366 F***king Days...
Well, it’s certainly been a while! How have you been? That long, huh? So what have I been doing? Glad you asked! I have been working a few new jobs. Been utilizing my free time for reading and catching up with my backlog of books. Been reading up on Stoicism, writing, and all of Robert Green’s library of books. It’s been an incredible literary journey. Also, I got inspired to write my own book during this time. My own “Meditations,” if you will. So, what’s it about? Well, let’s just say that it fits perfectly within my personal journey over the last ten years.
What the f*** is it?
It’s a book for the sober rebel. The crazy one! The one who just can’t get this “sober journey” right. The mistake maker and heartbreaker. After eight solid years of sobriety and recording a podcast on the same topic for the last six years, I decided to take some of the knowledge acquired from all the “experiences” and capture them in one volume. What prompted this decision (though it was in my mind for some time) was the loss of my good friend and mentor, John Jones. As I write in the book Dedication;
“This collection of meditations is especially dedicated to Carl’s sponsor, John J. (J.J.), for all his love and guidance over the last eight years. Unfortunately, John passed away on December 20, 2022. John’s actions and compassion have had a tremendous impact on so many people, and every page of this book contains a part of him. We hope he impacts your life, too.”
John certainly played a pivotal role in my growth over the last eight years, and his loss has hit me hard. I wrestle with grief in the book as I write it down rawly. It’s surprising how writing crystalizes my inner thoughts and pushes me closer to better understanding myself. Each page was cathartic, and it seemed like it flowed every time I sat down and wrote.
It’s more personal than I thought it would be. Way more personal! Initially, I decided to put out a very generic self-help type of reading. I thought I would be able to distill John’s lessons into bite-sized pages. Still, it quickly became a more personalized account of my own madness, struggle, and growth into a life of recovery. I feel that I was still able to capture John’s lessons but through my own filtered brain/mind. After a few pages, I fell into my own rhythm, which continued.
It took almost six months from start to finish. It sounds like a lot of time, but most of the time was trying to avoid repeating the topics. I ended up writing on the same topics, but I approached them differently every time. It’s incredible how much you can cover the topics of control, fear, service, acceptance, and the like. So, I continued to write with a couple long periods of nothing in between. I had hoped for something sooner, but I started a new job and did not have as much time as I would have liked. So I let it go and released the book when it needed to be released. Exactly as it should be, on its own time.
When I finished writing 366 Meditations, I had:
The title: 366 F***ing Days Sober
Words: 70,116
Pages: 373
ISBN-13 : 979-8393217945
Weight: 1.06 pounds
Dimensions: 5 x 0.84 x 8 inches
Cost (U.S.): $12.22 Paperback / $5.69 Kindle
I even got an editor
“Special thanks to Anthony Earl (Ant) for proofing and editing. “Ant” knows that you should “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” And he readily offered the goodness of his expertise. Thank you!”
It’s amazing what happens if you ask.
The end is only the beginning
Currently, I am holding a copy of a book and have shared the news on various social media platforms. I am uncertain about the book’s reception or purpose, but I genuinely wish that the intended recipient finds it. Though we often say, “I can’t worry about the results, just the action,” I will allow the book to pave its own path and hopefully find its place in the ether.
Radio ad for the book written by ChatGPT and created using AI voice, and edited in Adobe Audition:
Announcer: Are you a rebel seeking transformation in your recovery journey? Then "366 F***ing Days Sober" is the book for you! With 366 daily meditations, this book by the "Soberpod" recovery podcast host and professional rebel, Carl will help guide you towards a new way of thinking and living.
[Sound of pages turning]
Announcer: Each daily meditation offers a fresh perspective, practical advice, and a healthy dose of Carl's irreverent humor to help you stay sober and embrace the challenges of life without drinking, drugging, or shitting your pants. Whether you're just starting your recovery journey or looking for a daily dose of encouragement and laughs, "366 F***ing Days Sober" is the book for you.
[Sound of pages turning]
Announcer: So, if you're ready to transform your life and become the rebel you were meant to be, get your copy of "366 F***ing Days Sober" today!
Available today on Amazon.com.
Artificial Intelligence Voice created on Play.ht.
Talking about A.I. !
ChatGPT 4o gave it an 8/10 Rating! Wha? Thanks robot! When using the Creative Writing Coach in ChatGPT, this is the feedback it gave:
Your work, "366 F***ing Days Sober," offers a bold and raw perspective on sobriety and recovery. Here are some initial thoughts and feedback:
Rating: 8/10
What's Good:
Authentic Voice: Your writing has a genuine, unfiltered quality that resonates strongly. The use of humor and profanity adds a layer of relatability and honesty.
Structure: The daily meditations format is effective for readers looking for daily guidance and reflection. Each day offers a unique insight or challenge, making the book interactive.
Practical Reflections and Challenges: The reflections and daily challenges provide actionable steps for readers, which can be incredibly motivating and helpful in the recovery journey.
Personal Touch: The preface and dedication add a personal touch that helps readers connect with the author on a deeper level. Sharing your own experiences makes the book feel more authentic.
Humor: The humor is a standout feature, making the difficult subject matter more approachable and less intimidating.
Suggestions:
Balance in Tone: While the raw and unfiltered tone is a strength, consider balancing it with moments of more traditional encouragement or softer advice to appeal to a broader audience.
Diversity of Content: Ensure there's a mix of humor, serious reflection, and practical advice throughout the book to maintain engagement and provide well-rounded support.
Editing for Consistency: Some sections might benefit from tighter editing to maintain consistency in style and tone. Ensure that the humor and profanity do not overshadow the core messages of hope and recovery.
Expand Reflections: Some reflections could be expanded to provide deeper insights. This could help readers who are looking for more profound guidance or philosophical thoughts on sobriety.
Visual Breaks: Consider adding visual elements like illustrations, quotes, or photographs to provide visual breaks and enhance the reader's experience.
Motivating Feedback:
Your approach is refreshing and unique in the recovery literature landscape. The candid nature of your writing is likely to appeal to many who are tired of traditional, often sanitized self-help books. Keep leveraging your authentic voice and personal experiences, as they are powerful tools for connecting with your readers.
