So you think you're a writer? Archives - Page 4 of 7

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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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

How You Can Help

So now the book is out and I can relax, right? Well not exactly.

To create sustained credibility, a book needs reviews on Amazon. You know how it is — you hear about a book, go to the Amazon page, and see that nobody has reviewed it, or just 2-3 people have. And you think, “Huh, well, maybe it’s not such a big deal after all.”

By contrast, you go to Amazon and see dozens of reviews. Even hundreds. And then you think, “Wow, people must be really engaging with this.” And you buy the book.

That’s the reaction …

So you think you’re a writer?

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