From Zero to Success: My Two-Year Journey as a Writer
Written on
Chapter 1: The Beginning of My Journey
Two years ago, I found myself without a book, a newsletter, or any form of paid offerings. Fast forward to today, I’m proud to say that I've published a book with Penguin Random House, set to release in January 2025.
What I’ve come to understand is that the essentials for a writer are simple yet profound: a narrative, a voice, and a vision.
In February 2023, I took the leap and self-published my debut book, The Lemon Tree Mindset. This work tells the story of my transformation during a period of unemployment, where I began to write and carve out a new path for myself. It serves as a guide, featuring 19 lessons designed to help others who feel adrift find their way.
They say to write for one person, and that’s precisely what I did; I penned that book for my past self—the person who felt lost and disheartened. When I first launched it on Amazon, the sales barely covered my coffee expenses, prompting me to start a newsletter on Substack to gain traction.
Now, The Lemon Tree Mindset not only supports my coffee habit but has also earned 5-star ratings on Amazon, consistently ranking in the top 20 of its category.
Chapter 2: Cultivating My Writing Ecosystem
That initial moment was my ground zero, a tiny seed that has since flourished into a vibrant lemon tree over the past 19 months. Welcome to my journey—grab a glass of fresh lemonade!
One of the most significant revelations I had as a writer was realizing that writing operates like an ecosystem. It isn’t merely a collection of isolated articles or random thoughts. Everything must interconnect to create a more substantial impact.
My writing ecosystem revolves around my Substack newsletter, The Lemon Tree Mindset, where I foster my community on my terms, guiding fellow writers and creators through their own reinventions.
I believe that your email list is your most crucial asset as a writer. Unlike social media, which can change at any moment due to algorithms or platform policies, your email list is yours to keep. It allows you to communicate directly with your audience.
Each week, I send out two newsletters covering my favorite topics:
- Writing & Business: Strategies, monetization, publishing, and Substack insights.
- Mindset: Motivation, personal growth, and overcoming challenges.
To date, I’ve sent out 180 newsletters, amassing a loyal following of over 5,400 subscribers, 160 of whom are paid members.
The first video features Noah Kahan's "Forever," shedding light on the themes of persistence and self-discovery that resonate deeply with my own journey.
Chapter 3: Innovating Beyond Writing
Once I began writing, it became apparent that the digital landscape is crowded, and distinguishing oneself can be daunting, especially for newcomers. The solution? Embrace innovation.
I launched live webinars exclusively for my paid members, diversifying my offerings and enhancing their appeal. Establishing a personal connection is vital, particularly for non-fiction writers. When readers see your face and hear your voice, it fosters trust and connection.
There’s a perception of value that comes with live interactions; people are generally more willing to invest in webinars, courses, and cohorts than in traditional products like books and articles.
To advance your writing career, it may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes you need to write less and innovate more.
Upcoming Webinar Announcement
I’m excited to announce a forthcoming webinar with Sinem Günel, a formidable figure in online writing. Together, we aim to make waves in the writing community.
The second video features Dean Lewis's "Memories," encapsulating the essence of reflection and growth, paralleling the themes of transformation in my own life.
Chapter 4: Coaching and Sponsorships
Many of my readers have expressed a desire for more personalized guidance, particularly regarding strategy and monetization. Initially, I hadn’t considered coaching, but writing has a way of opening unexpected doors.
In June 2024, I introduced private coaching sessions, offering one-hour strategy calls where I provide mentorship on writing, publishing, and online business topics.
My coaching services have attracted 26 clients, all eager to share their testimonials, which speaks volumes about the value they find in my guidance.
My coaching options are straightforward: choose between a single session or a comprehensive 5-hour package, facilitated through Stripe for convenience.
As a result of cultivating my audience, sponsorship opportunities have also emerged. Many writers seek exposure to a targeted audience rather than spending on ads that may not reach potential readers.
I carefully evaluate sponsorship requests to ensure they add value to my audience and align with my vision. If they meet these criteria, I’m thrilled to welcome new sponsors, creating a win-win scenario.
Chapter 5: The Power of Storytelling
When faced with constant rejections, it’s easy to feel defeated and assume that things will never change.
Two years ago, I faced numerous setbacks, but I decided to harness my voice to share my story and pursue my dreams. It’s the combination of three essential elements that has brought me to this point.
While I may not know what lies ahead, I’m confident that I possess the tools to open new doors—doors of my own making. And so do you.
“When life gives you lemons, plant the seeds to grow your own lemon tree.”