Holiday Medley: Free Audiobook, Writing Goals, and a Financial Resource if you suck at saving.

'Tis the season and all.

Usually, I like to repurpose content from other sources for my newsletter, but since this is the last one of 2024, it’s going to be kind of like Santa’s gift bag…full of surprises.

Speaking of gifts…I’ve got one for you.

Well, for some of you.

I recently remembered I’ve got 50 codes to give away my audiobook version of PurgaStory: 5 Strategies for Escaping the Hell of Writer’s Block. So if you’ve got Audible and are in either the US or the UK, send me a message and I’ll send you a code.

Warning: I’ve only got 25 codes for the US and 25 codes for the UK, so please let me know which side of the Revolutionary War you belong to. It’s REALLY hard to hear accents over email, unless you say something like, “You’re my second favourite writer, mate.”

(Yes, I’d rather be a second favorite writer because first is WAAAAAAYYY too much pressure.)

Second, thanks for those who voted in my book poll here or on LinkedIn.

The results were decidedly in favor for a book about “Finding Your Inner Storyteller,” but “Mistakes New Authors Make” also had a strong showing so I’ve decided there will be a chapter on that specific topic in the book since it’s closely tied to storytelling.

I’m optimistic to have the book finished before June so I can start making it available for download. Looking forward to keeping you all updated, so hold me accountable!

Third, let’s chat about some writing goals for 2024.

Besides the aforementioned new ebook about finding your Inner Storyteller, one of my writing goals is to pick up the pace with this newsletter. Probably in the springtime, I will make it a weekly newsletter.

But to make sure it’s packed with value and not just cluttering up your inbox, I’m going to start inviting other publishing professionals and writers to an interview-style format where they will share their wisdom. I’ve done a TON of networking this year and I’m excited about adding these insights to my own.

Here are some other writing goals:

+Write two new screenplays.

+Pitch and query producers at least 3 weeks each month.

+Finish the extensive rewrite on my middle-grade sci-fi book so I can start querying agents.

+Finish and release the ghostwriting course I’m working on. (I’ll probably release 2 versions to better fit your budget.)

+Start posting writing tip videos on other platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Maybe TikTok if I can get over my dislike of TikTok. (I’ll be using snippets of my course so I don’t have to constantly create new content.)

Also, feel free to share your writing goals with me because it will help me tailor content here just for YOU. Are you trying to finish a book? Feel stuck on a script idea? Discouraged that no one’s buying your book like you thought they would?

And finally, a resource recommendation to help with your financial goals.

I’m terrible at saving money. Always have been. As a kid, I’d get my allowance on Friday and by Monday it would be long gone.

I’ve tried multiple systems as an adult to get better at saving. They pretty much all failed. Except one…

A couple years ago, I decided to try an app called Acorns.

The concept is stupid simple: connect your bank account and tell it when to move money and how much. You can change the amount and timing whenever you want—or withdraw $ if you’ve got an emergency (like when our washing machine decided to kick the bucket).

The great part? Your money is saved (and invested) without you thinking about it based on your preferences. And you can even earn little bonuses from shopping with companies like Walmart, Apple, Honest, Thrive Market, Nike, Home Depot, and Under Armour.

I’ve enjoyed it so much that I’ve even set up savings accounts for my kids so they can have a nest egg when they each turn 21.

Once I went full-time self-employed, it became all the more important for me to increase my savings and set up a retirement account on there, too.

I know this sounds like an ad, but it’s not. If you’ve always struggled with your financial goals (or you’re a freelancer who misses having a retirement/savings plan), this little app could help you out. Learn more over at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Acorns⁠⁠⁠⁠ site.

And if you’re a paid subscriber, scroll below to see some writing goal ideas that will help you keep moving forward one word at a time.

Did this help you? If so, share this with someone you know via the handy little button below.

And if you want some more practical ideas of how to apply this concept for both fiction and nonfiction, you can subscribe and view below!

If you’re on LinkedIn or Instagram, come join the conversation about writing topics like this one.