The Minimalist Author’s Path – Why I Publish Simple Books

A reintroduction into my writing, why I write, and how it might jive with you.

Jun 16, 2025

Hey friends,

Today I want to pull back the curtain a bit and share something close to my heart: why I publish simple books—and why I believe that simplicity is not only powerful but essential in today’s noisy world.

I call this journey The Minimalist Author’s Path—not because I’ve got it all figured out, but because I’m committed to walking it with purpose, clarity, and intention.

And if you’re reading this, I imagine you’re walking your own creative path too.

Maybe you’ve felt the pressure to write a “big” book, create the next literary masterpiece, or outdo the thousands of other voices online.

I get it. I’ve been there.

But here’s the truth: simple doesn’t mean small. In fact, some of the most impactful things in life—and in publishing—are rooted in simplicity.

The Problem With Complexity

We live in a world obsessed with more: more features, more words, more bells and whistles. The publishing world isn’t immune to this.

Authors are told they need to:

Write 80,000-word tomes
Get traditional deals
Hit bestseller lists
Build massive platforms

…before their work is considered worthwhile.

But what if that’s not true?

What if more isn’t better—just noisier?

When I first started self-publishing, I felt the pull toward “impressiveness.” Should I write a 300-page how-to guide? Should I follow trends and try to write the next viral hit? Should I build a complicated sales funnel with five upsells and twelve emails?

I tried some of those things. Some worked, most didn’t.

But more than that—they exhausted me.

Then I stepped back.

I thought about the kind of books I love to read: the ones that say something clearly, that don’t waste my time, that respect my attention and give me value fast.

And I realized: that’s the kind of author I want to be.

Simplicity is a Superpower

I started embracing minimalism not just in my home and habits—but in my writing.

I stopped trying to do everything, and focused on doing what mattered.

I created books that were short, clear, and practical. Books that help people solve a problem or gain clarity without fluff.

And you know what?

Readers responded.

In a world drowning in content, simplicity stands out like a lighthouse in the fog.

Think about it:

A 50-page book that solves a specific problem is more valuable than a 500-page book that meanders.
A clear, direct message will always beat a clever one that confuses.
A well-crafted, focused product has a better chance of being finished—by both the writer and the reader.

Minimalist books don’t waste space.

They cut the fat and deliver what matters.

Who I Write For

I write for people like me: busy, curious, and looking for meaning in the margins of everyday life.

My readers are:

Entrepreneurs
Creators
Parents
Dreamers
Doers

They don’t have time for fluff, but they care deeply about growth. They want clarity. They want direction. They want something they can use—today.

And that’s why I publish short, simple books.

Because I respect your time, and I believe in delivering value fast.

What Makes a “Simple” Book?

Let me be clear: simple doesn’t mean easy or shallow.

Writing a clear, focused book takes discipline. It means resisting the urge to say everything. It means doing the hard work of deciding what to leave out so that what’s left can shine.

A minimalist book is:

✅ Focused – It solves one problem or explores one idea deeply.

✅ Actionable – It gives the reader something they can apply right away.

✅ Clean – No fluff, no filler, just what matters.

✅ Timeless – Not trendy, but rooted in truth.

And maybe most importantly, it’s finishable.

So many people buy books they never read. I want my books to be the opposite—to be short enough to finish, and good enough to revisit.

The Results

Since adopting this minimalist mindset, here’s what’s happened:

I’ve published more consistently.
I’ve enjoyed the process again.
Readers have reached out to say, “This was exactly what I needed.”
I’ve seen small but steady income from books that took me weeks—not years—to create.

And no, I’m not making millions.

I’m not on the New York Times list.

But I’m building something sustainable, meaningful, and aligned with my life—and that matters more to me.

The Bigger Vision

This isn’t just a strategy—it’s a philosophy. One I hope encourages you, whether you’re a writer, a creator, or just someone looking to simplify.

I believe that:

You don’t need permission to create.
You don’t need to be an expert to start helping people.
You don’t need to write a magnum opus to be a real author.

You just need to start.

With what you have.

Where you are.

And do it simply.

That’s The Minimalist Author’s Path.

It’s about writing books that make a difference, even if they’re small.

It’s about publishing without perfectionism.

It’s about creating a body of work you’re proud of—without burning out.

And if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, I hope this message gives you the freedom to start small.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve read this far, thank you.

You’re the reason I write. Every book, post, and product I create is made with you in mind.

I’ll keep walking this minimalist path—and I hope you’ll walk it with me.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts:

➡️ What are you simplifying in your creative life?

➡️ What’s holding you back from publishing?

Hit reply or leave a comment—I read every one.

Until next time, stay focused, stay light, and keep creating what matters.

With gratitude,

J.R. Heimbigner, The Minimalist Author

My name is J.R. Heimbigner and I am a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon with 20 self-published books. Learn more about The Minimalist Author HQ!

Also, this post may contain sales or affiliate links, so I might get a little kickback if you purchase anything. Thank you in advance!

The Minimalist Author HQ