Interview with Dale L. Roberts

Author of The 90-Day Home Workout Plan

 

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m from Attica, Ohio, and now live in Columbus, Ohio.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born in 29 Palms, California, as the son of parents in the military. My father was in the Marine Corps and my mother was in the Navy prior to my birth. Being raised in a military family allowed me many privileges of seeing the world. I lived along the North Carolina coast, then moved to Yokota, Japan. After my father finished his time in the service, we settled down in Northwest Ohio in my mother’s hometown of Attica, Ohio.

Into my adult life, I decided to move to a much larger city in Columbus and have been here ever since.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My job’s corporate wellness coach challenged me to write a book about health and fitness. Never one to back down from a good challenge, I dug in and wrote my first book in one year. The publishing part was easy compared to the writing part for me.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are simple yet relatable. When you read my books, you feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone curious about improving their health and fitness will find value in my books. I keep the information stripped down enough for readers to get what they need so they can apply it right away in their lives.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

While writing and publishing, I discovered my first book was my worst book. After my editor tore apart my manuscript, I couldn’t imagine how I’d recover. Thankfully, I knew it was for the better and pushed forward despite my bruised ego. And, the biggest surprise was how I get paid for publishing. I’m still blown away at how I can make a living as a writer.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

Given the chance to share advice with my past self, I’d say focus on the things that move the needle. I previously chased after shiny objects that did little to improve my author brand and business. Now, I’m more focused and see better results with less effort.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I want to reach at least one person. If I can reach one reader and affect them a massive way, then I’ve done a good job as an author.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Focus has been my biggest challenge and frustration in writing and publishing. Once I got good on my direction, the focus took a bit of time to refine. But, I got there.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strengths in:
a) Writing – I can produce about 3,000 words per day once I set my mind to it.
b) Publishing – I’m confident I know more every avenue a self-published author needs for maximum reach and profitability.
c) Marketing – My ability to craft compelling videos give me an edge on my authors who refuse to use the medium to reach more readers.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I can wrap my biggest weakness up into one word – FOCUS. Though I’m better than I was yesterday, I’m a far cry from what I’ll be tomorrow. I’m a people pleaser and I often get derailed when I refuse to say no to opportunities.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

For the first time in 2 years, I’m writing a book that’ll pivot away from the health and fitness brand to the business of self-publishing. Over the past 2 years, I devoted my time to building a brand around how to self-publish, so a book was long overdue. I expect a release by early 2020.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I’m a self-published author and can’t imagine shifting to a traditional model any time soon.