I have a book sitting unfinished on my computer.

Actually, that makes it sound more impressive than it is. I have a half written book sitting unfinished on my computer.

It’s supposed to be the next installment in a series of devotional books I’ve been writing. I know what I want the book to be. I know what I want to say. And I know how to write books.

Yet for months, every time I’ve thought about opening that manuscript, I’ve found something else to do. Well, that is when I even have a chance to pull it up. My old habits have been hard to pick back up too.

It’s like every time I make a plan to get back into this book, I find something else to do or something else happens, and in the end, I don’t get back to it. But this week, I decided I needed to jumpstart my book and get this thing done.

There are two reasons for this:

1. I have a lot of book ideas I want to start working out. I have a list of book ideas that I want to start diving into. Sure, some are devotionals, but there have been topics in my life I am ready to start sharing more about, and now it feels like I need to start working on them.

2. I need to find breakthrough in my writing again. I feel particularly held back by this one. Part of me feels that way because I want to see the series come to an end. Part of me, because it almost feels like a mandate to complete before starting something new.

So, I have been doing a lot of thinking about getting this one book finished. Yes, I have been doing the thinking while doing home improvement projects on our new house. But, I need to start, and I need to make this one happen. But before I do, I realized something this morning as I sit here before the sun comes up.

The Stall: Writer’s Block or Something Else?

I really hate the phrase “writer’s block.”

I think I have shared this before in the past, but I think that writer’s block is an agreement we make as writers that we cannot write. Which is utter crap. Many of us who love to write and have written articles and books don’t really get struck because of an outside force.

What I have learned over the years and what I was reminded of this morning is that what I am facing is something else. It’s something that happens to everyone and not just writers…

I have simply lost motivation.

Now, we cannot depend on inspiration and motivation to write all the time. Sometimes we do need to just sit down and make things happen. But when a book is stalled out, we need to find ways to get ourselves back in gear.

My article today, is not about what I have done to do this, it is about what I am doing to try and get out of my rut. And, I am hoping a couple of things will come out of it:

1. It will help you. After all, my new reality for writing online is going to be more about sharing what I am doing to help others, not to be an expert. I want to be more open about struggles and what I’m learning in the moment, not months or years later.

2. It will help me. And one thing I have learned over the years is that sharing ideas when we are stuck or whatever else tends to help a ton too. There have been a lot of situations where someone shares something in the comments and that has helped me a ton.

So, the five things that I am sharing today are not things I have done in the past (well, some of them are), but they are the things I am doing now to get myself jumpstarted and push this book to it’s completion.

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5 Ways I’m Jumpstarting My Stalled Books

Like anything that needs to get started again, I want to focus on simple, small steps to help me gain momentum. It’s like trying to push a car. At first, you move it only inches, but after you get momentum it is easy to get it rolling down the street. That’s what I am trying to do with these steps.

#1 - I’m Going to Stop Trying to Finish the Book

What I want to do is move the needle. Not magic my book into existence. So, that means I need to focus on one thing at a time. And that means writing the next page, not the entire book.

One thing I am going to do, and it is something I have done in the past, is post my book as I write the pages. Since it is a devotional, I will do it on my Renew Faith Substack. I actually started this one about ten days ago with my post about Jesus feeding the 5,000.

The goal was to start writing it. So I wrote the first section one day, then the next section a second day. I edited it and formatted on a third day and posted. If I can do that consistently in the month of September, I will make some real progress.

#2 - I’m Getting My ‘Why’ Straight in My Head

When I wrote my first devotional on the Gospel of John, I did it because God told me to write a book about my faith. And so, I did. Then, as I started to write more books, God told me to finish a series on the devotionals. I’m doing this because I have a mandate from God to do it (this may not make sense to some of you or you might think I’m crazy, and that’s fine, but this is part of my why).

Another part of my ‘why’ are the people who have read my other devotionals. I have received such positive feedback from people all over the world about my devotionals. They have shared how it has helped restart their walk with God, they have shared how it made them look at stories of the Bible differently. That is 100% worth finishing this series.

Lastly, I do this because it is good for me. I have always liked to share my knowledge and experience with other people, so when I write a book, I get to do just that. There is something inside me that is made to help others with my life.

Knowing my ‘why’ helps me think more clearly about the steps ahead.

#3 - I’m Keeping It Super Simple

I already have an outline, but my focus in the coming days is to keep everything super simple. I am going into my manuscript and focusing on one day at a time. If I’m feeling it and finish one day in one sitting, I’m stopping anyway, because there was momentum built.

However, the simplicity is also focused on this: I have each day outlined as a title and a scripture. That’s it. This helps me get in there and write with a simple idea so I can get that work finished.

I don’t need to overcomplicate my outline. I don’t need to have every point decided before I write. I need to know what the main scripture is and go from there. This has served me well in the past and I’m going to stick with it.

#4 - I’m Writing a Bad Version

Okay, so it isn’t going to be bad. But I am letting go of having it perfect on the first try. Which sounds simple enough, but when you are writing a devotional on your faith, there is a certain level of responsibility you have to writing and sharing what you are learning from the Word of God.

That said, I’m letting go of being perfect on the first try. I have a great editor who has edited my other books. He is a Christian and if I put something in a book that sounds a little off, he asks about it too. I also have a wife who helps me consider the theological and biblical contexts that I write about.

But, they both can’t help me unless I finish the first draft. So, I am letting go of perfect and being okay with a true rough draft again. And yes, I will share it. And yes, people won’t agree with my perspective. And yes, there will be grammatical errors as I share it.

All of that is just fine and dandy.

#5 - I’m Doing Writing Sprints, Not Writing Marathons

I know a lot of people think they need to sit at a computer all day long and write in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. The truth is, that is not how most people do it. The more I have learned about famous and consistent writers over the years, the more I learn that they don’t write in marathon sessions. They write in sprints.

Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond books, 500-1,000 words at a time. Earnest Hemingway had 500-word-a-day targets when he would write and he would often stop even when he had a lot of momentum for a scene. When John Grisham started out, he had a simple sprint: write one-page-a-day before work. That’s how he wrote his first couple of novels.

The goal isn’t to write it all at once, the goal is to make progress everyday that is manageable. And for me, with my lifestyle (a full family and a full-time job), I need to be able to move the needle without burning myself out.

My 7-Day Challenge

Over the next seven days, I am challenging myself to give my book 30-minutes a day. That could be a page, that could be 300-words, that could be 1,000 words. Whatever it is, I’m going to give it a go every single day.

I’m not challenging you.

But you can give it a try too if you want. If you do decide to give your book 30 minute a day for the next seven days, let me know in the comments. Otherwise, I will share my progress in Substack Notes, and let you know how it turned out next week. Deal?

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

And if you’re ready to build something real with your writing…

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

I recently shared that, for the better part of the last 10 months, I’ve been caught in the process of selling a house, buying a house, and eventually moving. It was a long season. And somewhere around month three, the inspiration started drying up.

At first, I kept going. I kept trying to write. I kept trying to maintain the expectations I had created for myself. But eventually, things started to suck. I had very little creativity left. No fire. No inspiration. And almost no desire to sit down and write something personal, meaningful, and genuinely helpful.

So I found a workaround. Or at least I thought it was a good one.

I turned to an AI-heavy writing system to help me fulfill the imaginary requirements I had created for myself and my writing. The information was still helpful. The articles were still getting published. The machine was still moving. But something was missing.

Me.

Inspiration had left, but somewhere along the way, so had my personal touch.

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What I Learned About Inspiration

Inspiration is wonderful when it shows up. It also makes a terrible writing strategy.

If we only write when we feel inspired, eventually we stop writing altogether. Life gets busy. Work gets hard. Kids need us. Houses need to be packed. Moves happen. Lawns die. And creativity gets pushed further and further down the priority list.

For me, filling that void with AI didn’t solve the problem either. If anything, it made it worse.

I wasn’t exercising my creative muscles anymore. I wasn’t struggling through sentences or chasing ideas down strange rabbit trails. I wasn’t discovering what I thought by writing.

My creative mind started to feel like a dried-up dystopian scab-land. Nothing grew or moved and nothing particularly interesting happening.

But professional writers eventually learn something important:

You have to write whether you feel inspired or not.

Some writers use the classic “sit your butt in the chair and write” method. Others start writing about whatever comes to mind until they stumble into something worth pursuing. I’m trying something slightly different.

Now that life is finally settling down, I’m trying to water my creativity again—much like I’m attempting to revive the dead lawn the previous owner of our new house left us. And my method is incredibly simple:

Write 100–200 words.

Write 100–200 words to get started. It can be about anything. Something you’re thinking about or that you are learning. Maybe it’s something frustrating you. It can be a story from yesterday, an idea you’ve been carrying around, or a lesson you don’t completely understand yet.

Then do something with it. And that means putting it out there for others to read. Post it, or expand on it. Turn it into a Substack Note, or make it a Medium article, or use it as the foundation for an Instagram Reel.

But the important part is this:

Do it every day and see what happens.

Sometimes those 100 words turn into 500. They become an entire article that becomes an idea for a book. Or they become a short video that gets thousands of views. And sometimes another idea shows up halfway through and I write another 100–200 words about that.

Your first 100 or 200 words might not be your best. That’s okay too. But that little bit of writing really can turn into something important. Because I’ve started discovering something I had forgotten during these last 10 months:

Inspiration often arrives after you begin.

