The Relaxed Author

Books for Writers #13

by Joanna Penn, Mark Leslie Lefebvre

There are plenty of books and tips on writing faster, learning more marketing tactics and strategies, trying to maximize your ranking, hitting the top of the charts, juicing the algorithms, and hacking different ad platforms. While these are all important things — which the authors themselves regularly write and talk about — it's also important to recognize that your author journey is a marathon, and not a sprint. Joanna Penn and Mark Leslie Lefebvre have been in the business long enough to see authors burning out and leaving the writing life because they turned what they love into a hamster wheel of ever more production and marketing tasks they hate. It doesn't have to be this way. This book is a collection of tips on how to be a more relaxed author — and return to the love that brought you to writing in the first place. You will If you want to be a more relaxed author, look inside or buy today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Audiobook, Business

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2021

About the author

Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction and memoir author as J.F. Penn. 


She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. She lives in Bath, England with her husband and two British shorthair cats, and enjoys a nice G&T.


See also Goodreads author's profile as J.F. Penn.

Reviews

[Darren Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version and I have to say that their narration voices are just as different as their written voices.

This is a good thing.

On top of the obvious "She's female and he's male" aspect, she also has a more quiet and soothing voice, while he speaks as if he's holding a conversation. In both cases, it's like they're saying, "Hey, this is no big deal."

And THAT is the point of the whole book.

I love both of these authors, Penn because of her podcast and various other writing books, and Lefebvre because of his work with Draft2Digital and their live webcasts (which I have to watch after the fact because I have to JOB when they are live).

And this book has shown me that I am doing everything exactly right as a writer and an author. As in, I'm doing things my way and feeling no stress or strain about any of it. Sorry if that's some kind of a spoiler, but it's true.

Do try this book if you're new to the biz (or even if you're not). They have tips and tricks for the various elements of publishing a book, and they tell you what to do if any of it is causing you stress. To be a relaxed author is NOT necessarily being 100% stress-free, but it is about taking things in stride and doing the job your way.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had absolutely no clue what this book was going to be about, but I’m a hust fan of Joanna Penn’s books for authors, so I assumed I’d enjoy this one as well. And that was a very correct assumption.

Joanna was kind enough to send me an early copy of this book, and I binged it within about a day. This book also introduced me to Mark, and he seems like a great writer with a ton of wisdom as well. So, what’s this book about? It’s all about keeping your sanity while being a writer, and it could honestly be titled “The Sane Author” instead. In the book, you get fantastic advice from about Joanna and Mark about how to write at your own pace, stick to what matters, and how to cut yourself some slack. I will definitely be revisiting this book in the future because it has so much great advice about how to keep your head straight when this type of work can be quite frustrating. As someone who was recently laid off and am spending some time focusing on my writing, the most beneficial chapter to me was on being smart about my time and knowing when to say “no” to certain opportunities.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Clear and informative, with two complimentary yet different perspectives from the two authors. This book gave me the freedom to be comfortable with my own personal way of writing, marketing, and being a writer. If you're wanting to make a career (or even a low-paying hobby) of writing, I highly recommend this book!

[Prasenjeet Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting book to make you a relaxed author in your writing journey.

I received an Advanced Review Copy of this Book. However, this review is my honest opinion.

There was a time when authors were suggested not to write fast, publish traditionally, and leave the formatting, cover-designing, printing, marketing, and the business side of things to their agents and publishers. Then came Indie Publishing, around 2010, and authors were exhorted to write and publish like a machine. And to market the hell out of it.

Eleven years later, the toll this advice has taken is self-evident. Writers are stressed out and often disillusioned with the writing industry. Some have burnt out and quit. And nothing can be more heart-breaking than this.

That’s where this book fits in. Of course, there is no one thing that stresses out all writers. But Joanna Penn deals with almost all issues that commonly affect writers. Her topics span from writing to publishing to marketing to running a full time author business – everything that can and does stress out writers.

