The Secrets to Writing a Best-Selling Book | Ep. 366 with Clay Manley (Part 4; True Strength Series)

We are back with multiple 2x-times best-selling author Clay Manley. Clay is an award-winning copywriter who went from working with some of the biggest brands in the world to now a non-fiction author. His story is incredible. His devotion to his craft is extraordinary. His work is world-class. And today, I want to dive into ALL of that…and then some as we peel back the curtain even more on the habits, routines, and processes of what makes a prolific author like him tick.

Here is some of what I ask Clay today on Part 2 of his interview that started on last week’s IMPACT SHOW podcast:

You went from working on some of the biggest brands in the world like Marvel and Petco…to now being a nonfiction author. How did you make that transition?
Walk us through your creative process. How do you approach co-authoring, or ghostwriting a book?
What are your unique rituals or habits you have for writing a book?
Talk more about “creative windows.” How do YOU create them or when do you find you are MOST creative?
Talk even more about your creative writing process. Give us some of your top secrets…
Where did you physically WRITE the majority of our TRUE STRENGTH book? Explain that process…
For someone who has a tough time writing or getting “blocks” of time, what are some of your recommendations?
I know you have this BHAG goal of writing 10 New York Times Best Selling books. Why 10? How did you come up with this goal?
Do you think everyone has ONE BOOK in them?
What does your day-to-day routine look like? How often are you reading, or writing? Who are some of your favorite authors?
What are some of the unique challenges you face as a co-author, and ghostwriter and how do you overcome them?
How do you strike a balance between honoring the author’s vision and infusing your own creativity into the work?
How do you handle negative reviews or criticism of your work?
Who inspires you?
What gives you TRUE STRENGTH?
What’s next for you?

It is said that if you want to be great, you must “Embrace the Process.” This episode gives you all the behind-the-scenes” look at the routines, rituals, and habits of a best-selling author and copywriter.

If you enjoy today’s SHOW, please do me a favor. Please SHARE this episode with your friends, family, and community and don’t forget to SHARE it on your IG, FB, or social media. Please tag both Clay and me and we will reciprocate some love.

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IG: @ToddDurkin @Clay.Manley

#TrueStrength #IMPACTShow #Podcast #Ep365

Purchase TRUE STRENGTH Here.

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NFL SUPER BOWL XLIV CHAMPION & MVP, 20 NFL SEASONS, 13 PRO BOWL SELECTIONS

Todd has been a huge blessing to our church, ministry, family, and me personally. Not only has he trained me and become a close friend, but he’s spoken at our church many times. If you are looking for someone to deliver some serious IMPACT, Todd will be a blessing to anyone in the room.

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Senior Pastor, Shadow Mountain Church & Turning Point Ministries

Working with Todd has been the best decision I have made in my pro career. The energy, focus, mentorship and elite training has brought me to new heights year after year.

Brett Rypien

NFL Quarterback

“Get your mind right!” boomed over the speakers and the session took off like a rocket. After three long years, the Hand & Stone franchise community was gathering for our International Conference in San Antonio, TX. Our community had endured nearly three years of constant change, and we gathered to celebrate- both the rich history of the organization and the bold, new paths we were planning to walk in the future. In that space, Todd Durkin was the perfect choice to keynote our general session. The 800+ attendees were challenged, motivated, and most importantly inspired by TD’s incredibly dynamic session. Equal parts vision and actionable framework, Todd’s talk was one of the highlights of the conference, and our community left with a renewed purpose to become the very best of themselves.

John Teza

President & CEO, Hand and Stone Franchise Corp.

I have known Todd since 2012 when I read his ‘IMPACT Body Plan’ book. I have been to many of his events, read all his books, listen to his podcasts, have hired him multiple times to speak at my company, and I still get coached by him today. To say he’s been a big part of the success of Nassau FG and has also had huge IMPACT on me as a father, husband, and man is an understatement. Todd Durkin is the real-deal. When I say “Iron Sharpens Iron,” TD is one of those people who sharpens me. Let him sharpen you also!

