I turned 40 yesterday and I am super thrilled that I have made this milestone birthday while doing something I love with my life!
It's been a journey and I have learned a lot along the way … I've been sharing everything here since 2008 but here are some of the most important things I've learned.
First of all, looking back … what a difference 10 years makes!
My 30th Birthday in 2005. Face painting in Auckland, New Zealand
On my 30th birthday, I was living in Auckland, New Zealand and newly divorced. The scuba diving business I had with my ex-husband, as well as our property investment was all gone, and I was back at my day job.
I was an IT consultant, implementing Accounts Payable systems into large corporates and small boutique companies (yawn!) – something I did from 1997 – 2011 in the end.
My two best friends were single at the time as well, so we hired a body painter and got glammed up. Cameras were clearly not as handy back then – no smart phones! – but the pics are still quite fun!
On my 40th birthday, I am happily married and living in London, England. I am a New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author under J.F.Penn, with 6 novels and 3 novellas out in the ARKANE and London Psychic series, as well as a short story collection.
Happy writer at 40!
I also have 4 non-fiction books under Joanna Penn. I'm an award-winning creative entrepreneur, international professional speaker and this site, The Creative Penn, has been voted one of the top 10 sites for writers and self-publishers multiple times. My best friends are writers and I am part of a community of creative entrepreneurs worldwide.
I am incredibly grateful of the opportunities that have led me here, and thank you to all of you who have supported me on the journey.
So how did I make such a dramatic shift? Here's my lessons learned, in the hope they will help you too.
(1) Take 100% responsibility for your life
I first read Jack Canfield's The Success Principles a little after my 30th birthday, and the 10th anniversary edition has just been released. I still recommend it as a life changing book and am re-reading it at the moment.
The first chapter, Take 100% responsibility for your life, still resonates with me.
I had what many would have seen as a successful life back then. I was earning very good money as a consultant, doing a high status job in one of the best cities of the world.
But I was empty inside.
That emptiness around my career remained even when I met a lovely man and moved to Australia. Which is when I read Jack's book and decided I had to make some changes.
I had originally decided to change careers way back in 2000 when I went traveling, but I kept ending up back in the same job. My exam results led to a degree at Oxford, which led to a consultancy job, which led into the work I did – seemingly without any real conscious choice. I had ‘fallen into' a job, as many do, and I needed to make a change.
Since then, I have changed direction several times – learning about blogging, online marketing, writing books, professional speaking and a lot more besides. But it all starts with deciding to take 100% responsibility, stop making excuses, stop blaming other people or your background or whatever and just start on whatever you really want to do with your life.
(2) Balance consumption with creation
This was the first major mindset shift and one I still make sure I keep in balance as a creative entrepreneur. Here are a few examples:
- Make stuff instead of just buying stuff
- Write a book, don't just read books
- Or read a book and put it into action in concrete ways
- Record a podcast and not just listen to podcasts
- Record a video and not just watch videos
- Do an online course to learn something – and then immediately put it into practice and create something from those ideas
- Spend time creating instead of watching TV, or watch TV and then use those ideas in your own work. Steal like an artist as Austin Kleon says 🙂
We all NEED consumption as artists – we need to fill our creative well, and learn from other media – but if you record the hours you spend in consumption instead of production, you may see why you're not getting enough creative writing time in! Remembering this will help you turn your time into finished products.
(3) The magic of scalable income and intellectual property
I've had several life-changing moments in my life as an author-entrepreneur:
- Discovering print on demand and realizing that I didn't have to pay for printing books. I could just upload digital files and Amazon would sell direct to customers. I didn't need to hold stock or do any shipping or pay in advance. That was amazing! (especially as I had just paid for 2000 print books, which mostly went in the landfill). Here's my video on that realization – it's 5 years old and pretty hilarious!
- The launch of Amazon Kindle and going digital as a reader. Realizing the potential of reaching readers globally through self-publishing to this new platform radically changed my business plans because the publisher was no longer necessary as middleman. I didn't have to ask permission anymore. I could just choose myself and give it a go. Here's another funny vid of me extolling the virtues of the first iteration of the international Kindle. You can see the packing boxes in the background as we were just about to move house in Australia. Again, it's pretty embarrassing but good to see how far I've come since then.
