I’ve been creating content since I was a day camp counselor (launching a newsletter for the staff!). Since then, I’ve done everything from interview Motley Crue, Metallica and Nirvana to Tom Peters, Susan Cain and beyond. I started my blog, Six Pixels of Separation, back in 2003 and my podcast (of the same name) is the longest running business podcast in the world. I wrote two books, Six Pixels of Separation and CTRL ALT Delete. With that, I even run a private Facebook group for some of the world’s most known business and non-fiction authors. I’m a word nerd. I collect comics (and graphics) novels and spend too much time reading. I’m also a huge collector of books on writing, how to write, interview with writers, and other content creators. So… what’s going to get your ideas into actionable content? I think these books might help ☺
I wrote...
Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone Is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone.
Six Pixels of Separation is my first book. It came out in 2009. That’s over a decade ago. So much has changed in terms of how technology has connected us all, and what that opportunity brings. Looking back on the book, I got so much wrong (think unregulated monopolies), and while I may have been too Pollyanna about the state of new media, the thesis still rings true. The opportunity for all of us to create compelling content, build our business/brand, and connect in powerful ways is more relevant than it was back then. Show up, create great stories and reap the rewards.
There are not many books that I read more than once. The War of Art is a book that I read multiple times a year. It’s not a book about how to create better content. It’s a book about getting the right mindset and attitude towards creating a daily ritual. There is no book like this, in terms of both motivating and helping you to get things done. Steven Pressfield wrote a masterpiece with this one.
A succinct, engaging, and practical guide forsucceeding in any creative sphere, The War ofArt is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul.
What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do?
Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid theroadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dreambusiness venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece?
Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy thatevery one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer thisinternal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success.
This is a big book, and it sat on my shelf for many years. I think I needed the maturity to understand its true power. It’s a book of muses, inspirations, and real exercises. In fact, it’s a program and a workbook too… one that will change your life. It can best be summed up in two words that will change your content creation: Morning Pages.
"With its gentle affirmations, inspirational quotes, fill-in-the-blank lists and tasks — write yourself a thank-you letter, describe yourself at 80, for example — The Artist’s Way proposes an egalitarian view of creativity: Everyone’s got it."—The New York Times
"Morning Pages have become a household name, a shorthand for unlocking your creative potential"—Vogue
Over four million copies sold!
Since its first publication, The Artist's Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron's novel approach guides readers in uncovering problems…
I get a little gun-shy when it comes to books that may “feel” a little foo-foo. You know, gems, crystals, incense… This is not that. The famed author of Eat Pray Love writes beautifully about the power of finding and bringing out your creative spirit. This is another book that I could read time and time again. Beyond the pragmatic advice, the writing is a sight to behold on its own. After reading this book, it felt like a block had been unplugged… and the ideas just poured out…
Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert's books for years. Now, this beloved author shares her wisdom and unique understanding of creativity, shattering the perceptions of mystery and suffering that surround the process - and showing us all just how easy it can be.
By sharing stories from her own life, as well as those from her friends and the people that have inspired her, Elizabeth Gilbert challenges us to embrace our curiosity, tackle what we most love and face down what we most fear.
Whether you long to write a book, create…
This is not an easy book to find. It’s a small and short hardcover book where famed management legend, Tom Peters, lays out the how to turn your personal brand (and your work) into a project… but not just any project. Tom believes that every aspect of your work should be a Wow! Project. The book is 50 easy-to-grasp sections that have, without a doubt, changed my approach to everything from writing an article to starting a business. This book is a hidden gem… I’m quasi-mad that I’m sharing it publicly, it’s been a great secret advantage. ;)
The common denominator/bottom line for both the professional service firm/PSF and the individual/Brand You is: the project. And for the cool individual in the cool professional service firm there is only one answer: the cool project. A seminar participant said: "Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes." So, how many of you are at work -- right now -- on "mediocre successes"? At work on projects that won't be recalled, let alone recalled with fondness and glee, a year from now?
We don't study professional service firms. (Mistake.) And we don't study WOW Projects. (Worse mistake.) There is, of course, a…
I’m sure Susan’s book, Quiet, has shown up on other lists. It probably deserves to be on all of the lists. Am I an introvert? Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to become friends with Susan, and she would joke that I’m not an introvert… just socially awkward. Putting our friendship aside, this book helped to ground me, my work, my process, and how to be at peace with content creation (which is mostly a lonely and isolated experience). Great work comes from digging deep… knowing who you really are (and finding acceptance in that) is a huge part of where that great work comes from. This book is just brilliant beyond its pages, and even if the book isn’t about how to create great content, Susan’s writing style will inspire the ideas, words, and work to flow. Promise.
SUSAN CAIN'S NEW BOOK, BITTERSWEET, IS AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW
A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE HOW YOU SEE INTROVERTS - AND YOURSELF - FOREVER.
Our lives are driven by a fact that most of us can't name and don't understand. It defines who our friends and lovers are, which careers we choose, and whether we blush when we're embarrassed.
That fact is whether we're an introvert or an extrovert.
The most fundamental dimension of personality, at least a third of us are introverts, and yet shyness, sensitivity and seriousness are often seen as…
This manual addresses the need to ensure that people are at the centre of the organisation. There has never been a timelier reminder of the need to ensure that leading, supporting and developing staff are critical aspects of creating the right organisational culture to grow and develop. Written with sensitivity, it brings together essential learning and underpinning theoretical knowledge and frameworks to promote effective practice.
This is an essential handbook for managers and leaders who want to develop the full potential of their people. It not only covers the fundamental issues of human resource management, but also highlights important topics that organisations find difficult to address, such as empowerment, stress management, mental health, equality, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of well-being at work.
It is refreshing to come across an HR book that bridges the gap perfectly between the academic theory and the practicality of ‘how to do it'. Dr Neil Thompson takes us on a humanistic journey that genuinely captures the human dimension of people management. This is an extremely helpful manual full of important and practical information about promoting well-being to achieve the best outcome for various everyday people management issues. The easy-to-understand inclusive language of this book calls to anyone interested in people management, meaning this is a perfect book for students, HR leaders, and practitioners. I know I will…