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GENERAL COUNSEL & COO, NASSAU FINANCIAL GROUP

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Jason Cullum

Lead Pastor, Christ’s Church

Todd is one of the elite resources in the country when it relates to helping high-performing CEOs and leaders create even greater impact in their field or life. He is transformative in the manner in which he delivers his narrative in order to connect, engage, and achieve impact at the highest levels. He is one of the great change agents anywhere – helping leaders go from great to excellence. I am proud of his work with my clients, many leaders of publicly traded companies and high-functioning management teams, and with me personally. He is a life coach and leadership master to those who are in sports and business.

Brad Deutser

CEO + President, Deutser, LLC

We brought Todd in for a virtual keynote for our Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Development Group for Women. It was amazing to see how he not only connected with everyone through the screen, but you could literally feel his energy and passion as if he was living on stage with us. He not only inspired us and reminded us of the grit needed to “Get your mind right,” but also gave us actionable habits and homework to be the best version of ourselves. Todd gave us an outstanding presentation and truly inspires greatness every day!

Susan Couch

SVP Business Banking Client Manager, Bank of America

We invited Todd to have an impact on our sales and account management teams – to inspire them to think about personal health and well-being and to do so on an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual level. His presentation translated to lasting behavior change amongst our associates. From the moment Todd began his presentation, the teams were transfixed by his genuine energy and powerful, impactful messages about personal growth and accountability to the organization. Although Todd has trained many famous athletes, I highly encourage company leaders to understand that his messages are applicable to everyone in all industries. When you invite Todd to be a part of your life, your organization, you better be careful – he will make you better.

Alexi Vontsolos, MBA

Vice President, Sales & Account Management, Health Net of California

I attended the Todd Durkin Mastermind retreat in White Fish, Montana, because I know that to be a successful fitness professional and entrepreneur, I need to stay lit up and energized. Members of the TD Mastermind are passionate and elite at what they do because they put in the work and help others along the way. The TD Mastermind is a place to feel supported, cared about, seen, and inspired to do more for others. We are all on a mission, and we can’t do it alone. The members, coaches, and of course, Todd inspire me to be better and to do more. With the help of the TD Mastermind, I will go back to my community inspired and equipped with tools that needed sharpening. Montana was glorious, but this trip was all about the people.

Kelly Spraragen Young

TD Mastermind Member

I attended the Todd Durkin Mastermind retreat in Whitefish, MT, and have been an Institute level member since 2019. As a younger fitness professional with 8 years in the industry, joining the Mastermind has been a Godsend for my personal, professional, and spiritual growth. The Todd Durkin Mastermind consists of some of the best and consummate fitness professionals/business owners around the world, but most importantly, a goldmine of good, genuine people. Our visions, careers, service to others, and legacies require us to go deep into who we are and what we do as professionals. However, it’s the high-level coaching, support of fellow members, and commitment to sharpening each other that take us to different levels. Iron sharpens Iron.

Tim Carter

TD Mastermind Member

Joining the Todd Durkin Mastermind has been one of the best decisions, both professionally and personally I’ve ever made. To be part of a community with heart-centered leaders, who truly want the best for each other, has positively spilled into all areas of my life. The coaching from each leader and member of the TD Mastermind is world-class, genuine, and personal and has helped me grow and lead my team. I’ve had a safe community to come with any struggle, hardship, or big decision that felt overwhelming to navigate alone. We give so much of our hearts and souls in this industry, it’s important to have a place to fill back up with. Coming together at retreats gives you all the octane and more to keep chasing dreams and changing lives. Investing in the mastermind and being part of this community has proved beyond my expectations in every way. If you want to be part of a team who sees your strength, pushes you to greatness, and is there to catch you when you fall – the TD Mastermind is where it’s at!

Rachele Jaegers

TD Mastermind Member

The Todd Durkin Mastermind is my extended fitness family. Each time we gather, we seem to grow even closer as time continues to change us and our businesses. It just feels right. It is not always about crunching numbers, the number of new sign-ups, or how many programs we have running. It runs much deeper. As we grow older relationships and time become more valuable. You have only so many more clicks of the clock and encounters and experiences. They should be spent with those who elevate you. The TD Mastermind does just that!

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The Secrets to Writing a Best-Selling Book | Ep. 366 with Clay Manley (Part 4; True Strength Series)

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President & CEO, Hand and Stone Franchise Corp.

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Lead Pastor, Christ’s Church

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SVP Business Banking Client Manager, Bank of America

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Vice President, Sales & Account Management, Health Net of California

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