Hi, I’m Lindsey. I love helping people discover their superpower, create compelling content, and feel excited about pitching and networking. I teach people how to pitch like a boss, network like a VIP, and write like an Oscar winner. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for actionable creativity and career tips.
Love What You Write!
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Hi Over the holiday break, I listened to a podcast where an author was unhappy that he wrote thrillers instead of literary fiction. This man has written 7 novels, both traditionally and independently published. He writes entertaining, well-written books. Success by any measure. But he feels like they're not important because they are not Art. He's fighting against his author brand, which is funny thrillers with heart. That is a great brand to write; it's fun to read and easy to sell. Lots of writers think entertaining people has less value than fancy, often erudite Art. I disagree. (I'm capitalizing Art here because people put it on a pedestal, making it more important than it is.) One of my mantras is stories matter. Entertaining and moving people is an important part of the human experience. Just because you think the kinds of stories you write are not important, doesn't mean they're not important to some people. Unfortunately, as writer we rarely know the impact our stories are having on our readers and viewers. Maybe someone is reading your cozy mystery while they get their chemo. Or someone is binge watching your sitcom as they grieve the death of a loved one. If you are feeling like your stories aren't important enough, I encourage you to watch the old movie Sullivan's Travels (1941). It's a comedy gem about a film director during the Great Depression who wants to make important movies, so he runs away from Hollywood to live life as an ordinary person. During his adventures, he gets to see the impact his frivolous movies are making, and it changes his perspective. Whatever kinds of stories you gravitate to telling, embrace them! Your stories are delighting your audience. And maybe changing their lives, even for a moment. Happy New Year! And happy writing! In Case You Missed ItTwo Real Life Examples of Screenplays Turned Into Novels: A screenplay A pilot How to Make the Most of the Holiday Slow Down Cheers, Lindsey Thanks for reading! You can share this article here. Was this week's newsletter useful? Help me to improve! Click on a link to vote: 👍Super! - 😐 Meh - 👎 Not my jam |
Hi I'm Lindsey Hughes
Hi, I’m Lindsey. I love helping people discover their superpower, create compelling content, and feel excited about pitching and networking. I teach people how to pitch like a boss, network like a VIP, and write like an Oscar winner. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for actionable creativity and career tips.
Hi Reader, Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday! Christmas Movie Merriment How to Write a Hallmark Christmas Movie Diehard is a Christmas Movie Deck the Halls with Story Beats In Case You Missed It The Power of Underdog Stories The Genius of Grimm's Fairy Tales How to Schedule Your Writing Year Like a Pro Do These Three Things Every Week to Grow Your Career Steal My Creative Calendar & Fill Your Feed All Year Cheers, Lindsey Thanks for reading! You can share this article HERE
Hi Reader, Let’s make our stories click in 2026! Pull out your notebooks. Open your calendar. We’re about to turn that swirling idea confetti in your brain into an actual plan. (Yes, a fun plan.) Plan Your Creative Projects We all have a stash of stories we want to tell. This year, we’re getting them out of your head and onto paper where they belong. Step 1: Do a lightning list. On a blank sheet of paper, jot down as many story ideas as you can. Go fast. No judging, no overthinking, no “is...
Hi Reader, For the next three weeks, we’re getting ready for 2026 together. Yes, the new year is a traditional time to build new habits, but that date is totally arbitrary. It turns midnight every night. You can choose a “New Year” anytime you want. Every single day is a fresh chance to build your life, your writing business, and your big dreamy dreams. Instead of giant to-do lists and overwhelming goals that make you want to hide under a blanket, start small. Think “tiny but mighty.” Do just...