I wrote a book! Holy crap, you guys, I wrote a book! I’m just as stunned as you are. Probably more giddy though. Or maybe you’re not stunned because I’ve been yammering on about it for a while now. Regardless, I’m officially crossing off Life Bucket List Item #6. Yeah, baby! Give me a second to bask in the moment. Basking is one of my favorite activities and I’m quite good at it.
Crossing this item off has been a long time in the making. My first attempt could only generously be described as a terrible mystery novel. My cousin read the unfinished product and guessed the killer by the third page. Out of seventy. 10-year-old-Thriftygal never finished it. Lazy kid.
“Victoria is the killer.”
“Dammit!”
Anyway, I called the book I did finish writing (I love saying that) Operation Enough! How to Retire Remarkably Early. It’s less than 50,000 words and a very quick read. I’m jumping out of my skin a little bit with excitement. I’ve already sold five copies! And I was only three of those five!
Disclaimer
I need to tell you that my book is basically this blog. But! It’s also so much better than this blog. I’ve edited and edited some more. Especially the older pieces of garbage I wrote. I ditched the much-maligned clip art. I’ve compiled it all into a smooth narrative with new content and suggestions for action plans and mini operations.
So, clearly, you don’t have to buy this book. Don’t believe anyone who says otherwise. I’m not sure who that would be. If you’re in debt, maybe don’t spend money on this book. If you don’t want to buy the book because you already know everything, that’s cool. No hard feelings. If you despise me, don’t buy this book. That’ll teach me!
I’m a really terrible salesperson.
It doesn’t matter. It was so fun creating this thing. I’ve already declared success. Didn’t you hear the swashbuckling noise I made when I crossed off the bucket list item? This was easily one of the best days of my life.
Right. So I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I do actually want you to read it. And I want you to like it. Maybe you’ll even love it. And then you’ll tell other people who will also decide to read it, love it, recommend it and the whole cycle will start anew. That’s really why people pick up books. Word of mouth.
And then everyone will do their own Operation Enough! and we’ll all be retired and happy and not worried about money together. It will be incredible.
To help persuade you, I made a list of reasons why you might want to buy this book. I’m not going to share with you my list of things I dislike about my book. Even I’m not that terrible of a salesperson.
Why you should maybe consider possibly buying my book.
- I know the blog is a bit of an ugly scattershot mess. The book is more focused and detailed. It has flow.
- You could read it on the subway. I love reading on the subway. Or the bus.
- There is only so much you can say in a blog post. The ideas I babble about are more fleshed out in the book.
- This could be your way to “thank” me if anything I’ve written has helped you. I don’t know why thank is in quotation marks.
- If you’re newer to the blog and haven’t read the older articles, but enjoy my writing style, you may like this book. It’s more money-focused than the mutterings that’s been on my site lately, with the same delightful narrative voice.
- Even if you have read all the articles on the blog, you probably don’t remember them all. I didn’t even remember them all when I first started the project and read through my older stuff.
- You can read about specific operations that I’ve done throughout the years and get ideas for ones to do yourself.
- I replaced Thriftygal with Anita. Anita is my real name. I get a kick out of reading that. You might not.
- You could buy it as a present for someone. Maybe a niece or a neighbor. Or a nanny.
- If you’re worried about the trees, you can buy it in e-book format!
- It’s also available in paperback if you don’t care about the stupid trees.
Ack! I wrote a book! I’m a published author. Granted, I was the one who published it. I’m not embarrassed.
Oh! You can buy the current love of my life here from Amazon as an ebook or a paperback.
It is also available on Nook, Kobo, iTunes, Overdrive and pretty much anywhere else you can buy electronic books.
I can’t wait to hear what you think! Unless you hate it. Then I can probably wait.
Succumbed to Anita’s high pressure sales tactics and bought the book. Glad she doesn’t sell cars or real estate. Have already reviewed the cover (spoiler alert: nice cover). Will now read book – don’t tell me how it ends. (she gets the guy, right). Thank you Anita.
Hey Anita, you’re book’s great. I’m reading it now. I hope you don’t think my previous comment was serious?? In my defence, I’m Australian – the things we say need lots of moderating.
The humor came across in your last comment. 🙂
The love story in the book is between me and my life. 🙂
Congrats Anita from acorss the pond! I’m tempted to buy it but I’m only 5 months away from retiring….
I don’t blame you!
I just bought the paperback…can’t wait to read it!
I don’t think I’ve ever bought a paperback, so wasn’t sure if anyone would buy mine. Thanks for the support!
Congrats, Anita! Heading to Amazon to buy it.
Thank you!
Congrats! That’s super exciting and I totally heard the swashbuckling noise as you crossed it off your list. 🙂 I’ve enjoyed you posts and will check it out.
The swashbuckle was in the shape of a Z. Kind of like Zorro.
I just ordered it …Cant wait to read it!
I can’t wait for you to read it either! I’m so excited!!
Congratulations. I just picked up a copy on Amazon and look forward to reading it right away.
