& Book Giveaway Comments Contest!
Sara would never have had a successful life in the computer industry if it hadn't been for THAT WOMAN. THAT WOMAN, the college guidance counselor, told Sara her Math skills were horrendous (OK, maybe she was a bit more tactful) and she shouldn't go into any Math-related majors. So what did Sara major in? Quantitative Business Analysis, with a minor in computer science, natch.
After college she used her computer knowledge in several industries including retail, health care, finance, government, and information technology. She's also written several technical books for the computer industry.
But it soon became apparent to Sara that Corporate America, and its complicated office politics, was not for her. She became a consultant, an experience that led to No Limits: How I escaped the clutches of Corporate America to live the Self-employed life of my dreams.
Sara and her children live in Louisiana's version of small-town America where she still pursues her first love--Artificial Intelligence. In the shadow of historical plantations, Sara works on developing robotic assistance to help senior citizens.
Find out more about Sara by visiting her website, www.nolimitsthebook.com, and the No Limits Ning community, http://nolimitsthebook.ning.com/.
No Limits: How I escaped the clutches of Corporate America to live the Self-employed life of my dreamsBy Sara Morgan
Refreshingly candid and honest, this career-minded guide helps professionals determine if self-employment is their ticket to a better life. Written by a successful, independent software developer, rather than a career coach or consultant, this straight-to-the-point book offers readers practical and useful advice for how to get started on their path to self-employment. It also informs the reader what the major benefits to self-employment are, along with identifying who is best suited for self-employment and what things these people will need to consider.
The author, Sara Morgan knows from direct-hand experience how frustrating and un-inspiring the life of a Corporate employee can be. Four years ago she made the jump to self-employment and despite challenges, stayed true to her belief that a better, more fulfilling life lay ahead. She now lives the life she always dreamed of and she hopes to inspire others to take the remarkable path she has chosen. This book is not a "how to get rich quick" story. It is a "how do I maximize my potential and feel satisfied and happy with what I am doing in life" story.
Published by Custom Solutions, LLC (August 2009)
Paperback: 160 pages
ISBN# 0615299326
Book Giveaway Comments Contest!
If you received our Events Newsletter, remember, we are holding a contest to win a copy of Sara's book, No Limits, to those that comment. So, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and enjoy the chat, and share your thoughts, and comments, at the end.
We will randomly choose a winner from those who comment. Enjoy!
Interview by Jodi Webb
WOW: Tell us the story of how you went from expert in the computer industry to author of a book on self-employment?
Sara: That kind of happened by accident. I became self-employed 4 years ago and since then I have been navigating the waters of self-employment as an independent software developer, including writing five technical books for Microsoft. That was all going okay until I was hit with a personal tragedy. The man I considered the love of my life left me before our marriage even reached one year.
At first I was devastated. I mean, it was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. But, the oddest thing happened. Because I was self-employed and had already done many things to position my life in a way that was healthy and sustainable, I was able to take three weeks off and search my soul. At the end of that time, I realized that this was an opportunity and not the end of my life. I realized I could turn all of this into a life changing event and that just made me that much stronger.
I really doubt I would have been able to see it that positively if I had still been plugging away in some boring 9 to 5 corporate job. I never used to handle things like this well. But, now I was. So, I thought, I have to tell other people about this. I need to help other people get to this place. The kind of place where you can see life for what it really is and just appreciate it. So, I decided to write this book. And here we are.
WOW: Some writers I've met have gone the freelance route to have more flexibility and time with their family but then, get so obsessed with hitting that "goal income," they throw all those self-employment benefits away with constant work. What's the trick to maintaining balance?
Sara: Yeah, that is the trick. I too have been known to work harder and not smarter. But, what you need to do is position yourself in a life that is sustainable and realistic for you. This is something that may take time for some people. As for myself, it involved lowering my overhead and expenses by moving to the country and letting go of a lot of things I had become accustomed to but really didn't need.
WOW: But what about the downsides? What about the security that comes with a 9 to 5 job?
Sara: I fully reject the notion that a corporate job provides security. Haven't we all known someone who had their life ripped up from under them recently? They might have worked for some company for 20 years, but their life savings was taken away when some dishonest individual scammed them. I have a neighbor that lost his entire retirement to that Stanford guy. Now he has to start all over, when he thought it was "in the bank."