We tend to think the order looks like this inspiration happens and we write which then brings about creativity. But I’m beginning to think it’s different. It actually looks more like writing first, creativity awakens, and inspiration is found over time. You don’t always need to feel inspired before you start. Sometimes starting is what creates the inspiration.

An Encouragement for Today

Listen, I get it. Maybe creatively you feel like a shriveled-up prune right now. You know there’s something inside you worth writing. You know there are stories, ideas, lessons, and experiences you could share. You just don’t feel it right now. That’s okay.

But it’s not okay to stay there forever.

Don’t wait for some magical wave of inspiration to hit you. Open a blank page. Write 100 words. Then maybe write another 100. Don’t worry about whether they’re brilliant. Don’t worry about whether they’re going to become your next book, viral article, or bestselling idea.

Just start watering the ground again. Then come back tomorrow and do it again. Because creativity doesn’t always disappear. Sometimes it’s simply been neglected. And perhaps the way back isn’t waiting for inspiration.

Perhaps the way back is writing until inspiration finds you again.

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

And if you’re ready to build something real with your writing…

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

Good morning friends!

I’m writing to you from the kitchen island of our new house in northern Idaho. I finally got home internet set up in the house yesterday, which is a first for us in eight years. Yes, we went eight years without having home internet and keeping our online presence primarily to our phones and hotspotting our phones. But now, now, we are up and running.

I want to give you a little update as it has been about a month since my last post. I haven’t been doing much writing during this time to be honest. It has been mostly trying to survive work, and multiple delays to actually getting to move. The exhaustion and emotional impact this last season had on us had taken its toll and I struggled to do anything creative.

But, here I am today. We moved last Thursday, and today was the first day that I was able to wake up before the kids and sun to be able to read and write. And it has filled the bucket for creativity and energy for me today. And it is great!

10 Months Ago…

We had a three-month-old son. We had just contacted a realtor and started projects on our old home in the country. There was an energy to everything we did because our previous real estate adventures had been so smooth. Last time, we had bought and sold a house, we did it all in 28 days from deciding to move. We thought it might be that easy again.

The for sale sign went up. And the showings began. Lots of them. We were out of our house for showings five to ten times a week. And this was the case for a good seven months. Lots of showings every week, no offers.

It was a long arduous process to get four kids ranging in angle 12 to infant out of the house and into the car for a one to two hour drive-about and then get minimal feedback or no offers. But we did it faithfully. Every time we started to have doubts, God put something in our path that would remind us why we were moving.

And finally, offers and serious home buyers started to show up.

3 Months Ago…

We got our first offer. Then they backed out. We got a new offer, then those buyers’ buyer backed out. They tried to reposition themselves to still buy the house. They backed out for other circumstances on signing day. This was a good two months of heartbreak and holding our breath.

Then we got another offer, and our closing was delayed for nearly a month. This was enough to feel the gut punch every time something came up. If it wasn’t one part off the buying and selling process it was another. And it kept on hitting us hard. And for me, it was wearing me down because I’m working, trying to balance the costs of setting up a move and lead my family through it all.

But, finally, we closed. And it was a whirlwind of a day.

1 Week Ago.

We were supposed to close the previous Friday. But lender issues kept coming up for our buyers. This was putting strain on us, on them of course, and our sellers for our home in Idaho. At this point, we were hoping maybe a close on Wednesday, but were told that it would most likely be the end of the week.

Finally, on Thursday morning, we decided to put our phones down, stop waiting for news, and just get out of town. We went out to lunch, sat at a lake, and got this text message:

“Your house just closed. Everything is moving forward with your new house!”

We scrambled to pack up our kids and our friends’ kids. At this point, we had been living out of suitcases with some friends in Idaho and the moving truck sitting in their driveway. So, we eagerly got ourselves together and lo and behold, we moved that day.

Since then, it has been dump runs (for the crazy amount of trash moving brings), online purchases (for the replacement of things we sold or donated), and a lot of physical labor (setting up beds, replacing lights, moving and removing boxes). But, it has all felt so right since we started settling down into our place.

Today.

Today, I woke up at 5am (something I haven’t done very consistently in months), and grabbed my coffee. I looked into my backyard (the grass is starting to come back after the previous homeowner stopped watering it two months ago) and breathed a sigh of relief. I drank slowly, reads my Bible, prayed and journaled.

And then, I pulled out my iPad and keyboard and here I sit.

It feels good to be back at the keyboard. To hear the tap, tap, tap as my refreshed mind pours itself out. The coffee still tastes good. And the feeling of mental release is a welcomed feeling. I look forward to serving you over the rest of this year as we have a chance to look at writing and publishing books.

And of course, I look forward to getting back on track with my books!

Thank you for sticking with me, even though I have been all over the place! I appreciate you and I hope to share helpful knowledge and experience with you to help you write and publish your books!

J.R. Heimbigner

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

And if you’re ready to build something real with your writing…

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

I’m just starting to pull out of the haze that I have been in over the last year.

It’s been a journey we have been on with having our son, getting a new job at work, and trying go get our house sold so we can move. It’s a lot to do all these things at once.

Heck, just one of these things can be a lot with all the regular things in life.

But, we have been at this for a year now. Almost 10 months with the house and our son turns one in just a couple of weeks. And in this last year, I have been working hard in all aspects of life almost to the point of burn out.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a confession about my writing that may or may not have shocked you a little bit. Then, last week, I shared a little more about our struggles here.

But this week, this week, there is a renewed energy that I am feeling and it isn’t because we finally moved (in fact our buyers backed out on closing day, but we were able to slide in some back ups for a new closing date).

Today, I want to share what has changed for me and why it might be important for you too!

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Circumstances Are Not The Same Thing As Identity

This may sound obvious, but the truth is, most of us still get it confused. Want to know why? Because circumstance sound like one thing and FEEL like another:

• I’m struggling at work = I’m a bad employee.

• I’m sleep deprived and struggling at keeping a schedule = I’m not disciplined.

• I’m getting frustrated with my wife and kids = I’m a bad husband and father.

Name your circumstance and you can just as easily name your identity out of it. Even thought, that identity is false. Most of the time, you simply need to change the way you are doing things.

• Not all people who struggle at work are bad employees.

• Not all sleep-deprived parents are bad at self-discipline.

• Not all frustrated parents and spouses are bad at being those things.

The reality is that we are struggling and we simply need to find a way out of the struggle. Sometimes that is huge shifts is behaviors or circumstances, other times it is making things simpler to help move forward and get back on track.

My Struggle to Write

My struggles to write in this year long season don’t mean I’m a bad writer (even though a few people have reached out in DMs to tell me just that for using AI). What my struggle with writing has told me is that I need to change things up.

• I’m not in a season of writing a post a day and working on multiple books.

• I’m in a season of writing a post a week and working on one book.

And that simple reality has helped me remember, I’m not a bad writer. I’ve just been overstretched for a long time and I finally came to the end of my rope. The other thing, is that I was willing to try something new that didn’t work out as well for me.

I’m not a bad writer, I’ve just been struggling with circumstances and that has impacted how I have been able to write.

So, what do we do when we struggle?

First, we acknowledge where we are. Once we do that, we can start opening our eyes to our reality and look for ways to move forward.

Second, we ask ourselves why we are struggling. What is happening? Why are we struggling? When did it start? Where are we going right now? These questions can make all the difference.

Third, we think back to when we weren’t struggling and see what has changed. Once we know what has changed, then we can make a simple plan and take action.

Fourth, we see where we were, where we are, and decide where we want to go. Not go back to, because that is gone, but forward to. Do I want to go back to a post a day on Medium? Or do I want something else?

Fifth, we take action. Small, simple, actions that help us to move forward. For me, that is posting once a week. And work on my one book every day in some form or another. Maybe its a little writing, maybe its a little self-edit, and maybe its reviewing my outline or research.

We take small steps until we get to where we want to be.

Final Thoughts

I will be sharing this journey over the next few weeks. Hopefully, as my son turns one and we ideally get this house sold and moved into the new house, I will be able to have a little more margin, but I’m not waiting for those things to happen to get back to my writing habit.

• I’m creating and finding the time as I can.

• I’m giving myself grace if I can’t find/create that time.

• And I’m giving it what I have even if it isn’t very much.

That’s all I can do in this season of life. And I think that is just fine. So, hopefully this post is encouraging to you. Hopefully it helps you give yourself a little grace.

And most of all, I look forward to sharing the writing journey with you, not just tell you how to do it.

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

And if you’re ready to build something real with your writing…

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

Last week, I shared a confession with you about my struggle to keep up with writing. And while that was really the tip of the iceberg, today I wanted to pull back the curtain a little more.

Not because I think I have to do it, but, because I want to. I want other writers to know that the struggle is real. It can last for days or months. Heck, it can probably last for years.

The other thing that I know is true, after writing and publishing for years now, is that this won’t last forever. I know that a slump in writing will end after a while. And I know for me, in this season, it is almost there.

2026 has not gone as planned…

A few major factors have played against my writing time. Primarily the fact we have been trying to sell our house and move. And, my infant son who hasn’t been sleeping through the night very much.

With trying to sell our house and buy a house and move, it has been taking up a lot of my mental energy outside of my already buys mental workings. It takes a lot of work to show your house over four dozen times. And then go through inspections (multiple because we have been under contract twice).

Now, we are on the precipice of moving. Days away. And there is all the packing and moving and unpacking. Plus cancelling things, adding things, and transferring things.

All that to say, I am probably five days away from waking up one morning and being able to sit down and write in our new home. And when that happens, oh it will be so nice.

But… my son might still be a nighttime companion.

