In this month’s episode of Study the Solopreneur, I’m super stoked to chat with Author Brent Jones.
I’ve known Brent for several years now – having met him when he blogged about freelancing and social media management.
He’d only been at it for a short while – and soon after leaving his corporate job. Considering how much time it can take to get noticed in the blogosphere, especially as a newbie, Brent’s seemingly effortless transition and easy writing style caught my attention – and I just had to tell him how much I enjoyed his work.
I contributed a post for his blog (now republished here) and I was a guest on his podcast, Better Freelancing. I only mention this because during our conversation, we discussed living one’s truth.
Shortly after this took place, I, along with his other colleagues, friends and associates learned that Brent set an intention to become an author. It’s now about two and a half years later and I’d say he lived up to it.
Study The Solopreneur – Writing EPIC Fiction with Author Brent Jones
Previous Career
Before Brent went into freelancing, his profession was in sales. He spent time in various positions, including management – and from what I understand, he actually did pretty well.
A combination of life changes (one of them meeting his wife, Andrea Jones & February’s Study the Solopreneur guest) and a desire to experience more freedom in his life inspired Brent to take the plunge and start his own business.
Becoming a Solopreneur
Now as I mentioned earlier, I got to know him because he wrote some guest posts for a few other successful bloggers. I thought his writing style was honest, witty and real. He was easy to relate to and you just felt like you wanted to get to know him a little better. That’s probably why he established himself as an expert so early on in his new career and why so many of us wanted to collaborate with him.
His overall business model consisted of social media management and connecting freelancers to one another – having them share their stories on his blog and podcast/video series.
However, while Brent was able to go from employee to being his own boss, he still didn’t feel he was doing what he truly wanted to do. It just goes to show that –
Sometimes, life gives you stepping stones. The journey may have several stops along the way - so it's a good idea to pay close attention to your gut and keep an open mind. @AuthorBrentJ #liveyourtruth Click To TweetAs far as Brent goes, once he finally realized what he really wanted to do, he wasted no time.
Writing EPIC Fiction
In late 2016, we found out that Brent was going to start writing. Now, I knew I was gonna stay in touch and support his vision – and I was curious to see what he would come up with.
I’m a book nerd and I LOVE reading fiction, so I had to stay in touch to make sure I’d be one of the first to hear about a new release.
By March of 2017, Brent published his first novel, The 15th of June. It’s a story about a troubled young man struggling with addictions and inner-demons that controlled his life.
The 15th of June
Can we lose a loved one without losing ourselves?
Twenty-eight-year-old Drew Thomson is haunted by a troubled past. After struggling for years with alcoholism and antisocial behavior, he ends a stable relationship with his girlfriend and finds himself without a home, job, or purpose.
Just as he learns that his father is terminally ill, he meets a stranger who offers him a flicker of hope for a better future. But is he ready to bury the past?
Rich with dark humor and a keen insight into the human condition, this debut fictional release from author Brent Jones delves into life’s most pressing trials—destructive relationships, love, loss, and pursuing happiness.
Fender
His next novel, Fender, was released six months later. It’s a book about a man suffering through loss and grief. His constant companion was his dog, and throughout the story, we got to see how friendship can help soothe and lighten even the darkest experiences of our lives.
Nothing could have prepared Brennan Glover for the car crash that claimed the lives of his wife and six-year-old daughter. Stricken with grief, the only things that get him through each day are breaking his sobriety and clinging to Fender—the family dog and the sole survivor of the crash.
Desperate to distance Brennan from tragedy, his two closest friends take him on the cross-country road trip they had always talked about. But what begins as an effort to mend his broken heart ends up unraveling a secret that changes everything he thought he knew about his family. Can a journey of six thousand miles lead Brennan to acceptance and new beginnings?
From finding the good in an often cruel world to learning to say goodbye to those we love most, this sophomore release from author Brent Jones is sure to leave readers longing for home, wherever that may be.
The Afton Morrison Series
Within one year of setting his intention to become an author, Brent released two full novels and a couple of short stories.
But the next year, he set out to create his first series of books, titled The Afton Morrison Series.
And he succeeded.
Afton Morrison, twenty-six, is a small-town children’s librarian by day, on a murderous mission to make the world a better place by night.
Afton Morrison, twenty-six, is a small-town children’s librarian by day, on a murderous mission to make the world a better place by night. From the hunt for a violent sexual predator to the last stand against her tormentor, The Afton Morrison Series delves into a world of moral ambiguity, told in four thrilling parts:
· Go Home, Afton
· See You Soon, Afton
· Nice Try, Afton
· Time’s Up, AftonPacked with suspense, grit, and action, The Afton Morrison Series delivers audiences an unlikely heroine in the form of a disturbed vigilante murderess.
Brent has written several other short stories – all of them captivating. If you enjoy reading fiction, I highly encourage you to check out his Amazon Author’s page.
From Employee to Solopreneur to EPIC Fiction Author
The takeaway from every Study the Solopreneur interview is that regardless of your past or lack of experience, you can always do something else.
Our time here is limited. So in knowing this, why not investigate what you’re meant to do?
In Brent’s case, he reinvented his career a few times until he discovered what made him excited to get to work.
While there are always challenges and obstacles along the way, the truth is, they can only make you stronger - that is, if you let yourself see it that way. #authorbrentjones #epicfictionwritingClick To TweetOur video interview is below – and since it’s audio only, you can listen in and just enjoy the conversation. Brent speaks at length about the metamorphosis he experienced as he transitioned from corporate employee to EPIC fiction author.
To check out Brent’s work, visit his:
Thanks for stopping by! Have you read any of Brent’s books? What did you relate to most about his story? Let me know in the comments.
Until next time, take care.
Bren says
This is so exciting, Dana! Thanks for having me.
Dana says
Hey Brent,
Great having you as my guest! I enjoyed our conversation and I know this will inspire people.
Thanks so much for sharing your story 🙂