Nothing is for sure anymore. The only thing you can really control is yourself and at the end of the day. The only person really watching your back is you. So, to me self-employment is more secure than being susceptible to some random layoff or firing in Corporate America.
WOW: Now let's talk about the conception of No Limits. In your opinion, self-publishing is a better option than traditional publishing. Why?
Sara: Well, up until now I have published six books with two different traditional publishers. Now, keep in mind that I was publishing technical books and not mainstream or fictional books, but my experiences with publishers were not exactly pleasant and definitely not rewarding. I felt that I had to compromise way too much and work way too hard for very little reward.
I think the publishing industry is on the cusp of a major upheaval. Perhaps the biggest one ever. If I were working for a traditional publisher, I would be very nervous right now. For too long, traditional publishers just dominated the market like a monopoly, but the introduction of the Internet and other technical advances have meant that anyone (including myself) can produce a quality book out of their own home. We have figured out that we don't need publishers slowing things down and taking too much of the money.
WOW: Did you ever consider traditional publishing for No Limits or has self-publishing always been a part of your plan?
Sara: I did consider traditional publishing for this book, but when I failed to get an immediate response from any of the agents or publishers I contacted, I quickly shifted gears. I know how long it takes to get a book through the proposal stage and I knew what I was writing was timely material. I figured the only way I was going to give it the real chance it deserved was to self-publish.
WOW: I, for one, am glad you didn't wait around for traditional publishers to decide to take a chance on your book. But many authors self-publish a book in the hope that it will eventually be snatched up by a traditional publisher. If a traditional publisher came knocking would you send them away?
Sara: I doubt it, but who knows, because I know to never say never. I always like to keep my options open and consider all possibilities. But, I am having a blast and I just got picked up by a distributor and I signed on with a publicist. Things are really starting to move forward for me now.
WOW: Tell us about your impressive goal of selling one million books.
Sara: Well, I thought the goal fit nicely with the theme of the book, in which the only limits you have are the ones you create for yourself. I reject the idea that someone can't self-publish their book and sell one million copies. I think this is a really good book and I think it can help change people's lives. So, I really think one million people need to read it. Or, at least that is what I am hoping. Only time will tell for sure whether I am crazy or a genius.
WOW: What happens after you sell that million books? Is being an author a new chapter in your life--will there be additional books?
Sara: I would like to write other books. I would really like to write a book about my lovebirds, since I think they have a lot to teach the world about setting limits on those things we love. But, that is a whole story in itself. For now, I am sticking with promoting this book.
Also, I just signed up to be an independent garden consultant for The Happy Gardener. I was so impressed with their organization, that I decided I would enjoy doing that more than being a web developer. So, as of now, I am no longer a web developer, I am an author and garden consultant. YEAH!!!!
WOW: Love advice from lovebirds--wonderful. They could go on your book tour with you! And send me a Happy Gardener catalog. Gardening catalogs are the only thing that gets me through my snowy Pennsylvania winters.
Want to join Sara on her blog tour? Check out these dates and mark your calendar! You can also snag a copy of WOW's Events Calendar HERE.
Blog Tour Dates: Come and join the fun!
September 28, 2009 Monday
Sara will be chatting with WOW! Women On Writing at The Muffin. Stop by and share your comments! One lucky commenter will win a copy of No Limits!
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html
September 30, 2009 Wednesday
Sara will be visiting Readaholic. Stop by for some interesting thoughts from Sara and a chance to win her book, No Limits!
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
October 2, 2009 Friday
Pack your bags! Today, Sara Morgan visits New Zealand, Write To Travel, and shares how self-employment can be the key to a fulfilling life.
http://writetotravel.blogspot.com/
October 5, 2009 Monday
Sara stops by Joanne DeMaio's blog, Whole Latte Life, to show small business owners why a web presence is important to their success. Sara is also a web developer, so this should be an interesting discussion! Stop by and have your questions answered by an expert.
http://joannedemaio.blogspot.com/
October 6, 2009 Tuesday
Stop by Kathryn Vercillo's blog, Real Words from a Real Writer, today and read a book review of No Limits, plus an interview with Sara. Also, enter to win a free copy of No Limits!
http://kathrynvercillo.com/blog/
October 12, 2009 Monday
Sara visits Stacie Connerty's blog, The Divine Miss Mommy, to talk about Self-Employment: The Key to a Fulfilling Life.
http://thedivinemissmommy.com/
October 15, 2009 Thursday
Sara visits Meryl's Notes for a surprise guest post! Stop by today and see what these two are up to.