It’s a very fast read. I’m surprised you’re not done yet. 😉
Hi Anita – I clicked on your link but your book shows as. Unavailable (I’m in the UK) I hope that I do not have to move in order to read it. Although the weather might be better? Any ideas ?
That’s odd! Amazon UK tells me someone has already bought it. Are you trying to order the ebook or the paperback?
The ebook…..
Don’t click on her link, go direct to Amazon UK and enter the title of the book
Thanks for the input!
I checked on amazon.co.uk and the book is available there. According to my sales report, two people already bought it from the UK. I’m sorry! I don’t know what the issue is. Maybe try The Tea Boy’s advice? I’m so sorry for the inconvenience. :'(
I’m one of those people who bought it on Amazon UK :-p Delivery scheduled for Monday, I can’t wait 🙂
Wow, that’s pretty fast!
Yay you! I think you are incredibly charming and self-effacing, which is what I look for in a blogger and an author. I look forward to reading it. K
I’m glad I come across as self-effacing and not just a person with horrible self esteem. 🙂
Hahaha. Man, you made me laugh out loud.
Just ordered 2 copies on Amazon, one for me,one for the local Public Library. CONGRATULATIONS
Yay for a library copy! Thank you!!!
This is such a weird blog. You use a fake name, tell us we can be rich and travel the world and use reverse psychology to control our minds into buying your “books”. I’m going to read this book and review it for the internet citizens to be cautious of sending money overseas to a “house-sitter who pet-sits snakes” who made “six figures” in “big law” and paid off her debt off to “retire” early.
These types of operations have been around for centuries, Victoria.
Will be getting the paperback version in case you keep track of your buyers.
I track my buyers and silently send them thanks and good vibes. Better pay with cash so I don’t track you.
Just in case, I used a fake name, suspicious address and Wells Fargo credit card. Hard to tell what’s humor here and what’s a Nigerian internet scam. Many parts of your story and blog don’t add up but I’ll see if the book can fill in the details. i read about these 2 women recently who were posting on Instagram and living on a boat but were actually cocaine dealers.
Let me know if it all adds up after you read the book!
Congrats on such a great accomplishment! I just added the book to my Amazon cart. Can’t wait. 🙌🏻
Are you waiting for your cart to get full enough to give you free shipping? That’s smart.
Congratulations Anita!
We all talk a big game but you’ve made it happen in real life. What a fantastic accomplishment.
We don’t have a subway in Vancouver so I’ll have to read it on a bus 😉
I try to talk a big game, but then I decide to nap instead.
Just bought your book – Kindle Version so we can save trees! So proud of you!
Thanks! I’m super happy today, but I didn’t feel as proud as I thought I would. Go trees!
Congratulation – so happy for you! Take a bow and bask away!
Woot woot!
What amazing news! Congratulations! I generally don’t buy books anymore (because: libraries), but I am totally making an exception for yours!
What an awesome day for you (you wrote a book!) and for me (I get to read that book!).
Congrats again! 🙂
Because libraries is my entire reason for being. 🙂
Congratulations!
Feels good, right?
Well done, well played. Now bask in your well deserved rewards which, as for most writers, will be mostly psychological. 🙂
Ha! I know. I read somewhere that most books do not sell more than 1,000 copies. Something like over 90 percent. I can’t find where I read it though, so maybe that’s wrong. Sounds right though.
heck yeah I’ll buy a book. Reminds me of the Dr. Hook song about being on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.
“Well, we’re big rock singers
We got golden fingers
And we’re loved everywhere we go
We sing about beauty and we sing about truth…”
I don’t get the song, but I’m happy you’re buying it!
Congrats on your book. I was wondering if the 700k you saved includes your retirement accounts?
Yes.
Ok I thoguht so but wasn’t sure. I love your blog and advice. I am also very frugal, lol.
I’m glad!
I hope that everyone who buys it puts a review on Amazon. Without reviews, nothing sells on Amazon.
Congratulations and best of luck Thriftygal
Yes! I keep obsessively checking amazon to see if anyone has reviewed it yet. Thanks for the encouragement!
Two questions: (1) when does the Cliffs Notes version come out?; (2) When do you anticipate finishing your mystery novel?
🙂 I think the book is short enough that it doesn’t need a cliffs note version. Seriously! It’s so short!
Mystery novel will be book number four at the earliest. Only because I know it’s going to be terrible. Just to give you an idea on how terrible, my working title is “X Marks The Spot”
Anita, I read your blog because I find you smart and relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. And I’ll read your book for the same reasons. I only wish that each chapter could be followed by hilarious and supportive comments like your posts on the blog 🙂
All the congratulations on the book’s release!
Oh! And many thanks for the Project Fi referral code. I have not given my Nexus 5x a name, but she came with me on my recent 4-week trip to East Africa and was the best travel companion EVER!
