An author friend told me to be careful and choose my bookings wisely. When he said that I sort of chuckled and thought, “I’m a new author. No one has heard of me. That won’t be a problem.” I have a deep-rooted history of learning things the hard way (read my book if you don’t believe it). Due to my inability to say “no”, I am pretty well booked for the remainder of 2022. I’m not saying there won’t be exceptions but they would need to be something with little to no travel, otherwise let’s look to 2023.
I must remember; I have a real job. Being an author and speaker are fun but for now I need to pay the bills! Check out my calendar here >
Many of you have asked since my book release “how are the book sales going?” Most of the time I probably gave you a blank stare or just stumbled with an answer. The reason is, since it was my first book, I truly didn’t know. Here’s what I do know:
Reporting of sales are delayed by at least two calendar quarters. This is mainly to allow time for all the places that sell and the various media formats that sell have time to post their sales and returns. Yes, I do get returns, dang it!
Due to the two-quarter wait period, July was the first month I received a royalty check. All I can say so far is at least in the first quarter I’ve covered the publishing cost. Yea! That means the sales for the rest of year will hopefully cover all the other costs of production. In case you haven’t heard, unless you’re John Grisham, you probably won’t get rich publishing books.
I’ve still got a lot of book sales and promotions left so I’m optimistic about where this can go. I want to thank all of you who were my early supporters. This has been quite a ride and is looking like maybe there will be a second book in my future.
Joyous Leadership turns 3 months old on Monday, April 18th. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in some ways it seems forever ago. The doors it has opened for conversation, growth, and healing have been amazing. I look forward to spending 2022 delving into Joy and Leadership with more amazing people.
If you’ve read the book, what were your favorite stories?
L-R Mark Watson, Olivia Leemon, Quentin Smith, and Coach Al Sturgeon
Last week I had the good fortune of spending time with the captains of Blackburn College’ Cross Country team. My lifelong friend Al Sturgeon, VP for Diverse and Equitable Student Life, and now cross country coach did an eight week leadership series as part of their training as captains. We completed their series on our campus at BUNN talking about Joyous Leadership. It was fun to hear their stories of what drew them into leadership. Read more on their training here:> Blackburn Leadership CC
Welcome to Joyous Leadership! Joyous Leadership – Stories of Learnings Along the Way is the title of my new book that released January 18, 2022. The book chronicles my career and life lessons as I chased happiness but found joy. I begin with early life experiences and continue to where I am now with lessons and learnings along the way.
To make sure you have the latest speaking events and book signings, make sure you sign up below or send an email to johnmarkwatson@gmail.com. I would love for you to join in on the conversation.
February 26th was a weekend to remember for me. It was my first ever book signings and then capped off with a presentation on Monday at Arkansas State University with Chancellor’s Leadership Class.
The weekend started with a book signing on Saturday at the Senior Bees Community center where new and old friends gathered to hear about Joyous Leadership and reminisce on old times. It was great to see new friends and old friends/coworkers from days past. I love my old Trumann team!
Sunday was a day of worship and then another book signing in the lobby of 7th and Mueller’s CEC building. The highlight of this signing was my fourth grade teacher, Betty Gatlin, coming to purchase a book and to get her book signed in person.
Monday we trekked down to Arkansas State University’s Delta Business Center to cap off a long weekend speaking to a wonderful group of students that were selected into the Chancellor’s Leadership Class. I loved their energy and enthusiasm.
Tuesday evening I participated in a private group on Zoom known as the Campfire Leadership Team. This is a group of leaders from across the Midwest and Northeast that gather to energize and support one another. We always enjoy our time together and it never fails that everyone learns something new at each gathering. We are planning a retreat and service project this summer. It will be so good to finally get together again!
To end a busy week, I presented Joyous Leadership to Innovate Springfield. This is a group of leaders that help to serve as an incubator for new business launches. It is such a fun and energizing group to be a part of.
I have been traveling to Mayo Clinic for almost seven years to take a chemo infusion for my hATTR Amyloidosis. Starting January 31, 2022, I was able to transition off the drug trial and begin taking my infusions locally here in Springfield. I love my Mayo family, but this move has been a major stress relief.
Mayo Clinic will still manage my disease and supervise the infusions. I will also return to Rochester a few times each year for follow-up visits and testing. This disease is a bugger, but I have good people helping me manage.
I am thankful to all of you who have prayed, called, texted, and sent cards of encouragement. Some days that’s the only thread that keeps me hanging on.
January 10th was my 117th infusion at Mayo clinic. This completed my drug trial that spanned 6 1/2 years. Not bad for someone that started this experimental treatment June 1st of 2015 and given less than a year to live.
To commemorate this achievement, my care team gave me a lapel pin that says “Celebrate Life” with 3 hearts. A few tears were shed. I’ve grown to love the team up there very much.
I will now transition this treatment to a local infusion center here in Springfield. While I will miss my friends at Mayo Clinic, I can’t begin to tell you how much less wear and tear on my body this will be. This is a win. Mayo will still supervise my care but I will only be going back 2-3 times a year versus 17.
I will return to Mayo the week of the 17th for the final drug trial tests. Milestones are good.
