Episode Overview In Episode 3 of Just Write Julie, host Julie Navickas sits down with Lenora Henson, founder of Poppy & Oak Creative, author strategist, and virtual assistant for writers navigating the business side of publishing. Together, they explore what it really means to “do the next write thing”—a philosophy that encourages authors to focus on intentional progress rather than chasing every new trend in the publishing world. Julie and Lenora discuss how writers can build strong foundations for sustainable careers, why patience is often the missing ingredient in author success, and how small strategic steps—like building an email newsletter—can create long-term momentum. Whether you’re finishing your first manuscript or figuring out what comes after publication, this episode offers a clear reminder: progress in publishing doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing the next write thing. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How Julie & Lenora First Connected Julie and Lenora share the story of how their professional relationship began and how it evolved into a strategic collaboration around author platforms, publishing strategy, and sustainable career growth. What “Doing the Next Write Thing” Really Means Lenora explains the philosophy behind the phrase she often shares with authors: instead of trying to solve every publishing problem at once, focus on the next clear step that moves your writing career forward. Patience as a Publishing Strategy Publishing moves slowly—but that doesn’t mean authors aren’t making progress. Julie and Lenora discuss why patience is essential for long-term success and where writers most often struggle with unrealistic expectations. Building a Strong Author Foundation Before investing heavily in marketing and launches, authors need the right foundational pieces in place. Lenora outlines the core elements every writer should establish to support long-term visibility and connection with readers. Why Email Newsletters Matter More Than Ever While social media platforms come and go, email lists remain one of the most powerful tools an author can build. Lenora explains why newsletters are essential—and how writers can begin growing one even if they’re starting from zero. Balancing Creativity and Business Writing is both an art and a profession. Julie and Lenora discuss what happens when authors lean too heavily toward either creativity or business—and how finding balance allows both to thrive. Building Momentum Beyond Social Media For writers feeling burned out by algorithms and constant content creation, Lenora offers alternative ways to build connection, visibility, and reader relationships outside of social media platforms. Supporting the Whole Author Publishing can be emotionally demanding. Lenora shares how she supports writers not just strategically, but also through the uncertainty, self-doubt, and isolation that can accompany the creative process. The One Takeaway If listeners walk away remembering just one thing from this conversation, it’s this: progress in publishing doesn’t require perfection—it requires patience and clarity about your next step. Key Takeaways for Writers Progress in publishing comes from consistent next steps—not trying to do everything at once. Patience is a strategic advantage in an industry that moves slowly. A strong author foundation should come before aggressive marketing efforts. Email newsletters remain one of the most valuable long-term tools for connecting with readers. Trends come and go, but alignment with your goals and strengths creates sustainable momentum. Guest Spotlight: Lenora Henson Lenora Henson is the founder of Poppy & Oak Creative, where she helps authors build strategic foundations for their publishing careers. With more than a decade of experience in the publishing space, Lenora works with writers to develop sustainable systems for newsletters, reader communication, and long-term career growth. Her philosophy centers on helping authors focus on the next clear step—allowing them to make meaningful progress without becoming overwhelmed by the constantly shifting publishing landscape. Connect with Lenora Poppy & Oak Creative – https://poppyandoakcreative.com Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/poppyandoakcreative/ Explore the 7-Day Author Newsletter Blueprint to begin building your email list and reader community. About the Show Just Write Julie is the writing podcast where craft meets strategy and creativity meets clarity. Each episode helps writers strengthen their work on the page while learning how to position, communicate, and advocate for their stories with confidence. Listen & Subscribe Follow and subscribe to Just Write Julie on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If this episode helped you rethink your next step as a writer, share it with a friend who could use a little clarity in their publishing journey. For tools, templates, and behind-the-scenes lessons, visit authorjulienavickas.com and connect with Julie on social media. Until next time: just write—and don’t be afraid to be strategic about it.
