Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Boston native and a software engineer by trade. On nights and weekends, I run “Get Out of Your Head,” a brand, blog, and book series that seeks to help folks overcome mental illness.
I’ve been mostly vegan for close to ten years now. You’ll see that pop up in various places in my work. I also love football, Harry Potter, Disney World, and heavy metal. You might notice that last one in my company’s branding. That was intentional; we were going for some serious metal vibes there. It’s just such a powerful remedy for me and my audience.
As of 2021, I’ve written two books, both in the “Get Out of Your Head” series. The first is about living with and overcoming anxiety, and the second is on coping with and managing depression. Both books are decently heavy reads, emotionally, but they’re also brutally honest. I write with candor because I want folks to be able to understand what they’re dealing with and make strides as quickly as possible.
I hate to see folks suffer, especially psychologically, and that’s really what motivated me to start writing. I saw myself in those dealing with anxiety and depression and thought to myself, “What can I do to mitigate the difficulty these people are experiencing?” My writing seemed to be the clear answer to me.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As I write this, my latest book is called, “Get Out of Your Head Vol. 2: Navigating the Abyss of Depression.” It was inspired by a personal bout of depression I experienced in 2018 and the insights that came out of that battle. Like the book that came before it, I said to myself, “When I figure out how to manage what I’m dealing with here, I’ll share my insights with the world. And that’s how Volume 2 came about.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing crazy, no. Coffee helps, but I wouldn’t say that’s unusual in any sense. I do, however, try to make sure I don’t drink caffeine within eight hours of going to bed. Otherwise, I’m tossing and turning all night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of these you’ll see in my work, some of them you won’t, but: Tony Robbins, JK Rowling, Jordan Peterson, and Mark Manson.
What are you working on now?
As I write this, I just finished “Get Out of Your Head Vol. 2.” Combined with my day job, it was a slog. That means I’m ready to take a short break. But, when I come back, it will be more blog posts for “Get Out of Your Head,” more podcasts appearances, and possibly a podcast of my own. I do also plan to write a third GOOYH book in time, but I’m waiting for proper inspiration to strike first.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As an indie author, promotion is the hardest part of the process. In other words, I’m still learning the ropes. I did get featured on BookBub in 2020, however, and that was awesome.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Your book will not write itself. In fact, it will wrestle with you even after you’ve fully committed to finishing it. That means you need to be disciplined. Clear your schedule when possible and fill it with big blocks for writing. Let the wheels get rolling and remove as much distraction as possible (phone on do-not-disturb is a must).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s super cheesy, but: Follow your heart. You know what you want for yourself and your life; go make it happen. If you mess up, you will learn and autocorrect.
What are you reading now?
I’ve got a few books going at once right now, but since we’re talking about writing, I’ll say “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott.
What’s next for you as a writer?
That’s a good question, and I’m not sure. I’m curious to see how “Get Out of Your Head Vol. 2” performs. Not that I’d ever let commercial viability prevent me from writing another book, but I do want to see where that one goes first. I’ve got plenty of other ideas and ways to help folks with mental illness, so I’m really just trying to find the path that best helps me do that at the moment.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Easy. Harry Potter 4, 5, 6, and 7. Though I’d be missing the rest of the series, I’d be getting the most bang for my buck since those are the longest ones, anyway. I could re-read them plenty of times and never get sick of them. In fact, I already have 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Sachetta Website
Brian Sachetta Amazon Profile
Brian Sachetta’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile