Jeff Goins has gone from a virtual unknown to a rising star in the blogging world with a subscriber list of over 8100 and a 
book deal…all in little more than a year. I stumbled across him when I saw that he was listed as one of the Top 10 Blogs for Writers on Write To Done (2011-2012).
Once I read some of his posts and The Writer’s Manifesto, I was hooked. His 2 books, Before Your First Book and Every Writer’s Dream are must reads for aspiring writers. His first print book, Wrecked: When A Broken World Slams Into Your Comfortable Life, will be published this August.
Here’s what Jeff has to say…in his own words. Fran Sorin
1. You’ve got some exciting things happening in your life. Can you tell us about them?
Well, I’m about to birth two things this year. One is a child, and the other a book. Both are my first.
The book is called Wrecked and is about how discomfort changes your perspective for good. I’ve written a few eBooks in the past, but this is my first print book with a publisher and everything. It comes out in August, and I’m pretty excited about it. You can pre-order it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
The baby’s due in June. People keep telling me my life is going to change as a result of it, and I’m sure it will. But I’m also sure I will have no idea how to prepare. Still, my wife and I are doing our best to make room in our life and set our expectations accordingly.
2. When you started your blog a few years ago, it was because you wanted to get answers to questions. Did you?
Actually, the blog has really only been going for about a year. And yes, I think a lot of my questions have been answered. I now understand how writers get published (at least, one way they do), what it takes to live a creative life without going crazy, and lots of other things. But I also have a bunch more questions now.
3. You say that you’ve been writing most of your life. Since when? About what? Was there a time when you stopped? Why?
The first piece I remember writing for pleasure (not school or anything) was a short story about Gargoyles I penned in a spiral notebook when I was twelve or thirteen. Even before then, I’ve always loved words. My mom used to read the dictionary to me during car rides. I was pretty good at spelling.
Writing has always been an escape for me, but never a serious pursuit. That is, until recently.
4. Your trip to Spain during college seems to have been pivotal for you. Can you tell us how it changed your life?
It was. I actually talk about this in Wrecked. Basically, what happened to me was my worldview was changed. I realized that the world was a lot bigger than me and my understanding. I fell in love with different cultures and languages and was ruined for life.
5. Both of your books Before Your First Book and Every Writer’s Dream are filled with a slew of useful information. But they’re also a personal story about you and your journey as a writer. How did you develop your style of writing?
It’s been a process. Blogging has really helped. I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words and something like 1500 articles (probably more). All over the course of about five years. Somewhere in there, I found my voice.
6. Do you consider yourself to be a storyteller?
Yes, I do. I think we all are storytellers. Your life is a story that deserves to be told. My dad taught me that.
7. In Before Your First Book you talk about the years you wasted as a writer. Tell us about it. Do you have regrets?
Yes, I do. I wished I would’ve built a platform sooner. Everyone talks about why you need one if you ever want to publish a book. I spent years doing freelance writing, thinking I was building a reputation. I wasn’t. All the while, I could’ve been doing the kind of writing I wanted a lot sooner if I had created my own website and put great content on it.
8. You seem genuinely surprised that you’re going to have a hard cover book published. Did you ever expect it? What does it feel like?
Maybe. Like in ten years or something. But no, I didn’t expect this all to happen in less than a year. It feels kind of surreal. I don’t think I’ll believe it until I have a hardcopy in my hands. Maybe not even then.
9. Missionary work is a big part of your life. Can you tell us about it? Does it inform your writing? If so, how?
Yes. I’ve been working for a Christian, short-term missions organization since 2006. It’s basically been my first real job. I love being part of an organization that is about life change, not just the bottom line. I think I need to be kind of that kind of work.
There is a general theme of generosity in my writing that I draw directly from this kind of work. Working for a nonprofit ministry, I’ve learned that life doesn’t work if you’re primarily concerned with yourself. You need to help others.
10. How does a nice Chicago boy end up in Tennessee?
Well, I don’t know about the “nice” part, but I love it. The rolling hills, warm weather, and culture of hospitality. The food’s great, too. Unless my wife lets us move to Spain, I can’t see myself living anywhere else.
11. You’re clearly a man on a mission. How would you define it?
So what’s my mission? I think I’m still figuring it out, but I feel like I’m closer to it than ever before. I understand my purpose to be something like this: to help people live and tell better stories.
12. Anything else that we should know about you…besides that you like Pez?
I used to collect Pez dispensers — love those things. You should know that I’m coming out with a new project very soon.
If you have any writers who are readers, they will definitely be interested in it.
Just follow my blog, Goins Writer, for updates. If you struggle with these issues of building a platform and getting your writing noticed, you won’t want to miss it.
If you’ve read Jeff’s blog, let us know what you think. If you haven’t I suggest that you get yourself over to Goins Writer and check it out!
Thanks for the interview, Fran!
