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“My Gutsy Story®” Jason Matthews

April 29, 2013 by Sonia Marsh 14 Comments

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Jason Matthews Cover photo

Painting With Words

Sometimes one needs to walk away from stability to follow a dream. Usually it’s not easy.

I was a house painting contractor in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada. Painting houses was something I stumbled into after college while looking for work and helping my “ski buddies” with their jobs. Afterwards the phone kept ringing with more work, so much that I eventually got a contractor’s license. For twenty years painting was my main source of income, and while it wasn’t glamorous it did have a lot of perks. I set my own hours, hired friends to help and worked in beautiful Tahoe settings often on multi-million dollar properties. My body stayed fit with the physicality, and my mind enjoyed the low stress focus of simple painting tasks. The money was surprisingly lucrative, as most of the clients were wealthy second home owners from the San Francisco area who happily paid top dollar for quality work. The clientele was steady; not once did I advertise. I even took days off to ski when the snow was good or when I just didn’t feel like working. In many ways, it was an ideal career.

Jason Matthews big snow Truckee CA
Jason Matthews big snow, Truckee, CA

But it wasn’t my dream. As a kid my imagination had always been active; I believed telling the stories inside my head was my destiny. I thought if I could just figure how to get those ideas out there—everything would fall into place. Over the years as I worked at the top of ladders, my mind wandered to characters and scenes that were aching to be expressed. Time passed with me enjoying the Tahoe lifestyle and my mind asking nagging questions. What if I never pursued my dream? What if nobody ever sees these stories like I see them? What can I do about it?

In 2005 I decided to take a winter off from painting and work at my computer in an effort to write a novel. It immediately felt like a lofty goal since I didn’t consider myself a writer. In fact, I wasn’t even an active reader, not having read many books beyond the required lists for school and college.

Winter turned to spring and spring to summer. My novel made progress but the story was complex, revealing itself like an onion shedding layers. The phone often rang with painting jobs. Some of the smaller ones I took for extra money, but more and more I began turning them down and living on savings.

One year of writing become two, then three and four. I drove myself crazy editing and re-editing, feeling like I had read and perfected the same book one hundred times while I queried agents and publishers, all who passed on my story. I also exhausted the money in savings, but I believed in my dream enough to take a second mortgage out on my house and live on credit. Not easy to do with a wife who wasn’t earning much and two teenage daughters to support. Soon the mortgages, monthly bills and living expenses drove me deeply in debt.

In 2009 I had a finished novel, one that made me proud. Self-publishing had made recent strides, and in desperation to avoid more rejection letters I published on Kindle and everywhere possible. A few sales came in followed by glowing reviews. I was convinced my dream would pan out and began writing what I believed was a great sequel novel.

I spent the next year working on the sequel and marketing my novel with bad ideas that drove me further in debt. My painting clients had mostly dried up, but a few jobs trickled in to provide needed cash. A decision had to be made. My options were clear: return to painting for a few years or put all my energy into writing and marketing books. Despite the needs of a family and a large debt already in place, I chose the latter.

I did everything I could find to promote my books, especially things that were online and free. It was difficult since there were so many things to learn, and I hadn’t been active on the internet. Little did I know how important blogging and social media would become. That first year felt like a non-stop effort of catching-up with online wisdom.

In 2010 I decided to spend one last small fortune on a writing conference. It was in San Francisco, held shortly after publishing my second novel. At the conference I had conversations with other writers about what we were doing for our books. Predominantly, the other writers were stuck sending query letters and getting rejected. When people asked me, I’d say, “I’m selling on Amazon and other retailers plus my own websites. I’m blogging and active with social media. I’m submitting articles, press releases, doing radio shows and interviews.” Then I mentioned everything was free and the authors would start taking notes, saying that my information was more valuable than the classes at the conference. The proverbial light-bulb went off over my head. I knew the next book would be a how-to guide for self-publishing using free online methods.

I went home invigorated. The how-to book seemed to write itself, transforming from concept to paid sales in just one month. To date, that book has sold well over ten thousand copies and ingrained me in self-publishing circles as an indie author expert.

Jason Matthews Barnes & Noble 2006 author signing
Jason Matthews Barnes & Noble 2006 author signing

Where am I now? Still trying to sell my novels and write more. And they better sell because I can’t go back to old ways. I sold our Tahoe house to escape debt. We’ve moved to a new area. My painting clientele is gone. My friends who can paint with me are gone. It would take years to begin anew as a contractor down here, like starting over.

This tale hasn’t ended, but the bridges I’ve crossed have been burned. My dream of a writing career is going to work, or I will die trying.

 ***

Jason Matthews Bio: Jason Matthews lives in Pismo Beach, California with his wife and daughters. He’s worked as a snow-maker, a house painting contractor and a full-time writer. He loves skiing, dogs and playing/coaching soccer. His novels include: The Little Universe,

Jason Matthews The Little Universe kdpamazon 11-7-2012

Jim’s Life. 

His guides include: How to Make, Market And Sell Ebooks All for Free,

Jason Matthews How to Make, Market, e-book

How to Make Your Own Free Website And Your Free Blog Too, Get On Google Front Page.

Jason’s Website: http://www.thelittleuniverse.com

You can follow Jason on Twitter: @Jason_Matthews

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Jason.M.Matthews

 Sonia Marsh Says: Jason you took a major risk and followed your passion to write. I admire your courage, especially as you have a family to take care of, and decided to “walk away” from your lucrative paint contractor business. Your hard work and perseverance is paying off, and you give so many hope that they too can find their “niche,” as long as they are determined.

