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.
By
Mitch Joel
What is my book about?
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.
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The Books I Picked & Why
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
By
Steven Pressfield
Why this book?
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.
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The Artist's Way
By
Julia Cameron
Why this book?
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.
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Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
By
Elizabeth Gilbert
Why this book?
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…
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The Project 50 (Reinventing Work): Fifty Ways to Transform Every "Task" into a Project That Matters!
By
Tom Peters
Why this book?
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. ;)
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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
By
Susan Cain
Why this book?
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.
