True to a degree. The next time you fly, walk down the aisle and count the number of people watching videos vs. the number of people reading books of any type. Avg. American (According to Nielsen) watches 34 hours of TV a week. Great books still crush but there are less readers.

Writers, the Costco book section is worrisome.

Why?

1. It’s been shrinking for years. It used to span main aisle to main aisle. 

2. Costco’s inventory is a quick way to figure out what people are into. Costco only sells what sells.

Less books means less demand for books.

Nashville folks, I’m at the Jocko Willink event at the Gaylord today, anyone else here? Looking forward to the first session this morning!

Should you try traditional-publishing or self-publishing?

Short answer? Yes.

Long answer?

Depends on your goal.

Speed to market favors self-publishing.

Easiest distribution favors traditional.

My advice is try traditional first.

If you get 100 no’s you can always go self.

I’m reading 100+ books this year. Book number #25 was Force of Nature by C.J. Box.

If you want to read more in 2024, I created a free resource called, “How to read 100 books in 1 year.” Grab it here: JonAcuff.com/read

We all have access to time machines.

They’re called “mentors,” people who have been to the future you’re trying to build and will tell you how they got there.

A writer who is a decade ahead of me can cut years off my journey if I’m humble enough to ask for advice.

I’m the CEO of my actions, not the CEO of my outcomes. #may1

There's a tiny space in the overhead above me on this flight and it's tempted every late boarding traveler like the sword in the stone. They keep trying to rearrange the bags there thinking, 'I know I can fit my suitcase in here!' But they can't and walk to the back discouraged.

I talked with a CEO 3 weeks ago.

In 2022, he had 10 copywriters on staff creating content.

In 2023, he fired 9 of them and kept the 1 who was the best at writing ChatGPT prompts.

Before I wrote books, I spent 15 years as a copywriter.

If I still was, I’d be paying attention.

I’m waiting backstage to speak at an event right now and the CEO of the company just mentioned from stage how much he loves Jon Gordon’s book “The Energy Bus.” Always fun to hear your friends getting celebrated for their great work!

Dear speakers, never make an audience say, “Good morning!” to you a second time because the first time was inadequate.

It’s such a shamey way to start a speech.

Jump into your content.

We didn’t just run into each other at a grocery store.

We don’t need a forced greeting.

Someone near me at the airport just got a phone call and their ringtone was Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.” I hate to bother you sir, but that is far too sexy for a ringtone. It got couple’s skate at the roller rink in here real quick.

I fly two airlines the most, Southwest and Delta. Their boarding experiences are wildly different. Southwest lines you up in numerical columns. With Delta, you have to slowly creep toward the door, lurking and gently elbowing until your zone is called. Which do you prefer?

Today’s “Writer Cabin” is the Delta Skyclub. If won’t write unless your surroundings are perfect you will never write. #WriteEverywhere

I’m reading 100+ books this year. Book number #24 was The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler.

Want to read more in 2024? I created a free resource called, “How to read 100 books in 1 year.” Grab it here: JonAcuff.com/read

I am now on a mission to chase down a copy of the Italian version of my book, “Soundtracks.” Look at that cover, I love it!

Everyone has a story!

#kindness #empathy #listening #story

My youngest daughter McRae just finished her first half marathon! What a fun 13.1 miles that was with her!

Tomorrow, I’m running the Nashville half marathon with my 18yo daughter McRae! If you see us, say “Hey!”

It’s always fun when you get to share a hobby you love with your kids. What do you and your kids like to do together?

I'm running the Nashville Half Marathon tomorrow with my daughter McRae. I need some song recommendations! What's your favorite 'Get amped!' song?