Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey! I’m Joseph. I’ve officially only written one book, although I run a copywriting agency and have ghostwritten several non-fiction ebooks for a variety of clients! I started writing as a hobby from the age of seven, and represented my school at all sorted of events and competitions. I worked as a men’s fashion writer aged 17, and my written portfolio earned me a place on a BBC-run university course. I went on to study creative writing and journalism, before working as an environmental writer and automotive writer. It was at this point I started a copywriting agency and one month later, I took my business with me on my travels. As I write this, I am in the mountains of Navarre, northern Spain!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Stingy Nomad. It recounts my experiences working remotely as an environmental writer, and the decisions I took to start my own business and run it from my laptop. In the book, I teach people how they can use their skills to become independent and break free from routine, offices and strict lifestyles. I want to share my freedom with everyone.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual, but I use the Pomodoro writing technique, which means writing for 25 minutes undisturbed, and then taking a 5 minute break, and then repeat, over and over again. I read about this in the Four Hour Work Week and it made me incredibly productive!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As mentioned above, the Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. As well as that, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell. I’d also consider La Forja De Un Rebelde (Spanish) as the inspiration for leading a vivid life that rejects boredom and convention.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing my second book, ‘Volunteer yourself rich’. As I say, I’m in the mountains, and I’m here as a volunteer. As I make a good income each month, I fancied trying to lead a lifestyle with no food or rent costs included to maximize my savings. It’s a mixture of history, finance, digital nomad lifestyle and travel. It will be great, and hopefully finished around July.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to work that one out… I guess it’s Twitter!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I honestly wish I knew! I think being honest and not being afraid to give away free copies is one way. If you intend to write sequels, giving away the first book is a good method of hooking people in!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t run before you can walk.
What are you reading now?
Zorba the Greek, and The New Spaniard, and The Sieges of Saragossa, and The Sun Also Rises. I like to have quite a few on the go at one time!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I guess I’m a method writer. After the volunteer book, I begin work as an English teacher in the south of Spain, near Morocco. I will write a book about the benefits of running a digital business whilst earning a secondary income from teaching English.
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?
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Robert Tressell
Guerra – Jason Webster
The World Without Us – Alan Weismann
The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara
Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Kennedy Website
Joseph Kennedy’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account