The Creative Shift with Dan Blank

Hosted ByDan Blank

Dan Blank interviews writers and artists who have taken the leap from merely dabbling with their creative vision, to becoming successful doers whose work has a positive impact on others.


All Episodes

“I got diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but the book was my bright spot.” My Interview with Veronica Miller Jamison

Today, picture book illustrator and textile designer Veronica Miller Jamison, shares how she made a major career shift, and how that led to illustrating her first book. She discusses the value of surrounding yourself with people who appreciate the craf…

Audio Player

Quitting Her Job to Finish Her Novel: The Creative Shift of Naomi Jackson

Just as Naomi Jackson received a big promotion and raise at a job she loved, she quit. In doing so, she moved from New York City to the cornfields of Iowa with the goal of finishing her novel. In today’s interview,

Audio Player

“Because I was finally following my passion, everything fell into place.” My interview with author Gigi Pandian

Gigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author of 10 books. Today we explore the huge creative shift she made to stop pursuing a PhD in order to fill her life with more creativity develop her career as an author.

Audio Player

From a 25+ Year Career in Education to Her First Book, with Valerie Bolling

For years, Valerie Bolling worked in education. One day, a visit from her nieces inspired her to write some stories. She set a goal to get published and “wrote and wrote and wrote.” Through a Twitter pitch, her book was acquired by a publisher.

Audio Player

How Star Wars Led to an Amazing Creative Shift, with Steve Sansweet

Today I want to share the story of an amazing creative shift. Steve Sansweet was working as a journalist when he was allowed to see an early screening of Star Wars in 1977. That day changed his life, and he went on to amass the world’s largest collecti…

Audio Player

From Professional Basketball to Becoming an Author and Entrepreneur. My Interview with Malcolm Lemmons

When Malcolm Lemmons shifted his career away from professional basketball, he describes how he struggled to find a new purpose. What gave him a clear path? Writing and storytelling. In today’s episode, we talk about his creative shift.

Audio Player

“It Keeps Growing.” Promoting Your Book 2+ Years Post-Launch, with Beth Ricanati, M.D.

“I’m selling more books and the message is getting out there.” This is author Beth Ricanati, M.D. described the results of continuing to promote her book two years after release. She has been running workshops in-person and online in support of her boo…

Audio Player

“The book that won the Caldecott was my 99th story idea.” My Interview with Andrea J. Loney

Earlier this year Andrea J. Loney’s book, Double Bass Blues, received a Caldecott Honor. When I asked her about that journey she described how her very first book deal was for her 11th manscript. The next book she sold, Double Bass Blues,

Audio Player

“I Can Choose My Outcome.” On Creativity, Identity, and Success, with Vesper Stamper

Today author/illustrator Vesper Stamper shares powerful wisdom on the lessons she has learned in four decades of creative work. As a child, she found escape in books, she attended the arts high school featured in the movie and TV show Fame,

Audio Player
Subscribe to Our Newsletter