Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I come from a single parent family with my mom raising my brother and I. I eventually paid my way through undergrad getting a degree in finance, and then going on to do my MBA and eventually my CFA charter. While I graduated my undergrad debt-free, my MBA was another story. When I graduated I had over $50,000 of student debt (tuition is not cheap!), and so, through trial and error, and implementing the advice I write about in my book, I was able to become debt-free and get my finances back on track.
This is my first book but I have plans for a few more.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the book is Kicking Financial Ass and I purposely wrote it to target a younger audience, specifically millennials. Our generation is graduating with record amounts of student debt and we don’t have the same opportunities as our parents had growing up. Tuition costs are rising, living costs are rising, but salaries haven’t been keeping up.
That being said, the fundamentals of personal finance are not taught in school (which they should be), and so I thought writing a book on the absolute essentials, and writing it in a way that a younger audience could relate to, would be well received. And it has with a 4.6/5 on Goodreads right now!
Ultimately the inspiration came from wanting to help others get out of debt and take control of their financial future.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I noticed there is a correlation between coffee intake and the amount of writing I can do, so having a coffee is a necessity. I also try to limit my sittings to three hours or less. Anything longer and my brain turns into that of a fish.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tim Ferriss for sure. Everything from the 4-Hour Workweek, to Tools of Titans, and Tribe of Mentors are amazing. I also love everything by Mark Manson. Ramit Sethi with his book I Will Teach You to Be Rich also influenced me to write my own take on the subject.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on getting the audiobook finished and then place my focus back on the blog. Eventually I have plans to write a second (and perhaps a third book), an online course, and a podcast but that’s years down the road.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
First, utilize your network. I posted it on Facebook and LinkedIn and it went viral. Second, use the media to your advantage. I reached out to various media outlets and after reading the book they had me on the air. Third, use NetGalley. I found it great to receive feedback before the book went live. And lastly, build a platform and get your message out!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write. For each page of writing I kept, I likely wrote 10 I scrapped. But the only way to get there is to write. Then get feedback. My writing has come a long way after receiving feedback from my editor, and family, and friends. Believe in yourself and don’t give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs
I like that quote because to me writing is a way of putting yourself out there. Whether the feedback is positive or negative, what do you have to lose?
What are you reading now?
Currently reading Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (I want to improve my cooking skills), and Grit.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing blog posts and get started on my next book!
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?
That’s tough! My criteria are books that I have either read more than once or made a positive impact on my life.
1) Man’s Search For Meaning
2) 4-Hour Workweek
3) Sapiens
4) Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Author Websites and Profiles
Paul Christopher Dumont Website
Paul Christopher Dumont Amazon Profile
Paul Christopher Dumont’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account