These books helped me increase my earnings or lower my costs, making the writing life more feasible:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Ugh, why does this have to have the nerdiest title in the world? It was the first book I read that made me realize there were instructions to life. I reread it every few years.
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini. After I read this, I noticed that when I asked for things, like jobs, raises, or opportunities, people said yes much more often.
- The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau. A book about how to start your own side gig to gain the kind of freedom you might want as a writer.
- Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. A book on communication that will help with both writing and the business life.
- The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. When I was getting out of debt, I listened to Dave Ramsey’s podcast on the way home from work every day, and his book helped me make a plan to live on artist’s wages.
- Mindsharing by Lior Zoref. This book taught me how to get help from the crowd, and the power of building an audience you can rely on.
- The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer. OK, so I was halfway through the book when I learned that half of the internet hates Amanda Palmer. The other half loves her. No matter. I really liked her book, and it gave me permission to let the world support me and the work I make.
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz. This is one of the top five books that have helped me shape my life choices. It will help you simplify and focus your life on what’s most important, like writing.
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. I shamelessly love this unapologetically upbeat book on success. It’s about how the little changes in your life add up over time.
- The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal. This book teaches the science behind not sabotaging your efforts at self-discipline.
