In this episode, Janeen Ippolito reflects on the challenges and expectations that come with the New Year, particularly for authors. She discusses the importance of evaluating one's progress and setting realistic goals, emphasizing the need for a personalized creative calendar that aligns with individual rhythms. Janeen also shares her strategies for streamlining content creation and managing social media presence, encouraging listeners to let go of unnecessary pressures and focus on what truly matters in their author journey.

takeaways

• The New Year can bring mixed feelings of accomplishment and disappointment.
• It's important to evaluate what truly matters in your author life.
• Creating a personalized creative calendar can alleviate pressure.
• Sometimes doing less can lead to greater productivity.
• Self-reflection is key to understanding your goals and ambitions.
• Letting go of certain expectations can be liberating.
• Consistency in content creation is more important than perfection.
• Social media presence should align with your personal goals.
• Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they didn't work before.
• Focus on what matters to you and your creative journey.

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito discusses the critical role of theme and message in storytelling. She emphasizes that understanding and effectively communicating these elements can significantly enhance a book's connection with readers. The discussion covers the definitions of theme and message, their importance in narrative structure, and practical tips for authors to identify and convey these concepts in their writing. Janeen also highlights the value of beta readers in the editing process and the impact of reader expectations on theme and message communication.

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito shares her personal journey through the challenges of writing, emphasizing the importance of humility, faith, and patience. She discusses the struggles of completing her latest book, the lessons learned in waiting for inspiration, and the significance of trusting God throughout the creative process. Janeen encourages writers to embrace both the joys and difficulties of storytelling, reminding them that their worth is not tied to their work but to their faith.