Becoming An Author: From Jornalism Teacher to Best-Selling Author with Starr Sackstein (S6 E6)

SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Michael talks with author and education consultant Starr Sackstein about her journey as an author, discussing the motivations behind her first book, the importance of building a writing habit, and the unique perspectives they bring to their work. She emphasizes the value of blogging as a research tool and the significance of establishing a public presence to attract publishing opportunities. 

The discussion also covers the writing process, time management, and the belief that every voice has a place in the literary world. Starr discusses the importance of reflective blogging as a tool for learning and growth, emphasizing the value of authenticity and imperfection in writing. She shares her organizational strategies for writing books, including the use of annotated tables of contents and the flexibility of jumping between topics in nonfiction.

The conversation also highlights the significance of crowdsourcing and collaboration in writing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors to ensure their work reaches a wider audience. Starr discusses the evolving landscape of book marketing, emphasizing the importance of authors taking charge of their own promotion in a digital age. She shares insights on building relationships with readers, the role of publishers, and the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome. The discussion also covers the realities of writing and publishing, including the financial aspects and the significance of contract negotiation. Throughout, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of self-discovery through writing and the importance of finding the right environment to foster creativity.

TOPICS

• The Journey of Authorship
• From Classroom to Published Author
• Building a Writing Habit
• The Importance of Unique Perspectives
• Navigating the Publishing Process
• The Writing Process and Time Management
• Embracing Imperfection in Writing
• Crowdsourcing and Collaboration in Writing
• Marketing Strategies for Authors
• Strategies for Effective Book Promotion
• The Author-Reader Relationship
• Understanding Publisher Contributions
• Navigating Imposter Syndrome
• The Reality of Book Publishing
• Self-Discovery Through Writing
• Finding the Right Writing Environment
• The Importance of Writing Flow
• Researching Your Book Topic
• The Financial Realities of Writing
• Contract Negotiation Essentials

LINKS
Starr’s Books
Connect with Starr on socials:
Bluesky
Linked In