In this episode of The Writer’s Round, I pull back the curtain on one of my favorite parts of the creative process: research and development.

From building playlists and collecting thematic inspiration to creating miniature libraries of books that shape my thinking, I share the unconventional system I use to determine whether an idea is worth pursuing—or just another shiny distraction.

Drawing from my experience finishing Here to Sell while simultaneously developing my next project, I explore how creativity often emerges through patterns, themes, and subconscious connections rather than rigid planning.

I explain why consuming the right art matters, how books influence voice and perspective, and why creating meaningful work starts long before the first draft.

Whether you're a writer, business owner, artist, or creator, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to cultivate original ideas and develop a stronger creative voice.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why writing a book feels more like steering a massive ship than launching an offer
• The difference between a fleeting idea and a creative project worth pursuing
• How playlists help me discover themes and story concepts
• The role intuition, symbolism, and synchronicity play in my creative process
• Why consuming great art is essential to creating great work
• How reading across genres helps develop a unique writing style
• The “mini-library” strategy I use to research creative projects
• How books, films, and stories can become creative mentors
• Why developing your voice requires experimentation, not formal training
• How business owners can use the same process to strengthen their content and messaging

Creative breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They emerge through intentional exposure to ideas, themes, stories, and experiences that allow your subconscious mind to make connections over time.

Whether you're writing a novel, building a business, or creating content, the quality of what you consume shapes the quality of what you create.

Sometimes the best way to develop a new idea isn't to force it—it's to build an environment where it can find you.

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