From Teacher to Bestselling Author, Matt Eicheldinger is telling the stories kids want to read

Writers With Wrinkles

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Hosts: Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid

Theme: Writer Resilience, Success

Key Discussion Points:

1. Matt Eicheldinger's Background:
   • Transition from childhood interests to writing.
   • Teaching career and its role in storytelling.
   • Path to self-publishing and eventual traditional publishing success.
2. Celebrating Recent Successes:
   • Matt's book, "Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes," hits bestseller lists.
   • Discussion on dealing with imposter syndrome and the overwhelming nature of success.
3. The Realities of Publishing:
   • The challenges of gaining visibility and the perseverance required in the face of rejection.
   • The impact of social media presence and pre-sale records on publishing opportunities.
   • Understanding the nature of book deals and the industry's unpredictability.
4. Self-Publishing Insights:
   • Matt's experiences and learnings from self-publishing, including Kickstarter funding and distribution struggles.
   • The importance of pivoting strategies and learning from rejection to enhance one’s writing and querying process.
5. Social Media Strategy:
   • Matt’s approach to building an authentic social media presence without overtly promoting his books.
   • The significance of being genuine, consistent, and engaging in storytelling on social media platforms.
   • Lessons learned from viral content and maintaining a focus on genuine engagement over chasing trends.

Conclusion:
The episode encapsulates the highs and lows of a writer's life, emphasizing hard work, resilience, and adaptability. Matt's journey from an unknown teacher and writer to a celebrated author exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the publishing world and the importance of staying true to one's craft and vision.
Find Matt here.

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Chapters

1. Author's Journey to Bestseller Status (00:00:00)

2. Advice for Resilient Writers (00:13:01)

3. Advice for Self-Publishing and Storytelling (00:16:49)

4. Navigating Social Media Growth and Virality (00:29:17)

5. Navigating Rejection and Career Transition (00:35:41)

6. Gratitude for Guest - Matt (00:44:45)