I’m super-stoked to be writing this week. And there are a variety of reasons why. I won’t keep you in suspense much longer. Here are 5 things that have me juiced this week (and one that scares the living dickens out of me).
- XRP is holding its own—While many people are stoked that Bitcoin has hit an all-time high, I’m unsurprised. I saw it coming. However, ++XRP’s rise to $1.14++ has me clicking my heels. I also believe it is nowhere near its top.
- I found a sponsor—I’m stoked that I’ve found a generous individual who likes my work so much they have offered to assist me financially, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
- I’ve subsisted almost entirely on book sales for over a year—A liveable income is relative, but I’m proud to say that I’ve lived entirely off book sales income for an entire year. About 90 percent of my income this year has come from book sales.
- 2025 is just around the corner—Having laid a foundation as a full-time author, I’m looking forward to growing and scaling the business in 2025.
- My van’s battery pack is getting an upgrade—To make my independent publishing business work, my wife and I are part-time van lifers. That comes with risks and opportunities of its own. Due to our new sponsor, we can purchase our first set of lithium batteries for our van’s solar system. That means we’ll save money on campsite fees each week. Would you like a behind-the-scenes look at a traveling off-grid author’s crazy life? Consider becoming a subscriber at Substack.
1 Thing That Scares Me to Hell
One thing I’m asked a lot is how long I’ve been writing. The honest answer is … longer than some of you have been alive.
That’s no lie. I’m 58 years old.
On assignment, I wrote an autobiography for my fifth-grade English class. I was ten years old. I loved interviewing family members, researching public documents, and writing the tale. In sixth grade, my social studies teacher recommended me for an honors program for talented and gifted students. In that class, I got to work on logic problems, create video productions, and perform other fun, creative exercises. Since then, I’ve been hooked on creative activities.
My favorite drug is my imagination.
I sold my first piece of writing in sixth grade. It was a puppet show script we wrote for a class assignment. One kid liked my first attempt and paid me $10 for it. I wrote another script for my assignment.
In high school, I worked on the school newspaper and became editor my senior year. I also interned with the Dallas Morning News. Almost everything I’ve done since then has been an advance toward my lifelong dream of being a full-time writer. My first ambition was to be a novelist.
Full disclosure: I struggle, like everyone else, with this thing called Impostor Syndrome. I still can’t believe I can make money doing what I love most.
In my thirties, after a stint in the corporate world, I threw my hat in the ring for an editorial position at a small-town newspaper. After thinking I was interviewing for a staff reporter position, they hired me as the editor. Five years later, I launched my freelance writing business and did that for seventeen years. Meanwhile, I dreamt of one day being a full-time author.
I wrote books. I edited books. I published books. My income, however, came from writing business content for others. That changed in 2023 when I got serious about being an author.
Seizing the opportunity to sell my books in grocery stores, I started selling books directly to readers. In 2024, 90 percent of my income came from direct book sales. The journey to full-time authorhood has been rocky, but it has been rewarding. I’m blessed to have the support of family and friends. That certainly has made it easier.
Despite this success, I’m scared to hell!
Now that I’ve proven I can make a full-time income as an author, it’s time to take the business to the next level. That means scaling it to reach more readers and expanding to more revenue channels. I’m not just writing books; I’m running a freaking business.
That’s the scary part.
Funding creative enterprises is different from financing traditional businesses. That’s why platforms like Substack exist. It’s why many writers and artists seek patrons. These angels allow creatives to do what they love without holding multiple jobs. While I’ve been reluctant to pursue that route, I’m beginning to understand it is a necessity. And it scares me.
I know, from experience, that the best way to overcome fear is to face it. Head on. To grab it by the horns and take it down. To kick it in the balls and shout Hallelujah! To slap it red-faced silly and share it on TikTok. And that’s why I’m pushing the button on paid subscriptions at Substack.
Scary? Yes. Fearful? Check. Chilling? Absolutely.
But that’s where I’m going. Straight through hell to the other side.
No Obligation, No Commitment, No Hard Feelings
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t have a clue what to offer paid subscribers. I’m winging it. Taking it week by week. Riding the downtown train with an uptown ticket. Walking in the dark. Tapping the gas and doing twenty-five in a thirty-five. Hoping for a lifeline and getting the death hook.
Comprende?
Here’s what I do know: I want to up my game and I’d like your help.
I have a ton of content. A million ideas. More energy than one 58-year-old man should be allowed by law.
My commitment to free subscribers will remain the same. You guys are my bread and butter, my milk and cheese, my cherry on top, and the bacon that makes my eggs taste great. I’ll never leave nor forsake you. Keep on reading for free if you like. I won’t hold it against you.
But …
If you’re one of the brave souls willing to go along for the ride, I’d love to have you support me. For just $5 a month, you can access content no one else can see. Sign on for a year at just $50 and get two months for free. Become a founding member and I’ll send you a signed copy of the Biblical Legends Anthology Series Bundle, which features all three books in the Biblical Legends Anthology Series. Your support will allow me to continue doing what I love and keep the chickens fed.
Plus, I’ll whisper sweet nothings in your ear.
Where I’ll Hang My Hat This Week
Starting Wednesday, I’ll be selling books in Arlington, Texas. I’m heading to the store located at 5101 W. Sublett Rd. You’ll find me signing books for readers during the following hours.
- Wednesday, November 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, November 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, November 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, November 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’ll be in the area, or know someone who will, send them over. I’d love to see you.
_Image by ++James Lee++ on ++Unsplash++ _
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(8/25)
@allentaylor! @dmhafiz Totally agrees with your content! so I just sent 1 IDD to your account on behalf of @dmhafiz.
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