Writing might be simple, but it’s not easy and if you want longevity as a creative, you have to look after yourself. In today’s show, I discuss self-care for authors with Ellen Bard.
In the intro, I talk about the importance of considering your genre from the perspective of readers (article and graph I mentioned here). Plus, how the indie-published, hardback Freedom Journal made $450,000 on launch – check out the interview here.
Thanks to all show listeners as we’ve ticked over 1 million downloads which is awesome! I also mention my own mindset changes and the documentary on Tony Robbins: I am not your guru, available on Netflix.
Today’s show is sponsored by my own Self-Publishing Success course: If you are confused or overwhelmed by all the options for self-publishing, if you’re frustrated that you’re not selling any books or wondering why self-publishing isn’t working for you – then this multimedia course might be for you. Click here for more information, including a behind-the-scenes video walkthrough with me.
Ellen Bard is a work psychologist, business consultant, paranormal romance author, travel writer and digital nomad.
You can listen above or on iTunes or Stitcher or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below.

* How Ellen manages her creative life while living the life of a digital nomad.

* The balance between structure and flexibility.

* The use of the Pomodoro method to keep production on track.

* The different ways “Morning Pages” can benefit writers, and different ways to do them.

* On self-care, what it means, and how writing aids well-being.

* How health issue can be a wake-up call for writers.

* Ways that indie authors can show themselves compassion, including suggestions for taking care of our physical, emotional and mental well-being.

* Reframing the negative voice in our heads.

* Reviewing our journal writing and different lessons that come from this.

* How backing up computer systems works for this digital nomad.

* The personality characteristics required to be a digital nomad

You can find Ellen at www.EllenBard.com/penn, a special landing page with extra resources for listeners to the show. Ellen’s also on Twitter @ellenbard

Transcript of Interview with Ellen Bard
Joanna Penn: Hi everyone. I’m Joanna Penn, from thecreativepenn.com, and today I’m here with Ellen Bard. Hi Ellen.
Ellen Bard: Hi Joanna. Lovely to be here.
Joanna: Great to have you on the show. Just a little introduction.
Ellen is a work psychologist, a business consultant, paranormal romance author, travel writer, and digital nomad which is very exciting. Now Ellen, you seem to have all these things going on.
Tell us just a bit more about your life and how it all works together. And,