It’s been a while since I posted an update about the life and sales of my first – and so far, only – travel memoir, Plunge. That post appeared in June 2023; you can read it here.
The idea was to share a bit more news three years in, but I have been extremely busy with our traveling lifestyle and other blog posts, so this one is a few months late. I published Plunge on November 28th, 2020 (on my 45th birthday and in the midst of the Covid pandemic), which is now three years and three months ago.
As you can imagine, not much exciting is happening this far into the shelf life of my (or any) book. Sales are close to non-existent, reviews have pretty much come to a halt, and I am not putting any effort in promotion and marketing anymore. Not because I’m not motivated, but because I have limited time to work and that time is better spent making “real” money.
In July of 2023, the wonderfully supportive and encouraging author Sally Cronin published an excerpt of Plunge on her website Smorgasbord, which gained some traction. I answered the comments and sold a few books as a result.
The biggest and most powerful event in 2023 also took place in July of that year. A CNN article about us, written by Francesca Street for the Chance Encounters series, became very popular and successful. Some of you might have read it – or stumbled upon it – before. You can read that “love story” here. As it was big news at the time, I mentioned the article and reactions previously on my blog here.
Upon my request, Francesca included a link to our blog and – more importantly – my memoir, which jumped off the charts as a result.
The article also came out in different countries and therefore different languages. My sales went way up that month and Plunge became a bestseller again in many categories on Amazon.
But success is short lived and can lead to envy and hatred. During the weeks that followed the publication of this story, I received heaps of hate mail on Twitter, Facebook Messenger, and the “contact us” form of this website.
Having grown a thick skin during the nine years of running our long-range WiFi business and dealing with negative comments regarding The Wirie and Plunge, I handled the personal attacks quite well – and some of our friends (including Mark and ex Karl) got a chuckle out of the mean language. I did cancel my Twitter account as a result, though.
In early December, I received an email from Francesca Street of CNN that our article had become the #3 most engaging story of 2023 and the most engaging CNN story of the year. You can find more info about the reasoning behind this conclusion here. No extra memoirs were sold, however.
Also in that month, the journalist of our interview and story scored her own fame in The Washington Post as the writer of CNN’s Chance Encounters! It contained a link to our Chance Encounters article, which has a link to my book, but, unlike after the publication of the initial story, no spike in book sales happened.
Our CNN article was still popular in December
Blogger and indie author supporter Marcia Meara had me as a guest author on her blog, The Write Stuff, in August 2023 and invited me for another promo feature the following month. It was fun to create this “Ten Things You May Not Know about Me” article. I also spoke at a library in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, but none of these events led to sales.
In 2023, I also joined the Page Turner Award contest in which Plunge became a finalist, but that didn’t mean anything to me. If you don’t win or end up in the top three, nothing changes, despite making it to the final round.
Because of our popular CNN article, I was contacted by a production assistant of the Tamron Hall Show regarding an interview. Pilar contacted me mid-September via this blog and Facebook Messenger, asking me to text her. Then, a short Zoom video call with Mark and me followed.
Tamron Hall signature image
Unfortunately, we never heard back, so this didn’t result in a TV appearance. I don’t think we fit the right image and requirements as a couple for that show. Plus, how would we have pulled it off (with Maya) logistically?
The only other thing to mention is that there are a few newish reviews for Plunge on Amazon, like this one by Heidi Love, who enjoyed reading my book so much that she asked me to write a back cover quote for her own, upcoming debut memoir, which allows the mention of my own book.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wild, Five-Star Adventure!
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
A wild adventure by a daring, free-spirited, and courageous woman. I was in every scene with her as she bravely navigated a full, unconventional life. A must-read for anyone who loved Wild, Adrift, Deep Water, or Braver Than You Think, or anyone navigating bold dreams. Loved it!
If you have read Plunge and enjoyed my story, please consider leaving a review on Amazon – or elsewhere – and spreading the word. This helps an independent author more than you realize!
Other than that, there is nothing more to report. Everything is “back to normal.”
I had planned to change my “wide” approach to being published to going “exclusive” with Amazon, to try a different tack, but that hasn’t happened yet.
