Seinfeld, Sparks, and My New Podcast

Read time: 2.5 minutes

The short version:

• I’m launching a podcast to help you grow as a writer.
• First 3 episodes drop on May 7.
• Please subscribe now on Apple or Spotify.

Now, for the full (and much more interesting) version:

A Fake Story About Seinfeld

I recently heard a story about how Jerry Seinfeld once gave a life-changing tip to a younger aspiring comic, Brad Isaac.

Apparently, the story is apocryphal, but even so, it demonstrates how one tidbit of wisdom, well-timed, can transform someone’s craft.

Isaac, who was working open mic nights at the time, ran into Seinfeld at a club waiting to go onstage.

As Isaac later explained in a now-classic Life Hacker article, “I saw my chance. I had to ask Seinfeld if he had any tips for a young comic. What he told me was something that would benefit me for a lifetime.”

He told me to get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page and hang it on a prominent wall. The next step was to get a big red magic marker. He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day.

After a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job is to not break the chain.

(Source: Cal Newport’s fantastic book, Deep Work.)

Sit in the Sparks

What’s the moral of this not-so-true tale, specifically for writers?

It’s this: If you surround yourself with seasoned writers, you will pick up life-changing tidbits that will transform your craft.

Don’t expect creative lightning to strike. Instead, put yourself in an environment where creative sparks are always arcing. That’s where breakthroughs occur.

For the past few months, I’ve been working hard to create such a resource—a steady stream of writing and publishing wisdom from true masters of the craft.

And now, without further ado, I give it to you …

My New Podcast: The Writers Circle

On May 7th, I’m launching a podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus.

I’ll release episodes every other week, in which I interview authors, editors, and literary agents about things like:

• What publishers are really looking for
• How to build your platform in a noisy world (without selling your soul)
• How to refine a book concept so it stands out
• Habits and rhythms that will help you write consistently
• Publishing tips few are talking about

Chances are, you aren’t going to bump into your favorite writer backstage at an open mic night (although that would be amazing).

So, will you allow me to curate their best advice for you?

All you have to do is subscribe right now, so you don’t miss an episode:

Subscribe on Apple or Spotify.

On May 7th, I’ll drop the first 3 episodes. Can’t announce yet who the guests are, so stay tuned for the big reveal.

Can’t wait to share this podcast with you.