Reading What I Have Challenge – September 2016

{The month of failure – but I read a great book!}

 

A few months ago I began a challenge to read the books I already have. I realized that I could read for years from the books that are already on my shelf or saved on my Kindle app. My digital library contains literally HUNDREDS of books — mostly fiction, with a few self-help types. (Ever hear the term digital clutter? I’ve got it for sure!) With all of those titles at my fingertips, I made a goal to read or delete what I already have before spending money on new reading material.

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Some months I read a LOT of books, other months I’m so busy reading other things online that I barely get into a real book. My usual goal is at least one book per week, and my original September goal was 4 books.

You guys, I almost didn’t post about my September reading — because I totally failed! I only ended up reading ONE book — and it was one I acquired during the month!

AND — hanging my head in shame — I bought TEN big, beautiful hardcover books at a garage sale. My bookshelf is once again overloaded. I could say that I undid 2-3 months of work and spent a reckless $20, but then again… I have new-to-me, gorgeous BOOKS (including a John Grisham title)! So… it’s kind of a happy failure. 😉 

September was a tough month for the #reading challenge. Here's what happened... Click To Tweet



Here is my review of the one lonely book I read during September:

 

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Make Money As A Freelance Writer: 7 Simple Steps to Start Your Freelance Writing Business and Earn Your First $1,000

– Sally Miller and Gina Horkey

 

Amazon Description:

Do you want to turn your writing hobby into a lucrative part or full-time career? What if you had the freedom to choose when and where you work?

Maybe you’ve considered becoming a freelance writer for the web, but weren’t sure how to you get started. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Heck, you might have already read a book or two on this exact topic – there are a few out there. So why would we write another one?

Because rarely will you find a book that shows you the exact steps you need to take to accomplish a specific goal. And one that’s enjoyable to read to boot!

No fluff, no information you don’t really need just to fill up space.

In Make Money as a Freelance Writer, Gina Horkey and Sally Miller will give you only the ones you need to start a freelance writing business from scratch. Nothing more, nothing less.

Best of all, you’ll discover how to land your first paying client – even if you’re starting from zero. And by following the seven steps listed in this book, you can be earning $1,000 as a freelance writer in as little as 30 days.

Not bad considering the price of the book, right?

Completing the action steps listed in Make Money as a Freelance Writer will help you to:

* Choose your top niche(s).
* Acquire your first few samples.
* Create your freelance writing portfolio.
* Start sourcing writing work.
* Send your first several pitches.
* Land your first client.
* And earn your first $1,000!

Reading this book (and doing the work) will save you time, money and your sanity.

Don’t keep trying to figure this whole freelance writing thing out on your own. Or read everything on the internet covering the subject without taking action, because you’re so confused and overwhelmed by the vast amount of information that exists.

These seven steps haven’t just worked for us. These steps have worked for thousands of other freelance writers in our community. So read the book, join the ranks and start earning as a freelance writer today.

Are you ready to turn your writing hobby into some cold, hard cash?

These steps can work if you’re a stay-at-home mom looking to add a little extra income to your household budget. Or if you’re a college student in need of a part-time job to pay the rent. Or maybe you dream of escaping your nine-to-five. You want financial freedom and a more meaningful life. These steps help you accomplish that too!

Whatever your reasons, Make Money as a Freelance Writer shows you how to start a freelance writing business from nothing and earn your first $1,000 as quickly as possible.

 

My Thoughts:

This is a realistic book with great step-by-step instructions. Writers too often doubt their abilities, and this book addresses the issue while encouraging you to go for it! I REALLY appreciated the concrete information on how much money to expect at first and how to set rates. Most articles and books you read don’t give actual numbers, but this one does. This book was just published a few weeks ago, so all links are current and relevant. Well worth the read if you are considering freelance writing!