There are quite a few people who have asked me when I will write a sequel to my travel memoir or who encourage me to publish another book about our South American overland adventures. I admit that I still enjoy writing (but I enjoy traveling more and that is the “problem”) even though it is hard work that pays peanuts, but consider this. Mark, Maya, and I have two kinds of days on the road: driving mode and camping mode.
On the driving days, we cover distances, focus on the (bad) roads non-stop, sightsee, make sure Maya gets enough water, exercise, and potty breaks, and run errands like filling up with fuel or potable water, going grocery shopping (always in a new-to-us-store, so it takes a lot of time to find everything we need), taking care of laundry or propane gas, and so on.
On days we “sit still,” we focus on work assignments, making money, writing, reviewing, and publishing blogs, cleaning chores, taking Maya and ourselves for walks, keeping track of expenses, route planning, and researching places to camp (for free) or visit in iOverlander.
Evenings in both modes are spent on staying in touch with friends and family, posting photos and replying to reactions on Facebook, organizing my photo folders and archives, writing my daily diary which takes between 30-60 minutes, practicing Spanish with DuoLingo (15-30 minutes at a time), and anything urgent that might arise online. Mark either works or watches TV on his laptop.
So, when – and where – in the world would I have time to write another book? Or even read one. 😊
Yet, I do appreciate and embrace the interest and encouragement for a sequel to Plunge! One day… When we are relatively settled for a year or more – or when there’s another crazy world event that keeps us put somewhere.
Since this is most likely the last update I will write about my memoir (unless something out of the ordinary happens), I will share my up-to-date numbers. In those three years, I have sold around 2,000 copies of Plunge and made US$7,000 with it (over US$3,000 of that went to producing the book, namely paying for editors, a cover artist, and IBAN numbers); my earnings are about US$3.50 per unit I sell. After five years of writing, editing, and revising, and a couple of years promoting…
While these numbers are not bad for a debut indie author, the job certainly pays less than minimum wage. But that’s not why we write, of course. 🙂
If you haven’t had a chance to read Plunge yet or are looking for an inspiring, compelling, and adventurous memoir for someone else, you can grab a copy – or find more information – here:
Next up: Our expense report for February 2024.
March 2, 2024 at 13:53
Thick skin is a necessity as a writer and in life. You made a wise move to get rid of your Twitter account. There are so many judgmental people on that platform telling everyone how they should live their lives.
March 2, 2024 at 14:21
Hi Pete,
There used to be a time when I was young and innocent and when I believed everyone had good and kind intentions. Then, you learn by experience. I guess that’s called “growing up.” 🙂 I hope things are going better in Northern California and that it all stopped with the three strikes of bad luck.
March 2, 2024 at 13:57
Wow Liesbet, hard to believe it’s been three years. I read Plunge last year or maybe the year before. It was an absolute page turner for me and I would recommend it to anybody. We moved to where we are living 2 years and one month ago. Your book and one other book are the only 2 I’ve read since moving here. I’ve purchased two other books to read and I just can’t get into them, at all.
You have put so much time into Plunge, writing and promoting. It is good that you have prioritized what is important to you and are focusing on what you want to do NOW. As the saying goes when you say yes to one thing you are saying no to something else. It’s a shuffling act isn’t it?
Wishing you, Mark and Maya all the best always. And as always give sweet Maya a hug from me. We are still pet-less but hopefully someday that will change for us.
March 2, 2024 at 14:25
Hi Lea!
How are you and your family doing? It’s so nice to hear about you and to still have you in my camp of cheerleaders and supporters. Thank you for that! I know you have it crazy busy. And you are so right – we have to choose wisely when spending time on things in this one, precious life we have. I feel like there are still too many “yesses” for me to really live in the moment. But most of those are self imposed!
I hope for your – and my – sake that we soon find time to read and be immersed into fabulous books. Maya says thank you for the hugs. She’s having the time of her life right now, as we are camped near a refreshing river in a cool canyon in the desert. She’s so much better off than she was – and than most other dogs in Chile.
March 2, 2024 at 18:06
We are doing OK Liesbet, thanks for asking. I so get what you mean about too many yesses. I’ve learned to say no very easily and have no guilt associated with that. However, so many things on my calendar roll into the next day, or day after, or next week and so on.