It’s been five years since we had the last little on in the house. And I don’t know if I was just better equipped for life with less sleep or my other kids always were good sleepers, but this go around, it’s rough.

And because of that, I have been sleeping in a lot.

Which has been a surprise to me because I don’t normally sleep in under any circumstances. Which may also be the fact I am 41 now, but who knows. Anyway, the sleep situation is really starting to wear me down.

It’s okay for things not to go the way I think though…

Because things always turn around. I have found this to be true time and time again. A challenging season comes and then it goes. And the best times start up and we can enjoy them for a long run.

I think the challenging season is on the way out with getting rid of one challenge, buying/selling/moving.

And my son will start sleeping through the night. He does occasionally. To give me false hope or to tease me. But there will be a day when I won’t get those little baby snuggles and then I will long for them.

• Until then, I will sleep less.

• Tomorrow, I will pack up my house into a U-haul.

• Wednesday, I will move and unpack into our new house (we are going to call it Hallow House, I will share more about that later).

• And then Thursday, I will wake up confused about where I am at, but glad that one mental load will be broken off.

After those days, things will start to turn around. And it will be good again. I will be consistent again. And I will probably get a book out soon.

How do you manage these seasons of life? I’d love to know!

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

And if you’re ready to build something real with your writing…

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

Dear Reader,

It has been an incredibly difficult season to stay up on my writing habits. After spending years, sharing how I write in the margins, I finally hit the wall where I have so little time to actually write that I may have been wrong all along.

And it pains me to admit it. But here I am, writing during a short coffee break from work and I’m straining to write something meaningful. And no matter what I have tried to write, I find myself needing to enter into the writing confessional.

Unlike a church confessional, my priest is my reader, you. And sometimes, when we step into the confessional, we find ourselves uncomfortable, spread thin, and ultimately, in need of some kind of absolution to the thing that ways so heavy on us.

My Confession

I’ve been wrong. I’ve been wrong about a lot of things. But most of all, I have been wrong about writing habits. What worked for me in the last season isn’t working in this season. Sure, I could make excuses about trying to sell and buy a house. I could make excuses about having four kids. I could even make excuses about having a new job.

But the truth is…

Writing consistency and habit is 100% on the person who wants to write.

And the problem is that we change as people. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to writing online or being an author. And the worst part about all of this is that even when I have time now to write, I don’t take advantage very often. And that is because of all the things I need to do.

My Other Confession

In the last six months, my posts have largely been outlines from ChatGPT with fill in the blank paragraphs. Sure, I uploaded a lot of my content to help it stay on brand and stay in my voice, but so much of my time has been divided that I have leaned too much on my AI assistant for writing things.

And for that, I am sorry. Not because the content wasn’t helpful. But because it wasn’t personal. In fact, some of the content has clearly been helpful. But most of it has been in the name of ‘minimalism’ but the reality of Mr. Computer not having any feelings.

Now, my books have been all me. Even my last one. But my Medium writing have been very heavily done by my AI assistant, Maggie (I named it after my English Springer Spaniel) which was originally my helper in outlines, research, and images for posts. But lately, Maggie has taken more of a front seat. And that is pretty lame.

Why am I telling you this?

Mainly, because it has weighed me down. And also because you should know. But, maybe you already did know. Nevertheless, this has been very true on Medium. Not as much here on Substack, but, Medium it has been heavy. And they don’t seem to care as much as they say they do there.

All that to say, I’m sorry.

If you are offended or disappointed or whatever else, that’s fine. Unfollow me, block me, or whatever you’d like. It’s up to you, and I can’t control your reaction. Most of all, I’m not afraid or worried about your reaction because there has been something burning inside me to start doing that won’t be popular anyway.

Where do we go from here?

For me, and those who stick around, this place is going to be a little bit more personal. And a lot less about the craft of writing. Well, maybe not less about the craft of writing as much as less about the “how-tos” and the guides to writing.

I am going to start sharing much more of my content that is related to the projects I am working on. More behind-the-scenes and updates. More about what I am learning and trying out and less about what is “best.”

And, I am going to get back into my faith writing more deeply and focused. I will share my projects here. I will share my posts about my faith here a little more. In some ways, I’m burning the ships and going back to where I have loved to live in writing. Which might slow me down some, but it will focus me and bring me greater joy.

If you decide to stay, thank you.

If not, I’m sad to see you go, but I’m fine that we part ways. Most of all, I hope you find what you are looking for and I know I will step into what I’m really supposed to be writing about.

Thank you for reading,

J.R. Heimbigner

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

And if you’re ready to build something real with your writing…

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

Every year, someone declares Amazon KDP dead.

They say the market is too saturated, AI has ruined publishing, and it’s impossible for new authors to get noticed.

I’ve heard these arguments for years. Sure they come in different forms. But they are almost always the same and they are almost always doom and gloom.

And yet, after publishing more than two dozen books and selling nearly 40,000 copies on Amazon, I’m convinced that KDP is still one of the best opportunities available to writers in 2026.

But not for the reasons most people think.

The Good News

Amazon remains the largest bookstore in the world.

That’s right, larger than Barnes & Nobel or Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon. In fact, if Amazon were a brick and mortar bookstore, they would be approximately three times bigger than AT&T Stadium in Texas!

Millions of readers visit Amazon every day looking for solutions, stories, and information. Unlike most online businesses, you don’t need to convince people to buy books—they’re already there to do exactly that.

You can publish an ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook without asking permission from an agent or publisher. Your book can be available worldwide within days.

Even better, one book can continue generating income for years.

Some of my books still earn royalties long after launch. That’s the power of creating digital assets instead of chasing one-time projects.

The Hard Truth

KDP is not a get-rich-quick scheme.

The days of publishing a low-quality book and watching the sales roll in are largely over. Readers have more choices than ever. AI has lowered the barrier to entry, which means more books are being published every day.

As a result, readers expect higher quality. A professional cover matters. A clear title matters. A useful book matters. Marketing matters.

If you publish one book and hope Amazon does all the work for you, you’ll probably be disappointed. You must see Amazon KDP as a long game if you want to turn it into an income machine.

But, it is so easy to upload and publish, if you only want to do that, this is the easiest way.

What Actually Works in 2026

The authors succeeding today are treating KDP like a long-term business. The long game and building a book shelf of books is how you succeed on Amazon.

Authors who are making it work focus on:

• Solving specific problems for specific readers

• Publishing consistently

• Building a catalog instead of relying on one book

• Creating professional covers and descriptions

• Learning basic marketing skills

• Building an audience outside of Amazon

In other words, they’re playing the long game. They write one book, then the next, and the next. They create a brand, build authority, and get return readers.

My Advice for New Authors

If I were starting over today, I wouldn’t try to write the next great American novel.

I’d write a short, focused nonfiction book that solves one problem for one reader. Then I’d publish it. And I’d do it again. And again.

Most authors fail because they treat publishing as a single event.

Successful authors treat it as a system. They create and build over time. They look at a genre of books and ask what the major problems are and address each problem one book at a time.

Don’t try for that 100,000-word novel or nonfiction book. You will more likely than not fail and never want to write again. Start small, write a 10,000 to 20,000-word book. Build on that, gain readers and fans, and write the next one.

Final Verdict

Is Amazon KDP still worth it in 2026?

Yes.

But not because it’s easy.

It’s worth it because it still gives ordinary people the ability to turn their knowledge, experiences, and ideas into assets that can generate income for years to come.

The opportunity is still here. The shortcuts are gone. And honestly, that’s probably a good thing.

Amazon still works, but you have to be ready to work.

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

And if you’re ready to build something real with your writing…

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

It’s time to finish the book I started over a year ago.

That’s right, the guy who has published more than two dozen books has one that he just hasn’t finished yet. In fact, I started it so long ago, I had to go back and read everything I previously wrote so I could get back to the right head space.

And while I was doing that, I was thinking about all the authors out there who have done this too.

You started a book, but never quite finished it. Maybe you moved onto another project. Or something came up in life and your creative endeavors got put on the back burner.

Whatever the case, it happens to all of us.

And when it happens, we need to know what to do about it. How do we come back to the work we started so that we can actually finish it. Because the reality is this:

“The project we stopped, might just be the one we need to finish.”

Okay, hear me out on this. When I wrote my second book, it was a devotional on the Gospel of John, I did the same thing. But, when I finished it. Something was unlocked for me. And here we are, years later and over two dozen books published.

This project, that I have been putting off, might be, and most likely is, going to unlock something else for me or for someone that will change their life.

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The Question: How Do We Get Back On Track With That Deferred Project?

While I could tell you to just sit down and start writing again, the reality is that it s not that easy. What you need is three things. But they are simple things that will help you get started and they are all questions.

#1 - Why did I start writing this book?

This is probably the most important question. If you can’t answer it, then you need to do two things. Go back to when you started and figure out why. Or, maybe it is a project or book to ditch.

But, answer this question and it will prepare you to get back to the project and do it well. Most of all, it will rekindle your vision for the outcome that the reader will experience after reading your book.

#2 - Where did I leave off?

Sure, you can see that it is chapter 17, but where exactly. And then follow up question is this: why did I leave off here? Most of the time, we stop because of something. The project is getting hard, we are losing sight of the vision. We are getting scared of how the book is going to turn out.

Once you answer where you left off and why you left off, then you are ready for the next question which will take you to the next level and prepare you to get writing.

#3 - Is this still a book people want to read?

If you are writing a book people don’t want to read, it might be worth moving it to the trash can. But, if it is a book people want to read or need, then it is time to get back to business.

