68: The Savage Story: Robyn Tanner on How to Write the Naked Truth that Frees You
Stop Settling for Mediocrity and Start Writing Your Savage Story
I met Robyn a few years ago, and her story — as she calls it — is one of hurricanes and tornadoes that you have to hear. After building a 30-year career in the fitness industry, coaching, and mindset transformation, Robyn realized that her entire life of adversity and survival was meant to be written. Like, non-negotiable, no other choice.
Robyn is a writer, speaker, developmental editor, and story architect. We dive into the key moment that launched her writing career — a coach's simple advice to "write A book, not THE book."
This was the spark that led Robyn to draft The Machete Mentality in a single week.
You'll hear about how Robyn rarely writes sitting down, how she's busted the myths of daily writing routines, and hear her super smart trick to never ignore your drafts again.
Most of all, you'll appreciate Robyn's ultimate piece of advice for writers: you must write the savage story. The part that's between you and God — you know, the parts you don't want to say out loud. That's exactly what she did, so it could stop owning her.
Key Takeaways:
Write a Book, Not THE Book — this simple reframe helps writers sink into the honest, imperfect writing that needs to be done.
"Obey the Obsession" Inside — when you've got multiple writing projects going on, the one you should work on has to do with the idea that won't leave you alone.
Acknowledge ALL the Work — Everything you do as a writer takes energy — brainstorming, research, creative downloads are all work, so give yourself credit for these mental efforts.
Writing Changes You — writing a book can be the catalyst that allows you to leave an old identity behind and fully step into a new role as an author, speaker, or whatever you choose.
The Savage Story is Freedom — to free yourself from your past, you MUST write the part of your story that scares you most.
Timestamps
00:00 Meet Robyn Tanner
09:54 Machete Mentality Origin
13:01 Write a Book, Not The Book
16:17 Managing Multiple Book Projects
22:35 Choosing the Next Book
24:08 AI and Authentic Voice
26:59 Writing While Moving
31:54 Writing Without Deadlines
35:18 Balancing Pushing And Resting
38:32 All the Creative Work Counts
40:38 Machete Mentality Drive
46:03 Write The Savage Truth
50:45 Closing And Call To Action
Links from today’s episode:
Robyn on Instagram: @writer_robynlynn
THE EDIT, with Robyn
Robyn’s book,The Machete Mentality
