Start Here

If you’re like most of the writers and artists and I know, you long to make a difference with your creative work. You’re passionate, growth-minded, and know that you were meant for more than just punching a clock.

But do you ever feel like the creative life you want is just out of reach, like something is blocking it … but you just don’t know what?

Does This Sound Like You?

Let me ask you a few questions:

Do you feel a restless longing that you were meant for more?
Do you struggle with finding time for your creative work, whether it’s writing, music, speaking, ministry, or something else?
Are you letting fear hold you back from reaching your goals?
Are you a writer or artist, and you could use some help getting organized, effective, and focused?
Do you want to grow your creative business?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you’re not alone. I have felt that way, too.

I Know What It’s Like

I remember the day distinctly. I was in my late 30’s, slumped in chair in my college office, staring at the wall. I was about 50 lbs. overweight and felt like a complete failure.

In my 20’s, I felt on top of the world. I was successful and energetic. But over the years I became entrenched in the routine of my life and job. I stopped challenging myself or seeking out new opportunities to get inspired and motivated. Months slipped into years, and years faded into a decade.

My wife Melanie and son Ben—the reason I do what I do.

Before long, I found myself approaching 40 with very little creative output to show for the previous decade of my life. I had no goals and no motivation for setting or achieving any. It was time for a change.

I started getting serious about writing and making my creative dreams a reality. As I met new people, invested in myself, and set some clear goals, interesting things began to happen. I started a blog (this one is actually my third blog) and eventually wrote a couple of books. As I did the work of making my writing dreams a reality, I experienced a deeper joy and purpose than I had ever known.

And as I talked to writers and artists, I saw that people were struggling with the same issues I was: setting clear goals, getting focused and motivated, being more productive and organized, and surrounding yourself with people who can help you.

As I worked through my own struggles and talked to people on a similar creative journey, my mission became clear: to help others unlock their God-given creative potential.

You Can Engineer Your Creative Success

Creativity can be a mystery sometimes, but your success doesn’t have to be. In fact, I believe you can engineer your creative success.

As your creative coach, my goals are to:

Help you identify and develop systems for writing and creative success.
Share practical tips, tools, and resources to help you be an effective artist.
Demystify the elusive creative process.
Help you eliminate habits and beliefs that are sabotaging your success.
Be unflinchingly honest about my own successes and failures as an artist.

Michelangelo once said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

The purpose of this blog is to help you chip away the excess and give you wings to fly with creative freedom.

A Few of My Best Posts

If you are new to my site, here are some of the posts that have helped people the most:

You can also check out a list of all my blog posts, in order of publication. For a detailed list of practical resources for writing, creativity, and blogging, click here.

Books & Services

Blog posts are only one way that I help creatives. I have written two books: The Artist’s Suitcase: 26 Essentials for the Creative Journey (for all creatives) and 30 Days of Evernote for Churches (for church leaders).

You can check out my speaking and writing services on my Work With Me page.

Subscribe to My Newsletter

I send out a weekly newsletter with tips, resources, and exclusive content for subscribers. When you subscribe, I’ll also send you my free book 21 Time Hacks for Writers: The Fastest Ways to Be More Productive & Creative. It’s packed with 21 ways to be more productive and creative in your writing.

The Real Secret

You can begin to unlock the massive creative potential inside you. The secret is to take action on what you learn and lock arms with others who can help you.

I’m excited to serve as your creative coach and can’t wait to see the great things just over your horizon.