But, how do you answer this question? I typically ask. I share it with my wife. I ask other writers. I go to the people who have read my other books. If you don’t have other books, go back to your idea validation (research your niche and topic to see if it is still a valid idea).

If it is, then, and only then, you should go back to writing.

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5 Simple Steps to Start Writing After A Pause

If you have stepped away from writing for weeks, months, or even years, starting again can feel overwhelming. But the goal is not to make up for lost time—it is simply to begin again.

1. Lower the Pressure: Your first session back does not need to be brilliant. It just needs to happen. Focus on writing a few sentences instead of trying to create something amazing.

2. Start Small and Specific: Do not try to tackle your entire book on day one. Pick one scene, one idea, or one lesson. Small wins create momentum.

3. Remove Friction: Make writing easy to start. Open your document, clear distractions, silence notifications, and create an environment where writing feels simple.

4. Allow Imperfect Writing: Your first draft back might feel rusty—and that is okay. Momentum matters more than perfection. You can edit bad writing, but you cannot edit a blank page.

5. Build a Repeatable Rhythm: A single three-hour writing sprint will not rebuild your habit. Twenty focused minutes each day will. Consistency is what restores confidence.

A pause does not mean your writing journey is over. It simply means life happened. Start where you are, and trust that momentum will return.

Final Thoughts

Getting back to a project doesn’t have to be overwhelming or even that big of a deal. Sometimes, we just need to get started and make sure we are on the right track. That’s what I am doing.

Oh, and the project I’m working on. It is the final devotional in my Gospels Series, The Gospel of Luke. I’m about half way through and I know I have a long ways to go, but I know it is the thing I am supposed to finish.

So, I will share more about that and whatever I learn along the way as we get further into it! So be sure to follow along!

I have 23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

Want help writing your book?

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

“I should just give up and focus on something else.”

A few days ago, I was frustrated. In this particular season of life, “I feel like butter spread to thin over bread.” (If you know where that quote is from, share in the comments!)

My life is full. We are trying to sell our house and move states. I have four kids, ages 12 years to 9 months. And my day job is taking it out of me.

I had goals for this year. And so far, I’m not meeting any of them.

Most of all, the momentum that I had grown at the end of last year has stalled out. Sure, my writing income has remained the same, maybe a little less, but the work has died out slowly.

Each week, it gets harder and harder to write one post on Substack. And the daily content I used to do on Medium is down to two to three times a week if I’m lucky. And then there is the work on the books… It’s quite sad how little time I have for them.

And I know, it is just a season.

We will get moved. My kids will grow. Work will slow down. And then I will be back to a pace that will make writing more manageable. But, like most people, I ask myself:

What if it doesn’t slow down? Then what?

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The Devil, Resistance, and Writer’s Block Hate Your Creative Work

“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work." - Steven Pressfield, The War of Art.

When we get caught up in life and still want to pursue a creative outlet, we find ourselves up against a force that seems to be keeping us from creativity.

Steven Pressfield call it Resistance. He makes it out to be some kind of internal force that is out to keep you stuck. Other writers call it Writer’s Block and it’s based in fear and obscurity. I like to think of it is the Devil, lying to me about a hobby that turned into a business and a call.

Whatever it is to you, it’s trying to keep you from doing something meaningful with your creative endeavors.

And it is this unseen enemy of your work that will get in your head and try and tell you that you need to quit. The sad part about this, is that a lot of people do quit. They believe this enemy and then they rollover and stop. Dreams die. Something that would have changed the word disappears.

And we need to fight back…

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More than a “Why” & Less than a Feeling

I will start with a ‘why’ question though. Only because it’s the finest place to start and it is where I start when I feel this way.

“Why did you start writing in the first place?”

It’s always good to go back to the beginning. Because that beginning is going to give you many answers you didn’t know you needed. And the beginning can help breakdown the barriers before you.

For me, I started writing because I love writing.

In college, I loved writing papers. Same thing in high school. Even though my teachers told me I had the grammar sense of a grade-schooler. I literally had a college professor ask how I graduated high school with my inability to edit.

Even then, I loved to sit in a pub, sipping a beer, eating popcorn, and writing papers. There was such joy in the experience of it. And when I finished college, I yearned for that kind of joy in creativity. So, I found blogging. And I did that for years.

After years of blogging random thoughts and ideas, I finally started down a more focused path when I joined Medium. And then, this hobby because something I made a little money with ads and affiliate marketing.

Then I wrote my first book, and I was hooked on a feeling.

Less than a feeling…

Our feelings tell us things. But they should not control our actions. I loved the feeling of writing and publishing books. It is exhilarating to me every time. And that is a good feeling. But, there are bad feelings with it too.

One-star reviews. Days without sales. Haters emailing you telling you that you suck.

All of these things feel bad and take away from wanting to write. Most of the time they feed the enemy of your creative endeavors. And when you have found success, but you hit a dry spell, it really gets back.

Creativity is more than a feeling.

But many of us let that feeling drive us away from creating or writing. I know I do. Heck, this feeling of being overwhelmed and that my efforts aren’t producing what I thought they would is easily driving me to question everything.

But, we need to find the sweet spot in our creative ventures that help is move forward when things are hard or when they suck.

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The Sweet Spot

I have found that the sweet spot is the perfect intersection of feelings, ‘why,’ and systems.

What do I mean when I say the perfect intersection? How could we hit the sweet spot when we feel terrible, we are overwhelmed, and we forget the reason we write. Well, here is what it looks like:

• It does feel good to write.

• I write because I want to help people.

• And, I have systems that make it easy to write when it is hard.

If you aren’t sure what these three things are for you, I want to propose you as yourself three questions:

1. What feels good about creating? Do I feel that more often than not?

2. Why do I create in the first place?

3. What systems do I have, or could I have to help me create when it’s hard?

If you can answer these questions, and then set up everything you need to hit the sweet spot, you can enjoy writing and push back the lies of the enemy at any given time.

And that is what I am doing today.

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I Could Quit, But I Won’t

Because I love to write. And I like seeing my work help people. Most of all, I am prepared for these days where I want to quit.

All that to say, I do feel like quitting often.

And if you feel that way, I want to encourage you to find your sweet spot so you can power through and continue to contribute your beautiful, helpful work to the world. Also, because I think you are like me and writing does something that you need as much as you contribute.

So, keep going and I can’t wait to see what you create next.

I have 23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

Want help writing your book?

Check out my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System — my complete step-by-step framework to go from idea to published book in 90 days (even if you’re starting from scratch).

For years, I carried around ideas for books I never finished. Not because I lacked ideas or wanted it less than other people, but because I believed finishing a book required more time, more discipline, or the perfect moment.

I kept telling myself someday I’d do it when life slowed down, when I had a better idea, or when I felt more prepared. But “someday” has a way of becoming years.

Eventually I realized something uncomfortable:

Aspiring authors don’t fail because they can’t write. They fail because they never build a repeatable way to finish.

That realization became the seed for Finishable.

What changed for me wasn’t a burst of motivation. It was discovering that books get finished through process, not passion. Passion gets you started. Process gets you done.

Once I stopped treating writing as a grand creative event and started treating it as a series of small, finishable steps, the book became less overwhelming. Progress became visible. Momentum replaced doubt. And I realized what worked for me could help other writers too.

Because so many aspiring authors are carrying unnecessary weight. They think they need perfect conditions, uninterrupted time, or some mythical discipline they don’t yet possess. They think they need to know everything before they begin.

Most people don’t need more information. They need a practical path.

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That’s why I wrote Finishable.

I didn’t want to write another book filled with vague encouragement to “follow your dreams.” I wanted to write the book I wish someone had handed me years ago. A book that said:

Here’s how to choose an idea. Here’s how to build a writing rhythm. Here’s how to stop overthinking. Here’s how to finish in 90 days. Here’s how to publish. And here’s how to turn a book into something more than a one-time project.

Because I believe a book can be an asset.

A book can build authority. It can grow your brand. It can open doors. It can generate opportunities, income, and impact. But most aspiring authors never experience any of that because they never reach the finish line.

I wanted to help change that. The deeper problem isn’t writing. It’s identity. Too many people stay trapped in the label aspiring author. Aspiring means almost. Almost started. Almost finished. Almost published.

Almost counts for nothing.

There’s a huge difference between wanting to write a book and becoming someone who finishes books. That difference is structure. That difference is follow-through. That difference is deciding your ideas matter enough to complete.

I wrote Finishable because too many meaningful books die in notebooks, unfinished drafts, and “I’ll get to it later.”

That’s a loss for the writer. And it’s a loss for readers too. The world doesn’t need fewer people trying to write books. It needs more people finishing them. And while Finishable is about writing and publishing, it’s really about something bigger:

Becoming a person who follows through.

Because finishing one book changes you. You stop seeing yourself as someone trying to be an author. You become one.

That identity shift matters. It creates momentum. It creates confidence. It spills into other parts of life. I’ve seen that firsthand.

And I think we’re living in a moment when more people than ever have ideas worth sharing—creators, experts, coaches, professionals, ordinary people with extraordinary stories—but too many are sitting on those ideas like this:

Waiting. Delaying. Second-guessing.

I believe many are one system away from finishing. That’s what I wanted this book to be. Not hype. Not theory. A system.

Simple enough to use. Practical enough to stick with. Powerful enough to get someone from blank page to published book.

My hope isn’t just that people read Finishable. My hope is they use it.

• I hope someone who has postponed their book for five years finally starts.

