[Feature Friday] Author Michael Sean Comerford on Taking the Unconventional Path to Success - The ROI Online Podcast Ep. 54

On this episode of the ROI Online Podcast, Steve talks with author Michael Sean Comerford about his experience working in 10 Carnivals in 10 states and how it shaped his well-reviewed book American Oz.

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Michael Sean Comerford worked 30 years as an award-winning journalist. Now, he’s a blogger, author, and CEO of Comerford Publishing LLC. During his time hitchhiking around the world working in various carnivals, he learned how to be the most entertaining character around with the longest lines.

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His latest book tells the story of the working poor as they look for love and meaning in their lives. He self-published it because he couldn’t find a publisher who wanted to embrace the whole vision of his story. Plus, he already had a group of people following his blog, so he knew he could market and sell the book, and he wasn’t afraid to start his own publishing business. 

Michael and Steve discuss:

• His experience living in 10 different states on less than minimum wage away from his daughter for extended periods of time
• Why Michael was wrong to think he was a journalist studying the lives of carnies and was instead became part of the story himself
• The huge motivation carnival workers have for the kids, how they want to bring joy to people’s lives, and how stereotypes don’t do them justice
• How carnivals help you escape reality into a fantasy world where anything is possible 
• Writing multiple drafts of a story and turning rejection into a better story
• Figuring out how to self-publish, and how it makes you more money in the long run 

Listen on your favorite podcast network:

• Apple

Also available wherever else you get your podcasts.