I may have jumped the gun… ??

In a previous post, I talked about how I was determined to try out a new morning routine, inspired by some of the world’s most prolific novelists.

I noticed an interesting pattern among them: they tend to wake up early, at the same time every day, and begin writing shortly after waking.

So I reasoned that, since this seems to be a proven routine for novelists, it would work just as well for me, as a copywriter.

With that in mind, I determined to drop my current habit of reading first thing in the morning and devoting that time to writing instead.

Weeelll…

All was well and good.

But then yesterday, I found out that Jordan Peterson’s new book, Beyond Order, just came out.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Jordan Peterson’s previous internationally bestselling book, 12 Rules for Life, had a major impact on my life (and millions of other people’s lives) and transformed the way I view the world.

(Along with his popular speeches on YouTube. Those too.)

So without thinking twice, I immediately snapped up a copy (actually, two copies — both the Kindle and Audible version).

And first thing this morning, I flew out of bed and dove into this priceless tome that I’ve long been waiting to gobble up.

I have zero regrets. It’s paradigm-shifting, as expected. ????

And it made me realize that my previous hypothesis about novelist routines applying equally to non-fiction writers might not be 100% correct.

Here’s why…

Fiction writers don’t depend on research as we nonfiction writers do.

So if you’re a fiction writer, it’s totally possible to wake up and immediately begin hammering away on your novel, since the content is simply coming from your imagination.

(Of course, fiction writers have their own struggles too, and I don’t mean to diminish that.)

But as a nonfiction writer (of ANY kind), you have to be constantly on the lookout for three things:

1. Interesting true stories to tell
2. Evidence-based facts to back up your arguments
3. Fresh new ideas and material that you can reference in your writing

And you can’t get any of these things from your imagination. You need research.

Which is why reading is the lifeblood of any nonfiction writer. It’s your ammunition, your fuel.

And the more you read, the more fuel you have for your writing.

Because of that, I’ve determined that writing first thing in the morning probably isn’t the best routine for me, personally. So I’ll be sticking to my habit of reading first, and THEN writing.

Anyway, back to the subject of Jordan Peterson’s new book…

I had to laugh at my reaction.

Because I’m not normally an “impulse buyer.”

Before I buy something, I want to research the hell out of it to make sure it’s worth the time and money.

(Especially since books often take 10+ hours to finish if you read them deeply from front-to-back while taking extensive notes, as I like to do.)

So I normally read the reviews, download a sample, etc. before I buy a book in order to “test the waters” first.

But there are a couple of authors, including Jordan Peterson and Robert Greene, that have “VIP” status in my eyes (or, more precisely, VIA status — Very Important Author).

So the second I discover that they’ve come out with a new book, I immediately snap it up without a thought. I can’t give them my money fast enough.

And it made me realize the value of building a powerful brand.

You build a powerful brand by creating consistent content.

That content attracts a following.

Over time, these followers begin to know, like, and trust you.

Now they’re your fans.

And eventually, your name itself becomes your calling card.

If you write a book, like Jordan Peterson, they snap it up without thinking twice.

Case in point, I didn’t read a single word of “sales copy” to convince me to buy Jordan Peterson’s new book.

I just heard that he came out with a new book, and I immediately bought it without question.

Because I know, like, and trust him.

And thanks to the reputation and relationship he’s built with his followers over time, I know I won’t be disappointed.

Anyway, just something to think about in your own marketing strategy.

Your “brand” is nothing more than your reputation and relationship with your audience.

It takes years, and a lot of work, to build a great one like Jordan Peterson’s.

But once you’ve built it, you have the most powerful form of influence of all.

That is, passive influence.

Where you don’t even need to say a word to convince people.

Because they’re already convinced.

-Beau D. Schultz