
493: Write the Book Readers Can’t Stop Recommending(Write Big, Ep 14)
From #AmWriting by #AmWriting with Jess & KJ
February 27, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 493
About this episode
Jennie Nash and AJ Harper discuss how to define success as a writer by focusing on creating books that readers love and recommend.
In this Write Big episode, Jennie Nash is joined by AJ Harper , author of Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives—Including Your Own , to talk about a more meaningful way to define success as a writer. AJ shares her concept of writing a “Top Three” book—one that becomes a reader’s personal favorite, the kind they keep forever, recommend constantly, and return to again and again. Together they explore why chasing external metrics like speed, bestseller lists, or book deals can distract from what really matters, and how focusing on writing something truly beloved often leads to those wins anyway. Links from the Pod: Ep 416: The Art of Helping Writers Do Their Best Work , with AJ Harper Write a Must-Read , AJ Harper Love Medicine , Louise Erdrich The War of Art , Steven Pressfield
People in this episode
Host: Jennie Nash
Guest: AJ Harper
Topics covered
- writing success
- reader engagement
- book recommendations
- personal favorites
- creative process
Keywords
- writing
- success
- book recommendations
- reader favorites
- creative writing
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives—Including Your Own, Love Medicine, The War of Art
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