Interview With Author David Lewis
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm a licensed life insurance agent who just so happens to write lots of articles, blog posts, and books about budgeting, personal finance, retirement planning, and of course… life insurance.
I've written 2 books thus far—Business Economizer and The 10-Minute Budget.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The 10-Minute Budget, which was inspired by my own decades-long frustration with all the budgeting books and apps out there. None of them seemed to work exactly as advertised. They still don't.
Every budgeting book on the market preaches the same basic (and often, very mystical) advice, even when it promises some new technique or strategy. Fundamentally, it's the same old story: make personal sacrifices, trust the new guru on the block, carry around a bunch of cash in envelopes (and hope you don't get robbed), use budget categories (and hope you don't go "overbudget" in any of the essential ones like groceries and gasoline), become an insufferable cheapskate, learn to love living on less and giving up an enjoyable lifestyle.
The method I discovered (though can't say I invented it) eliminates all that nonsense, makes budgeting simpler, faster, and dare I say… fun. Over the years, I've shared this method with a few people here and there. Those that tried it said they've never saved so much money in their entire life, and were truly shocked that it's not more widely known. There's no real secret to it, though. It's not "special". There are no "hacks" or gimmicks. It's just common sense (though, unfortunately, not common practice).
Anyway, I never liked the idea of traditional budgeting, and I can't believe most people do… which is why I finally broke down and wrote the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
… like writing in the nude? Or some elaborate ceremony involving incense and fire before I fire up the word processor?
No.
But I do tend to "zone out" during writing sessions. I know some people who use Pomodoro timers for focused writing time. What usually happens with me is… I get inspired to write something, and I sit down until it's all out of my head. There's nothing at all wrong with using timers, but I've found when I use them, the thing starts beeping or dinging right in the middle of a thought, and I lose it. So I just write until I stop.
I also make it a habit of writing every day, even if it's not for a book or article. I've found that really kills writer's block.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my biggest influences in literature is Ayn Rand. Like her or hate her (and plenty of folks hate her), she had a very clear writing style. Regardless of what you think about her ideas, you can understand them. Another writer who had a big influence on my writing is the late Dr. Frank R. Wallace.
What are you working on now?
I just recently finished The 10-Minute Budget, and am starting an outline for my next book about retirement and financial planning. Actually, I have 2 books planned out. One is a shorter book about life insurance and the other is a broader, more comprehensive book about financial planning.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I promote everything through Amazon and my own email list.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write something every day. Even if you feel like you've got nothing to write, write anyway. Just start writing or typing random sentences, string random thoughts together, until an idea comes to you. The important part is to keep pushing the pencil across the paper or to keep your fingers moving across the keyboard, no matter what. Motion is the key. Everything you're capable of writing today is already in your subconscious mind. You just have to get it out of there.
I got this advice years ago, and it took a while for me to realize this is the real secret to writing, to killing writer's block, and to publishing that next book. Nothing gets done without writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It's hard to pick one piece of advice.
For writing — write.
For reading — read.
For fitness — lift heavy weights and go for a walk.
For health — eat food, not too much, not too little. Make a substantial amount of that food protein, and then fill in the rest of your calories with healthy fats and carbs.
For relationships — empathy. People always want to feel understood, even when they're angry… especially when they're angry.
For business — provide amazing value and turn a huge profit.
Pretty much every piece of great advice I've ever received had a common thread running through it. Movement. Action. Life is motion. Nothing good gets done while you're standing still.
What are you reading now?
Between Parent and Child, by Haim Ginott
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. What else?
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?
I would bring 3 or 4 books about how to survive on a desert island, because I've no idea how to do that.
Author Websites and Profiles
David Lewis Author Profile on Smashwords
David Lewis’s Social Media Links
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