Building a Life Out of Words [Kindle Edition]

Shawn Smucker (Author)

Book Description

There are times when life doesn’t turn out as you expected. Then there are times when life punches you in the gut, takes your wallet, and leaves you hanging upside down by your toenails.

2009 was one of those times for me (the gut-punching kind). My construction business faltered after the housing bubble burst, and my wife and I found ourselves in $50,000 worth of debt. Then came the toughest decision of our young lives: we left the community we loved and moved into my parents' basement in search of a simpler life.

Part of the change included laying aside my aspirations for wealth and taking up the vocation of my dreams: I would try to make money writing full time. This is the story of my first year doing exactly that.

I would try to build a life out of words.

Also included in the book are nine essays from folks who make money writing – they share unique tips on how to find writing work and how to improve your craft. Contributors include Andi Cumbo, Bryan Allain, Ed Cyzewski, Jason Boyett, Jeff Goins, Jennifer Luitwieler, Ken Mueller, Kristin Tennant, and Stacy Barton.

Product Details

• File Size: 183 KB
• Print Length: 91 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007JWIM16
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,706 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and motivational May 7, 2012

By kelsey

A friend of mine suggested this book and I'm so glad he did. While I especially connected with this book as an aspiring writer, I believe it's relevant to anyone looking to live out their dreams.
Building a Life Out of Words is short, but overflowing with wisdom and insight on how to live a life of meaning and purpose. Anyone who needs a kick in the butt to spur them on, this book's for you!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this. Worth every penny! May 4, 2012

By jonsothin

Shawn's captivating style draws you right into his family's story of faith, stepping out to live a lifelong dream of writing for a living. This book is definitely not only for authors--you will be inspired to take a second look at the dreams you may have already laid aside as foolish or impossible. Incredibly personal, this book is like a living extension of the author. In my opinion, worth more than $3.99. You know you want to read it, so go ahead and buy it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Words Well Spent April 26, 2012

By GwynW

Every chapter was a new adventure, a new insight or a wonderful bit of writing! I found this book through Jeff Goins @ http://goinswriter.com/ and read it on a Sunday afternoon, and there couldn't have been a better use of that time. I'm encouraged, inspired and hopeful. I'm also thrilled we get to follow Shawn and his family as they continue leaving conformity behind and following the path set before them.

Great book and message!!!