Many times people ask me how to write a book. What they really mean is how do I make time to write. It’s not easy. There is always something else I could do. There are a million reasons not to write and only one reason to write: because it matters to me. I have lots of tools that I use to keep my writing organized. There’s one that I use to hold myself accountable: concrete, actionable goals.
Each week, I write down specific writing goals for that week. I make them specific, actionable, and time-sensitive. Then I take those weekly goals and turn them into daily goals that when added up get me to that cumulative weekly goal. Each weekly goal folds into a larger goal—a book, a screenplay, adding to my writing portfolio, pitching more of my work, etc.
Writing down my writing goals makes them real. Once I write them down, I have to do them. There’s magic in motivation we can see.
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
Hi Christa – printed this out — it is so helpful. Thought it was just me that struggled to be consistent in writing (mostly my journal, but with business product descriptions as well that are time consuming). Other things always scream out “me first”! LOL Be well. And stay safe. World is so crazy right now. Love you. Mom xxxooo
website: http://creationsbysandy.wordpress.com Find me on Twitter @creations_sandy, Facebook, Linked In, and check out my boards on Pinterest (Sandy Avampato) Happy Needlework Crafting!
On Sun, Apr 10, 2022 at 10:45 AM Christa Avampato wrote:
> Christa Avampato posted: ” Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash Many > times people ask me how to write a book. What they really mean is how do I > make time to write. It’s not easy. There is always something else I could > do. There are a million reasons not to write and only one” >
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