- Realizing that a book was not just one book. One manuscript can be turned into multiple streams of income through the exploitation of rights. Multiple formats, multiple country sales, multiple languages – and all possible as an indie author. When the penny drops, your head may explode! Read more on this idea here.
- Understanding that fiction doesn't age. Every story I write can sell for my lifetime and 70 years after I die according to copyright law. Stories touch people many years later, even generations later. Whereas I have to update my non-fiction every couple of years and I have withdrawn several since starting writing. Ditto for online courses, which date even faster. The best use of my time is therefore creating fiction. Here's a video of me talking about this realization.
(4) Beware the shadow career
Another book I re-read over and over again is Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield.
He warns of the shadow career, which echoes our calling but entails no real risk. His example is,
“Are you getting your PhD in Elizabethan studies because you're afraid to write the tragedies and comedies that you know you have inside you?”
Everyone has their different version of a shadow career – and it is hard to face up to.
For me, the constant challenge is: Are you blogging and speaking about self-publishing and book marketing instead of writing the stories that will make an impact on the world?
The former is easier than the latter and it is easily justified.
I love to help other people, and I still make an income from this site, my non-fiction and professional speaking – and I love all of it to a point – but I need to constantly re-evaluate my time in order to create the things that really challenge me.
Does this challenge you? Do you have a shadow career?
(5) The Compound Effect works
It's interesting that in reviewing the biggest changes in my life, the ideas often stem from books that I have read. I've never had an ‘in-person' mentor, but I have had hundreds, if not thousands of mentors online and in books. You'll find much of their wisdom interspersed in my own non-fiction books. Yes, I am a self-help junkie!
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy is a great book, even if the basic idea is quite obvious.
Essentially, little steps every day in the same direction will get you a very long way over time.
If you keep chopping and changing, and if you give up too soon, you may have nothing. But if you hold to your course, keep making consistent steps towards your goals every day, then you will achieve far more than you think is possible.
This might be 500 words every day on your book, which is 182,000 in a year, which is three thrillers or a couple of fantasy novel, or six romance novellas 🙂
It might be one blog post a week, making 52 by the end of the year. Or taking one photo a day and sharing it on Pinterest or Instagram or Facebook or Twitter, resulting in the beginnings of a platform by the end of the year. It might be 10 mins meditation a day, leading to a calmer, happier life.
It might be reading 10 pages a day of life-changing books – which has made a huge difference in my life, that's for sure! You can find more of my recommended books for writers here.
I am evidence of this principle working in practice.
On my 30th birthday, I had no books, and no inkling of even writing one.
I had no website, no blog, no social media, no email list. I knew nothing about publishing or marketing. I didn't know that I would end up here by 40. I DID have a desire to change my life, and I was willing to take massive action.
It was 3.5 years from the photo at the top of the page to when I started this site in Dec 2008. It was 6 years until I gave up IT consulting forever to become a full-time author entrepreneur. That may seem like a lot of time, or no time at all. But the point is, it can be done.
If you feel unhappy with where you are now, you CAN change things.
In this new world of creative opportunity online, you are empowered to write, to publish, to create, to reach readers directly, to make money online through a myriad of opportunities.
The only thing stopping you is you.
As for me, well, I have plenty of plans for the next 10 years. I hope you will join me for the ride!
Please do let me know what you think in the comments below. I'd love to hear about your journey and lessons learned along the way.
Joanna – you’ve really hit the nail on the head when you write that authors no longer need someone else’s permission to publish. This is a huge change over the last 10 years.
Your tip about taking little steps everyday is very helpful. Self-publishing can be daunting at times.
Your story about how you had the courage to take risk and try new tools is inspiring even outside the world of books. Congratulations on your success – you deserved it!
Thank you Joanna. This post really resonates with me because I am about to turn the corner on a new decade. Like you I am very pleased with the things that I have accomplished in the last ten year, and plan on making huge strides in the next ten.
Happy Birthday!!!!
Thank you for sharing your feelings about this milestone and what you think helped get you there.
I agree 100% ! You only live once and though success is nice, if it’s from doing something that isn’t your dream, it’s like it doesn’t count. It doesn’t fill you up.
Congrats on daring to go for it.
P.s. really enjoying the audio book of Pentecost
Joanna, as always your posts of not only filled with exceptional knowledge, but real life situations and salient advice, through your own experiences.
