Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After college I got my masters in quantiative economics from UCLA. After grad school I spent some time working at an economic forecast firm before I moved over to the real estate side, where I work in investment research. This is my first book and hoping to share more of the knowledge I’ve gained in a way that anyone can grasp.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “A Teen’s Guide to Stock Market Investing.” This book is essentially the book I wish someone had given me when I was 13 years old. I didn’t start investing in the stock market until I was 18, which compared to most people is very young. But now I realize how much better off I would be if I had started even earlier. And I think that is such an important lesson to learn, which is why I want to share it with as many teens as I can. Because no one told me this when I was a teenager and I wish someone had.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too unusual I don’t think. After I’ve created a rough outline, I tend to write my first draft by doing what my wife calls “throwing up all over the page.” Essentially writing anything and everything I can think of that is relevant down on the page. Then I go back and review, remove, and condense. Maybe that stems from my background looking at data every day because it does feel like a very programatic way to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like just about anyone who invests, I’ll cite “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” But other books, such as “Flash Boys,” “A Random Walk Down Wallstreet,” “Security Analysis,” etc. have really shaped my knowledge and desire to learn more. Another book that is very entertaining and also inspiring is called “More Money Than God.” This book opened my eyes to all of the many legal ways that anyone can make money with investing if they just learn how.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on new book that goes into some more advanced strategies for investing in the stock market. Unlike my first book, which is geared towards teens and beginners, this book goes into some additional strategies to employ along with a long-term buy and hold approach. I’m also working on a new feature on my website that will allow anyone interested in investing in real estate to quickly analyze and compare zip codes in a given metro based on demographic trends, hopefully to identify the best submarkets in any metro to invest in. Although this is a programming project.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Using Amazon ads correctly and effectively is key. Make sure you do your reseach and understand the best keywords that will help with conversions. That way you are getting your book in front of the people who are most likely to want to buy it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Self-publishing a book seems overwhelming at first. But there are so many amazing youtube channels out there by self-published authors who go into extreme detail on any question you have. I don’t have a youtube channel, so I’m not promoting my own. But that has been my best source for learning what to do.
What are you reading now?
I like to read both informational/education books and books for fun. I’m currently reading “Superforecasting,” which if you are interested in finance or economics, you’ll love. I’m also reading the Mistborn Era 2 books by Brandon Sanderson. I am a huge fantasy and sci fi fan and Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. I’ve learned it’s something I really enjoy doing. I also want to continue sharing what I know. Now, by no means am I the smartest person out there. But by way of my education and work experience, I do have some knowledge that can help new investors and I want to pay that forward and help others get started.
What is your favorite book of all time?
VERY tough question. I’m not sure I can pick a favorite book. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan is easily one of my favorite series. But I can’t decide between that or The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson. Aparentaly I can’t even pick a favorite series, so there’s no way I’ll be able to pick a favorite book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Liam Grant Website
Liam Grant Amazon Profile