Haley Jakobson, a writer and playwright, discusses her relationship with rejection and the journey to publishing her debut novel, 'Old Enough'. She shares her fear of rejection and the mantra of choosing herself, which worked until she had to face the vulnerability of publishing a book. Haley talks about the 40+ rejections she received and the tools she developed to navigate rejection, including zooming out and realizing that her career is not defined by one project, leaning on her community for support, and finding joy in other aspects of her life. She also discusses the changes in her life since the book launch and the responsibility she feels to educate and advocate for her audience.

Haley explores the concept of vulnerable storytelling and the challenges of being unpolished and messy in her writing. She shares that while her book 'Old Enough' is inspired by her own experiences, the protagonist is a separate character with her own journey. In this conversation, Haley Jakobson discusses her journey of healing and reclaiming her innocence after experiencing assault as a teenager. She shares how she grew into innocence and embraced her silliness and vulnerability. Haley also talks about her writing process and the importance of staying true to her values in navigating the capitalist nature of the publishing industry. She offers insights into manifestation and the power of community in achieving her goals.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Old Enough: A Novel on Amazon.

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.

To find out more about Haley Jakobson and her writing, visit: https://www.haleyjakobson.com/

Follow Hayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyjakobson/

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:⁠https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hayley Jakobson

00:43 Hayley's Relationship with Rejection

03:03 Navigating Rejection and Choosing Herself

05:22 Developing a Relationship with Rejection

10:17 Life Changes After Publishing a Book

15:28 The Challenges of Being Unfiltered in the Public Spotlight

22:33 Understanding Vulnerable Storytelling

29:38 The Inspiration Behind 'Old Enough'

31:02 Growing into Innocence

36:00 Writing as a Tool for Healing

37:39 Navigating Capitalism and Staying True to Values

51:07 Manifestation and Building a Supportive Community

56:36 Balancing Creativity and Marketing in the Publishing Industry

Paulette Perhach, an award-winning writer and author, shares her experiences with rejection and failure.

She emphasizes the importance of being open and vulnerable as a writer and navigating the challenges that come with it.

She discusses her journey with ADHD and how it has influenced her relationship with rejection.

Paulette also talks about the importance of self-compassion and seeking external help when needed. She shares personal stories of infidelity and how she stays open despite past experiences.

In this conversation, Paulette Perhach discusses the importance of feeling and embracing vulnerability, the power of acceptance, and the journey from victimhood to survivorship. S

he emphasizes the need to tap into our emotions and experiences in order to grow and transform. Paulette also shares insights on negotiation, self-education, and the value of having a vision. She encourages aspiring writers to read, write consistently, and start with small projects before submitting their work.

Paulette's personal story of resilience and growth serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating the challenges of life and pursuing their creative passions.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Welcome to the Writer's Life: How to Design Your Writing Craft, Writing Business, Writing Practice, and Reading Practice on Amazon.

To find out more about Paulette Perhach and her writing coaching, retreats and pieces, visit: https://www.pauletteperhach.com/

Follow Paulette on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulettejperhach/

I will also be giving away a copy of Paulette's latest book to a listener who subscribes to the podcast (your entry will count twice if you also review). You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women's spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:⁠https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you're looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background

• 02:17 Embracing Rejection and Failure

• 06:04 The Power of a Beginner's Mindset

• 10:07 Navigating Rejection and Failure with ADHD

• 24:34 Staying Open and Vulnerable as a Writer

• 29:56 Embracing Vulnerability and Growth

• 30:23 The Power of Acceptance

• 31:31 Negotiation and Self-Education

• 33:18 Having a Vision and Setting Audacious Goals

• 36:33 Starting Small and Building Confidence

• 41:17 Navigating Rejection and Persevering

Neil Patel, a renowned marketer and author, shares his insights on rejection and success. He emphasizes the importance of not letting rejection sting and the need to embrace rejection as a part of life and business. Neil discusses his own experiences with rejection and how he learned to be patient and persistent.

He also talks about the mindset of not having much to lose, which allowed him to take risks and pursue his dreams. Neil shares his thoughts on long-term planning, adapting to change, and the importance of community and support in overcoming rejection. He also highlights the value of taking action and not overthinking, as well as the need to own your dreams and not just rent them. Neil provides advice on navigating disagreements and criticism, and he suggests pitching Ray Dalio as a potential guest for the podcast.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum, as well as Neil’s other books, on Amazon or at your local bookstore.Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hustle-Power-Charge-Meaning-Momentum/dp/1623367166

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.

To find out more about Neil Patel, his courses and books, visit: https://neilpatel.com/
Follow Neil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilpatel/

A special thank you to our distribution partners!

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:⁠ https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35

00:00 Introduction and Neil Patel's Background

02:03 Embracing Rejection and Persistence

09:35 Dealing with Rejection and Overcoming Challenges

11:24 Creating Your Own Luck and Trying Different Paths

13:13 Learning from Mistakes and Finding Your Path

14:16 The Value of Big Markets and Broad Focus

19:47 Taking Action and Owning Your Dreams

24:17 Navigating Disagreements and Criticism

26:16 Pitching Tips: Getting a Warm Introduction

Nokuhle Kumalo shares her journey of feeling rejected by her accounting career and making the decision to leave and pursue her own business.

She discusses the challenges and doubts she faced along the way, as well as the support she received from her community. Nokuhle emphasizes the importance of finding a career that aligns with your personality and values, as well as the satisfaction that comes from living according to your purpose. She also talks about the audacious confidence she has always had and how it has helped her go after what she wants in life.