I’m happy to hear sweet Maya is having a fun time. I’m happy too that you and Mark adopted her. She is well loved and cared for. I’m all for adopting dogs, cats, horses or whatever domestic animal needs a loving and good home. They are all so precious.
March 3, 2024 at 09:36
Hi Lea,
I think it’s a known fact that learning to say “no” comes with age and maturity! As I grow older, I do cherish my time more and realize how precious it is. Luckily, Mark and I don’t have real calendars and schedules and we are pretty free to organize our days. A lot depends on available jobs and we work around that.
Maya hit the jackpot! We – and people who know us – often utter this statement. I’m not sure she realizes it. She was – and has been – a handful and we often threaten to swap her for another stray along the way. Of course, we are joking.
But there are many other dogs who could use a welcoming and loving home (and who are more appreciative than Maya) and it is difficult for us to leave them all behind. I do hope you will adopt a pup one day. Each one we can rescue makes a difference. I wish we could adopt more, but logistically this is impossible for us.
March 2, 2024 at 14:16
Wow, good for you! Writing and publishing a book is an incredible life achievement. You have doubtless inspired and encouraged many to “plunge” into their own adventures, while providing unfiltered views into the difficulties. Great you abandoned the toxic “X”. Seems like everything on there gets twisted into a nasty, jealous attacks on liberals, or women, or freedom. Of course this too is a judgment, oh well!
March 2, 2024 at 14:29
Hello Marie,
I love your judgement! 🙂
Thank you for your encouragement. I’ve always wanted to paint an accurate and realistic picture when it comes to the “dream lifestyle” of fulltime travel. Yet, it’s not what everyone wants to read about. So, it’s a tough call. Most people seem to only want to learn about the beauty of the lifestyle and escape into that fantasy, maybe hoping that – one time – they can live the dream as well. But, they will likely be disappointed if they expect everything to be honky dory!
That being said, we do appear to attract more misadventures and challenges than most on a similar journey, haha.
March 2, 2024 at 16:02
Wow, it amazes me that people were able to fine political connections here, but whatever. I’m glad you developed a thick skin, but wish you didn’t have to. Selling 2,000 copies is not a small number for an emerging writer, but yeah, in the big picture, it’s much less than minimum wage…do you get the same amount for an ebook?
March 3, 2024 at 09:18
Hi Margie,
I have no idea why people have to be so mean. I feel they have free range when it comes to online reactions as opposed to face to face. They wouldn’t be so “brave” saying those things in person, probably.
Yes, I get the same royalties for ebooks as for print books, around $3.50 a copy. The best way for me to make some money with my books is to order author paperbacks at a discount from Amazon and then sell them personally for normal price.
March 2, 2024 at 16:12
good for you, and you have gone through a lot in this process, but still standing. bravo
March 3, 2024 at 09:19
Thanks for the nice words and encouragement, Beth! I appreciate it. We will keep plugging along. 🙂
March 2, 2024 at 16:22
Those are pretty darn good sales results for your book, especially considering that memoirs are a notoriously difficult market. Well done! 🙂
March 3, 2024 at 09:21
Hi Diane,
Thanks for the praise. I might have rounded up the numbers a bit, as I don’t quite know how much I’ve sold outside of Amazon, without doing some detective work and browse through reports and statements. But, I’m pretty close. 🙂
If you want to make real money from writing books, you’d have to make it a full-time job – and be successful about that. As you know. 🙂
March 2, 2024 at 16:23
Wow, I’m quite shocked by some of those comments! I must be naive. Why do people think it’s ok to say these things (rhetorical question)?
March 3, 2024 at 09:24
Hi Anabel,
With social media, people who are probably cowards in real life, got a voice. And, they’ll use it, because it’s pretty much anonymous. I think it must make them feel good to bully others and to ruin the victims’ days with nasty comments. Maybe it’s insecurity? Maybe it’s envy? Maybe it makes them feel powerful? Who knows… And I’d like to say “who cares” but no matter how you interpret then, nasty words hurt and you take them personally. There’s no way around. Unless we have no emotions or are robots.
