EP.024 – The Keys To Writing Your Unique Story with John David Mann

“Writing can be a great process of self-discovery,” says my guest on this episode of the UV Effect Podcast. And he should know, having written over 20 books himself. His books are published in more than two dozen languages and have sold more than 2 million copies!
John David Mann is a New York Times Bestselling Author, International Speaker, and Entrepreneur. John’s diverse career has made him a thought leader in several different industries, but his passion for great writing is why he does what he does.
In this episode, we discuss the writing process, overcoming criticism and rejection, and how to make your writing excellent. He also talks about his experience as an author, co-author, and ghostwriter, and shares how the process of working with others has helped him discover his unique value.
John also shares details about his new book “The Recipe” and the profound lessons that can be found throughout the book.
As always, get your pens and notebooks ready for another informative episode of #theUVEffect with the phenomenal, John David Mann.

"Pay attention to the little things. When you do, the big things will tend to take care of themselves."
John David Mann
Questions I asked:
You have authored and co-authored a number of acclaimed and New York Time best selling books. How many books have you written? Have you always loved to write?
Recently you self-published a new book that you co-authored called “The Recipe”. Your other books have been published by publishers, but when it came to this book, there was a struggle to get publishers to pick it up as more than 40 publishers turn it book down. With that kind of rejection, what drove you to move forward and publish it yourself?
So many people struggle deeply with rejection and the fear of rejection. Being in a field of creativity, you’ve experience rejection because not everyone can understand your vision. Have you experienced this beyond the publishing process of this book “The Recipe”? How do you deal with fear or insecurities that might arise as it comes to rejection?
Tell us about “The Recipe”. What’s the message you hope people will take away?
The central message in this books seems to focus on, as the subtitle states, “The ingredients of greatness”. What are some of the ingredients you talk about in your book and why are they pivotal to the development of ones greatness?
Being creative, innovative and distinct in the world of authorship can’t be easy. What advise would you give to an author who is struggling to stand out with their work?
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
In this episode you will learn:
When I co-author, I have to figure out who they are and what’s their unique value. [9:28]
Joan Didion says “I write to find out what I think.” [11:14]
When I write, I discover things. [11:40]
You don’t have to be a published author to be a writer. These days, everyone is writing. [12:27]
Writing can be a great process of self-discovery. [12:44]
Writing is like talking to yourself out loud. [13:39]
Neil Gaiman says this beautiful thing “When readers tell you this part doesn’t work for me, they’re almost always right. When readers tell you exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it, they’re almost always wrong.” [28:08]
One of the things that kills would be writers is that as they start writing, they start criticizing as they are writing. [29:56]
Be in creation mode. [30:34]
Instinct is so important to listen to [36:48]
Taste everything and really taste it. [48:15]
What makes a great writing is great reading. [50:20]
Stand out by making your writing excellent [55:45]
Find several outlets where you can practice your writing and put it in front of others. [59:08]
Pay attention to the little things. When you do, the big things will tend to take care of themselves. [1:03:39]
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