• I hope someone stuck halfway through a manuscript finishes.

• I hope someone who has called themselves an aspiring author drops the aspiring.

• And I hope readers realize their book isn’t just possible—it’s overdue.

Because ideas don’t become impact until they’re finished. That’s why I wrote Finishable. To help more people stop aspiring and start finishing.

Grab Your Copy Today

Stop overthinking and finally get your book out of your head and into the world with a proven 90-day system. Get Finishable today and start turning your ideas into a published book — and a scalable asset.

Grab my book now!

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

I have 23 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

I wasted years trying to write the perfect book. I thought I needed more time. Better ideas. More discipline. And maybe I did need more of those things, but…

I was wrong to let the need for those things keep me from writing and publishing books.

What I actually needed was a simple, repeatable system that worked even when I was busy, tired, and didn’t feel like writing. Because here’s the truth most people don’t talk about:

You don’t fail at writing because you lack talent. You fail because you don’t have a clear path from idea → finished book.

I know that because I lived it. I have stared and stopped projects. In those early morning hours I overthought everything. And like many writers and aspiring authors I never quite finished anything.

Until something finally clicked.

I stopped chasing motivation and discovered a system instead. A simple process that helped me:

• Write faster

• Finish what I started

• Actually hit publish

• And become a #1 bestseller!

And it has happened more than once. I have been able to apply that system over and over again. Since 2019, I have published 24 books. My reviews average reviews are over 4.0. And I sell my books daily.

Today, I turned that system into something you can use.

Write & Publish Your Book in 90 Days (Fast-Track Bundle) is live.

This isn’t a complicated course. It’s a clear, step-by-step system to help you:

Go from idea → outline → finished draft → published book

Even if you’re busy like me (41yo husband, father of four, and full-time employee). Even if you’ve struggled before with starting or finishing.

And just for today, I’m including:

• My complete 90-Day Bestseller System

• An upgraded 7-Day Quick Start Plan (so you don’t stall)

This is a today-only offer.

I’m only leaving this up today. At midnight it goes back to its original price and I don’t Want you to miss it!

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book or started but never finished, this is for you!

If you know you have something to say but keep putting it off, this is your moment to move.

👉 Write & Publish Your Book in 90 Days or Less (Fast Track Bundle)

Let’s get your book finished.

Hi, I’m J.R. Heimbigner.

22 books published under my name and another two books under pen names. Multiple #1 Amazon bestsellers. I help everyday people turn simple ideas into books — and books into income.

This week, I’ve been thinking about how long I spent trying to write the “right way.”

For a long time, I struggled to make real progress on my books.

I thought writing meant sitting down for long, uninterrupted hours… crafting something perfect… something polished… something “worthy” of being published.

So I kept trying to do it that way.

I’d wait until I had a free evening, open a blank document, and I’d write a little… delete a lot… and eventually close it. And honestly, it was frustrating. Because weeks would go by—and I had almost nothing to show for it. Then something clicked. I realized:

I wasn’t failing because I couldn’t write. I was failing because I didn’t have a system that fit my life.

Here’s what I learned:

• You don’t need more time—you need smaller, consistent blocks

• You don’t need perfect writing—you need finished drafts

• You don’t need motivation—you need a repeatable process

That shift changed everything for me. Most people think they’re stuck because they’re too busy. But what actually happens is they’re trying to write in a way that doesn’t match their reality.

They’re trying to sprint… when what they really need is a steady, daily rhythm.

This is exactly why I built a simple system I could follow—something that actually helps me go from idea to finished book without overthinking everything.

A system I could use even with a full-time job, a family, and everything else life throws at me. And after writing and publishing 10 books, I came up with a system that I used for the next 14 books I published.

And now, I share the exact system I use with other people. If you want the full step-by-step system I use, I put everything into my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System.

It walks you through exactly how to go from idea to published book in a simple, repeatable way.

Hi! I’m J.R. Heimbigner!

I’m a #1 bestseller on Amazon and I have written & published 22 books (bookstore). And I just published my first fiction book under a pen name and it became a #1 bestseller with over 50 reviews in 30 days!

If you want more writing, publishing, and digital-product strategies, subscribe to my Substack where I teach authors how to build real online income.

And if you’re ready to publish your own mini book fast — the same system I use to grow my business — check out the Mini Book Accelerator Bundle. Or start with my 7-Day Mini Book Challenge 2.0!

If you’re new here, welcome.

This isn’t a newsletter about writing theory. It’s a place where I document what it actually looks like to build a writing business in real time.

I’m a full-time worker, a husband, and a dad of four. I don’t have unlimited time. I don’t have a massive team. But I am building something—one book, one system, and one step at a time.

And this is where I share that process with you.

What You’ll Find Here

Most writing advice sounds good… but doesn’t fit real life.

So instead of teaching from a distance, I share what I’m actually doing:

• The books I’m writing (and how I’m finishing them faster)

• The systems I use to go from idea → published book

• What’s working right now (and what’s not)

• How I’m turning small books into real income

You won’t find fluff here. You’ll find simple, repeatable actions that you can actually follow. And you will get it from my perspective, which is a side hustling, husband, and father who works a full time job but has been able to write and publish dozens of books.

My Approach (In One Sentence)

Write small. Publish often. Build momentum.

That’s it. I don’t believe you need:

• 300-page books

• Years of preparation

• Or perfect conditions

I believe you need a system you can repeat—even on your busiest days.

And that’s what I will share here. The full system, for your reference or to help you write and publish your books is my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System.

Start Here

If you’re not sure where to begin, read these:

1. How to Self-Publish a Bestselling Book (Even If You Have No Audience)

2. The Mini Book Method: How Writing Short Books in a Series Can Build Real Income

3. Substack Is The Best Place To Start Your Author Platform

4. You Need to Write Until You Find Your Winner

5. The Truth About Self-Publishing Books

These will give you a clear picture of how I think and how I work.

Why I Share This

I’m not here as an expert who has it all figured out. I’m here as someone in the middle of it.

Building. Testing. Adjusting.

And showing you what actually works—so you can skip years of trial and error.

If You Want to Go Further

Everything I share here is built on a simple, repeatable system I use to:

• Turn ideas into finished books

• Publish consistently without overwhelm

• Build income from writing over time

From time to time, I’ll point you to that system if you want a faster path. But you don’t need it to get started. You just need to begin.

One Last Thing

You don’t need more information.

You need momentum.

So don’t just read this.

Write something. Finish something. Publish something.

And then come back tomorrow and do it again.

P.S. If you’re tired of thinking about writing a book and ready to actually finish one, this is the exact system I use: 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System.

I used to think success in writing came down to one thing:

Finishing the perfect book.

So I chased word counts. I tried to make everything perfect. I spent months working on something I wasn’t even sure people needed. And while finishing mattered…

It wasn’t what actually moved things forward.

Now, after publishing multiple books and learning what actually works, I see it clearly:

I wasn’t just missing tactics—I was missing a better way to think.

If I had to start over today, here’s exactly what I’d do differently.

1. Start with the message, not the manuscript

Before writing anything, I’d ask:

What am I trying to say—and who is it for?

Clarity here changes everything. When your message is clear:

• Writing gets easier

• Your book feels focused

• Readers connect faster

Your book stops being random… and starts being intentional.

2. Build your audience before your book

I got this backwards at first. I thought:

“I’ll build an audience after I publish.”

But if no one knows you exist, your book won’t go anywhere. If I were starting again, I’d show up now:

• Write posts

• Share ideas

• Start conversations

Because your audience doesn’t come from your book. Your book comes from your audience. But, that doesn’t mean you need to wait to write your book either.

Write your book, share it as posts, get immediate feedback!

3. Stop waiting to feel ready

I kept waiting for confidence. It never came. Because readiness is a myth.

The people who make progress don’t feel ready…they start anyway.

You figure things out by moving, not by waiting. So, stop waiting and get moving. Even it if is a little bit at a time.

A step forward is better than no steps at all.

4. Invest in a professional editor

You can’t see your own blind spots. An editor doesn’t take away your voice—they sharpen it.

They help your message land clearly.

If you spend money anywhere in your book publishing, especially early on, spend it with your editor first. (Then your cover designer)

And if your message matters… clarity matters.

5. Learn marketing early

Most writers avoid this. I did too. But here’s the truth:

Writing is only half the work.

If people can’t find your book, they can’t read it. Marketing isn’t selling out. It’s making sure the right person finds the right book.

Marketing isn’t a dirty word, it is the golden step toward success.

6. Find your people

Writing alone is hard. Everything feels heavier when you’re doing it by yourself. When you find community:

You move faster, stay encouraged and realize your struggles are normal.

You don’t need a huge network. You just need a few people who get it. And those people will likely be with you a long time.

Your author community is as important as your reader community.

7. Niche down

At first, I wanted to write for everyone. That made everything harder. Because:

When you speak to everyone… you connect with no one.

Instead of being broad, be clear. Specificity builds connection. Remember:

One person, one problem, one solution!

8. Treat writing like a discipline

I used to wait for inspiration. Now I rely on structure. If writing matters to you, treat it that way:

• Schedule it

• Protect it

• Show up consistently

And when you have a commitment to yourself and writing that you keep, you will take large steps forward, even if they feel small.

Consistency always beats inspiration.

9. Give yourself grace

Your first book won’t be perfect. That’s not the goal.

The goal is progress.

Your first book makes you a published author. You learn from it and can improve for your second books. And then, you do it again and again and again.

Unfinished books help no one.

