What I learned as a non-fiction author
My significant other was happy that I didn’t have a heart attack. I did, however, sit too long, drink too much coffee, and miss meals. I realized this after publishing my first book, Stop the Denial: A Case for Embracing the Truth about Fitness, in 2017. I even felt a slight chuckle when writing the section on sitting too long, knowing that I was sitting for eight hours a day, just like I am now. What would possess me to write a second book, Still in Denial: Five Reasons for Embracing the Truth About Fitness? And then a third? More? And as a publisher, six books in two years. Yes, this is a special plug. I learned a few things.
1-You are alone
The first thing was that writing is something a writer does alone. There is certain isolation. There is noisy loneliness around you that is difficult to explain. I enjoyed starting at 5 a.m. every morning with a tall cup of black coffee in my favourite mug. My goal was always to write for five hours each day. I would review what I wrote the day before and then begin the actual synthesizing of the words.
It’s therapeutic. It felt lonely when I didn’t focus on research and writing—that’s when my mind went into lonely mode. I’d hear that voice telling me, “Discipline.” I wanted to write books. Being alone and feeling lonely is part of being a writer.
2-Have the courage to be disliked
I am a dedicated researcher and journalist, and I insist on documentation and relevance to my writing, which is important. I knew I was writing books challenging norms—not everyone would agree with me, even to the point of being disliked. Still in Denial: Five Reasons for Embracing the Truth About Fitness, I dive into the calories in, calories out model for fat loss, and despite a proven myth backed by a century of research, this mantra continues.
During a speech in 2019, I was called a “Failed personal fitness trainer.” But I was told by one newly licensed trainer, “I read your first book and believe we have a long way to go.” I’ll take both.
3- I didn’t care about monetary value
Someone once asked me, “So what hourly rate would you get paid for the hours you took to write this book?” Before I could answer, the person suggested, “What? Five dollars an hour?” I write because I am in love with writing. I am a journalist because growing up, it fascinated me. Money is a compelling thing, and as my old history professor told his class, “Money builds empires and breaks down kingdoms, it allows for dreams to come true, and it takes others away.”
I realized this was a pursuit of happiness and dreams. I didn’t need monetary compensation.
4-I’m a not-so-great salesperson
We need money to live, and yes, it’s essential. So, the time came to think about selling. It isn’t about my books, though. It’s about my belief in myself, my readers, my faith in where I stand, and my understanding of people’s opinions. Throughout the writing, I was always out there working for a living. I ghostwrite, edit, and promote Smiling Eyes Press authors.
My fear of selling was morbid. I sold Real Estate and Insurance years ago and failed.
I read up on selling and ran across a video post by Berel Solomon, CEO of Wealthy Commercials, who I had never met but was introduced to through Facebook. He posted a 22-minute Facebook video, Here are ten steps to increase your revenue and your sales today, showed me that the first step was to sell myself before selling to your client.
“Every person who is watching this is a salesperson. Every interaction you have is a sale. You have to sell yourself on yourself. You must know in your heart that what you have is real.” Things changed.
But I can sell your book. Please download my free Publish your book: your next steps to becoming a published author, valued at $39. This eBook will show you step-by-step the process of going from polishing your manuscript to becoming a published author. Visit me at www.richardtardif.com
About Richard Tardif
An award-winning journalist, a bestselling author and editor, proven writing and speaking coach, and a member of Pointe-Claire Toastmasters and Dorval City Toastmasters. He has a tangible and sympathetic heart to share with readers, wordsmiths, and other professional communicators.
