Hello readers,
Welcome back to reading another author interview on our blog after a long time. We’re so happy to introduce you an author who is here to help you discover ways to make money online! If you’re a student, an adult intending to become freelancers, or entrepreneurs wanting to sell more products by leveraging the power of internet, read on to know how Chris has done it and what he has to say about earning a living online.
Chris Mason
- Where are you from?
Originally I hailed from Bellflower California but now I live on a big rig that goes cross country.
- Why do you write?
Due to the fact that all my children went to an online charter school, I had to find ways to save money and found many free resources through the internet. In fact, I still think it is funny when I first asked my daughter’s teachers for resources that could help her when she first entered the world of online schooling, I only received 3 websites. I thought 3 websites from 6 teachers was a sad state of affairs, so Tutor in a Box was born. That was years ago now. My eldest daughter was in sixth grade then, now she is a sophomore in college.My other books were born out of two things that happened at the same time. First, my family had to give up cable to save money but my kids still wanted to see the then popular That’s So Raven. Second, my mother came up with Mason Day to teach my kids that they did not need a lot of money to give someone a nice gift. Mason Day was when a person was assigned a family member and had to make them something, spending only 20 dollars. My thought was “Oh my God”. I had no artistic skills like my daughters’ and could not build things like my son, but I did have impressive research skills. So the “In the Box” series of books was born.
- What do you write about?
Right now it’s mainly nonfiction but I have plans for a fantasy novel.
- Do you have a specific writing style?
My style changes on the type of book I am writing.
- What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Since I live on a big rig a few factors come into play. The bumpiness of the road, available power supply, internet availability and my mood are just a few of the obstacles I face when writing.
- What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
I unfortunately have never been asked anything by my readers.
- How long have you been writing?
I started writing in 2008 but did not publish my first book until 2013.
- When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
When my books started to sell and I could not find other forms of employment.
- What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I write in waves I may not write for two weeks and then write for 6 hours straight a day for the next two weeks
- How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one -published or non)
It takes me about 3 months to a year.
- Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer? Yes, this is a multipart answer.
A. Write what you love and are passionate about, if you care about it others will because your passion will leap off the page.
B. Don’t write about what’s popular on Amazon. Stand out and be different.
C. Have your audience in mind as you write it helps keep you focused.
D. Match your subject matter to your deliver system. Not every book is good for every format. For example, the “In the Box” series would not be good for the audio format due to its online nature.
E. Don’t be afraid to outsource parts of the writing process that are outside your skill set. For example, I outsource my cover creation and formatting. This way I can just focus on the writing. This includes marketing as well.
F. Lastly as corny as it sounds believe in yourself. In the immortal words of Ed Wood “just write, if it is bad it will get better and if it is good it will become great just keep writing”.
- What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Writing itself. When I started in 2008 it was my schedule I was so busy I could only write between 11PM and 1 AM. Now as stated earlier I have different obstacles. I also learned no one reviews reference books.
- What do you think makes a good story?
A unique plot with details that don’t tell but show the story in the reader’s mind.
- What does your family think of your writing?
My wife is very supportive of my writing.
- Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, if I can make it work.
- Doyou have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Yes, if a reader finds a website he or she thinks should be in my books, just email me and let me know and it will be added in the next edition. My email address is in all my books. Also Record Store in a Box is free so pick up a copy available at all major online book retailers.
- Whendid you first consider yourself a writer?
December 26 2013 at 8:12 AM when the first copy of Video Store in a Box sold on Smashwords.
About Chris Mason, in his own words:
My name is Chris Mason and for the last 20 years I have been a house husband raising three kids with special needs. During this time I received my Bachelors in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. Due to the fact that all my children went to an online charter school, I had to find ways to save money and found many free resources through the internet. In fact I still think it is funny when I first asked my daughter’s teachers for resources that could help her when she first entered the world of online schooling, I only received 3 websites. I thought 3 websites from 6 teachers was a sad state of affairs, so Tutor in a Box was born. That was years ago now. My eldest daughter was in sixth grade then, now she is a sophomore in college.
My other books were born out of two things that happened at the same time. First, my family had to give up cable to save money but my kids still wanted to see the then popular That’s so Raven. Second, my mother came up with Mason Day to teach my kids that they did not need a lot of money to give someone a nice gift. Mason Day was when a person was assigned a family member and had to make them something, spending only 20 dollars. My thought was “Oh my God”. I had no artistic skills like my daughters’ and could not build things like my son, but I did have impressive research skills. So the “In the Box” series of books was born. All are reference guides to the best free stuff in a particular area. The series currently includes:
- Tutor in a Box – A guide to free educational resources.
- Book Store in a Box– A guide to free print and audio books.
- Arcade in a Box– A guide to free video games.
- Video store in a Box– A guide to free Television and Movies.
- Record Store– A guide to free music
- Production Studio in a Box: The Guide to make DVD, CD Websites and other Media at Low or No Cost
- App Store in a Box: A Guide to the Best Free Applications for Mobile Devices on the Internet
- Entrepreneur in a Box: A Guide to the best Free Websites to Make Money
I can be contacted at digitalattic95@gmail.com
Entrepreneur in a Box Book Blurb
Are you one of the millions having trouble making ends meet. If you are slowing nodding agreement on the inside then Entrepreneur in a Box: A Guide to the Best Ways to Make Money on the Internet may just be what you’re looking for. If you have a skill or clutter that needs to find a new home than this book can help you. The book has websites where people can sell their:
Cars and car parts
Graphic arts
Homemade fabric
Inventions
Music
Produce
Unwanted clutter
Unwanted gift cards
Writing
Plus much more
Entrepreneur in a Box a Guide to the Best Ways to Make Money on the Internet even has a section on crowdfunding because sometimes people need a little help achieving their goals. So pick up a copy of Entrepreneur in a Box: A Guide to the Best Ways to Make Money on the Internet and put that skill or unwanted clutter to work for you today.
Entrepreneur in a Box Book Links
ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/entrepreneur-in-box-guide/id1039085739?mt=11
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/entrepreneur-in-a-box-a-guide-to-the-best-ways-to-make-money-on-the-internet-chris-mason/1122643542?ean=2940152345537
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/576188
International Book Promotion 