What if building a writing career meant learning how to weave all your experiences into something that finally feels like you?
Shaun Chavis has played many roles over the years: journalist, content marketer, and book editor to name a few. Instead of choosing just one lane, she’s learned how to let each chapter of her career inform the next.
In this conversation, Shawn shares how her background in journalism and book publishing quietly shaped the way she approaches Substack and content marketing.
She also talks about why authenticity matters more than tactics, how community and collaboration can turn writing into something sustainable, and why storytelling is still the most powerful tool creators have.
This is a conversation about trusting your voice, simplifying your strategy, and giving yourself permission to focus on what actually works for you.
Highlights
Your career is cumulative
Shawn’s path shows us no experience is wasted if you’re willing to use it. Journalism taught her how to ask questions, content marketing taught her how to connect ideas to outcomes, and book editing taught her how to turn stories from idea to reality.
“I have been a journalist, and then I pivoted into content marketing. I also used to be a book editor, specifically a cookbook editor, where I developed book concepts and saw projects through from pitch to publication. This diverse background has enriched my professional journey.”
Substack builds relationships
More creators are realizing that visibility alone isn’t enough. Shawn explains why Substack works so well when you focus on trust instead of algorithms and SEO.
“A lot of people are now asking about how they can fold Substack into their content marketing strategy, especially as they realize the importance of building relationships and brand storytelling beyond just SEO.”
Growth happens in layers
Instead of trying to reinvent yourself every few years, Shawn talks about how each phase adds texture and depth to your work.
“Over time as your career progresses, you add like one layer and another layer and you have different experiences. These layers make you a unique professional, allowing you to bring insights from various fields into your current work.”
Storytelling works when the reader becomes the hero
This is where Shawn’s journalism and book background really shines. She explained how narrative is the way people connect with your work.
“I believe you can use the tools of narrative to help not only tell your story, but then if you’re marketing something, you can engage your audience by making them the hero of the story, creating a deeper connection.”
Substack is all about authenticity
One of the biggest draws of Substack for Shawn is how open and human the platform feels. Vulnerability is welcomed.
“I love that the vibe on Substack is really authentic. People are cool with being vulnerable and helping each other in authentic ways, which fosters a genuine community.”
Collaboration beats competition
Even with monetization in the mix, Shawn sees Substack as a place where creators genuinely support one another.
“It’s a great place to collaborate. I feel like Substack is different in that people, even though a lot of people are trying to monetize what they’re doing on Substack, it doesn’t feel competitive because there’s room for everyone.”
Great content creates immersion
Whether you’re telling a story or teaching something, the goal is the same. Pull people in and make them want to stay.
“You want to create those moments of transportation where you’re hooking somebody to the point that they are engaged and they want to stay around, whether it’s through storytelling or engaging content.”
Start simple and build intentionally
Shawn’s advice cuts through the noise. Stop trying to do everything and focus on doing the basics well.
“Don’t try to do it all. Just pick the most important things. You’re going to need a welcome email, your logo, and a banner for your newsletter. Start with the basics and build from there.”
Closing reflection
Shawn reminds us that you don’t have to reinvent yourself every time you pivot. You get to bring your whole self with you. Your past work, your curiosity, and your hard-earned skills all make you a better creator.
She also recommends using Substack to tell better stories and build real relationships over time. That’s exactly why I created this Substack. It’s built for writers and creators who want to share their ideas with the world.
If you have advice for authors or other creatives and want to share it, let me know in the comments below.