The book is primarily written from two different POVs—Joanna’s and Mark Lefebvre’s. Both share their experiences as to how they’ve dealt with stress and, in the process, how they became more relaxed in their respective author journeys. The message is reinforced through quotations from other authors at the end of every chapter.

I’ve been following Joanna since 2013, and I like the tone of all her non-fiction books and blogs. They’re all uplifting. And this book is no different. There are so many books on Indie Publishing that despite being well-intentioned end up demoralising authors. Advice such as ‘Show don’t tell’, or that only one percent of books succeed in the Kindle Store, or that writers should not quit their day job and never assume they can make a full time living writing, etc. can be harmful to writers.

This book does no such thing. In fact Joanna’s and Mark’s advice will make you more relaxed. Sometimes all your questions may not be answered, but reading their experiences, you may find the right answers popping up in your mind automatically. Answers that are right for you even if the opposite is being said in the book!

Having spent 8 years in this industry, I’ve learnt the hard way to become a relaxed author and come up with a routine and a system that makes me a contented author.

But I would highly recommend this book to any author, beginner or experienced, to give it a go!

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This timely book helped me to realise that the write-publish-repeat-hamster-wheel-of-death indie authors are taught to run on isn’t the be-all and end-all of an indie author career.

It sounds silly, but until reading that it’s okay not to do stuff everyone says is the key to success (e.g. running ads), I was having a serious bout of FOMO – especially since I was already overwhelmed with all the things I had to do in a day even without adding all the extras I was told to do.

And reading that it’s okay to declutter your inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters that no longer bring you value felt awesome. I started doing that in 2021, wrote a blog post about it, and got some angry emails from people who’ve read it and found it unsporting of me to unsubscribe from newsletters – especially since I had my own.

I think the big take-away from this book is to do what you enjoy, how you enjoy doing it.

A must-read for all authors who feel anxiety at the thought of staying on the production hamster wheel.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Enjoyed the two perspectives.

I am definitely not a relaxed author, even though I am not a Type A person at all. I love Joanna Penn's great podcast for authors & have followed it for years. She is the real deal. All her own marketing & her nonfiction books for authors are for people who want to write & market in an ethical, value-driven way. This is another great book. I also really liked that it has 2 perspectives on the same thing -- hers and Mark's. What a great idea to co-author a book like this. There are truly helpful, insightful tips here that also show you differences in their individual perspectives & how we need to play to our own strengths. Highly recommend!

[L.A. Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course, Joanna Penn knows her stuff, so this is a good book for nervous writers. Just ignore the ads.

[Miranda Yeoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the book about eight months ago, and I took my time to read and re-read some parts. I expected to benefit from it because I’m not a relaxed person. I’m Type A, blood group A+. I spent years on educational research. But I enjoyed writing my many research papers and my two books. My research papers are on Google Scholar and Academia Edu. My books are on Amazon and some other channels.
I found marketing more stressful. In this part of the world (UTC+8), I had little choice of publishers. An advert by a publisher kept popping up. And so I decided to go with that. The social media packages from the publisher were expensive. I thought those could help, but they didn’t produce results. And then, the marketing manager told me I must do the marketing myself. I didn’t have an account on Amazon until recently. I have found a better avenue to publish my future book(s). I’m glad this book helped fill my creative well. And I’m beginning to view learning the skills of an indie author as a natural daily process. Writing is not easy but fulfilling. I can manage my stress and be the relaxed author I hope to be!

[Kim Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Joanna Penn’s work for a while now, and regularly listen to her excellent podcast, The Creative Penn, and have worked through many of her how-to guides containing useful, actionable steps. The Relaxed Author falls more into the ‘mindset’ or ‘approach’ category of writing guides, and contains valuable nuggets of wisdom from two authors who have defined and created success for themselves over the long-term. Although I’ve been writing in various forms for many years, I am relatively new to independent publishing and/or the book industry as a whole. I found the book deeply reassuring and enjoyed hearing from both authors in their own voices, as they each have taken different paths through the writing and publishing journey. The chapters cover all aspects of writing and publishing, inviting readers to deepen their own self-awareness and explore the kind of business/career they want for themselves. I’d recommend this book to other writers, especially those looking to build (or refine) a sustainable career that brings them joy rather than stress.