Anita..Just ordered your book on Amazon . Your blog is a breath of fresh air. As a lawyer myself for too long, I look forward to escaping this craziness called work! Jim T
Thank you, Jim! I can’t wait for you to escape work. It’s so worth it!!
Your kind words made my day! Thank you! And I agree that Project Fi is the best. It tells us so in the name. Fi = Financial independence. Project financial independence. What’s not to love?
I’ve just left some honest reviews on Goodreads, Amazon UK and the main Amazon US site, they should be published shortly – if all the foul language gets through the moderation.
Your book is the 53rd book I have read this year and the only one that I’ve reviewed on Amazon because it was very special and I want you to beat Richard Branson, Ray Dalio and Jordan Belfort’s new books that have also just come out.
I hope the book sells millions of copies and you can finally retire…
Thank you! I’m so impressed with your reading number. 56 books?! I really really appreciate the review!! It was such an exciting moment to see. Thank you!!!!!
The Amazon stork just delivered it today. Can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations on publishing it! It looks great.
Fast bird! I’m amazed it came so early!
Congratulations Anita! Looking forward to digging into your book, just purchased the eco friendly version on Amazon. So good to meet you the other day! -Christina
Meeting you was definitely one of the highlights of Malibu for me! 🙂
Hi Anita, I have been enjoying your blog for a while. I bought the book and read it in one day! I like your down -to-earth, honest writing. Congrats on crossing off yet another item from your bucket list. I wish I had retired when I was 34. I did at 49 and never looked back. All your advice on simplifying life and investing make a lot of sense. I have pared down as much as possible except for beautiful wallets…a strange obsession of mine. Wallets with pockets and zippers seem to symbolize an organized life. Anyway, hope more books are coming.
I alos want to thank you for your heart-felt blog about depression with beautiful photos sometime back. If you are ever in San Fran area again, let me know. Would love to meet you.
Wow, thanks for telling me this! And thank you! For the review on Amazon. I very much appreciate it.
How many wallets do you have? Can you recommend one you particularly like? I’ve been using mine for over a decade and would love to buy a new one.
You are welcome. I love it when people set goals and work towards getting their dreams. I still love seeing my former piano students for lunch and coffee…but I basically retired so I CAN play more music and explore writing rather than teaching. My first private student was when I was 14. So it took 35 years of teaching before I finally was able to retire.
Hmm…I think I own about 9 wallets:) The best place for me is Hobobags.com. I love their soft leather and color selections. I own Jill, Sadie, Danette and Taylor of their wallet lines. Their wallets have pockets and zippers and a great organization. Have a look at the website.
Thanks for the blog and the book!
Amazon? Really? Was there not some other method to publish this effervescent and insightful book?
Yes…It’s on all the other sites you can buy electronic books as well.
I bought it! Love your blog and book so far! When I have a bad day, I go to your blog and keep grinding!
What a nice thing to say! 🙂
Congrats on finishing writing the book! I loved it–here’s my review: https://my-book-views.blogspot.com/2017/10/review-operation-enough-by-anita-dhake.html
Congrats and thanks for sharing your story! Currently in my early 20’s and constantly thinking about, planning for, and working towards financial independence. People like you, Mr. Money Mustache, and Zeona Mcintyre really inspire me…. especially on low days. Can’t wait to read the book!
Inspirational high-five!
You go, girl! I bought the paperback version on amazon and can’t wait for it to arrive so I can read it!
Yay! The paperback version feels so real!
Anita, I am new here but slowly getting used or addicted to your blog 🙂
Will take some time before I go for your book…
That’s probably the right attitude. 🙂
Hi Anita, Congratulations on your book! I love your blog and the sample that I’ve read. Are review copies available? I’d love to review it. (I’m contactable via jamesgarside.net and @jamesgarside_ on Twitter if you want my writing credentials or just to say hi)
I gave out review copies before I officially launched, but I don’t want to log in now because I don’t want to see how many copies I’ve sold. You could request your local library to add it to their collection. There’s normally a place on their website where you can request books. That way you can still read it for free! The library is a magical place.
Ah, ok. Thanks for your reply Anita. I’ll most likely have to pay to request the book from the library (I’m in the UK) but I know it helps authors to get library requests etc so I will look into it. I was just asking as part of my “Operation buy nothing but by all means whore yourself as a writer in exchange for goods and or services.” Admittedly, the title needs work. All the best, James
I put in a request for my local library to purchase, hopefully that comes through!
Yay! People have told me that some libraries have denied the request. Different libraries have different systems of buying, so I shouldn’t let it bum me out too much. I appreciate you putting in the request more than I can say though!
Congrats on such an epic bucket list item! Your name and book are at the Library of Congress! How cool is that?!?
Pretty darn cool!
Agreed! Maybe another mystery novel now that you are older and better able to evade obvious killers.
HI Anita, I just wanted to tell you that I’ve reviewed your book: https://medium.com/@jamesgarside_/review-operation-enough-how-to-retire-remarkably-early-by-anita-dhake-427c51977313 All the best, James
Thanks, James! I’m happy you read it.