“I did everything I could find to promote my books, especially things that were online and free. It was difficult since there were so many things to learn, and I hadn’t been active on the internet.”

During MAY, I shall be in Copenhagen, Paris, Orleans, and a brief stop in London. My father turns 88, and Kathy Pooler, and other memoir writers have made me realize that I want to ask him questions about my life as a child in Nigeria, as well as his life in a camp outside Paris, as a 15-year-old boy during WWII.

Meanwhile, please submit your “My Gutsy Story®” which will continue in June.

Do you have a “My Gutsy Story®” you’d like to share?

NOW is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story®.” Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

Please read and share our April 2013 stories by David Prosser, Win Charles, Carol Bodensteiner, and Linda Kovic-Skow.

Voting starts on May 2nd-May 15th for your favorite April 

“My Gutsy Story®” .

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

Filed Under: Inspirational, My Gutsy Story, People Tagged With: “My Gutsy Story®” Jason Matthews

Comments

  1. Sonia Marsh says

    April 29, 2013 at 6:13 am

    Jason,

    Thank you for sharing your passion and energizing those who need that extra push to follow theirs.
    Sonia Marsh recently posted..“My Gutsy Story®” Jason MatthewsMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Amy Collins says

    April 29, 2013 at 7:08 am

    Jason knows more about publishing and book marketing than any other 5 people I know. His example and know-how are extremely impressive. I have always been an enormous admirer of his How To books, but I had no idea he had written fiction. Guess who is going to Amazon right now to buy one?

    Reply
  3. Cathy Severson says

    April 29, 2013 at 8:27 am

    What a wonderful story, Jason. One of the smart things you did was cut back on your lifestyle. You may get it back, but at least you’re not going into further debt. I wish you well.
    Cathy Severson recently posted..How to Write a Strong Accomplishment StatementMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Betsy Graziani Fasbinder says

    April 29, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Jason, having “met” you for your show and now reading more of your story, I continue to be inspired. I love that you’ve taken risks to live your own writing life. I know how hard that is. But you’re not just doing that, you’re not only a writer, you’re helping other writers to find their way as well. I’m loving the generosity I’m finding from writers just ahead of me on the path. Thanks for being one of those. I really do appreciate it.
    Betsy Graziani Fasbinder recently posted..Comment on About by Myrna CourtneyMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Belinda Nicoll says

    April 29, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I love your tenacity as well as your willingness to sacrifice the ‘old’ to make way for the ‘new.’ The success of your how-to guide is a sure sign of being one step closer to where you ultimately want to be. Good luck, Jason.

    Reply
  6. Jason Matthews says

    April 29, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Sonia, thank you again for posting and to all the great people commenting 🙂 I’m really glad to be part of this community–gutsy indie authors and beyond.

    Reply
  7. Penelope J says

    April 29, 2013 at 11:27 am

    Jason, your story resonated deeply. It’s a true writer’s story where you were willing to give up a secure lifestyle and become a full-time writer, which as many of us come to know is risky at best and may lead to debt – as in your case – poverty and constant frustration. Many writers have given up at that point but you chose to stick to your guns – a gutsy move – and turn a tottering career into a triumph.
    Penelope J recently posted..Never Give Up on Your DreamMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Kathleen Pooler says

    April 29, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    I love your story, Jason! It reinforces that we don’t have to follow the conventional path to success. Your passion is driving you and you are succeeding. Plus you wrote the book on how to do it; an excellent resource guide for all of us. You are a role model for having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and go for what matters the most. Your name is synonomous with Indie Author success:-) A gutsy and inspirational story, indeed. And you’re just getting started! Best wishes for your ongoing success.
    Kathleen Pooler recently posted..Publishing Slants of Light Anthology: An Interview with Memoirist Susan WeidenerMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Kathleen Pooler says

    April 29, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    Sonia, I’m thrilled you will take the time to interview your Dad during your upcoming visit. It will be a gift you give yourself, your Dad and your readers. Have a fun and productive visit!
    Kathleen Pooler recently posted..Publishing Slants of Light Anthology: An Interview with Memoirist Susan WeidenerMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Sharon Lippincott says

    April 29, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    Jason, that was a gutsy move indeed. Having used your book as a guide to publishing one of my own just recently, I’m becoming known locally as the person to call, and my first advice is always for everyone to get a copy of your book. Thank heavens you wrote it, so I don’t have to!

    Now, let’s get those novels moving at the same speed. I have a strong sense that they will. You’ve certainly primed the pump!

    Lots of people talk the talk. You are walking your walk!
    Sharon Lippincott recently posted..Telling Those Untold StoriesMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Madeline Sharples says

    April 29, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    What a gutsy move, Jason. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I know with your talents and tenacity, you will make it – way before you die. I very much admire you and look forward to learning so much more from you.
    Madeline Sharples recently posted..Boston Marathon poems and moreMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Rhonda Hayes says

    April 29, 2013 at 7:32 pm

    A true writer’s story, I applaud you. I felt your pain, your passion, and your love for writing. Bravo! Good luck, my new friend. I understand. ~Rhonda Hayes

    Reply
  13. Historical Castle Avignon South France says

    May 7, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Hi this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use
    WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
    Historical Castle Avignon South France recently posted..Historical Castle Avignon South FranceMy Profile

    Reply

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