March 2, 2024 at 16:34
The vitriol spewed forth in some areas of social media never ceases to amaze me. It is easy to see how the hateful comments were much more about the writer than you. Funny how that one guy decided yours was a “liberal lust” story, but such is our current divided society. I’m glad you are able to laugh, roll your eyes, and move on.
March 3, 2024 at 09:28
Hi Janis,
Yeah, we have to move on from comments and stings like these. Of course, it’s not as easy sometimes, because we do take those reactions personally and they cause emotions. Laughing them off or feeling sad for the commenters is a way to deal with the situation. Like most one-star book reviews, they do say more about the author of the review than the author of the book. Like you said. Yet, they cause negativity, regardless.
March 2, 2024 at 17:45
Congratulations on the notoriety for your book. I’ll never understand why folks feel the necessity to post such rude comments. We do develop thick skin after being on social media for any length of time. I vote for book two … from sea to land 😊
March 3, 2024 at 09:30
Haha. Thanks Ingrid. Even bad publicity and comments are good press, right? Book two will emerge, eventually. God knows we already have enough material, misadventures, and crazy stories for that! 🙂
March 2, 2024 at 19:12
Hi, Liesbet – Thank you for sharing all of this with us. I found this post fascinating and read each word with much interest. There is so much that I do not know, or remotely understand, about the current publishing world. Another big mystery to me is how in the heck some people think it is okay to write total garbage online about others who they don’t even know. But, that says much about them and nothing about anything else.
I continue to admire you greatly!
March 3, 2024 at 09:40
Hi Donna,
It seems like a lot that happens to us and that we deal with is quite fascinating. 🙂 I sometimes don’t understand it myself, because every day brings new excitement, wonder, and perplexity – for good or for bad. There is never a dull moment, no matter what we do and where we are, and whether it’s online or in real life, even though we try to have blah or relaxing days. Really.
For example this morning when we took Maya for her morning potty walk along a small river in the desert. I didn’t take my camera, thinking nothing would be worth photographing. Right. At some point, a white, domesticated llama showed up and started charging us and Maya. You can’t make this stuff up!
March 2, 2024 at 19:32
Your life on the road as an author is nothing short of astonishing. And, by many measures, you are a best-selling author. Even if you can claim that nickname for only a few days, you fit the title. I have heard that most indie authors sell only 250 books, and you’ve sold 2000. Wow!
You definitely have a wise view about the life of an author. Your current expectations and priorities seem to make sense after enduring some hard knocks, (and I’d say undeserved jabs.)
Mark and Maya and you have made a cozy nest in thirsty Bella while traveling. You do seem content. No pressure from me to write another book. 😀
March 3, 2024 at 09:45
Hi Marian,
Thanks for your kind comment, as always.
I read those statistics about memoir sales as well. I think a lot depends on the quality of the writing and the amount of time and energy invested in promotion. You and I, we don’t take anything for granted and we deliver quality products that deserve extra time investment into the marketing part. A lot of writers publish their book and then stop. After putting so much work in the writing and editing, you can’t just quit afterwards…
Social media is a funny beast. We must all love it and hate it. Sometimes, like when those knocks and stabs happen, I wonder why I keep investing time in Facebook and blogging. But then, you receive some valuable feedback, encouragement, and (online) love and you keep going. 🙂
March 2, 2024 at 20:08
That was interesting, Liesbet. I can’t believe the nasty comments. They don’t even make sense! Just a reminder: Conventional wisdom is you need three books to get traction as an author, so I’d say you’re doing darn well!
March 3, 2024 at 09:47
Hi Jacqui,
It does appear that my life is adventurous, exciting, and ever changing, in reality as well as online, haha. I guess it all makes for good and entertaining stories. I really wish I had more time to crank out more books. Maybe one day, I’ll have a sequel and a prequel and that’ll be my threesome. 🙂
March 2, 2024 at 21:11
I still have a lot of catching up to do on your blog, but I thought I’d make a comment of this one. I suggested Plunge for the Trusted House Sitters book club. I thought it was an obvious no brainer – travel, dogs, and an ex- Trusted House Sitter. We will see if they pick it.
