Creative Entrepreneurship: How Creatives Build Thriving Businesses

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Creative Entrepreneurship: How creatives build thriving businesses, interviews by Beth Barany and Gala Russ

I’m so excited to bring you my latest media (and program) creation: the Creative Entrepreneurship Interview series, co-created with novelist and strategist, Gala Russ.

Our focus is on how creative writing professionals, like coaches, editors, promoters, etc. build thriving businesses.

Youtube Interviews

We’ve interviewed 16 people and all the interviews are up on Youtube now!

Check them out!

All are authors and all run businesses supporting authors.

  • Nicky Blewitt on how his punk rock roots and social work background shaped his mission to empower authors with marketing skills.
  • Matty Dalrymple on her journey from novelist to podcasting expert.
  • Bailey Lang on building sustainable writing practices for authors.
  • Romy Sommer on how she built Gemini Writers Studio by starting small—offering free editing at charity auctions, then scaling up.
  • Melquea Smith on valuable insights for children’s book illustrators and creative entrepreneurs.
  • Sarah Ramsey on insights about PR for creatives, emphasizing when to delegate tasks versus doing them yourself.
  • Miranda Darrow on how she balances a corporate attorney career with her editing work while practicing the crucial skill of appropriate pricing.
  • Savannah Gilbo on her journey as a developmental editor and podcast host who built her business around removing gatekeeping in the writing industry
  • Meg Hartmann on the importance of following your passion while balancing family responsibilities.
  • Nadine Shaw, developmental editor, on practical advice for creative entrepreneurs, emphasizing breaking administrative tasks into manageable pieces instead of seeking mastery before starting
  • Daniel David Wallace, founder of the Plot Forest summit, on the importance of listening to clients’ real needs rather than assuming what they want
  • Danika Bloom (aka Donna Barker), teacher and consultant, on community building as crucial for success
  • Ainsley James (AJ), book coach, on maintaining creative energy while supporting others through clear boundaries
  • Megan Fuentes, story coach, on how entrepreneurs don’t need formal credentials to start—just expertise and willingness to help.
  • Stacy Juba, freelance editor and founder of Shortcuts for Writers, on importance of organizing digital, internal, and physical spaces to enhance creativity, while adapting writing routines to life’s challenges and changes
  • Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, author and writing instructor, on the importance of finding and focusing deeply on one niche in creative business.

Along the way, Gala and I share our stories, tips, and philosophy.

Please leave comments, like, subscribe, and share our series with people you think would benefit from these conversations.

Thanks!

⭐️

Want to know your Creative Business Style? 

TAKE THE QUIZ

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Beth BaranyABOUT BETH BARANY

Beth Barany is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy novelist and writing coach who specializes in helping authors create, publish, and market their books.

With over 19 years of experience guiding writers through both creative and business aspects of writing, she co-leads the Creative Writing Professionals Apprenticeship program to help aspiring book coaches build sustainable businesses.

When she’s not coaching, Beth magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.

More at https://bethbarany.com/.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethbarany/

ABOUT GALA RUSS

Gala Russ is an experienced romance author and teacher, who empowers writers to navigate the writing and publishing journey through a customized, stress-free approach so they can thrive creatively.

Drawing from her own experiences publishing seven novels as Willa Drew, she now uses her project management expertise and teaching skills to guide clients through the complex process of completing manuscripts and building successful indie-publishing businesses.

When she’s not coaching, Gala writes heartfelt, engaging romances that leave readers swooning.

More at https://galarussauthor.com/.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galarussauthor

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