 

 

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Even though the following bit of information does NOT help my personal challenge, I’m sure there are some of you reading this post who DON’T have a massive to-be-read book pile and can benefit:

I just noticed a few days ago that Amazon has introduced a new program called Prime Reading. Prime members can read a TON of books and magazines for free. (Note: This is NOT the same as Kindle Unlimited.) If you don’t have a Prime membership, you can try it for 30 days through this link:

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

 

Enjoy!

 

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Reading Challenge Progress

 

This challenge began with a goal to read OR DELETE the books on my shelf and in my digital library. Honestly, when it began, I couldn’t bring myself to hit the delete button on any books. But as the months are going by, I’m finding it easier.

Of course I would dearly love to read All The Books, but that’s just not possible.

Deleting digital titles takes away some of the pressure of feeling like I will never get through everything. Some of those books were sitting in my digital library for almost 5 years. You know, it’s tough to hit “delete” when Kindle asks if you really want to permanently delete a title. Yikes! But yes!

Digital title deleting progress since I began the challenge:
May – 15 titles
June – 60 titles
July – 85 titles
August – 50 titles
September – 30 titles
Total: Deleted 240 titles. Progress!

I also remained unsubscribed from BookBub emails. It’s easy enough to subscribe again at some future point.

 

I hesitated to even set a goal for October, but I’m going to say 3 books. I keep falling asleep when it’s time to read, so it feels like it’s taking forever to get through even one book. One of these weekends is just going to have to be a reading marathon. I can just picture settling in by the woodstove for the day with a pile of books & a beverage. Yep, definitely need to make this happen!



What have you been reading lately? Comment with a link to your post if you’ve written about it!

 

Reading What I Have Challenge – September 2016 | {The month of failure – but I read a great book!} It was a tough month for my “Reading What I Have” Challenge. Click through to find out what happened and read my review of Sally Miller & Gina Horkey’s new kindle book “Make Money Freelance Writing” | www.fillingthejars.com

Reading What I Have Challenge – September 2016 | {The month of failure – but I read a great book!} It was a tough month for my “Reading What I Have” Challenge. Click through to find out what happened and read my review of Sally Miller & Gina Horkey’s new kindle book “Make Money Freelance Writing” | www.fillingthejars.com

 

 

 

Reading What I Have Challenge - September 2016 | {The month of failure - but I read a great book!} It was a tough month for my "Reading What I Have" Challenge. Click through to find out what happened and read my review of Sally Miller & Gina Horkey's new kindle book "Make Money Freelance Writing" | www.fillingthejars.com
Reading What I Have Challenge - September 2016 | {The month of failure - but I read a great book!} It was a tough month for my "Reading What I Have" Challenge. Click through to find out what happened and read my review of Sally Miller & Gina Horkey's new kindle book "Make Money Freelance Writing" | www.fillingthejars.com

4 thoughts on “Reading What I Have Challenge – September 2016”

  1. I buy too many bargain kindle books and don’t read them! I need to take this challenge and [again] unsubscribe from Book Bookbub. Question: Did the advice work? Did you pull in a cool $1,000 in 30 days? I’d love to know. Job cuts looming in my world!

    1. Well, since it takes me about 4 times longer than anyone else to do ANYTHING, I’ll let you know in 3 months or so. 😉

      Actually, you know what? I think you may have just given me a great challenge! Can I earn $1000 by November 17? Hmmmm….

  2. Well that is what we call a QP- Quality problem…Lots f juicy content to feed your mind and not enough hours in the day. How about you set aside 20 min 20 FULL Minutes of your 24hs to just read or listen to a book.You will end up consuming the amount you wish to and if you are a speed reader you will read at least 6 books a month depending on page numbers!

    You gave a great review of that book. I wish every reviewer did the same. I have got 5 Great reviews of my book: The Art of Pinterest Profits on Amazon Kindle, would love your views. Let me know if you do find a moment to take a look 🙂

    Thanks for sharing at the pit stop! Pit Stop Crew 🙂

    1. Hi Julie! I do set aside time to read, but obviously I need to make it earlier in the day. By evening, I fall asleep.

      I’ve saved your book on my “to read” list. 🙂

      Thanks for taking the time to comment!

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