My first book is published!

I have always wanted to write a book. In fact, I have envisioned myself writing a whole shelf of books. But I could never seem to find the time to make it a priority. My other responsibilities as a business owner and parent seemed to keep getting in the way. (But based on the headline you read that drew you into this story something must have changed, right? Indeed it did.)

On March 16, 2020, the world went into lockdown mode. There was almost nothing to do outside the home but shop for groceries, hunt for toilet paper, and resanitize your hands, again. During that strange time, I started pulling together ideas for 3 different book concepts I considered writing.

Then, in April of 2020, the Governor announced that the state of Wisconsin would be locked at home until May 26th. My first reaction was that this was a real load of lemons. Then, like Hulk Hogan refusing to remain on the mat, I recognized that it was Country Time! Time to make some good old fashion lemonade!*

Within minutes of learning of the extended lockdown, I recognized the gift I had been given. It was the perfect time to focus on writing the first draft of my first book. Then I gave myself a false deadline. Because that is how I get myself to do big things I am not required to do.

My self-imposed deadline: Deliver a full first draft of my first book by May 25th, 2020. (Which is also my birthday.)

On my birthday I gave myself an epic gift. I had a 50,000-word rough draft finished. By December 30, 2020, I had a second draft written. I spent 2021 learning the publishing process.

Today, I am thrilled to say that my first book is fully baked, birthed, bound, and buyable. Even better, I really love the book.

I was tracking the delivery driver on Sunday and greeted him in my driveway like a long last relative. #BrothersGottaHug
The first time I held my paper baby in my hand.

My goal in writing this book was to make sure that everyone who reads What Does Your Fortune Cookie Say learns a little, laughs a little, and lifts a little. It’s a very positive and optimistic book that offers 80 life lessons that have the power to contribute significantly to your happiness and success. These are all things that have really worked for me. And I wanted to share them because I believe they will work for anyone who applies them.

But I also wanted to write a book that was fun and easy to read. The chapters are quick and enjoyable, punctuated with humor. The book contains several made-up words that spellcheck and my proofreader didn’t know how to process. Which was fun for me.

It is smooth like a baby book’s butt.

My friend Jeff Hilimire told me that when he read the book he laughed out loud every other chapter. I found that to be far more rewarding feedback than winning a Pulitzer or a Newberry. In fact, I think we should have a Giggler Book Award for good books that make us laugh. We could put a gold foil laughing-till-you-cry emoji on our book covers. I would buy all of those Giggler books.

Showing my boys my book. Seeing this picture I am reminded of the great influence we have on our children. And that I really need to get us all haircuts.

The Details

Title: What does your fortune cookie say?

Subhead: 80 Life lessons the universe is trying to share with you.

Publisher: Ripples Media

Length: 290 pages

Where: You can find it on Amazon by clicking this link.

Format: Kindle, paperback, and hardcover.

Also: I have bulk-ordered both paperback and hardcover copies for promotional activities, for those who want signed copies, for book talks, speaking engagements, and for bribing librarians to drop my late fees.

My wife Dawn, reading my thank you to her in the back of the book. Although she is a fast reader, she may have skipped a few pages to get to the end.

What’s Next:

Now I’ve finished running the writing marathon. Which means I start running the book promotion marathon. I expect to learn a ton along the way. I plan to share my learnings so that everyone can benefit from my experience. Because I want you to be smarter and better prepared when you’re ready to write and publish your book. Everyone has a book in them. Including you.

The front cover. Thanks to my teammate at The Weaponry, Joe Kayse for the design. And thanks to everyone who voted on the cover design. This was the runaway winner. Like Julie Roberts in that movie where she wouldn’t get married.
Some nice things people are saying about the book. You can scan that QR code and it will take you to a website about the book. Or visit fortunecookiebook.com.

Key Takeaway

Set big goals for yourself. Then create false deadlines to help you achieve those goals. Keep taking small actions. Those actions keep adding up. And before you know it your words turn into sentences. Sentences turn into paragraphs. Paragraphs turn into chapters. And chapters turn into a book worth reading. The story of your life works the same way. So write a little more of it every day.

To learn more about the book, or order your own copy, visit my page on Amazon by clicking here.

*For younger readers, this is a pop culture reference to an ad campaign for Country Time Lemonade from my childhood. Country Time was what we drank when we weren’t drinking Kool-Aid. We didn’t have your fancy Capri Suns and juice boxes.

Published by

Adam Albrecht

Adam Albrecht is the Founder and CEO of the advertising and idea agency, The Weaponry. He believes the most powerful weapon on Earth is the human mind. He is the author of the book, What Does Your Fortune Cookie Say? He also authors two blogs: the Adam Albrecht Blog and Dad Says. Daughter Says., a Daddy-Daughter blog he co-writes with his 16-year old daughter Ava. Adam can be reached at adam@theweaponry.com.

17 thoughts on “My first book is published!”

  2. Let us know when you’re in Iowa for your book promo tour – Meservey Library would be a good stop. 😉 You certainly need photos at the original Sprau Farm. Congrats again and have the book in my Amazon cart now!

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  4. Adam Im so proud of you! You continue to take life head on with a positive outlook which I know some days came be hard for anyone! Your energy is magnetic and something I strive toward. Its why you have so many friends and supporters – ppl love being around the energy and perspective you bring. You have something special to share! Keep up the great work and again, so happy for you friend!

    And I’ll be ordering my book! Have you promoted on LinkedIn that I can share your post by chance?

    Happiest of holidays to you! I hope you are settling into your new home smoothly. We continue to look in north shore/mequon area and think maybe this spring well pull the trigger. I’ll continue to take all your mequon insider tips and assessments. But for real-school reviews are appreciated. We’re moving really for the boys to have a better school district and of course-a bigger yard to play baseball in 😉

    All the best! Leslie

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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    1. Leslie, you are the best! Thank you for such a wonderful note and for sharing the word about the book! I appreciate your feedback. And I am happy to share the good stuff I’ve been given with the world. I hope you enjoy the book and have a wonderful Christmas! And we could use the Stachowiaks in Mequon. I think we should schedule some time for you to come to my office to talk schools and neighborhoods and libraries and bike trails and such!

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  5. Hi Adam, I’m so excited to read your book, as you know I’ve loved your blog posts for years. I want to buy 14 copies for a women’s group I host in February. Wondering if I should buy them from Amazon? Would love an autographed copy or two, so please let me know what’s easiest. Thanks and congratulations!!!!!

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    1. Karri! I am excited for you to read the book too! I think it is on your frequency. And I appreciate the support. As for the books, you can order either way. Amazon seems to have things figured out in the ole book business. But I will have my bulk order of books in January. I could get you whatever you need. The 2 factors at play here are that Amazon has non-signed paperback copies. I will have both hard cover and paperback options that can be signed. My copies are mostly for bulk orders (like your 14), signed copies, book talks and hard covers. Everything else Amazon has covered. I would also love to hear about your group! Merry Christmas Karri!

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  9. I love that the title of this post is, “My First Book is Published.” Emphasis on First, which is suggestive to the bookshelf of dreams you have floating in your brain. Congratulations and Best Wishes on your Book Tour!

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