On 3 December 2008, I posted my first article on this site! year-wide.png">It's my 10 year anniversary of starting an online business as a writer, and in this show, I reflect on the changes in the publishing industry, lessons learned, and the way forward. This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. Joanna Penn (yes, it's me on my own today!) is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers under J.F.Penn and also writes non-fiction for authors. She’s also a podcaster and an award-winning creative entrepreneur. Her site, TheCreativePenn.com has been voted in the Top 100 sites for writers by Writer's Digest. You can listen above or on iTunes or your favorite podcast app, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below. Show Notes * Backstory: How I started writing and publishing * What are some of the big changes in publishing over the last 10 years? * The stigma of self-publishing has (almost) gone away * Why indie authors are part of the Maker movement * Some of my biggest mistakes in publishing * 6 lessons learned and questions for your author journey * What about the next 10 years? What will I be doing in 2028? If you want to join me on the journey ahead, sign up for the Author Blueprint so you're on my email list, and subscribe to the podcast for inspiration and education every Monday. 10 Years Of The Creative Penn On 3 December 2008, I posted my first article on TheCreativePenn.com: Publishing 2.0 is an incredible opportunity for authors and book lovers. Here’s an excerpt: *** I am writing this blog as a passionate lover of books, and as a recent author. I love books and browse bookshops for hours, I buy online several times a week and read obsessively whenever I can. I am not anti the physical book at all. However, I am excited about the possibilities for authors in the “new” publishing world. Traditional publishers, agents and literary critics are no longer in the way of people who want to get their words out there. There is no barrier to entry into the market of being an author anymore. I can get my book on Amazon.com for very little money, and when ordered, it is printed-on-demand. I hold no stock, but my words are out there. I am my own publisher and my book is available for sale globally. Traditional publishing is changing in the face of new technologies and developments in the book world. The last few months have seen massive layoffs in the publishing industry, the first Espresso Book Machine has started print-on-demand at Angus and Robertson here in Australia, the Kindle is one of Oprah's favourite things, and sales of e-books are on the rise. These are all positive signs for authors and readers of all kin...