Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Rachel Richards, I’m a 27-year-old bestselling author and professional speaker based in Louisville, KY. I self-published my first bestselling book, “Money Honey: A Simple 7-Step Guide for Getting Your Financial $hit Together,” in 2017, and I’m launching my second book on November 19, 2019! It’s called “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement: The Secret to Freedom, Flexibility, and Financial Independence (& how to get started!)”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest release is called “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement.” At age 27, I quit my job and retired, and I now live off $10,000+ per month in passive income. It’s a really exciting time! I’m passionate about passive income, which is money earned with little to no ongoing work. It’s no get-quick-rich scheme – it takes work to create passive income, but once you have it up and running, it’s almost totally hands off. I’ve learned all about the five different categories of passive income: Royalties, Portfolio Income, Coin-Operated Machines, Ads & E-Commerce, and Rental Income. So many people wanted to know my “secrets” so I finally decided to write a book all about passive income and how to create it!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m deep into writing, I lose sleep because I’m so excited and always thinking about what to write next. Sometimes I’ll wake up at 1:30am and can’t fall back asleep. I’ve learned that when that happens, it’s best to just get up and write. On top of that, so as not to disturb my husband, I take my laptop into the closet. He sometimes finds me in there writing when he wakes up at 5am. Ha!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In terms of nonfiction, I adore “The Millionaire Fastlane” by MJ DeMarco. Also Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is a classic. I love fiction, too; my favorites authors are Gillian Flynn and Emily Giffin.
What are you working on now?
I’m about to launch “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement,” so all my energy is focused on launch week! It’s an exciting time. After that, I might do more professional speaking at high schools and colleges, to help teach younger people about money management skills.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think the best method is to use social media. Facebook groups are a great way to get involved, get engaged, and meet new people. Don’t just promote yourself. Add tons of value. Become the expert. People will naturally want to buy your book and follow you!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read the book “Published” by Chandler Bolt. It taught me 99% of what I needed to know to write, edit, launch, and market both of my books. It wasn’t until I read that that I finally felt motivated to start writing at all!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The two most important things in life are your health and your family. Never lose sight of that. Be grateful everyday for what you have.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. It’s mind-blowingly good!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I launch “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement,” I’d love to start exploring fiction. My real dream is to write a bestselling fiction novel. I think it’s a harder craft to hone, but I can’t wait!
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?
“Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand (because it’s so long! And so good.)
“Harry Potter” the 6th book by J.K. Rowling
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Richards Website
Rachel Richards Amazon Profile
Rachel Richards’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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