10. Remember why you started

It’s easy to get distracted by:

• Sales

• Numbers

• Comparison

But that’s not why you started.

You started because you had something to say. And someone out there is waiting to read it.

Your words matter.

The Bottom Line

If I had to simplify everything, it would be this:

Write with purpose. Publish with courage. Build with intention.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need to take the next step.

Want Help Building Your First (or Next) Book?

If you’re serious about writing, publishing, and turning your message into something that actually reaches people…

1. Subscribe to my Substack. I share more in-depth content about writing, self-publishing on Amazon KDP and selling directly, as well as making money online.

2. Pick up my 90-Day Amazon Bestseller System. Remove the barrier of not knowing what to do and use my exact system that has helped me become a bestseller and publish 24 book!

Let’s build this together.

Hi! I’m J.R. Heimbigner!

I’m a #1 bestseller on Amazon and I have written & published 22 books (bookstore). And I just published my first fiction book under a pen name and it became a #1 bestseller with over 50 reviews in 30 days!

If you want more writing, publishing, and digital-product strategies, subscribe to my Substack where I teach authors how to build real online income.

And if you’re ready to publish your own mini book fast — the same system I use to grow my business — check out the Mini Book Accelerator Bundle. Or start with my 7-Day Mini Book Challenge 2.0!

For decades, aspiring authors believed that writing a “real” book meant producing a 300-page manuscript. That assumption still stops thousands of potential writers before they even begin.

But something important has been happening — quietly — in the digital publishing world.

Smaller books are winning.

Not because readers suddenly dislike long books. Not because writing standards have dropped. But because the modern reader values clarity, speed, and usefulness more than sheer length.

Welcome to the 10,000-word book strategy.

The Rise of Short Books in the Digital Era

Amazon didn’t just change how books are sold. It changed how books are written.

The introduction of formats like Kindle Singles created a new space for shorter nonfiction and long-form journalism — works designed to be long enough for depth but short enough to avoid filler. Critics even described them as feeling like “a new genre” built for digital reading habits.

This shift matters.

Because when distribution changes, reader expectations change with it.

Today’s readers are overwhelmed with information. They are busy. They are distracted. And they are far more likely to buy and finish a book that promises a fast, clear result.

Short books meet that need.

Why 10,000 Words Is a Strategic Sweet Spot

A 10,000-word nonfiction book typically lands somewhere around 80–120 pages depending on formatting — long enough to deliver meaningful transformation but short enough to remain focused and digestible.

This length hits a powerful middle ground:

• Longer than a blog post

• More structured than a guide

• Faster to finish than a traditional book

• Easier to produce consistently

From a strategy standpoint, this matters more than most writers realize.

Because publishing success is rarely about writing one perfect book.

It’s about building momentum.

The Momentum Advantage

Most authors stall out in the planning phase. They aim for massive books that require months or years to complete.

Meanwhile, writers using the 10,000-word strategy are shipping books every 30–60 days.

The math becomes obvious:

One long book per year vs. Six short books per year

Which author is more likely to:

• Learn faster

• Build an audience quicker

• Improve marketing skills

• Grow search visibility on Amazon

• Create multiple income streams

Publishing frequency compounds.

Every finished book becomes:

• A new discovery asset

• A new entry point for readers

• A new experiment in positioning and pricing

• A new data point about what works

Short books accelerate feedback loops — and feedback loops create progress.

Readers Don’t Buy Length — They Buy Outcomes

One of the biggest mindset shifts for authors is understanding that readers rarely think in terms of word count.

They think in terms of:

• “Will this help me solve my problem?”

• “Can I finish this quickly?”

• “Is this worth my time?”

A focused 10,000-word book that delivers a clear result often feels more valuable than a 300-page book filled with repetition or theory.

Shorter formats force writers to eliminate fluff.

They must:

• Clarify their main idea

• Structure transformation logically

• Remove unnecessary tangents

• Respect the reader’s attention

This constraint is not a weakness.

It is a competitive advantage.

The Discoverability Factor on Amazon

Amazon’s ecosystem rewards consistency.

Each book you publish strengthens:

• Your author brand

• Your keyword footprint

• Your category presence

• Your recommendation engine signals

Short books make it easier to build a portfolio strategy.

Instead of relying on one title to succeed, you create multiple “hooks” into the marketplace.

For example:

• Book 1 solves Problem A

• Book 2 solves Problem B

• Book 3 targets a different audience segment

• Book 4 explores a niche subtopic

Over time, this creates a web of discoverability. Readers who find one book often move through your catalog. This is how many indie authors quietly build sustainable income.

Not with one bestseller — but with a stack of useful, focused books.

Speed Creates Skill

There’s another hidden benefit to the 10,000-word strategy.

It makes you better.

Fast.

Every book teaches:

• Writing discipline

• Structural clarity

• Reader psychology

• Cover positioning

• Title optimization

• Launch timing

• Pricing experiments

Writers who publish frequently develop publishing instincts.

They stop guessing. They start observing. They learn what readers respond to.

And they improve with each release.

Long book cycles delay this learning process.

Short book cycles accelerate it.

The Finishing Advantage

Perhaps the most powerful reason smaller books are winning is simple:

They get finished.

A finished book:

• Builds confidence

• Creates credibility

• Generates opportunities

• Opens conversations

• Attracts collaborations

• Drives traffic to other offers

An unfinished book creates none of these.

The psychological impact of completing a book — even a shorter one — can transform a writer’s identity.

They stop saying, “I want to write a book.”

They start saying, “I’m an author.”

That shift changes everything.

When Longer Books Still Make Sense

None of this means long books are obsolete.

They still matter deeply in:

• Narrative nonfiction

• Deep academic work

• Epic fiction

• Comprehensive frameworks

But for many nonfiction creators — especially those building online brands — shorter books often provide a more practical entry point.

They are:

• Lower risk

• Faster to validate

• Easier to update

• Simpler to market

And in a crowded marketplace, simplicity often wins.

The Quiet Strategy That Builds Loud Results

The 10,000-word book strategy isn’t flashy.

It doesn’t sound heroic. It won’t impress people who equate length with legitimacy.

But it works.It works because it aligns with:

• Modern attention spans

• Digital reading habits

• Platform algorithms

• Creator economics

• Skill development cycles

Most importantly — it works because it helps authors ship. And shipping creates growth.

So if you’ve been waiting to write a massive book…

Consider writing a smaller one first. Not as a compromise. But as a strategic move. Because on Amazon today, the authors quietly winning are not always the ones writing the biggest books.

They’re often the ones writing the most useful ones — and finishing them.

Hi! I’m J.R. Heimbigner!

I’m a #1 bestseller on Amazon and I have written & published 22 books (bookstore). And I just published my first fiction book under a pen name and it became a #1 bestseller with over 50 reviews in 30 days!

If you want more writing, publishing, and digital-product strategies, subscribe to my Substack where I teach authors how to build real online income.

And if you’re ready to publish your own mini book fast — the same system I use to grow my business — check out the Mini Book Accelerator Bundle. Or start with my 7-Day Mini Book Challenge 2.0!

Hello there,

I haven’t written a post like this in a while, so I thought today would be a good day to do it. Well, I am writing it on Thursday with the intention to post on Friday, but let’s not get lost in the details.

Today, I thought I might pull back the curtain and give a little State of the Minimalist Author along the way. I figured it has been a while to get one of these shoot from the hip share posts and with it being spring time, it seems right.

So, in this paywall post, I will share the following things:

1. What is going on in my life and why I’m such a zoo (if you have noticed).

2. The State of The Minimalist Author.

3. And some projects I am working on in various stages.

So, if you are interested in any of these things, you are going to have to do something new for me, join The Minimalist Author Club/Author Collective…

Read more

There’s a certain moment that never gets old.

You log into your Amazon KDP dashboard. You refresh the page. And there it is — that small but powerful orange badge that says “#1 Bestseller.”

For many authors, the dream of becoming a bestseller feels distant. It sounds like something reserved for celebrity memoirs, massive fantasy epics, or traditionally published authors with large marketing teams.

But what if I told you that becoming a bestseller can be simpler, faster, and more repeatable than most writers think?

That’s exactly why I love being a bestseller in the Amazon Short Reads categories.

It changed the way I think about writing, publishing, and building momentum as an author.

Short Books Create Fast Wins

One of the biggest reasons I love the Short Reads categories is that they allow authors to win faster.

Traditional writing advice often pushes people toward writing long books. Three hundred pages. Years of drafting. Endless editing cycles.

But short books — typically in the 10,000 to 20,000 word range — are finishable.

You can write one in weeks instead of years. You could even write one in a week!

That means you can publish faster. Learn faster. Improve faster.

Every short book becomes a real-world experiment. You’re not just thinking about being an author — you’re actively becoming one.

And when that first bestseller badge appears, it changes your confidence overnight.

Momentum Becomes Real

There is something powerful about stacking small wins.

When you write shorter books, you can publish multiple times per year. Each launch builds your audience. Each book expands your catalog. Each reader becomes a potential fan of your next project.

Momentum starts to compound.

Instead of putting all your hopes into one massive book, you’re building a portfolio of assets.

Short Reads categories reward consistency.

If you can publish helpful, focused books that solve clear problems or tell engaging stories, you give yourself more chances to succeed.

That’s a game changer.

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Categories Make Strategy Possible

Another reason I love the Short Reads space is that it introduces strategy into publishing.

Many new authors assume bestseller status is purely about luck or massive sales volume. But Amazon categories create opportunities for thoughtful positioning.

