‘The doors start to appear once you start doing things - they don’t appear when you’re just thinking about doing things.’

Dan Nelken is on a mission: he’s passionate about helping creative people create and get over what's stopping them. A fork lift driver - and advertising copywriter - by trade, his book A Self Help Guide for Copywriters was a breakout hit during the pandemic.

I wanted to speak to Dan not just because I’m on a similar mission, or because I wanted to talk about copywriting per se, but because I know he has things to say that are helpful to anyone who’s plucking up the courage to begin their own creative journey.

It’s a fascinating chat.

We talk about Dan’s chaotic and lawless early years. He introduces me to Alan, the scared little voice inside his head. And he explains how he got over a lifetime habit of not finishing stuff and finally found fulfilment.

This episode was recorded down the line. There are kids in the background. And a little hammering. But there’s also lots of great conversation.

You can find out more about Dan’s course ‘Writing Under Pressure’ here and buy a copy of his book here. I’d also recommend his excellent weekly newsletter.

Since the recording I listened to the Jerry Seinfeld interview with Tim Ferris Dan mentioned. It’s really good.