“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
–Colin Powell
I’ve been silent for a while, taking time to sit, reflect, and gauge where I needed to go with my writing.
But this doesn’t mean I haven’t been working.
First and foremost, what I want you to know is: writing is not my hobby. It is my heart’s healthy obsession.
There is never a time where I’m not writing. I’ve built my dream into my habits and daily life. Writing is a part of who I am, as well as how I filter much of the world around me.
With that being said, it should delight you to know that though I’ve been publishing less, I’ve been working on some big projects that you’ll soon see. I want to discuss some of these projects with you because I’ve come to believe that an artist’s worst enemy is anonymity—something that can only be combated with honest transparency.
So here is an update on what I’ve been working on and what the future of my writing will look like:
1. Updates on My Book
Yes, my book does exist, despite what you might think. In the Spring of 2013, I launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund self-publishing costs for my book, Mean Something: Unconventional Thoughts on Living Like Jesus (originally titled How We’ve Changed Jesus). Yet, after a full year of working on the book, the self-publishing opportunity fell through.
Fortunately, this gave me some time to work more in-depth on the book. I’ve connected with many editors, authors, and writers in the publishing world who have all said that the book would do great with traditional publishing (in bookstores everywhere). So now, I’m looking for literary representation so that my book can get in front of the eyes of some big time publishers (so if you know any literary agents, let me know!).
Unfortunately, the process for this takes a long time. It can take agents weeks, even months to read through a manuscript.
Not only that, but one thing I need in order for agents to accept my book is a platform dedicated to my subject matter. Which brings me to my next update . . .
2. Updates on My Website
I’ve done a lot of soul-searching as to what content I want to publish. I’ve been conflicted over whether to publish more spiritual content or more business content. As you can see on nealsamudre.com, I have jumped between the two.
But the other day, I was hit with a revelation: they don’t need to be two separate worlds.
It’s true—faith is an integral part of my life. It is also true that business and productivity is a great passion of my heart.
That’s why I’m going to combine the two in a new website I’m creating.
I’m proud to announce that in January 2015, I’ll be releasing a new website called JesusHacks.
JesusHacks comes from the term “lifehack”—which is basically tips for success in life. JesusHacks, however, is tips on productivity and meaningful living, derived from the life of Jesus.
For much of my Christian life, I’ve always looked to the life of Jesus as a model. Many people, when they think about living like Jesus, make the subject only appeal to their spiritual life. However, I see the life of Jesus affect all of life, from our productivity to our relationships.
It’ll include content on simple living, healthy habits, and meaningful work, all inspired from moments in the life of Jesus.
I’m incredibly excited to share the site with you. Over this next month, you’ll see me posting about the site and giving updates, with the site releasing on January 5th, 2015. But for now, check out the following website and get stoked: www.jesushacks.com.
The launch of this site will help get my book in the eyes of more agents and publishers. So the best thing you could do is to continue to support me in the many decisions I have to make moving forward.
I’ve set many goals in place to move my writing career forward. In the next month, you’ll see me writing for magazines and getting the word out about JesusHacks. So stay tuned!
As I move on, I want to encourage you that dreams can become a reality if we continually meet them with hard work. I hope you can partner with me as we move forward from here.