I’m getting there myself, I’m writing every day too and am producing work I am more and more happy with. You were one of the first people I connected with when I started, and your blog and your books on writing, have helped me to have the courage to step up and follow my own dream. I thank you wholeheartedly for sharing your experiences to help others, and to point out where you made mistakes, so as to prevent others from falling into the same trap. You deserve every success and more that is coming your way. Well done, congratualtions, thank you and Happy belated Birthday! 🙂
Please excuse the typos – in a mad rush as usual – 🙁
Thanks Jacquie 🙂
Happy 40th Birthday, Joanna!
Just wanted to thank you for all that you’ve done over the past few years. You are always uplifting and inspiring, and your constant innovation is a brilliant example to all of us. My 40th is about a month away and I know I definitely wouldn’t have achieved many of my writing and publishing goals if I hadn’t stumbled onto your podcast and website a few years ago.
Cheers to you!
🙂
Thanks Adam, and happy birthday to you too 🙂
I love this post so much. I am guilty of almost the exact thing you named for yourself, “Are you blogging and speaking about self-publishing and book marketing instead of writing the stories that will make an impact on the world?” << But mine is helping other people with their publishing rather than my own.
I'm all teary and inspired now. Thank you!
I’m glad it resonated Kelsye – and I know how hard the balance is to maintain. I love my audience here, and I love changing people’s lives with the blog and my speaking, and I love giving back to the author community – BUT I also need to make sure I am concentrating on my own creation. It’s a daily balancing act, for sure!
It would be a pleasure to join you on the ride. Thank you for your wonderful, incitful, clever, entertaining, gutsy and frankly invaluable words of wisdom and help to all of the author-publishers feeling their way into this strange new world.
Best of luck for the next ten.
Thanks James 🙂
Love this Joanna! I loved The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen too all about Compunding, amazing theory. You inspire me and I love hearing what you’re up to! I plan on making my 40th as accomplished as yours 🙂
Thanks so much, Emma 🙂
My day job is winding down…Trying to hang on to make sure I get those benefits before I head out the door. So your article is helpful. It’s a scary thought. Not sure I’d do it without unemployment benefits. But it would be so great to free up the creative juices and do the business of writing at the same time. It’s all about doing the work you really want to do, freedom, and discipline.
Happy 4 – 0, Joanna! (I’m 2 years behind you.)
Thank you for your informative and entertaining podcasts – and bringing such incredible guests to the show.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences.
You are an inspiration!
First, Happy belated birthday. I too am in my 40’s with 44 coming up this month and its pretty good. I just stumbled upon your blog via another post. And I must say that you are a refreshing glass of iced water on a scorching day. My favorite point made above was balance consumption with creation. I preach it to my kids all the time. “If you love You Tube so much, don’t be just a viewer, go ahead and make a video of your own. Put yourself out there. Let others know you as well as you know them”. Thank you for giving me the same advice. I started my blog exactly one year ago because I love to right and I love to speak. I love to be heard and I love to uplift. My blog is my pride and I’m so glad to have chosen this platform of expression. I also started a book about 6 years ago and have yet to complete it (life has gotten in the way). I thought of my book as i read your advice above. I will write a paragraph, a page or a sentence. Thanks for being an inspiration to just keep adding to it. What a great add on it would be to my blog. What a great example that would be to my kids. I’m so glad I came across your blog. You rock! Keep up the great work and cheers to your next 10 years.
— Elke
Thanks Elke – and blogging changed my life, for sure. I found my voice this way, and my community. All the best for your next 10 years too.
Wonderful article, Joanna! You’re last decade’s accomplishments are quite inspiring and I’m looking forward to your next ten years!
Happy birthday, Joanna!
Your guidance and lovely style are terrific. And 40 is so young!
This from a 65 year old with a lifetime of original nonprofit design content but just figuring out how to learn the ropes of sharing it as far as possible. Your posts are always enlightening and inspiring! Thank you! Have fun!
I still feel 25 🙂 and congrats on sharing your own expertise. I think that these days 65 is just a new start to the next third of your life – you have years ahead of you to change direction again! All the best
Love this. I just celebrated my 37th birthday yesterday and didn’t realize my dream until hitting 31 years old. Every word hit home. I’ve studied the craft for years and will finally self-publish my novel this year. I’m also doing everything I can to help structured authors like me. Thanks Joanna.
