lois Lowry “The greatest thing about loneliness is you choose your own company.”...

December 11, 2018 Derek Murphy creativity, inspiration, isolation, loneliness, solitude 1331
Best books on writing and creative entrepreneurship

Best books on writing and creative entrepreneurship

I started this blog in 2011 and did nothing for a year except read all the books on creativity. It was research for a manifesto, but the more I read, the more fascinated I became with the subject. After another 5 years of freelancing, building digital products and working as a creative professional (my income The 3 secrets to book marketing...

August 2, 2018 Derek Murphy creativity, motivation, productivity 176
Perennial Seller: a media manipulator talks book marketing

Perennial Seller: a media manipulator talks book marketing

This morning I did an interview on writing fiction and we discussed, among other things, whether writing faster books leads to inferior quality and whether writing to market creates inferior art. These are real conversations, and though I would answer “no” to both, I’m often challenged by thousands of passionate creators who...

August 2, 2018 Derek Murphy creativity, ryan holiday 107
Three warning signs your creative business will fail (red flags to watch out for)

Three warning signs your creative business will fail (red flags to watch out for)

If you have a good idea for a business that provides value (by making something people want, need, like or enjoy), it’s easy to get sidetracked by details that don’t matter, and waste months playing around with websites and logos (by which time, you’ve probably had a totally new and better idea!) You need to The 3 secrets...

March 13, 2018 Derek Murphy business, creativity 123
Starting over with (almost) nothing at 38

Starting over with (almost) nothing at 38

Six years ago I wrote a personal post about the challenges of being a full-time digital nomad, “Starting over with nothing at 32.” Over the years it’s gotten more traction than I expected so I thought it was time for a reprieve. I recently turned 38 (during the winter solstice) and I still have just The 3 secrets to book...

March 13, 2018 Derek Murphy creativity, inspiration, life goals, productivity, starting over with nothing 495
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Welcome
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Book Writing & Publishing Tips from a Creativity Alchemist
From starving artist to creative genius. Marketing tips for artists and writers... so you can create your best work and thrive.
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476+ free anime coloring pages (creepy kawaii dark fantasy adult printable coloring book sheets)
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How to write a satisfying conclusion to your novel (multiple character arc plot resolution: ending with a powerful final battle scene)
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Character traits generator: dynamic fictional character development creator, questions and personality attributes list
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Static vs dynamic character development: How to write fictional characters (Last of Us backstory example)
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45 best writing software and apps for authors (write books faster with these amazing features!)
45 best writing software and apps for authors (write books faster with these amazing features!)
February 22, 20232088

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Free fiction writer’s template to help you plan and structure your novel (24 chapter plotting outline for word, scrivener, G-Docs, plottr)
Free fiction writer's template to help you plan and structure your novel (24 chapter plotting outline for word, scrivener, G-Docs, plottr)
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Free novel outlining template for Google docs
Free novel outlining template for Google docs
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The 8 brilliant fonts you NEED to use in your book layout (with type combos & samples)
The 8 brilliant fonts you NEED to use in your book layout (with type combos & samples)
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300+ Fool-Proof Fonts to use for your Book Cover Design (an epic list of best fonts per genre)
300+ Fool-Proof Fonts to use for your Book Cover Design (an epic list of best fonts per genre)
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How to make a full print book cover in Microsoft Word for KDP, Lulu or IngramSpark
How to make a full print book cover in Microsoft Word for KDP, Lulu or IngramSpark
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The horrible hidden truth behind the Secret Life of Walter Mitty that’s keeping you from your dreams.
The horrible hidden truth behind the Secret Life of Walter Mitty that's keeping you from your dreams.
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How much does the average author earn publishing their book?
How much does the average author earn publishing their book?
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