Ep 251: 2026: The Year of Ease, Not Hustle
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This episode starts with a question that’s been tapping me on the shoulder all year: What would it look like to choose ease without giving up momentum?
I’m reflecting on the past year in book writing and publishing, and sharing what I’m carrying forward into 2026. Less hustle-for-hustle’s-sake. More sustainable progress that feels livable.
I talk about why consistency in book sales matters more than viral spikes, and why realistic goals tend to outperform ambitious ones you can’t maintain.
There’s an honest look at marketing, too. It takes time. It’s rarely linear. And there’s no shortcut that replaces steady effort and experimentation.
Finally, I dig into the quieter side of growth: building community, focusing on connection over vanity metrics, and staying open to adapting your approach as the market (and your life) changes.
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Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
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Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
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Chapters
1. Year-End Setup And Context (00:00:00)
2. Recapping 2025 Trends With Jen (00:03:24)
3. Defining Ease For 2026 (00:04:34)
4. Rejecting Bro Marketing (00:07:29)
5. Earning Ease Versus Instant Success (00:11:04)
6. Realities Behind Big Book Launches (00:14:54)
7. Aim For Two Sales A Day (00:18:59)
8. Why Consistency Beats Spikes (00:22:39)
152 episodes