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/
October 27, 2009 Tuesday
Sara stops by Annette's Paper Trail to share her journey from being the corporate drone to being the boss. Not to miss!
http://www.annettefix.com/
We may have several more dates to come, so be sure to check out our Events Calendar HERE.
Get involved!
We hope you are as excited about the tour as we are! Mark your calendar, save these dates, and join us for this truly unique and fascinating author blog tour.If you have a blog or website and would like to participate in Sara Morgan's blog tour, or schedule a tour of your own, please email Angela and Jodi at: blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com
** Please feel free to copy any portion of this post.
Oh, be sure to comment on this post to enter in a drawing for a copy of Sara's book, No Limits: How I escaped the clutches of Corporate America to live the Self-employed life of my dreams.
13 comments:
I've only just discovered your site and I would happily leave a comment competition or no :-) I found this, like the rest of your site very empowering and inspirational. It ties in beautifully with a remebrance ritual I am doing today on the eve of celebrating my 5 year cancerversary. As a young woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago, I've done plenty of soul searching and re-evaluation. I lacked Sara's courage and drive but now 5 years later I am at a point where it is time to make some new resolutions about how I want to live my life. This article then has been very timely and given me the impetus to dust off that book I've been writing on and off over the past few years. Thank you for the inspiration today.
Yay for a book contest!
Great interview. I escaped the clutches of 9 to 5 and am now self-employed but have yet to achieve the part about the self-employed life "of my dreams." But, I just started! So, I'd love to hear more about that! I'd like to have Sara on my blog for a few questions!
Love the quote about the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. SO true! Good luck with selling a million copies. Someone with your determination can do it! :)
Margo Dill
http://margodill.com/blog/
I've been freelancing for about 4 years now. As a journalist, I got tired of working for 60 hours a week on salary meant for 35 to 40. Now, I write what I want, when I want. I'm fortunate to have a husband who takes care of the main bills so I don't have to worry about supporting myself totally. That way, I can take time off when I start feeling overwhelmed. He pays the bills and we use my money for trips and fun stuff like that! It's so nice after all those years of running ragged.
I had a guidance counselor with no tact as well & my math skills weren't so super either! Good luck with the book!
Great interview, looking forward to reading this book. Enjoyed learning a bit more about self-publishing as well, and why the author decided to publish her own book.
What a perfect book! Thanks Sara!
Two years ago I left my position in Corporate America. The Doctor diagnosed Toxic Office Syndrome. I think it was my soul telling me to get-the-heck-outa-there. I decided it was time to pursue my dream of earning my living through my writing. Who knew the sky was about to fall?
My partner lost his job and was unemployed for five months. He is working now but we are completely upside-down. Due to lingering health issues I can't just "go get a job", besides, I made a promise to myself that I would make this work.
I fully believe self-employement is where most of us are heading. Sara is right, Corporate America provides a false-security. I will add that the atmosphere is usually quite demeaning to our own sense of self-power.
A very timely book, I wish her well.
I started my own business in 2002 but never earned a dime till this year. My own fault not knowing how to promote and excel but this article is very timely as I promised God this year to stop procrastinating and write. This is one book that will be on my must read list. My main source of income is writing book reviews. I would love to write a review on "No Limits" as it is one book that will sounds as though it would help many women like me. Enjoyed the blog. Also liked the answers on self-publishing as I'm looking to make a decision myself.
Thank you for honest answers!
This is one of the most uplifting, inspirational interviews I have read recently! It is wonderful hearing about your success Sara, because your experiences are very diverse and you've been able to bring them all together for this book.I'm very intrigued and will be putting it on my wish list! I think more than 1 million people would be interested in your book, so I hope you reach your goal!
Anyone aiming at self employment, whether it's cat sitting, freelance writing or designing mega hotels, is well-advised to first have some notion of how to run a business and sufficient capital. What are the statistics? Something like 50 percent fail in first two years.
Oh, my gosh. These comments have made me cry this morning. Well, right up until I read the one from debbie downer (aka, Skipperhammond@gmail.com). I agree that self-employment is not for everyone. In fact, I devote an entire chapter to helping you decide if it is right for you. But for those of us that would like to keep our souls and look for better lives, it is the only way to go.
You are an inspiration to me. I am so ready to show up and offer my work to the world.
Namaste,
Linda
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