Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Tak Maeda, and I’m a Japanese-Canadian author and founder of Rocketship Publishing (rocketshippublishing.com). I create self-improvement books and coaching programs centered on helping people create a social life they love full of friends and romantic partners that bring them joy on a daily basis!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve written one book called Outside the Box to Box: Experience the Joys of Connection by Creating a Rewarding Social Life.
When I struggled with feelings of loneliness, I couldn’t find a good book to help me create a social life. There were lots of books on social skills, social anxiety, and dating but that wasn’t my main problem.
Seeing how I clearly wasn’t the only one who was going through something similar, I created a very simple yet highly effective guide after I was able to overcome this problem, and a year or two later, Outside the Box to Box was born!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish I had a cool answer here like I chug 6 cups of coffee and take psychedelics to inspire my creativity but sadly I don’t. I’m highly logical and my writing is no different, so my “unusual” writing habit is being as healthy and happy as possible so I get the highest quality logic.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh man, wayyy too many to count. Here are a list of authors and YouTubers that have influenced me greatly. If any of these people are reading this, thank you!
In no particular order:
Mark Manson—Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Models: Thank you for your real, honest, but hilarious self-improvement advice. Mark’s work has made me a very emotionally healthy, happy person.
Alex Becker—YouTuber: Alex is easily the funniest but smartest business advice guy on YouTube who gives extremely unique, simple, and highly effective advice without any of the BS. His work inspired me to write this book and start my business.
Patrick Bet-David—YouTuber of Valuetainment: PBD has the most depth of knowledge of anyone I’ve ever seen on the topics of business, life, and critical thinking and has shaped the way I write, think, and act.
Tucker Max: Tucker is easily the most socially intelligent person I’ve ever consumed information from. He also founded the company, Scribe, which gave me all the knowledge I could’ve ever hoped for to write my book. I am forever grateful for all the information Tucker has decided to make available for all of us.
What are you working on now?
I am working on building my coaching business that helps people develop the skill of meeting new people. The skill of meeting new people is the most important aspect of creating a social life you love whether that’s friendship, dating, or both because the people you are able to meet will determine how happy you are with your social life—and life in general.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My book Outside the Box to Box is absolutely free at https://rocketshippublishing.com/outside-the-box-to-box-book/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
*For self-improvement/business authors*
The only thing that matters with your book is how the reader will benefit from it. You as the author are secondary. Your job as an author is to put your ego and need for attention aside and help the person you are writing for.
Be honest with your writing, and tell the whole truth! The more painful it is to write, the better. People don’t relate and learn from perfection. They learn from the truth. . . and the truth usually sucks to write about.
Explain things clearly and thoroughly in as basic language as possible. If a 13-year-old can’t understand what you’ve written, you aren’t maximizing your effectiveness as an author.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Chase your dreams because what the hell else are you going to do?
What are you reading now?
A lot of business books that solve specific business problems.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I probably won’t write another book for a while. I’m working on getting my coaching business up and running. But things can change at any point so who knows!
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 Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
The Hunger Games
Rich Dad Poor Dad
And a book that teaches me how to make a boat, ideally 😉
Author Websites and Profiles
Tak Maeda Website
Tak Maeda Amazon Profile