Jasraj's voicenotes – Details, episodes & analysis

Why I'm returning using my full name, my new venture: FIVE RIVERS, and thinking about what to now call this podcast.

📝 I need your help: https://lnks.to/jasraj/product/ya7fjdfd

Jasraj x

In this episode, I share how you can use journalling to start writing your book. If you've been procrastinating on your idea or looking for the right time to get started, this short exercise is for you.

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by Jas Hothi (with music by Porter)

Today marks one year since the release of The Indie Author book. It’s a project that began more than 1,000 days ago now, and it's been a rollercoaster of a ride from the start.   There’ve been ups n downs, twists n turns, internal and external things to deal with… and a whole lot more.   
In recent days I’ve written a long update to share my reflections on the e-book’s release, the journey I’ve been on with the print version (it’s been pretty wild… there’s something in there for everyone), and looking ahead to what the future might hold.   
I also say a few thankyou’s to some of the amazing people who’ve accompanied me on this journey.   
Things I mention:
- 'The War of Art', by Steven Pressfield:  https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/
- The blog post series I mentioned (Word document to book) has now been turned into a print guide, available with The Indie Author paperback at: https://indiewriter.press

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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter

Nearly a month ago, I landed in the beautiful city of Valencia, Spain.

I share everything that's been going on in recent weeks, why I paused my travel plans earlier in the year, and what has now brought me to the start of a new adventure. 

Amongst other things, I talk about navigating family life with being independent.

I hope you enjoy listening to me unpack everything that's been going on. 

Here's to a new season ☀️

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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter

A conversation with my friend, songwriter and performing artist Laurence Warner (Cerulean): https://wa.rner.me 

We were celebrating the release of his second album, The Divided Selfie LP, out 22nd June 2022. 

🎶 buy + listen now: Ceru.li/2 or CeruleanSounds.Bandcamp.com
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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter

In today's diary entry, I’m speaking with Andy Mort.

In Andy’s own words… he is a songwriter, creativity coach, and founder of The Haven, where he helps gentle rebels (introverted and deeply sensitive souls) move at a pace and rhythm that suits them so they can nurture more creative play in their lives and share their voice with the world.

During our conversation, we talk about things like: Andy’s experiences as a drummer and singer in a band at school, Andy’s teenage and university life, the jobs Andy has had, and how he ended up spending 6 years as an undertaker, Andy’s first website and how it developed as a music blog and podcast, how Andy’s blog and podcast became about not just one thing (but a blend of things like music, personality type and creativity), how Andy realised that these parts could come together (rather than having to choose a niche), how Andy manages his energy flow and processes his emotions, how Andy has navigated working a day-job alongside working on a creative business, what a day and week in the life of Andy looks like (and why he does things that might seem counter-productive), and the feelings Andy felt before and after delivering his TEDx talk (as well as what he has taken away from that experience). 

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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter

In this diary entry, I talk about the unhelpful myth of writers being called "talented", and the book which has helped change my perspective.

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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter

In today's diary entry, I speak again with my friend Lauren Sapala, a writer and writing coach: https://laurensapala.com

The loose theme for our conversation was "the joys of self-publishing". In particular, we talked about things like:
- the tips + lessons learned from publishing our books the indie way
- how silent-writing and self-publishing have changed Lauren’s world as a writer
- why Lauren chose to self-publish, after years of querying
- the realities of self-publishing vs traditional publishing
- my experience as an intern in a big publishing house
- Lauren’s experience working in a social media startup for famous authors and spending time in San Francisco’s literary scene
- the power and freedom that comes with self-publishing and the creator economy
- why Lauren edits her own books, and whether you should do your own editing, or not
- some of our favourite books, stories and TV shows 

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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter

In this diary entry, I take the opportunity to more formally introduce the Diary of an Indie Writer podcast.
I share my story + why this podcast exists, how I became a 'writer' and an 'independent writer' (and how I define those two things), and why we are living in the best time there has ever been to make money - or a career - from writing.

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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter

My conversation partner today is Jessica Pereira. 

Jessica is a B2B SaaS and digital marketing writer. But you can also find her on Freelance to Fortune, a blog dedicated to her and other writer’s journeys to six figures. When she’s not helping freelancers scale her business, you can find her reading fiction and planning her next road trip.

During our conversation, we talked about things like:
- Jessica’s road-trip travels
- Identity as writers, online and offline
- What is a freelance writer?
- How Jessica became a full-time freelancer in a year
- Landing her first client
- Jessica’s advice for discovering your niche
- Imposter syndrome and confidence
- Jessica' 'Freelance to Fortune' blog and who it is for
- Future plans for her blog and newsletter
- Jessica’s journey to 6-figures, and growing sustainably (without burning out)

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narrated by Jas Hothi, with music by Porter