Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is actually my first book in a micro-series on minimalism. I know that, like many people, I struggle to read lengthy books on any topic, but I easily consume shorter books that fit my immediate needs. So I decided to write this short series on minimalism from my unique perspective. The illegitimate grandson of a traveling vacuum salesman from South Dakota, I have an eclectic background. I grew up as a doomsday prepper, played tuba in high school, spent three years fighting wildfires, went to Canada once, and am married with two kids. My widely varied experiences have empowered me to connect ideas in novel ways, all with wit and insight that is fresh on the literary scene.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Minimalism in Real Life:: 4½ Practical Steps Towards a Meaningful Life. I was inspired by the whole Zen-Tidying-AntiConsumer flavor of Minimalism and some other great voices in that topic. People like Matt D’Avella, Joshua Becker, Marie Kondo, and others have spoken so much on stepping away from the American Dream to live a meaningful life. This has long been a secret passion of mine, but now that I have a name for it, I want to share what I’m learning!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have really unique analogies. In a captivating and succinct way, I am able to take my readers away from the concept to a seemingly unrelated concept. Then I weave them back to a real “Ah-ha!” conclusion. I also don’t mind swearing and talking about Jesus in the same volume; I don’t know if that’s a positive thing, but it sure fits as unusual!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh man, that’s a telling list! I’d have to say that my favorite authors have to include Jocko Willink, Tim Ferriss, Garrett J. White, and Jordan B. Peterson, Ph.D. They step out of the “Self-Help” genre in a unique and practical way. I really appreciate how they approach personal beliefs through acts of doing, habits, and behaviors. That’s really how I seek to fashion my writing: as philosophy in workboots.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my next book which will detail 6 essential habits for making your minimalist lifestyle better organized and meaningful. It’s kind of a sequel to this first book, but as I said before, I prefer to write things as independent works
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is actually my first go at this; that’s why I came to Awesome Gang. So far, of the sites I’ve tried to get help from, yours is the most thorough. I’m excited to see what results come of it!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finished beats Perfect. I’ve always talked about writing lengthy books on this and that, but I committed to writing this book in just 48 hours. That, of course, doesn’t include editing in the final touches. I just made a commitment to myself to GET IT WRITTEN! Someday never comes and it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds as you write it. But deadlines are magical.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Step back. Take a Breath. Look Around. Make a Decision. Take Action.”
Simply detaching myself from the situation before I choose to act has helped in my marriage, parenting, finances, career, even my own mental health.
What are you reading now?
“Awaken the Giant Within” by Anthony Robbins. It’s been on my reading list for some time now, but since I got it for Christmas, I figured it was time to “Take massive action!”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think becoming a writer IS what’s next for me. I’m going to start with Kindle eBooks and my blog at My5amLife.com for now to articulate my voice. But who knows? I’m sure some paperbacks are in the near future!
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?
Well…provided I already had a pocket knife, I’d want my Incident Response Pocket Guide from when I was a wildland firefighter. It’s got handy survival stuff. Then I’d probably take Awaken the Giant Within because of its powerful content. Then my NLT bible “The Books of The Bible” which was taken out of print. Being trapped on a desert island is a good place for spiritual growth! Lastly, I’d probably bring Jocko Willink’s Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual for its stoic writings and fitness program so that I could come off that island looking like Dwayne Johnson.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jefferson Gow Website
Jefferson Gow Amazon Profile