#189: Beth Jones self-published 21 books and the list keeps growing!

So today I wanted to introduce you to one of our Christian Book Academy members. My name is Shelly Hitz, and this is Beth Jones. Welcome, Beth.

Hi. Hi, Shelley.

And I just wanted to feature you because, like, you just amaze me. And we first met years ago on Facebook, and then you were one of the very first people to join our Academy back in 2015. You know, it's been now six years that we've been on this journey. Journey together. And you now have how many books?

21. And I'm writing a new one.

Oh, my goodness. So. And growing. The list keeps growing. So you're prolific as well. And one thing I remember is when you first came into the academy, one of the first books you published, you know, with our group, was you took your signature speech and you published it as a book. So share with us a little bit about that journey.

Okay. My signature talk is on Cinderella. And so what I did was I wrote the book about Cinderella, and it goes with my signature talk, and it inspired me so much. Well, my graphic designer, Christine Dupree, at that time, she made a beautiful cover for it. She gave me several choices, and I loved all the COVID so much and so did my readers that I went ahead and wrote two more books. And it's a series. It's a series, the Cinderella Story, and it's got three books, so it's a trilogy.

I love that. And I think that's a great little tidbit. And, you know, this is kind of a case study sharing successes that you've had. And sometimes one book idea will turn into a series. Right. And there's more to it, and so I love that. Now, did you publish those books in both print and ebook, or are they Kindle only or how did you do that?

That one specifically is ebook, Kindle reader only. I do have some books in print, but for that series, I made those all ebook for Kindle.

Yeah. And so that's like the easiest way to get started, too, you know, just getting your books out there. And I mean, you really are using a lot of the things, obviously, that I teach, you know, doing this series, the short, you know, Kindle ebooks. But you now have 22 books. You are prolific. I mean, and when you get an idea, it's almost like you get a download from the Lord or something. And like, you just are on a mission until those words get out of your head and onto paper. So what have you learned over the years that's helped you write so many books?

Well, when I saw your program, I was just Blown away. I'm still blown away because it is the most comprehensive writing program I've ever seen. And I was just so amazed by everything that you teach in there, the videos, the PDFs, the downloads, and then the support in the Facebook group is just incredible. So you inspire me because you are so prolific. And I thought this is just amazing. And so you have inspired me so much to not only write, but to write fast. And I believe, at least for myself, what it is, is that time is short and so we don't have any time to waste. And so I've learned from you to not waste time. You, you're very strong on getting things done using the Pomodoro method and other methods, just time blocking. And so those practical tips and tools of sitting down, just actually sitting down and doing the writing. And then you also gave other tips such as if you don't want to actually write it at your laptop or wherever, you can use a recorder and you can record your book. And that was something I'd never even thought about. So that really inspired me too. But just you printing so many books and your message for the kingdom of God, that just really inspired me. That's what drew me to me is your love for Jesus and how you make it Christian based and how now you're reaching all around the world where you're speaking and writing. We can now make a global impact with our messages. And that just truly spoke to my heart.

Yeah. And, you know, it's really neat just to see God continue to use you as well. And you are an international speaker. You know, you have 22 books and growing and now you're also encouraging other speakers and writers. And so, you know, you're investing and planting into others. And I just, I love, I love seeing that. It's like the ripple effect, right? And I was joking with someone the other day, I was like, I think you're my publishing grandchild because learning from someone that learned in my academy. And I was like, oh, that's so fun.

But what inspired you to also help speakers and writers?

Well, before I get into that, I did want to share one thing that really helped me with your academy is you gave templates to write books in and I didn't have a template. And that helped me so much with knowing the margins, where to put the chapter headings, what to put on the, you know, your table of contents page, copyright about the author pages. I didn't know any of that. And that template that you, you gave it on in that academy helped me so much that has helped me to sit down and write so many books, because I don't have to worry about any of that. I can just put it in that template and go and write. And now I forgot your question. What did you ask? Why do I inspire other students?

Yeah. What I believe. What caused you to want to. To do that?

Yeah. I believe that we all have gifts, that we have spiritual gifts and talents and skills that are unique to us that God himself put in us, and that we need to share those gifts. And I also believe that time is very short. Covid has taught us, you know, Covid doesn't respect anyone. Covid hits everybody. So we. We have a short time here on earth, and I believe we need to use that time wisely to steward it and to share the G that God has given us. And that includes speaking and writing. I'm very passionate about using your gifts.

Yes. That is so Good. Well, congratulations. 22 books and speaking in many different venues in many different ways, really sharing your testimony and sharing Jesus with so many. And so you are a true example of a kingdom writer, a kingdom speaker. And if people want to connect with you, how do they find you?

At my website@betjones.net and then my Amazon author page is Amazon.com author bethmjones.

Yeah. So bethjones.net or bethm jones on Amazon. But it's just been a joy just having you a part of Christian Book Academy and just seeing you blossom and grow and all the things that God is doing in and through you. So thanks for sharing part of your story today. Appreciate it.

Thank you, Shelly.

All right, Bye. Bye.

Bye.