Chris Mason is a writer and online entrepreneur from La Mirada, USA. In this interview he talks about the inspiration behind his several books and the challenges that have changed his life.
You have written several books which were inspired from the challenges you’ve faced in life…
Due to the fact that all my children went to an online charter school, I had to find ways to save money and found many free resources through the internet. In fact I still think it is funny when I first asked my daughter’s teachers for resources that could help her when she first entered the world of online schooling, I only received 3 websites. I thought 3 websites from 6 teachers was a sad state of affairs, so Tutor in a Box was born. That was years ago now. My eldest daughter was in sixth grade then, now she is a sophomore in college.
How about the other book?
My other books were born out of two things that happened at the same time. First, my family had to give up cable to save money but my kids still wanted to see the then popular That’s so Raven. Second, my mother came up with Mason Day to teach my kids that they did not need a lot of money to give someone a nice gift. Mason Day was when a person was assigned a family member and had to make them something, spending only 20 dollars. My thought was “Oh my God”. I had no artistic skills like my daughters’ and could not build things like my son, but I did have impressive research skills. So the “In the Box” series of books was born.
The next factor is being broke with a Big B. I live on an 18 wheeler big rig. The only job my wife could get in these hard economic times was as a truck driver so we have to find creative ways to find entertainment.
Which book was the most difficult to write?
Production Studio was the hardest because my confidence was shaky and to be honest it is harder to find good production tools online.
One could say that you’re the perfect example of a “lifelong learner.” Please comment.
I think that that is a good label for me because I love to learn. As a child I love learning anything and everything. I collected reference books. For example last night I learned males can check for testicular cancer using a pregnancy test. As it turns out, the cancer will produce the same hormones as a pregnant woman. Yes, I know I am strange, but Jim Morrison let the world know all people are strange.
How have your life struggles helped you move forward?
If I said I moved forward due to inertia it would sound weird but that’s true. I was an object in motion and I just stay in motion. In my youth I would just jump before I looked; now I plan it through and check all the variables and do the stop and think more and more as I get older and hope wiser. However I always keep moving. Either way, I never let my cerebral Palsy, Asthma or my abdominal migraines slow me down.
Can anyone make a living online?
Yes, I believe everyone can make a living. Just find a passion and a niche and go for it; and above all don’t give up and be unique.
What are 3 tips you’d recommend to people trying to make a living online?
As I said, find a niche. Have a passion, do it cheaply in the beginning of the venture and hopefully get the support of love ones they will help get you through the tough times.
Read Production Studio in a Box Guide for more inspiration.