In this conversation, Nokuhle discusses her confidence in achieving her goals and the support she received from her father.

She also talks about the challenges she faced as a Black woman in corporate South Africa and the need to constantly prove herself, sharing her experiences of code-switching and the importance of language and cultural identity.

Nokuhle introduces her book, 'Get Ready With Me Work Edition,' which serves as a survival guide for young professionals in the workplace.

Nokuhle shares her experience of self-publishing, including the challenges of finding a printer and obtaining a barcode (who would have guessed!). Despite not actively marketing her book, she has had success in sales and has even had bulk sales from corporate clients. Nokuhle also reveals her plans to write a second book aimed at high school students.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Get Ready With Me Work Edition, on the Lomaku website, here: https://8266e8-3.myshopify.com/products/grwm-work-edition-book-get-ready-with-me-navigating-corporate-as-an-adult.

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.

Subscribe to Nokuhle's popular Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeRUdQBuR1zX7uhVIV6oRkQ
Follow Nokuhle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nokuhle_kumalo/

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry's guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here's the link:https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:29 Feeling Rejected in the Accounting Field

04:30 Leaving Corporate and Facing Backlash

06:57 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Setting Targets

10:08 The Power of Speaking Your Goals into Existence

11:27 Finding Alignment in Your Career and Personal Values

27:24 Confidence and Support: The Key to Achieving Goals

35:41 Challenges Faced by Black Women in Corporate South Africa

39:28 The Experience of Code-Switching

40:25 The Importance of Language and Cultural Identity

44:23 Introducing 'Get Ready With Me Work Edition': A Guide for Young Professionals

55:18 The Journey of a Self-Published Author

56:34 Building Relationships and Leveraging Social Media for Book Sales

58:30 The Power of Reviews and Feedback

01:04:43 Partnering with Corporations for Sales and Speaking Engagements

01:13:44 Writing for a Specific Audience: High School Students

Gay Hendricks shares his personal journey of transformation and finding his zone of genius. He discusses how a moment of clarity after falling on the ice led him to discover a state of pure consciousness.

Gay emphasizes the importance of facing and accepting our emotions and experiences in order to transform our lives. He also highlights the role of meditation in connecting with our true selves and finding inner peace.

In this part of the conversation, Gay discusses the importance of self-acceptance and making new choices to create positive change.

He introduces the FAC method. Gay also shares his experience with the upper limit problem, where he encountered self-sabotage after experiencing success. He emphasizes the power of wonder and asking questions to uncover limiting beliefs. Gay offers advice for aspiring writers, highlighting the importance of voicing ambitions and taking action.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Your Big Leap Year, as well as Gay’s other books, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Big-Leap-Year-Next-Level/dp/1250292794

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.

To find out more about Gay Hendricks, his work and his books, visit: https://hendricks.com/

Follow Gay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hendricks.gay/

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Chapters

00:00 Gay Hendrick’s Journey

05:54 A Moment of Clarity

11:52 Facing and Accepting Emotions

18:34 Meditation and Inner Peace

24:52 Committing to Your Gifts

30:14 Embracing Unpleasant Experiences

32:22 Self-Acceptance and Making New Choices

36:00 The Upper Limit Problem

46:02 The Role of Wonder and Asking Questions

51:21 Advice for Aspiring Writers

Geraldine DeRuiter, a James Beard award-winning writer and author, discusses her experience with a negative review of her book and how her community turned it around to make it a bestseller.

She shares the personal attacks she faced in the review and the emotional toll it took on her. Despite the hurtful beginning, her community's support and the negative review actually helped boost the book's sales.

Geraldine also reflects on her ambition as a child and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in her writing journey. Geraldine shares her experience of how her blog gained traction and how she navigated rejection in her writing career. She emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there and not being afraid of rejection. She also discusses the fear of stating what you want and offers advice for aspiring writers and creators.

Geraldine encourages setting audacious rejection goals and aiming high. She shares personal anecdotes and insights on overcoming the fear of rejection and pursuing your dreams.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of If You Can't Take the Heat: Tales of Food, Feminism, and Fury on Amazon.

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.

To find out more about Geraldine and read her award-winning blog, visit: https://www.everywhereist.com/about/

Follow Geraldine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEverywhereist/

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women's spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:33 The Negative Review and Emotional Impact

16:00 Childhood Ambition and Writing Journey

29:58 Traffic Increase and the Power of Authenticity

33:50 Gaining Traction and Overcoming Rejection

36:06 Transitioning from Anonymity to Recognition

37:29 The Impact of Viral Success

38:24 The Condensing Timeframe of Success

40:19 Dealing with Rejection in Personal Life

43:19 Protecting Oneself from Rejection

46:21 The Fear of Stating What You Want

48:06 External Motivation and Accountability

50:18 The Love of Having Written

52:58 The Fear of Rejection vs. Actual Rejection

54:24 Setting Audacious Rejection Goals

59:06 Reaching Out to Influential People

In exclusive interviews, society's bestselling authors share how they navigated the toughest periods of their personal and professional lives, and how this shaped the success they now experience today.

You probably know your favorite authors’ success stories. After all, you chose to read their books because of their expertise, wisdom, and great storytelling skills. But do you know their rejection story? I am not talking about the glossed-over “rags to riches” story that you may hear briefly mentioned in a press interview. I’m talking about hearing — directly from them — what it was like in the thick of it.

My mission with this podcast is to humanize the stories of some of society’s most successful thought leaders. Grab a cup of tea, plug your headphones in, and take a listen. Who knows? You might just see yourself in their stories.