Jeff…
It is my pleasure. Thanks for your generosity. Fran
I subscribe to Jeff Goins’ newsletters and they’re power-packed. This means a lot to me because I earn my living as a freelance writer and blogger – and his tips are invaluable. I think he’s a very generous person – and conveys his message in a wonderful way.
It is great to read his interview here. Thank you Jeff and Fran.
Looking forward to your book – and congratulations to the Daddy-to-be!
Vidya….I’m not surprised that you are already following Jeff. His tips are ‘meaty’ and he is incredibly generous 🙂 Fran
Hi Jeff, Congratulations on your books. Writing is something I’ve always enjoyed and at one time had dreams of becoming a novelist. But since starting my blog about 8 or 9 months ago, I’ve fallen in love with writing about ideas. I love to coin phrases, to capture a mood and play with words, crafting and sculpting ideas.
I was wondering, did you take the more traditional route of writing a book then seeking a publisher for it? Or did someone contact you after reading your blog and offering to publish your work? What would you suggest, in this era of blog writing, a want-to-be writer should do to pursue his first book deal?
Would also like to know your opinion of writing Kindle over hard cover books.
Great getting to know you a bit through this interview with my Fran.
Great interview, Fran!
Jeff, congratulations re your books – your generous and fun nature comes through in your interview and I am glad to have met you here through Fran.
Wishing you all the best for the baby in June. Maybe your life won’t really change that much 😉
Great interview! I can definitely relate to the process of finding your voice. After writing my blog for about a year, I think I finally found it. And I think I found true self in the process. I continue to evolve but have found my authentic groove.
I have all the same questions that Ken has. I have lots of books and other projects in my head that I want to give to the world. I’m anxious to do so quickly because I know how much they can help others. But I also know that everything happens in due time.
Jeff, I love your attitude and can’t wait to learn more about you! Fran, thanks for the introduction!
Paige….you’ll love his website and books….truly awesome. 🙂 Fran
Jeff,
Awesome to see you here and learn more about you too. Anyone who likes Pez is okay in my book!
Developing a platform is important but, I think you had a “guardian angel” watching over you too because not everyone gets a book contract just because they have a platform.
Your talent, tenacity and good vibes definitely caught someone’s attention. I’m delighted for your success. Congratulations on the coming birth of your first child too.
Wow! I’m headed over to his blog right now! How timely since I’m working on a book based on my blog and I really don’t know what I’m doing! Thanks to both of you!
Great interview and questions Fran. I really enjoyed learning more about Jeff and his inspiring story. I loved hearing about his commitment to helping other people and how it is reflected in his writing. Really great interview Fran. Thanks for sharing.
Sybil….am so glad you enjoyed it. Fran
Jeff,
Congratulations on your success as a writer. Your new baby will inspire you in so many ways and I’m sure will affect your writing in good ways you can’t even imagine right now. I didn’t know you at all so thanks Fran for being on top of things and introducing us.
Jeff,
I really enjoyed this interview and getting to know you! I look forward to reading through your blog. Congratulations on your success! Your first books sound like ones I’d really enjoy. How did you find a publisher this time? I know you’ll enjoy being a father. It will give you plenty of new experiences to write about for years to come!!
Betsy
Great interview with a great guy. Jeff, I never knew you wanted to move to Spain… That could be arranged.
Hmmmm….
Hi Fran and Jeff,
This was a fun interview to read. Congratulations to you, Jeff on your new baby. Your life will change forever, but it’s all so worth it. Your book sounds very interesting and I will go over and check out your blog. It sounds like you have some wonderful things to share. Thank you Fran!
Cathy….it was a treat doing it. Am glad you enjoyed 🙂 Fran
Thank you so much Fran for introducing me to Jeff through this awesome interview.
Jeff, you seem like a truly amazing person. I was really impressed with what you said about the importance of reaching out to others, helping and being generous. That truly resonated with me. I’m happy to subscribe for your updates and see what great writing tips I can get. I’ll also be on the lookout for your upcoming projects. Congrats on the book and the baby!
Nea….it was my pleasure 🙂 Fran
Fran – thanks fr sharing Jeff with us.
Jeff – what is your writing schedule? Meaning, when you write a post how much time do you spend writing vs. editing; and where do you find the time and space to write with limited interruptions?
Congratulations on your success,
Alex
Alex…..I don’t think Jeff is answering e-mails. But if you get on his website, there is a wealth of information. His two books on kindle…which are ridiculously inexpensive…are worth every penny. 🙂 fran
Hi Jeff and Fran,
This was a really good interview. Thank you.
I’m in the process of writing my first eBook and have been struggling a bit to get ‘into it’. Your story Jeff, has helped me get back on track.
Congratulations Jeff on the upcoming new addition to the family, and for your soon to be released book.
Hiten…..
Am glad the interview was helpful to you. Reading Jeff’s blog will be of tremendous value to you.:) Fran
Ah, dear Law of Attraction!
I read few blog posts from Jeff today, and here he is again. Thank for this interview, Fran, and great success to Jeff.
Sylviane…
HA! So be it….am glad the Law of Attraction brought you over here!