I find it interesting when people ask if you are going to write a book at the start of your journey or the middle. When we started sailing, lots of people asked if we’d write a book. We hadn’t even done anything yet! There was no story to tell. After traveling for 13 years I still feel like we need to find an ending before we have a story to tell. I know you are not finished journeying in SA and you will have many adventures to come. I’m enjoying them as they come.
I think it is an amazing accomplishment to have published a book and have done as well as you have. I hope the book club chooses your book and I get to read it again – and discuss it with other people!
March 3, 2024 at 09:55
Hi Duwan,
It’s so awesome and amazing that you were a part of my book launch and celebrations, back in the fall of 2020 in Arizona and California. Those days will for always be etched in my mind and count as great memories.
I had no idea that there was a Trusted House Sitters Book Club! Wow. They must have so many members now. Very different from when we subscribed to them in 2015. Thank you for recommending Plunge to them. I’d love to be read in book clubs and am always happy to do a video call after the member discussion to answer questions. So, if they pick my book, feel free to suggest this interaction session with the author!
It seems like the book writing suggestion is offered to a lot of travelers by their family members or friends. I’ve seen them in social media comments as well, even when the posters of those stories and photos aren’t good writers at all…
I still am not caught up with this blog, no matter how hard I try. Then, there is the fact that from the moment I might be caught up, more adventures happen and I’m behind again. That’s Mark’s reaction – and it is true – when I say I want to write more blogs/diaries/emails/replies. The next day, I’ll be behind again.
March 3, 2024 at 18:22
Hi Liesbet, I have watched Hallmark movies with similar plots – girl (the heroine) is involved with city boy but has to go home to take care of a sick mom or failing farm and falls in love with local guy. She finds new purpose in a simple life, gives up her fancy career, breaks off with city boy and lives happily ever after with a new love. No one calls her a whore. They just keep tuning in to Hallmark for more.
You are your story’s heroine because you made choices that made you happy and you empower other women to believe they can too. The people who made those comments are complete idiots. I think Reese W should play you in the movie!! xoxo
March 5, 2024 at 11:41
Hello Suzanne,
I really enjoyed reading your comment. So much so, that I repeated it to Mark as well. It’s awesome and so true and put into perspective! I doubt there will ever be a movie about our life, though. But… you never know. It sure would be entertaining and vivid from the first to the last minute, haha.
March 5, 2024 at 13:56
I’m not a big movie goer, but I’d buy a ticket to that! Take care.
March 11, 2024 at 14:30
🙂 Enjoy your cruise and relaxation!!
March 4, 2024 at 20:41
Liesbet, great summary of where your book is at and the whole history of its debut. There is so much that goes into writing a book and the marketing thereof that most people have very little understanding and appreciation for the endurance required.
Congratulations on what you have accomplished so far!
Of course haters are always going to surface, and some of those comments, the ones we saw, were real doozies. Wow. Our reaction is that this is very much an American type of online meanness.. perhaps its in other countries as well, but the judgement and labeling of you as exhibiting liberal behaviors etc reads very American. Any thoughts?
Terrific post!
Ben & Peta
March 5, 2024 at 11:55
Hello you two!
Thanks for the note, the kudos, and the well wishes. Writing and publishing a book is hard work. Even harder than I initially thought. And, you certainly don’t do it for the money, which, in my case, is still needed to survive.
Yes, most of those comments were from Americans, who seem to be extremely vocal and judgmental online. There was one nasty comment from a Brazilian as well, who read the article in his country. The translation of his Portuguese note is in one of the images in this post. I’m not saying the hatred is universal, but I can’t really comment or compare, because this article came out in the US.
If anything else is something to go by, though, many countries eventually follow in the footsteps of the US, for good or for bad. I think the whole social media thing gave people a voice. People who might be shy or kinder in real life now have free range with their anger and criticisms.
March 5, 2024 at 04:18
Liesbet, I have enjoyed reading this update on your book sales. You have put so much work into it, writing and then promoting it. I had no idea that once the book is published, there’s still lots of work to be done.
I loved your book and have recommended it to friends and family.
I am sorry to hear about the trolls, social media can be very toxic. I always delete anything that I don’t like and I just don’t answer to these people, not worth it.
Safe travels to you guys.
