042: Everybody Writes: Interview with Ann Handley [Podcast]

Everybody is a writer. Writing is a basic life skill and everyone should be able to put sentences together. To be a writer, all you have to do is write.

To be a good writer, you need to consider the needs of your audience. Is your writing adding value to their lives?

Ann Handley is someone who adds value well. She’s been living a portfolio life for 12 to 14 years making a living as an author, a speaker, and the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs. Her latest book Everybody Writes is filled with great tidbits and tricks for writers. I love the short chapters that are part inspiration and part guidebook.

Listen to this week’s episode of The Portfolio Life as Ann and I talk about what makes marketing good, how deadlines are beneficial, and struggles all writers face.

Listen to the podcast

To listen to the show, click the player below (if viewing this in email, click here)

You can also listen on iTunes or on Stitcher.

Highlights from the show

Write first for yourself then switch places with your reader and go through the piece to see what kind of experience you’re creating for them.
It’s never a good idea to trick people into paying attention to you. It’s better to be useful to your audience and generous with your help.
Good marketing is about helping worthy ideas spread.
“You can’t rush art” is folly; you have to rush art otherwise art sits on the couch watching Netflix.

If this podcast was helpful to you, please share it with others who could benefit from it and leave a review on iTunes.

Special announcement: I’m giving away a limited number of copies of my upcoming book, The Art of Work (you just pay shipping). In addition to the book, you’ll also get some exclusive bonuses. I’d love for you to get a copy and tell your friends about it, too. Get your copy today!

What is one of your biggest struggles as a writer? Share in the comments.