Short Reads categories are more focused. More niche. More accessible.

When you choose the right category, write a clear book for a specific reader, and launch intentionally, bestseller status becomes realistic.

This doesn’t mean gaming the system. It means understanding the system.

It means writing books that are useful, readable, and aligned with what real readers are already searching for.

And when strategy meets execution, results follow.

Readers Actually Finish Short Books

One of the most overlooked benefits of short books is reader experience.

Readers are busy.

They have careers, families, responsibilities, and endless digital distractions competing for their attention. A shorter book feels approachable. Finishable. Respectful of their time.

When readers finish your book, something important happens.

They trust you more.

They are more likely to leave reviews. More likely to recommend your work. More likely to buy your next book.

Completion builds connection. And connection builds long-term readership.

Short Reads categories reward authors who understand this dynamic.

Bestseller Badges Open Doors

Let’s be honest — the badge matters.

Not because of ego. But because of perception.

When readers see that orange bestseller label, it signals credibility. It tells them that other people are already finding value in your work.

This can increase conversions on your book page. It can help you grow your email list. It can make collaborations, podcast invitations, and speaking opportunities more accessible.

A short book that becomes a bestseller can act like a business card that works for you 24 hours a day.

And when you have multiple bestseller badges across your catalog, your authority as an author begins to compound.

Short Books Fit Real Life

For many writers, especially those working full-time or raising families like me, long writing projects feel overwhelming.

Short books are practical.

You can write in focused daily sessions. You can build a repeatable process. You can create publishing rhythms that fit into real life instead of trying to escape from it.

This makes writing sustainable. Instead of burning out on one huge project, you stay engaged. You keep learning. You keep shipping.

Over time, the results add up.

Not just in royalties or rankings, but in skill, clarity, and confidence.

Subscribe now

The Bigger Vision

And while this post is all about hitting that bestseller badge in short books, it’s important to think bigger. The truth:

I don’t love being a bestseller just because of the badge.

I love what the process represents. It represents finishing what you start. It represents helping real readers with real problems. It represents building something meaningful one focused project at a time.

The Amazon Short Reads categories make this vision accessible.

They lower the barrier to entry without lowering the impact. They give everyday writers a path to become published authors — and even bestsellers — faster than they ever thought possible.

And once you experience that first win, you realize something important.

You don’t need to wait years to feel like a real author. You just need a smaller, clearer book… and the courage to publish it.

Hi! I’m J.R. Heimbigner!

I’m a #1 bestseller on Amazon and I have written & published 22 books (bookstore). And I just published my first fiction book under a pen name and it became a #1 bestseller with over 50 reviews in 30 days!

If you want more writing, publishing, and digital-product strategies, subscribe to my Substack where I teach authors how to build real online income.

And if you’re ready to publish your own mini book fast — the same system I use to grow my business — check out the Mini Book Accelerator Bundle. Or start with my 7-Day Mini Book Challenge 2.0!

When people say they want to write a book, what they usually picture is a massive project.

You know what I mean.

You imagine a three hundred pages masterpiece that takes years of work and a mountain of research.

This imagined work feels closer to climbing Everest than sitting down to write a book that will help people and create a side income for you.

Because of this imagined reality, thousands of would-be authors never start. And thousands more start but never finish.

But here’s the truth most aspiring writers don’t realize:

Many successful nonfiction books on Amazon are only 10,000–20,000 words long.

That’s roughly 80–120 pages.

In other words, the kind of book you could write in a few focused weeks — or even faster if you already know your topic.

Once you understand this, publishing a book suddenly stops feeling impossible.

It becomes achievable.

The Big Lie About Writing Books

Most people assume a book must be long to be valuable.

They think:

“If it’s not 300 pages, people won’t take it seriously.”

But readers don’t actually care about page count. Readers care about solving a problem.

If someone searches Amazon for:

• How to start a podcast

• How to train a puppy

• How to write a book

• How to budget money

They are not hoping for a giant textbook. They want a clear answer as quickly as possible. That’s why shorter nonfiction books often perform incredibly well.

They are:

• Faster to read

• Easier to understand

• Focused on one specific result

A tight, focused 15,000-word book that solves one problem clearly will almost always outperform a bloated 80,000-word book that tries to cover everything.

Clarity beats length every time.

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What 10,000–20,000 Words Actually Looks Like

One reason writing a book feels overwhelming is because people imagine a huge number. But once you break it down, it becomes surprisingly manageable.

Here’s what 15,000 words could look like:

• Introduction — 1,000 words

• Chapter 1 — 1,500 words

• Chapter 2 — 1,500 words

• Chapter 3 — 1,500 words

• Chapter 4 — 1,500 words

• Chapter 5 — 1,500 words

• Chapter 6 — 1,500 words

• Chapter 7 — 1,500 words

• Chapter 8 — 1,500 words

• Conclusion — 1,000 words

That’s it.

Ten short chapters.

Each one about the length of a typical blog post. (And if you are blogging already, I will guarantee you have already written a book!)

If you can write a 1,500-word article, you can write a chapter. If you can write 10 articles, you can write a book.

This is why many successful authors don’t think in terms of “writing a book.” They think in terms of writing a series of small pieces that stack together.

The Power of a Focused Book

Short nonfiction books succeed because they are focused.

Instead of trying to cover everything about a topic, they solve one specific problem for one specific reader.

For example:

Instead of writing:

“The Ultimate Guide to Writing”

You write:

“How to Write Your First Nonfiction Book in 90 Days.”

Instead of writing:

“Everything About Personal Finance”

You write:

“How to Build Your First $10,000 Emergency Fund.”

When the promise is clear, readers immediately understand what they will gain. That clarity leads to more clicks, more purchases, and more satisfied readers.

Ironically, the smaller the promise, the easier it is for your book to succeed.

Why Shorter Books Are Perfect for First-Time Authors

If you have never published a book before, a shorter book is actually the best place to start. If I were to do it all over again, this is where I would have started. Here’s why.

1. You finish faster

Momentum matters. Finishing your first book quickly builds confidence and experience.

2. You learn the publishing process

Formatting, covers, keywords, descriptions, categories — you’ll learn how everything works.

3. You can publish more books

One massive book might take years.

Three smaller books can build a catalog that attracts more readers.

4. You reduce the fear of starting

When you realize a book can be 10,000–20,000 words, the project suddenly feels doable.

And when something feels doable, you’re far more likely to begin.

The Real Secret: Books Are Built From Small Sessions

Many working adults assume they don’t have time to write a book. But writing 15,000 words doesn’t require months of isolation. It requires small, consistent writing sessions.

For example:

• If you wrote 500 words per day, you would have a full draft in 30 days.

Five hundred words takes roughly 20–30 minutes for most writers. That’s one focused writing session. One small block of time.

Stack enough of those sessions together, and suddenly you have something powerful:

A finished book.

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The Opportunity Most People Miss

Right now, millions of readers go to Amazon every day searching for answers.

They are looking for:

• Solutions

• Frameworks

• Step-by-step guidance

• Clear explanations

But most potential authors never publish their knowledge. They assume writing a book is too hard, too big, and too complicated.

The truth is far simpler.

A useful nonfiction book can often be 10,000–20,000 words. Roughly 80–120 pages.

Which means the barrier to becoming an author is much lower than most people think.

The real challenge isn’t writing a massive book. It’s deciding to start — and sticking with it long enough to finish.

Hi! I’m J.R. Heimbigner!

I’m a #1 bestseller on Amazon and I have written & published 22 books (bookstore). And I just published my first fiction book under a pen name and it became a #1 bestseller with over 50 reviews in 30 days!

If you want more writing, publishing, and digital-product strategies, subscribe to my Substack where I teach authors how to build real online income.

And if you’re ready to publish your own mini book fast — the same system I use to grow my business — check out the Mini Book Accelerator Bundle. Or start with my 7-Day Mini Book Challenge 2.0!

You are sitting on a goldmine and you don’t even know it.

If you’ve written blog posts—on Medium, Substack, or your own website—you already have ideas that resonated with readers. You’ve tested headlines. You’ve explored problems. You’ve shared solutions.

The mistake?

Letting those posts stay scattered instead of turning them into a focused mini book that solves one problem for one person with one clear solution.

Here’s how to use ChatGPT to turn a blog post into a profitable mini book outline—without overcomplicating it.

Step 1: Choose a Blog Post That Solves a Specific Problem

Not every blog post should become a book.

Pick one that:

• Addresses a clear pain point

• Offers actionable advice

• Has engagement (comments, claps, shares, replies)

• Feels expandable

For example, maybe you wrote a post about building a 20-minute writing habit. That’s not just a blog post—that’s the seed of a mini book.

Your goal isn’t to create a massive guide. Your goal is to go deeper on one transformation.

Step 2: Paste the Blog Post into ChatGPT

Once you’ve chosen the post, paste the full text into ChatGPT and give it a focused prompt.

Here’s a simple framework you can use:

“Here is a blog post I wrote. Based on this content, create an outline for a 10–15 chapter mini book that solves one clear problem for one specific reader using one core solution. Make the book practical, simple, and focused on helping the reader achieve one measurable result.”

This forces clarity.

Instead of broad advice, you get a structured progression:

Problem → insight → implementation → result.

ChatGPT is powerful—but only when directed with constraints.

Step 3: Define the One Reader

This is where most writers go wrong.

They try to write for everyone.

Before refining the outline, ask ChatGPT:

“Based on this content, who is the most specific reader this book should target? Be clear and narrow.”

