Write the Book Readers Can’t Stop Recommending (Write Big, Ep 14)

Write the Book Readers Can’t Stop Recommending (Write Big, Ep 14)

From #AmWriting by KJ

February 27, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 493

About this episode

In 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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: Jennie Nash

Guest: AJ Harper

Topics covered

  • writing
  • success
  • reader engagement
  • book recommendations

Keywords

  • Top Three book
  • meaningful success
  • writing craft

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Write a Must-Read, Love Medicine, The War of Art

Books & works: Write the Book Readers Can’t Stop Recommending, Write Big, Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives—Including Your Own, Ep 416: The Art of Helping Writers Do Their Best Work, Write a Must-Read, The War of Art

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