March 5, 2024 at 11:59
Hello Gilda,
You have been one of my biggest supporters from the beginning – with Plunge, my blog, and our adventurous lifestyle. Thank you for all that. I really hope I can give you a big hug in real life one day! 🙂
Like you, I ignore and delete the nasty stuff on social media, if I have a chance. After taking screenshots, haha. Because this was not possible on Twitter (where nothing gets moderated and everything posts immediately on the threads), I deleted my account. Once you read something negative, though, it does stay with you a while. Especially when it’s personal. Moving on!
April 4, 2024 at 10:23
I will be looking forward to lots of hugs Liesbet, I consider you a great friend…even though we have never met up in person, I do feel like I know you well 🙂
April 4, 2024 at 10:47
Likewise, Gilda! You do mean a lot to me and I hope we will meet in person this year or the next!
March 6, 2024 at 11:52
Very interesting and helpful especially given my upcoming launch. I also enjoyed your thoughts on a sequel. Writing isn’t my total passion, as it seems to be for many of my peers, I find I can write and/or market, or live life fully. I for one am ready for a writing hiatus after giving my current ms a decent launch. I can totally empathize with your time constraints. Anyway, thanks so much for the guidance and inner thoughts.
March 11, 2024 at 14:47
Hi Heidi,
Thanks for the visit and for weighing in. I’m reading your MS as we speak and I so wish I had more time to enjoy your story. It’s going in chunks, because we are so darn busy and on the move all the time. Which means, we are not finding enjoyable camping spots to take a breather from the road…
Anyway, I can totally relate to your statement “I find I can write and/or market, or live life fully.” That’s where I’m at. I enjoy writing, but I love traveling much more! 🙂
March 8, 2024 at 05:42
Given all the work you have done in marketing and promoting your book, it’s good to see that you have sold a lot of copies, Liesbet.
I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never known anyone who has sold a lot of book by making a guest appearance on a blog. It’s one of the reasons why I no longer promote books on my blog. Feedback was that those posts produced little if any sales of books, although some bloggers who wrote guest blog posts for me did get more followers.
As for the trolls. they’re everywhere. I’ve had more trolls on my blog than I have anywhere else. Strangely, I’ve never had any trolls visit me on X, although if I did, like I do with the ones on my blog, I’d block and report them. You have to be very thick-skinned when you put your writing or your life out there for all to see.
I wish you continued success with ‘Plunge.’
March 11, 2024 at 14:52
Hi Hugh,
For some reason, I never got notifications for your latest comments. But, I am happy to find them here when I visit my blog’s admin pages! 🙂
The issue with X, back then Twitter, is that I did not have the option to moderate comments, so the trolls could post whatever they wanted and it would all go live and remain. No way to delete anything on my own feed. Maybe that’s different now, but it was one of the reasons why I canceled my Twitter account. Life is too short to be annoyed at those things!
Thank you for your insights about guest blogs and book sales. That was my experience as well. I’d spend hours producing a guest post, to see no results, especially no extra sales. I found that newspaper articles and creative Facebook posts produce the best sales.
I think I just have to be happy with what I achieved and move on, when it comes to Plunge.
March 12, 2024 at 06:44
Hi Liesbet,
Yes, you can mute conversations from anybody leaving you a comment on X and then block them too. But you’re right that life is to short to be annoyed by trolls. I ignore all of them, delete their vile comments, never reply to them and block them.
You’ve done a grand job with Plunge. And I’m with you about blog posts not being very good at producing sales. Go with what works best for you.
March 12, 2024 at 10:23
Wonderful advice, Hugh! Have a great rest of your week!!
March 11, 2024 at 21:05
Hi Liesbet, Interesting to read about your writing/publishing/follow-up journey. All of the ups and unnecessary downs – especially the trolls…powerful, unfortunate energy, “envy and hatred.” Many more readers enjoyed your gift of writing a unique, candid, engaging, and fascinating memoir. Try to remember this and absorb the good energy in people as you get “back to normal.” XO Erica
March 12, 2024 at 10:22
Hi Erica,
I so appreciate you swinging by and leaving a comment. You always make me smile with your positive energy and attitude – and wisdom. I hope you and the family are doing well on Vancouver Island! xox