Writing Two Years On

It’s been two years since I started blogging and self-publishing books. I’ve shared previously how on a personal level; writing is very cathartic. I’m hoping my writings will also serve as a long overdue journal or working memoir that one day may be of interest to my children or their families. Lastly, I just plain love writing! I firmly believe the more you write, the better you will get; at least that’s what I keep telling myself!

Beyond the personal reasons, there is also the sincere hope sharing my experiences might help a reader.  I am certainly no expert, at really anything, but my family has been blessed with success in many areas, most notably, Leading – Investing – Living. I hope sharing my journey from “average joe” in every sense of the word, to a leader, investor and family man will help a fellow joe or jane achieve their own successes.

But what does this writing adventure look like in numbers? This week, I took stock of the last two years and want to share the “tale of the tape”. First, let’s look at the blog. Over 4,000 visitors have viewed Leading – Investing – Living since creating the site in June of 2020. That’s just shy of 8,000 views! I’ve posted 102 blogs (including this one) on a weekly basis, only missing a couple of weeks here and there due to vacations. I cross post these onto my Facebook business page and to date have 230 followers. I know my website could probably use a makeover to make it more visually appealing, but I hope the words are why folks drop by for a visit!

Then there are the books. I’ve self-published four non-fiction books since June of 2020 using Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Nearly 600 pages in print! Over 500 units shipped from all four titles. This includes Kindle pages read, free downloads or promo books and paperback purchases. Amazon reviews are slowly coming in, most of them positive. I hope the quality of my writing improved from book 1 to book 4!

There is a saying that goes “if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear, does it make a sound?” In a similar vein, an author who wants to share their story with an audience has to acquire readers. I’ve certainly spent a whole lot more money on advertising and other writing business expenses than I’ve taken in on royalties or ad space. That being said, the business losses are a nice tax write off. Unfortunately, the IRS only allows a loss in three of any five-year periods! I’ve enjoyed learning about the business aspects of writing and advertising almost as much as learning how to write better. I’ve got a long way to go in both areas.

Which brings me to the road ahead on this writing journey. Where do I go from here on this relatively newfound passion? I am looking forward to continuing to blog weekly. It’s just too critical in my “therapy” to stop! Plus, the occasional positive comment from a reader always makes me feel good.

I’ll probably take a break on the non-fiction self-published books for the time being. I don’t have any new ideas for titles at the moment within the Leading – Investing – Living theme but who knows when inspiration may strike. Non-fiction was a good place to start my writing journey.  However, I would love to start work on a fiction novel! I’ve got some ideas but not sure I’d be able to commit the time required to put together an enjoyable work while holding down a day job and meeting other family responsibilities. Perhaps fiction will have to wait until I can retire for good and find a place in Key West with a bunch of six toe cats!

Writing is yet another one of the many blessings in my life. I feel very fortunate to have the time and resources to be able to share what’s banging around in my head via the written word. I hope to continue to grow as a writer, develop as a person and just maybe, inform or entertain a few folks along the way.

One thing I haven’t said in my blog is a big THANK YOU to everyone who has read, shared, commented, purchased or reviewed my material. They say the average author only sells about 250 books in a lifetime. In just two years, I’ve delivered over 500 copies in various formats! I am very thankful to have such a great network. I welcome feedback both positive and negative as it is key to learning. Just comment on the blog or fill out the contact form from my website home page. And…as always, thank you for your Amazon review!

Check out my home page for free eBook downloads or go to my Amazon author page to purchase Leading – Investing – Living themed books!