This article was originally published here: Lindsey Pogue – Founder Roar Press LLC.
Being dyslexic has not deterred Lindsey Pogue from becoming an author and publisher.
What’s your story?
I am a dyslexic history nerd and hopeless romantic turned successful indie author and publishing press owner. I wrote my first manuscript in high school, when I was using writing to escape my reality, but I didn’t publish anything until my late twenties. Since 2012, I have written and self published 27 books, have hit the top Amazon charts in science fiction and fantasy genres, and I haven’t looked back since.
What excites you most about your industry?
The book world is quickly and constantly changing. When I first started writing, there were only a few clunky tools to help an independent author publish. Now, with so many technological advancements in such a short amount of time, there’s a plethora of tools and resources at my fingertips. Having more control and more options means I can make sound business decisions that are specific to my goals and values. Plus, the indie author community is great about sharing knowledge and supporting one another.
What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?
It’s more about what feeds my soul. Working for someone else never did that. I work ten times harder than I ever have, running my own business. But reaping the rewards of my hard work is a magical feeling. Some might say I am a workaholic, but I am also a self-employed business owner who has an overachieving, creative brain that won’t shut off. So, yeah, I might not be “normal” in my quest to live my dream of authoring, but I feel fulfilled every day, especially when readers clamor for more.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
Pivoting. The publishing world changes so fast and frequently; what worked last year, might not work this year. You have to stay on your toes and pivot as trends and reader needs change. I am a control freak, so this has been difficult for me over the years and I often feel overwhelmed to keep up. But, the longer I exist in this community, the more I learn about myself; what my focuses should be, and that I will never be able to do “all the things”, so I should do what feels right, in this moment, for me.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don’t ever try to do “all the things” because you can’t. Pick a few tasks/strategies/goals/projects that bring you joy and focus on those. Off load the rest, if you can. Otherwise, you’ll run yourself into the ground, be unfulfilled in your work, and without that narrowed focus, the hundred things you’re juggling will only be subpar anyway.
Who inspires you?
My indie author friends. The more we learn and share with each other, the more obvious it is how different the journey is for each of us. When one of us succeeds, it’s exciting! We celebrate together and lift each other up. Their excitement and success (as well as their support) inspire me to try new things – get out of my comfort zone and grow alongside them.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
How limiting my mindset has been. I don’t want to continue making decisions out of fear and scarcity. There’s a whole psychology behind it (based on my personality type, as well as my life experiences). Long story short, I didn’t realize how much I was closing myself off to positivity and success by worrying so much about the future, until I started shifting the way I think about my business. The now. What my gut tells me, and so on. That’s why I’ve started practicing an abundance mindset.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Honestly, they are all little things, really. My journey has been a great one. I have learned so much about myself, and while I’m not a millionaire yet, I am successful, I love my career, and I would never change what I do and how I got here. I’ve worked hard to learn the lessons I have and can share them with other authors. But, if I had to choose, it would be things like where I built my readership, so that I don’t have to rely on companies like Facebook, and giving less money to big companies like Amazon.
How do you unwind?
I read. Less than I would like to, actually. But I love reading for pleasure (not for podcasts or marketing/writing books). And I love walking in nature. Between those two things, I can escape a little and recenter myself. I think it’s easy to forget how big the universe is and how small we really are in the scheme of things. Escapism and nature allow me to open my mind and let go of the nitty gritty everyday.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?
Comparing myself to other authors is dangerous but it’s hard not to do. For example, if I see someone with an amazing, chart-topping book launch and it’s easy to get lost in how they did it and how I can recreate that for myself. It doesn’t work that way. My journey is my own. My brand is different than every other author. I am unique. Many of us suffer from comparisonitis, but it can be detrimental to creativity and success.
Everyone in business should read this book:
While this book is specifically written by an author for authors, I recommend “Write to Riches” by Renee Rose. It will teach you the power of abundance mindset, manifesting your desires, and attracting wealth. Most of us don’t realize how limiting our mindset and energy can be. I find this book helpful and fascinating.
Shameless plug for your business:
I’m a genre-bending fiction author, best known for my soul-stirring, post-apocalyptic survival series, Savage North Chronicles, and my historically infused fairy tale retellings, Ruined Lands. As an avid romance reader with a master’s in history and culture, my adventures cross genres and push boundaries, weaving together facts, fantasy, and timeless love stories of epic proportions.
How can people connect with you?
I am all over social media, but I have a website (www.lindseypogue.com) and a bookshop where you can find my current free reads, audiobooks, ebooks, purchase signed paperbacks and swag.
Social Media Links?
Linktree → https://linktr.ee/authorlindseypogue
Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Lindsey-Pogue/e/B00BJSEDQ4/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/authorlindseypogue/
Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/lindseypogue
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlindseypogue
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/c/LindseyPogue
Newsletter → bit.ly/lindseypoguenewsletter
Discord → https://discord.gg/fexSbTh2zT
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.
Lindsey Pogue – Founder Roar Press LLC.
The EnterpriseZone Writing Team