Instead of:

• “People who want to write”

You want:

• “Busy working parents who want to write their first nonfiction book without quitting their job.”

Now the outline will sharpen. The tone will tighten. The examples will align.

Specific sells.

Step 4: Clarify the One Problem

Next, refine the problem.

Ask:

“What is the single core problem this book should solve for this reader?”

Not:

• “They struggle with productivity.”

But:

• “They don’t have a consistent writing rhythm and never finish what they start.”

A mini book should remove one bottleneck.

When you solve one bottleneck clearly, readers get results. And results build trust. Trust builds income.

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Step 5: Refine the One Solution

Every profitable mini book needs one unifying solution. Not 12 strategies. Not 47 hacks. One core framework.

Ask ChatGPT:

“Based on this outline, what is the single core framework or solution this book teaches? Name it and break it into 3–5 steps.”

Now your book becomes cohesive.

For example:

• The 20-Minute Writing System

• The Single Reader Formula

• The Publish Simply Method

When you name a method, you increase perceived value.

People don’t buy information.

They buy systems.

Step 6: Turn the Outline into a Logical Chapter Flow

Now refine the structure:

“Organize this outline into 12 chapters that logically move the reader from problem awareness to implementation to measurable outcome.”

A strong mini book structure often looks like this:

1. Identify the pain

2. Challenge false beliefs

3. Introduce the core framework

4. Break the framework into steps

5. Show real-life application

6. Address objections

7. Provide a simple action plan

8. End with a clear next step

Keep chapters between 1,000–2,000 words.

A 12-chapter mini book can land between 12,000–20,000 words—perfectly positioned for Amazon and digital sales.

Step 7: Add Income Intention

If you want the book to help people make money, build that outcome directly into the promise.

Ask:

“How can this book clearly show the reader how to use this solution to create income or financial return?”

This could include:

• Using the system to publish a paid product

• Turning skills into services

• Launching a simple digital offer

• Monetizing a habit

Income doesn’t have to mean “quit your job.” It means creating a small, measurable win. Even helping someone earn their first $100 builds momentum—and testimonials.

Don’t get caught up in big money, especially at the beginning.

Step 8: Add a Clear Call to Action

Your mini book should not end with “The End.” It should end with a next step that leads to:

• A worksheet

• A challenge

• An offer

Ask ChatGPT:

“Create a strong final chapter that transitions readers into taking immediate action and invites them to a related paid offer or challenge.”

This is where your ecosystem grows.

Blog post → Mini book → Paid product → Coaching → Community.

One focused solution can become an entire income ladder.

Share

The Bigger Opportunity

You don’t need 100 new ideas. You need one strong idea refined.

Your old blog posts are not random pieces of content. They are market-tested signals. If readers engaged once, they’ll go deeper—if you guide them clearly.

ChatGPT is not the creator.

You are.

But when you combine your lived experience with focused prompts, structured constraints, and a clear outcome, you can transform scattered content into a sellable mini book that:

• Solves one problem

• For one specific reader

• With one clear solution

• And leads to one measurable result

That’s how simple books make real money.

Now go find one blog post.

Paste it in.

And build something focused enough to finish—and valuable enough to sell.

Hi! I’m J.R. Heimbigner!

I’m a #1 bestseller on Amazon and I have written & published 22 books (bookstore). And I just published my first fiction book under a pen name and it became a #1 bestseller with over 50 reviews in 30 days!

If you want more writing, publishing, and digital-product strategies, subscribe to my Substack where I teach authors how to build real online income.

And if you’re ready to publish your own mini book fast — the same system I use to grow my business — check out the Mini Book Accelerator Bundle. Or start with my 7-Day Mini Book Challenge 2.0!

“How do I make this huge?”

I have found this is the question that most first time and early authors want to answer. How do I make it big? How do I make money? How do I get known? They want the breakout launch. The bestseller badge. The post that goes viral and brings in thousands of subscribers overnight.

But that question quietly sabotages long-term growth. A better question is:

“How do I make this repeatable?”

Self-publishing doesn’t grow through breakthroughs. It grows through stacking small wins. Quiet progress. Finished drafts. Refined systems. Published books.

Below are five principles that turn scattered effort into durable leverage.

1. Finish Small to Build Confidence

Your first real win isn’t revenue.

It’s completion.

Finishing a book, especially your first, changes how you see yourself. You stop saying, “I want to write a book someday,” and start saying, “I’ve written one.” That identity shift matters more than most people realize. Completion creates:

• Proof that you can execute

• Reduced fear around publishing

• Momentum for the next idea

• Internal trust in your ability

Confidence reduces friction.

And friction is what slows writers down.

When you don’t trust yourself to finish, you overthink. You edit too early. You hesitate before pressing publish. But once you’ve stacked a few completed projects, hesitation shrinks.

You’ve done this before. You can do it again.

Stacking small completions builds psychological strength. And psychological strength fuels long-term consistency.

2. Create Speed Through Familiarity

The first publishing experience feels overwhelming. Formatting seems technical. Cover design feels intimidating. Uploading to a platform feels risky. Marketing feels confusing.

But after you’ve gone through the cycle once, the unknown becomes familiar. Each finished project increases:

• Drafting speed

• Editing efficiency

• Publishing confidence

• Decision-making clarity

You stop reinventing the wheel.

You develop templates. You reuse structures. You recognize patterns. Instead of spending energy wondering what to do next, you simply follow your process.

Familiarity creates speed. Speed creates momentum. Momentum makes writing sustainable.

The goal isn’t to rush. It’s to remove unnecessary friction so your creative energy goes into ideas, not logistics.

Speed doesn’t come from talent. Speed comes from repetition. And repetition only happens when you keep stacking.

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3. Build Systems, Not Just Books

A common mistake writers make is focusing only on output. They write the book, hit publish, and then start from scratch on the next one.

But small wins should also build infrastructure. Every cycle is an opportunity to improve your system. Over time, you can develop:

• A repeatable outline template

• A consistent daily or weekly writing rhythm

• A simple formatting checklist

• A basic launch sequence

• A reader magnet funnel inside your books

Systems create a predictable pace.

After a few cycles, you stop guessing. You know how long drafting takes. You know where friction appears. You know what steps come next.

Systems reduce decision fatigue. Reduced decision fatigue increases consistency. And consistency produces volume.

Viral moments are unpredictable. Systems are controllable.

If you want a side hustle that grows steadily instead of sporadically, focus on building machines, not moments.

4. Turn Output Into Leverage

Every finished book is more than a product. It’s an asset. Each one can become:

• A recurring income stream

• A credibility marker

• A discovery tool for new readers

• A stepping stone to higher-ticket offers

One book is hope. Multiple books create leverage.

Even modest performance stacks. Five books earning small monthly income create predictability. Ten books create momentum. Some titles will outperform others, but you won’t know which ones until you publish consistently. A growing catalog builds:

• Recurring revenue

• Increased discoverability

• Stronger brand positioning

• Long-term compounding opportunity

The more assets you create, the less pressure each individual launch carries. Instead of depending on one book to change everything, you allow your body of work to work together.

Leverage shifts your mindset from short-term excitement to long-term accumulation. That’s where stability begins.

5. Choose Repeatability Over Virality

Instead of asking, “How do I make this big?” ask, “How do I make this repeatable?”

Huge is fragile. Repeatable is durable. Virality depends on timing, algorithms, and attention cycles. Repeatability depends on habits and systems you control. Repeatable might look like:

• Writing 500–1,000 words per day

• Publishing one focused book every 30–60 days

• Improving one step in your workflow each cycle

• Building your email list intentionally

It’s not flashy. It doesn’t create instant applause.

But over two to three years, it becomes powerful.

Finished books beat perfect drafts. You cannot stack what you refuse to ship. An imperfect published book teaches you more than a flawless unpublished manuscript ever could.

Consistency also beats intensity. Intensity feels productive—long weekend writing sprints, late-night editing marathons—but it often leads to burnout. Consistency looks smaller: 20–30 minutes per day, one chapter per week, one book per quarter.

Small actions repeated over years outperform big efforts repeated sporadically.

Repeatability creates durability. Durability creates leverage. Leverage creates optionality.

Optionality is the real prize.

When you have systems, books, audience, and recurring income, you gain choices:

• Bundle your work

• Raise prices

• Launch courses or memberships

• Experiment with new formats

• Reduce reliance on your primary job

Freedom doesn’t appear in a breakthrough moment.

It accumulates.

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The Quiet Compounding Effect

Most people quit because they’re waiting for visible proof. They expect dramatic growth. When it doesn’t happen immediately, they assume it isn’t working.

But stacking requires patience.

In year one, you might publish several books and earn modest income. In year two, your systems improve and your catalog grows. By year three, you have assets, audience, and leverage that didn’t exist before.

At no point does it feel explosive. But the distance between where you started and where you are becomes undeniable.

You don’t need a breakthrough. You need your next small win.

Finish one chapter. Publish one post. Outline one focused book. Improve one part of your system. Then repeat.

Stack enough small wins, and the results stop being small. That’s how side hustles become meaningful. That’s how consistency compounds.

And that’s how repeatable effort turns into long-term leverage.

Hi! I’m J.R. Heimbigner!

I’m a #1 bestseller on Amazon and I have written & published 21 books (bookstore). And I just published my first fiction book under a pen name and it became a #1 bestseller with over 50 reviews in 30 days!

If you want more writing, publishing, and digital-product strategies, subscribe to my Substack where I teach authors how to build real online income.

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