Writing books is for schmucks

look what he did

Author

Alex Mathers
April 30, 2026

At least, that's what my inner demon kept whispering every 3 pages while I wrote my latest book.

This thinking comes from the societal nonsense...

Big bloggers tell you it's not worth it.

Fewer people seem to be reading books these days.

People have short attention spans, etc., etc.

It seems like writing a full book in this age is becoming pointless.

And so, if you do decide to write yours, the voice telling you it's not worth it will return often.

It even took me months to finally start promoting my book after finishing it.

I'd forgotten what excited me about releasing a book in the first place.

But then I return to ideas like these, and it keeps me addicted to the game of writing and finishing and releasing books:

  • A book can earn royalties for years from one effort

  • A book builds trust faster than any other piece of content

  • You become harder to replace, lay off, or ignore

  • It opens doors to podcasts, speaking gigs, and paid work

  • It gives you material that can be monetised at much higher rates, like courses, coaching and retreats

  • Finishing one builds a confidence nothing else replicates

  • The mental clarity from writing it lasts for years

  • It connects you to readers who become real friends

  • You leave something tangible for your children

  • Your day feels meaningful when you're working on a book

  • One book gives you momentum for writing more

Because book-writing can be a slow process, you need to remind yourself of these things often.

The rewards do come.

And speaking of rewards, I want to shout out a subscriber: Tom Heitz.

Tom left the first-ever Amazon review for Never-Retired Writer, and I'm going to share it with you here:

"I bought this book after being a long-time reader of the author’s newsletter.

If you’re looking to become a more consistent writer and considering making this something you can do for the rest of your life, then buy this book.

I read the Kindle version, and I just bought the audio version so that I can reinforce the points in my brain."

Tom Heitz

Thank you, Tom.

A review means even more to me than a sale, and I am hugely grateful.

If you're considering writing your next book, do it.

And, if you already read a few pages of Never-Retired Writer, I'd love you for an Amazon review that you can leave in literally 1 minute here 

(scroll to "Customer reviews," and click "Write a customer review.")

Love,

Alex

(currently performing the sexy snake dance)