[Lisa Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mechanics: This book is simple and straight forward and, to begin with, it was hard to get used to the way it is written: short choppy sentences that don't flow easily. But as the book progresses it is a comfortable read as if hearing from old friends.

Substance: I was able to identify the kind of relaxed writer I want to be and I found the Relaxed Marketing section the most helpful in giving me advice, anecdotes, resources, and perspective on how to reach more readers. I still want to keep my day job because I love it and it takes the stress completely out of having to rely on my writing to put food on the table, but I do want to reach more readers and this book has given me great ideas on how to do that.

The Relaxed Author is chock full of resources and for that alone it's worth getting. I have highlighted and written notes in it making it a valuable reference book for me. If you want advice from a pair of seasoned creatives and writer entrepreneurs, this is the book for you.

[Bjørn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea when, if ever, I have read a book about marketing/selling advice – so not Anne Lamott's writing advice book, Bird by Bird, which gave me a similar feeling – that calmed me down.

Penn and Lefebvre patiently deconstruct each aspect of the indie writer's work, from writing itself to selling yourself… I mean, your work, then share what they tried, what didn't work, what worked, and what they are still doing in a market that keeps changing. The main message of the book is "you don't need to do it all" and, in a way, the rest is just padding, but it's that padding that's relaxing. Have you ever relaxed because someone told you "just relax"? This book makes me feel like the authors are reasonably calm – and it makes me feel reasonably calm, too. Cheaper and healthier than whisky, and doesn't require a prescription.

I'll go back into the hamster wheel of YOU MUST DO EVERYTHING sooner or later, and then I'll re-read it.

[T.L. Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Relaxed Author: Take the Pressure off Your Art and Enjoy the Creative Journey by Joanna Penn & Mark Leslie Lefebvre wasn't exactly what I'd expected though I'm not sure what I expected. Penn and Lefebvre made some interesting points and provided some resources I want to explore further. Their insights based on their own experiences felt genuine and thought-provoking at times, but other times felt forced and stilted. Some of the advise felt useful in its simplicity while other advise felt needlessly complex. There were times that The Relaxed Author felt more like an advertisement for the authors' other works than an attempt to help other authors be more relaxed. I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I'm sure some authors will find The Relaxed Author beneficial, but for me there was little new in it to inspire or relax me.

[Nancy Kuykendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just reading this book helped me relax. I read a lot of books to help me as an author, and I will try many ideas and resources to help me in my craft and in book promotion. Before I started reading this book, I was already simplifying and streamlining what I do. I agree with the author that we all have to find what works best for us. When we find what works best within our personalities and resources we can relax and go forward with more enjoyment. Though the author still gives plenty of ideas and shares what she does, the overall message of this book is be who you are, find and do what works for you, leave the rest, then relax and enjoy your work.

[J.J. Lair · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall theme of the book is that you write because you like it. There are business things and other life topics that come up. Events will take up your time, but as an indie author, you create your deadlines. If the deadlines take the joy of writing away, look at your self-imposed deadlines and change them.
There are a million advice books on writing that tell you what you have to do. If it doesn’t work for you, should you still do it?
I subscribe to both author’s podcasts. This book isn’t a rehash of old shows.
This book won’t tell you how to write, you buy this book because you already do that. When the deadlines and pressure get to you, remember what you like.

[F. Stephan]

This is a huge book about the author's life. I adored it and I keep it on my desk.

Why?
Because it gives a broad overview of the different aspects of the author's life with tools, advices, ideas.

And because it's relaxed. No teachers telling you what to do but forerunners who share what they learned along the way.

Who should read it ?
All authors naturally. But maybe not newbies because you need to have stressed about writing life first. Otherwise, you'll miss how much you need to read it !

[Melody Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was exactly what I needed to listen to now. This past year, I've been going and going and getting nowhere. I've put myself under a lot of pressure to write faster, publish faster, get the thing done, but all it's done is stress me out. From now on, my author strategy is going to be relaxed so that I can actually enjoy it. That may mean it takes me a while longer to publish a book, but at least I won't be stressed out from it! Rapid release just isn't the strategy for me, and that's okay.

[Talitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the advice that has most resonated in other areas of my life (parenting, intermittent fasting), Joanna Penn and Mark Leslie LeFebvre acknowledge and celebrate that there's no single "right" way to be a relaxed author. They provide wonderful examples of what has helped each of them, and other authors, be their best, most creative, productive, and fulfilled selves. Then, most importantly, they encourage their readers to joyfully experiment and find what works best for them.

[Victoria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. Reading this book was like sitting down to tea with two good friends and talking about the joys and tears of being an author. The advice was common sense, stemming from Joanna and Mark's years of experience in the writing community. I felt like I had been given permission to stop and catch my breath. I was reassured that it was ok to enjoy being a writer, and that tomorrow is another day to get done what you didn't get to today. Thanks to this great writing team.

[Susan Anderson Misey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small goldmine of information for writers. Lots of links to resources. Both authors address each topic in every chapter, so it is interesting to see how they dovetail and also how they differ. Read this if you need a chill pill or just a great resource on getting out of first-gear and kicking your writing career out of neutral. I enjoy Joanna Penn's voice and am getting to know Mark Leslie Lefebrve's as well. Look forward to reading his WIDE FOR THE WIN in the near future.

[Debbie Johansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much, I re-read it the moment I finished! There is really good advice for both the experienced author and those new to writing who feel overwhelmed. Written by Joanna Penn and Mark Leslie Lefebvre, together they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. The book also includes quotes by other authors sharing their frustrations, so you know you are not alone. Their advice is both sensible and practical, and an approach I will be taking.

[Nicholas Kotar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a kind of manifesto about a particular approach to the writing and publishing life. I agree with this approach and applaud it, so I liked the book. But you should know that since it's a manifesto, it goes light on details. So if you're looking for the full program, not just the abstract, you may be disappointed. That being said, the resources that both authors recommend are very good and worth exploring.

[M. B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're in need of encouragement and someone giving you permission to relax a bit, this book is perfect for you!
The two authors discuss their own worries and general potentially stressful situations and give a TON of tips and advice on what you can do about them.
Best of all, just reading the book was already relaxing.

[Ellen Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever from Joanna Penn, an exploration of a variety of writing topics with strong advice and suggestions from her and co-author Mark Leslie Lefebvre, and a huge number of helpful resources. If you're a stressed writer, this book will ensure you don't feel alone -and give you a number of practical suggestions as to how to relieve that pressure.

[Jemi Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie publishing is a complex job with lots of moving parts.
It's easy to become overwhelmed and this is where Mark & Joanna come in.
This book is a great guide to managing all the aspects of indie publishing without losing control of anything (including yourself).
A great read that reinforces, reassures, and reinvigorates!

[Julie Schooler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does what it says on the cover - gives you tips and tools to help you feel like a relaxed author. The two author voices were a little jarring at times and there wasn't anything new in the book, but it did help me feel like, well, er, a relaxed author, so it guess it did its job. Recommended for stressed writers everywhere.

[Karen Nespoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could feel myself relax …

As a new picture book author I have been trying to do it all. Joanna and Mark show you that you do not need to do it all. Their advice is honest and well supported. I recommend this book for all authors who feel like they are doing too much!

[Alyssa Kuron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A therapeutic read for indie authors.
I’ve been a fan of both Mark Leslie Lefebvre and Joanna Penn for years and was so excited they co-authored a book. It was great to read their individual perspectives and highly recommend it in ebook or audio format.

[Shelley Burbank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic but I do think it could be a good resource because there are tons of links--many to other books and articles by the author, so it's info but also infomercial at the same time. Still, I do think Joanna Penn has a lot of good info out there.

[Emilia Zeeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the author life stresses you, you are not alone :)

[Lucy Appadoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read and full of tips and ideas to reduce burnout as an author. I respect both Joanna and Mark as providing great value to authors, and this book is a must-read.