Episode 25: How I R&D A New Creative Concept
What does it actually look like to develop a creative idea before it becomes a book, brand, offer, or body of work?
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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