Creative Success Stories Archives - Rhys Keller

Overcome Creative Blocks by Walking from Lisa Wee

Rhys Keller — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 19:43:10 +0000

Creative blocks can be devastating if our livelihood relies on creative construction to make a living. The increased doubt that comes from our lack of ability to create and sustain a future spirals us downward. Creative blocks can even create a distorted sense of identity and self worth. While debilitating, creative blocks are very common and thankfully there is an easy way to break through.

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Being an Author – Talented Writers Spill the Beans

Rhys Keller — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:01:42 +0000

Curious what life is like being an author? Wondering how experienced writers feel about their craft behind the scenes? In this interview roundup, six talented writers spill the beans on their love-hate relationship with writing, how they stay focused on writing when the muse doesn't speak, who they find encouraging in the often solo-endeavor of writing, and what they're most proud of in their literary journey. The answers will surprise you, guide you, and help you as the illustrious vale is pulled back.

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Book Making Magic with Literary Agent Adria Goetz

Rhys Keller — Tue, 18 May 2021 15:32:39 +0000

Adria Goetz is no stranger to making magic in the publishing industry. Her many years of successful experience, insight, and talented cliental are well known. Book making magic is the essence in identifying great ideas, championing those ideas through the book making process, and delivering valuable stories to kids, families, and communities around the world. Literary Agent Adria Goetz shares perspectives and bares her soul in this eye-opening dive into her life as a book lover.

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Uncomfortable Grace with Grief Counselor and Podcast Show Host Mandy Capehart

Rhys Keller — Tue, 04 May 2021 14:15:00 +0000

Have you ever struggled finding the right words to say to someone in a moment of grief? Would you like to learn new ways of dealing with difficult situations in your own life? Join me and professional grief counselor and podcast show host Mandy Capehart for a deep dive into grief, growth, and how to cultivate a healthy mindset. Chock full of actionable tips and communication strategies, this interview will leave you feeling more equipped and capable of handling life's surprises.

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Writing that Sells: Lessons Learned from Award-Winning Author, Poet, and Speaker Brian P. Cleary

Rhys Keller — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:12:35 +0000

The average traditionally published author sells 3,000 books, with only a fraction of that sold within the first year. Would it be prudent then, to probe the mind of an author who has sold more than 3 million books? Would the experiences and lessons learned of a writer who spent more than 40 years honing his craft be valuable? Would the perspective of a poet who has visited more than 500 schools, engaged with over 95,000 students, spoken in 42 states and Europe, published over 50 titles, and is Senior Editor at American Greetings be helpful? The correct answer is obviously YES! Now, read on.

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Writing Children’s Books as a Lifestyle with Tara Lazar

Rhys Keller — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:39:14 +0000

Becoming a published author is a common dream. Writing children's books, a common passion. But for the few who have captured writing children's books as a lifestyle and made kidlit a primary focus in their life, day after day, there is much to be gleamed. Sharing experiences, lessons learned, and a traditionally published author journey with us today is prolific kidlit author and Storystorm challenge creator, Tara Lazar. If I could sum up this interview in one word, it would be raw. The next 2,000+ words you'll embrace will peel back not only the publishing curtain but also the curtain of life. And perhaps by the end, you'll embrace writing as a part of your life, not just something you do when there's time.

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Crafting Messages with Author and Illustrator Shay Fan

Rhys Keller — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 16:55:00 +0000

Crafting the perfect message is much more than throwing words at the wall and hoping one of them sticks. Tailoring messages to a target audience is a surefire way to see better results not just in the corporate world, but at home, on blogs, and especially on book store shelves. Helping us see the importance of carefully selecting our words is author and illustrator Shay Fan, who has worked in marketing and Public Relations for companies like Skype and YouTube. She is also represented by Andrea Walker of Azantian Literary Agency. If you care about building your personal brand and communicating effectively, this is one interview you can't afford to miss.

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KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020

Rhys Keller — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 08:50:00 +0000

Could you use some writing inspiration? Maybe you've hit a slump. Or maybe you've lost the joy of writing among the piles of deadlines and deliverables. A unique satisfaction comes from expressing our innermost thoughts through words. A great way to achieve just that is with a writing prompt and writing contest. Today kicks off the annual KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy, where many experienced book lovers donate their time and talent to submission winners. Here's your chance, and mine, to not only let our hearts, minds, and souls be stirred but to also see what works of art our fellow writers in the #WritingCommunity create. Jump in for all the details!

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The Bear and the Piano – Theme Song Debut by Annie Lynn

Rhys Keller — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Picture book cheerleader and child development extraordinaire is at it again debuting the theme song for David Litchfield's wildly successful series, The Bear and the Piano! If you're looking for a fun song for your kids at home, in school, or at the library, you (and your kiddos) will love this call-and-repeat based song where kids can immediately participate and get those wiggles out! If you're new to publishing (book creating) and would like to learn the role of theme songs in the industry, come along for the details. It's amazing what music can do to connect people with ideas.

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Writing the Book You Wish was Written with Megan Lacera – Author of Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies!

Rhys Keller — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:46:39 +0000

There will always be room for great books. Even today, after 6,000 years of recorded history, fresh and unique ideas still exist and are brought into existence. They exist in the heart and soul of a writer. In the ink of an author. In the expression of an illustrator. There are books children need that haven't been published...yet. There are concepts families yearn to have to process their personal experiences. To help us see this first hand is author and long-time kids product creator, Megan Lacera. Megan shares how her family worked together to create Zombies Don't Eat Veggies!, how other authors can do the same, and what her journey has been like. You'll want to carve out some time for this one because we got all the details. After reading this interview, you will feel empowered, motivated, and challenged to take a step towards writing the book you wish was written.

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