Welcome to September's Biz Blog
01st September 2026
Fifteen Years!
Fifteen years ago, on August 1 2011, For The Love of Books was born. While I've been writing for over 40 years', the past 15 have been quite something. So much has happened in that time. It feels like both a whirlwind and just yesterday. Turning my mind from working for someone else to working for myself took some time.
I went to my very first meeting thinking I had to tell someone where I was going and I kept looking at my watch to make sure I got back to the office in good time. Conditioned since aged 16 when I first started working.
The freedom of freelance and working for yourself isn’t an easy choice but, for me, it was the only choice.
You might not have any income one month but another month will be like Christmas and your birthday in one! This ‘feast or famine’ lifestyle takes some getting used to but with a good personal support network and the writing community behind us, we know where to go for answers.
In that time, I’ve added to my backlist of fiction and non-fiction books published. I’ve self published, indie published and traditionally published. I’ve given talks at book fairs, festivals and conference, taken on gigs that would have been alien to me 15 years ago, and watched the industry change and morph into something else entirely.
It’s been a trip, that’s for sure!
Aside from writing my own books, one of my favourite things to do is coach new or reluctant writers so much so that between August and December 2026, I’ve reduced my coaching fees. Clearly, this won't last forever, so if you've been putting it off, now is definitely the time to take advantage. Check out my site for details.
Watching writers develop, feel empowered and find their confidence is amazing. Some have even go on to publish their books and include my name in the acknowledgements.
With many books under my belt, a degree (earned much later in life than most), several writing residencies, leading community group, organising events, and giving talks at fairs and festivals. I’ve given my everything to the business but I hope to give many more years yet.
Before I go, one of my freebies - my newsletter - is filled with information, exclusives, benefits and opportunities. August’s Featured Author was James Batchelor and September’s will be Patrick Forsyth. If you want to be considered for the section, why not subscribe? It’s free. Just go to www.loveofbooks.co.uk ‘Free To You’ tab and hit subscribe.
Until next month, I wish you many hours of productive writing.
sjb :)
Fifteen years ago, on August 1 2011, For The Love of Books was born. While I've been writing for over 40 years', the past 15 have been quite something. So much has happened in that time. It feels like both a whirlwind and just yesterday. Turning my mind from working for someone else to working for myself took some time.
I went to my very first meeting thinking I had to tell someone where I was going and I kept looking at my watch to make sure I got back to the office in good time. Conditioned since aged 16 when I first started working.
The freedom of freelance and working for yourself isn’t an easy choice but, for me, it was the only choice.
You might not have any income one month but another month will be like Christmas and your birthday in one! This ‘feast or famine’ lifestyle takes some getting used to but with a good personal support network and the writing community behind us, we know where to go for answers.
In that time, I’ve added to my backlist of fiction and non-fiction books published. I’ve self published, indie published and traditionally published. I’ve given talks at book fairs, festivals and conference, taken on gigs that would have been alien to me 15 years ago, and watched the industry change and morph into something else entirely.
It’s been a trip, that’s for sure!
Aside from writing my own books, one of my favourite things to do is coach new or reluctant writers so much so that between August and December 2026, I’ve reduced my coaching fees. Clearly, this won't last forever, so if you've been putting it off, now is definitely the time to take advantage. Check out my site for details.
Watching writers develop, feel empowered and find their confidence is amazing. Some have even go on to publish their books and include my name in the acknowledgements.
With many books under my belt, a degree (earned much later in life than most), several writing residencies, leading community group, organising events, and giving talks at fairs and festivals. I’ve given my everything to the business but I hope to give many more years yet.
Before I go, one of my freebies - my newsletter - is filled with information, exclusives, benefits and opportunities. August’s Featured Author was James Batchelor and September’s will be Patrick Forsyth. If you want to be considered for the section, why not subscribe? It’s free. Just go to www.loveofbooks.co.uk ‘Free To You’ tab and hit subscribe.
Until next month, I wish you many hours of productive writing.
sjb :)