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So you think you’re a writer?

So you think you're a writer?,

Freestarter™

Unless you faithfully have read this blog for the past 7-years, you have probably never heard the word Freestarter™. And you might be asking why the ™ attached to it.

It all started when I was trying to describe what I meant by the phrase “lead, follow, or go your own way” in this 2011 post. I made the word up in an attempt to describe how I approach decisions because it doesn’t quite fit into normal definitions of “leader or follower.” A freestarter™ is not exactly an entrepreneur, and not always an artist, and not entirely a prophet. A …

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Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

Want a free book???

Want a free book, specifically a copy of Junkyard Wisdom???

Just sign up for email updates. That’s it. Simple.

Put your email address in the form below, I’ll be notified you did so, then I’ll contact you via email for a mailing address, and send you a free copy of Junkyard Wisdom. Plus, you’ll start getting weekly email updates about posts on this blog. No more than weekly, I promise.

What’s the catch?

Well, there really isn’t one. Look, obviously I don’t want you unsubscribing after you get the book. Sheesh, don’t be THAT guy! But other than …

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Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

Salvaged Book Update!

There has been a lot of activity on Salvaged, my second book! Here are a few updates — plus a way to get a free copy of my first book Junkyard Wisdom.

For this second book, we’ve settled on the title Salvaged: Leadership Lessons Pulled From The Junkyard. There will be 30ish chapters focused on a leadership experience I’ve had, the lesson learned, and an example from Scripture. With any luck, I’ll make you laugh a little as you read the stories.

A draft was submitted last November, with feedback from the editor in January, and a …

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Belize, So you think you're a writer?,

The Second Book is Closer!

Last week was a busy one. For three days my focus was completely on the final manuscript of my second book, and now I can say all 30+ chapters are written!

Notice I didn’t say the chapters were “done.” They are written, but now the tough part begins as we edit, cut, shape and form the overall package. We might (oh dear!) even cut a whole chapter.

One old wag — Faulkner? — said “in writing, you must kill all your darlings.” That’s hyperbole I hope, but you get the idea. It’s tough cutting things I’ve written!

Some of the …

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Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

One Year Ago Today Junkyard Wisdom Was Released!

One year ago today my first book Junkyard Wisdom was released! It’s hard to believe a year has gone by already. As a first time author, each experience has been so memorable. The first book signing, the launch parties, the speaking opportunities, and the generous comments from readers have all been deeply meaningful.

Thank you for making it happen. The support of friends and family was at the core of any success Junkyard Wisdom has experienced. Just think about it: the writing began without a publisher, the publishing began without a marketing plan, and the marketing began without, well, without …

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Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

It’s Been How Long???

Hey Friends! Can you believe this? Eight months ago Junkyard Wisdom was released! So I’m offering something FREE if you’ll take the time to help … keep reading.

So what’s happened in the last eight months? Well, I’ve lost track of the interviews, podcasts, blogs, and talks. All great fun, from large to small!

A few highlights would include the book launch party at Old Skool Cafe, the incredible group of people who joined our workshop in Belize, and my talk to a packed room at my alma mater Westmont College. So many memories have been made, from the National …

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Salvaged, So you think you're a writer?,

An Exciting Update!

I’m very excited to announce that I’ve signed a contract with NavPress for my second book! See my big smile in the picture? That’s me happily signing the contract.

Tentatively titled Salvaged: Leadership Lessons Pulled from the Junkyard, the book will be released in early 2019 if all goes as planned.

A number of people are deserving of mention for making this happen, but I want to mention three in particular.

First, thanks to D’Aun for graciously making the margin in our lives for yet another of my crazy adventures.

Second, thanks to Nancy Ortberg for telling me over …

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Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

Book Boneyard – The Lost Introduction

Every book has a book boneyard: the paragraphs that didn’t make the cut, the stories that didn’t work, or the ideas that simply didn’t fit in. For Junkyard Wisdom the boneyard is almost as big as the book itself.
book-literaryfailures-thmb-200
When this journey to write began it wasn’t entirely clear where it would end. But I had to start somewhere, so I wrote the paragraphs below. At the time — sitting in a hotel by myself in Southern California — I thought it might work as the introduction. It’s a hint of what’s to come, but it didn’t make the final …

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