Welcome to the Great Things LLC Podcast, where we celebrate individuals making a significant impact through conscious business practices aligned with personal values. Hosted by Josh Meeder, this show features visionaries who have discovered their purpose and created joy and abundance while helping others. Whether you’re an established trailblazer or still seeking your path, these stories will inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
In a recent episode, Josh Meeder interviewed Frankie Rollins, a former academic turned author, writing coach, and entrepreneur. Frankie shares her remarkable journey from teaching at a community college to founding the Fifth Brain Creative Collective, a business dedicated to supporting people in their creative writing journeys.
The Pandemic as a Catalyst for Change
Frankie reflects on her life in Tucson, Arizona, during the early days of the pandemic. Teaching creative writing online while coping with personal loss and isolation had a profound impact on her. These experiences led her to reevaluate her career and ultimately leave academia to start her own business.
She recalls the challenging environment: “I was teaching five classes, dealing with the loss of my cat, and living through the pandemic in isolation. It was a dark moment. My house was isolated, and I could hear helicopters overhead day and night from the nearby hospital. It was then that I realized I needed to make a change.”
The Birth of Fifth Brain Creative Collective
Frankie’s experiences during the pandemic inspired her to create the Fifth Brain Creative Collective. This business focuses on fostering creativity and healing through writing. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, conversation, and weekly support in nurturing creativity.
“I realized that the more people have access to their true thoughts and creativity, the more solutions they can come up with for the problems we face today. We need people to be creative, in touch with themselves, and capable of working collaboratively,” Frankie explains.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Creativity
A significant part of Frankie’s coaching involves helping writers overcome common fears such as impostor syndrome and the fear of being selfish. She encourages writers to give themselves permission to write and highlights the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.
“People often struggle with the fear of being selfish. They don’t realize that spending time on their creativity is a boon to the rest of us. The more people think, understand, and reflect, the better community members they become,” she says.
Success Stories from the Fifth Brain Creative Collective
Frankie shares inspiring stories of her clients who have overcome significant personal challenges through writing. One client, who had never written before, started writing about her traumatic experiences and has now developed a sophisticated essay. Another client, who was agoraphobic for eight years, recently published his first short story in a national magazine.
“Seeing my clients transform through writing is the most astonishing thing. They are healing themselves and finding their voices. It’s thrilling to bear witness to their journeys,” Frankie says.
The Importance of Process Over Outcome
Josh and Frankie discuss the value of focusing on the creative process rather than the outcome. They emphasize how perfectionism can stifle creativity and stress the importance of embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth.
“Why are we letting the publishers into the room of creation? Focus on what you need to say and embrace the process. The product will come later,” Frankie advises.
Writing as a Tool for Healing
Frankie believes that writing is a powerful tool for healing and self-awareness. She encourages everyone to explore their experiences and emotions through writing, emphasizing that the act of creating can lead to profound personal transformation.
“Writing allows you to own your story and share it with the world. It’s a tool for healing and understanding who you are. I turn to writing every time something difficult happens in my life. It’s my number one tool for healing,” she says.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Writers
For those interested in writing, Frankie offers practical advice such as starting with simple prompts, embracing the learning process, and finding delight in creative expression. She also discusses the role of writing in processing difficult emotions and experiences.
“Just start writing. Don’t worry about perfection. Write down your ideas, stories, and experiences. The more you write, the more you’ll understand yourself and the world around you,” she advises.
What’s Next for Frankie and Fifth Brain Creative Collective
Frankie is excited about the future of the Fifth Brain Creative Collective. She is expanding her business, creating new membership packages, and offering classes tailored to different levels of writing experience. She is also working on her own writing projects, including a collection of fairy tales.
“I’m reshaping my business and creating new opportunities for writers to collaborate and support each other. It’s an exciting time for the Fifth Brain Creative Collective,” she shares.
Final Thoughts
Frankie concludes with a heartfelt message encouraging listeners to move forward authentically and give themselves permission to be creative. Josh echoes this sentiment, urging everyone to find their joy, confront discomfort, and continue their growth journey.
“I want everyone to move forward in an authentic way that feels good to them. Whatever form that takes, you have permission to be yourself,” Frankie says.
Connect with Frankie Rollins
If you’re interested in learning more about Frankie and the Fifth Brain Creative Collective, you can find her website and contact information in the show notes. Follow her on social media for updates and inspiration.
Stay Tuned
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