Go for it, David!
Thank you Joanna. What an amazingly gifted, generous and inspiring artist you are. I’ve got three years until I hit the big 40 and your article has inspired me to get cracking!! Thank you so much for all your information, recommendations and living-by-example that you share on your site. Okay I’m off to write 🙂
Thanks Hedley 🙂
Joanna, you are my hero!
Your post was just what I needed today. Thanks for reminding me of how we can “accomplish the great task by a series of small acts” (Tao Te Ching translation by Stephen Mitchell). I am re-energized about finishing my novel and living life on my own terms. I appreciate your leadership by example and the excellent books and blog posts you have provided to support my development as an author entrepreneur.
May the year ahead be filled with wonders for you and many happy surprises!
Kind regards,
Gene
Thanks Gene – and yes, that little bit every day adds up over the years!
This post spoke to me. I am 64 years old and have my first manuscript in the hands of a possible agent (at her request). That part about taking control of your life screamed at me. Even though I have a complete manuscript, and 15,000 words into the sequel, I still have not completed my website. I am fully aware that I need to be blogging on that website to build a base for the launch of my book, but have been afraid. Not any more! I am going to get the darn thing up and running this week! Thank you so much Joanna for the “push”.
Hi Linda, in terms of blogging, it’s really more for authority building and readers for non-fiction. If you’re going the high-volume fiction business model, blogging isn’t necessary (although it is fun!) More here: http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2014/07/25/creative-entrepreneur-business-models/
You should definitely have at least a static website with links to your books, info about you and an email signup. All the best with your writing!
Hi Joanna,
As a new member of the indie publishing world, I’ve been doing much research and studying over the past year or so. I’ve read many books, visited many websites of the new masters of this field, and have even contacted several for help. Of all the folks in this new and amazing field, I find you to be the one I come back to time and time again for knowledge and inspiration. I’ve learned much from many sources, but your website and podcasts have been vital to my growth and motivation as a writer and indie publisher.
This is to say thank you for all the hard work and passion you bring to the table. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be in this business and it’s nice to have someone I can always count for help or motivation. With some luck and elbow grease, the next ten years will be as rewarding to meas yours have been to you. Well done, Joanna!
Cheers,
Alan Hodge
Thanks so much Alan, and I am so pleased you find the info useful on the journey 🙂
Happy 40th! Go for it all and enjoy, Joanna. I stepped out of the closet and shared my poetry on my 50th birthday. I’d found the Internet while living in Cyprus and came across a POD site. I made ten books as gifts to me to gift to guests at the party I was hosting to celebrate my birthday. I’d also written a couple of short stories, typed them up and made them into pretty files. By the end of the evening the poems were being read out loud by my guests and my courage swelled. The next day I started on a short story which became my first novel. I plodded along in Cyprus but when I returned to the UK to live in 2013, my writing world widened. I’ve met so many fab folk and been to conferences that my head spins with it all at times. Seven years and five novels later I have no regrets. I’m self-published and was short-listed for UK’s Festival of Romance Fiction New Talent Award. I can’t tell you what that meant but am sure you can guess. My life turned upside down when I had to become a full-time carer and a grab-time-when -I -can writer but I’ll never give up nor look back to the days I was too afraid to share my words. Your post is inspiring and informative, you have come a long way and wish you more great things for the future.
That sounds great, Glynis – and there are lots of UK conferences and events for authors, so perhaps I will run into you sometime 🙂
Saw you at Indie Recon but we were both whizzing around in opposite directions. Enjoyed seeing you on stage, very informative and inspiring.
Hello Joanna,
A VERY happy 40th to you at this special milestone. Congratulations on having the courage to create.
I began following you a few months ago and have been very much helped by your frank and transparent approach to the world of self-publishing.
I have been publishing since 2011. It is the easy part compared to marketing, which I am only just beginning. But you provide so much free advice that has made the process accessible to people like me (nervous introverts).
Thank you for your generosity and keep up the good work.
I am looking forward to your book on the Southwark underworld. I was there a year or so ago and could just feel all that history!
Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth, and Deviance will be out later this year – I love London 🙂