Back Jennifer’s Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jenniferprobst/write-naked-the-official-course
In this inspiring episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee sit down with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst to explore the realities of a long-term writing career. Jennifer shares insights from 35+ years in the industry, reflecting on vulnerability, resilience, and the cycles of growth and reinvention every author faces. Together, they discuss balancing creativity with business, the importance of community, and how to embrace both failures and breakthroughs as part of the journey. The conversation also dives into Jennifer’s Write Naked philosophy, scaling strategies, and how to build sustainable systems that support both creative freedom and financial security.
Topics Covered:
Jennifer Probst’s 35-year career and hitting 60 published books
The raw beginnings of writing and finding your first readers
Building impact versus just chasing income
Authenticity, vulnerability, and balancing private vs. public life as an author
Product-led growth and how books grow by being shared
The evolution of publishing: from query letters to Substack, Patreon, and community platforms
Navigating shame, pivots, and rebuilding after setbacks
Root systems: unseen growth periods that lead to future breakthroughs
Creating space in life and career versus chasing endless hustle
The value of resilience and the ability to reinvent repeatedly
Understanding growth seasons vs. monetization seasons
Simplifying your message and focusing on what truly carries
Scaling by doing fewer things exceptionally well
The importance of systems and middle-ground solutions between burning out and blowing up projects
Why effort doesn’t directly equal income in writing
Jennifer’s Write Naked course and its focus on joy, craft, and authenticity
The balance between consistency, reinvention, and longevity in an author career
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