Lets face it, there are so many books, programs, and services being offered today. It can be overwhelming trying to decide which service will offer the most value with the best experience, which tools will get the job done and done well, and what book you should jump into next.
This is my kit. These are the services I trust and subscribe to, the tools I use on a daily basis, and my favorite books on writing, business, Christian spirituality, leadership, and productivity.
Full disclosure, I’ll earn an affiliate commission from any of the books, tools, and services you purchase. These commissions support me and my blog. I only recommend services I use and trust. All the books are books I’ve both read and enjoyed.
Software & Services
Bluehost - The Best Web Hosting
Bluehost is simply the best website hosting. I’ve used them from the very beginning. They offer 1-click WordPress installation and a free SSL Certificate with every account. Plus, their 24/7 customer service is remarkable. Anytime I’ve ever needed assistance, they were just one phone call away.
Convertkit - Build & Serve Your Email List
Your email list is your biggest asset when building your blog or business. You need someone you can trust and knows all about list building. Convertkit is email marketing made by creators, for creators…and is the only email marketing service I recommend.
G Suite - Branded Email Address
Establish creditability by creating a branded email address. Easily create an email address that uses your website URL. This is Google’s productivity suite that includes Gmail for professional email, online storage, and more.
Thrive - WordPress Themes & Plugins
I’ve bought and used the majority of Thrive’s plugins. I use Thrive Architect to build beautiful WordPress pages. These include my About page, my opt-in pages, confirmation pages, and thank you pages. I use Thrive Comments for my commenting system. Great company with great products.
Audible - Listen Anytime, Anywhere
I absolutely love Audible. The best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself, and one of the best ways to invest in yourself is through books. Audible provides a cheap and easy way to listen to great audio books. You can cancel anytime and the audio books are yours to keep.
Scrivener - The Go-To App for Writers
Scrivener is used every day by best-selling novelists, non-fiction writers, students, lawyers, journalists, and more. I use Scrivener to draft all my blog posts, email sequences, and even the book I’m writing. The folder system makes it super easy to keep all my drafts and ideas organized.
Scapple - Organize Your Thoughts & Musings
Scapple is the best software for mind-mapping. During law school, I trusted Scapple to organize my notes during classes. Now I use Scapple to develop, organize, and brainstorm new projects. I also use Scapple when coming up with blogging topics.
Favorite Tools
Leuchtturm 1917 - The Best Bullet Journal
I use my Leuchtturm for everything. I use this notebook for my journal, to house my blogging notes, keep my budget, and everything in between. I index everything so all the sections are easy to find. This is a large notebook, which I love. The pages also work perfectly with my Lamy Safari Fountain Pen.
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - My Favorite Pen
This is my favorite pen. I own three. I keep one inked with Noodler’s Ink Black, one inked with Noodler’s Ink Blue, and the last inked with Noodler’s Ink Red. The ink last for a long time and is perfect for writing in my journal, taking notes, and editing on paper. I use the converter and bottled ink.
Pigma Micron Pens - Pens for Your Inductive Bible Study
These are the pens I use when using my New Inductive Study Bible. These pens write well and do not bleed through the pages. This set includes 8 different colors, which is perfect for marketing up your Bible using the inductive study method.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
I love reading with with my Kindle at night because, thanks to the adaptive front light, I can have my bedroom lights off. I do prefer paper books, but my Kindle is a life saver when I’m traveling. I can throw it in my briefcase and go. I used to travel with 5 to 6 books with me at all times…but now I just take my Kindle. Additionally, this one has an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, 6.8“ display, and up to 10 weeks of battery life.
Swannies - Blue Light Blocking Glasses
These are my blue blocking computer glasses. They help me sleep better, protect my eyes, and look cool. If you’ve watched any of my videos on Facebook, you’ve probably seen me wearing these. I wear them mostly while working at night. They help me sleep better by filtering out the blue light from my computer, television, and phone.
Favorite Bibles
ESV Reader's Bible - A Beautiful 6-Volume Set
This is my favorite Bible to read as I make my way through God’s word. It features single column text and contains no verse numbers, chapter numbers, or footnotes―resulting in a very unique reading experience. It’s well made, beautiful, and I absolutely love it.
New Inductive Study Bible - My Favorite Study Bible
This is an award winning Bible. It’s designed to help you gain a more intimate understanding of God and His Word. The New Inductive Study Bible guides you through the inductive study approach. This is my favorite way to study the Bible.
ESV Journaling Bible - Bible for Note Taking & Teaching
The ESV Journaling Bible is the Bible I use for note taking and teaching. I like the ESV translation and this particular Bible has plenty of space in the margin for taking notes. This Bible does not contain any study material, but all my notes serve as study material and remind me of my history with God.
Writing Books
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
If you do any type of nonfiction writing this is a must read. It literally is the classic guide to writing nonfiction. Zinseer’s three main principles are brevity, clarity, and humanity. All writing needs to have all three of these elements present. I’ve read this book numerous times and am still gaining insights on how to improve my writing.
How to Write Copy that Sells by Ray Edwards
Everything you write is copy: blog post, emails, sales pages, etc. Ray Edwards is the master copywriter, and his book is my go to resource for all things copywriting. This book contains copywriting techniques for email marketing, web sites, social media, sales pages, and ads. Get this book if you’re like me and want a step-by-step guide to writing fast, easy-to-read, effective copy.
The Elements of Style by Strunk & White
My undergraduate english professor kept a copy of this book in his back pocket at all times. It’s that good. It’s also that small. I keep a copy in my briefcase at all times. It’s my go to little book for writing. Buy this book, read it, and keep it with you. It’s cheep and it’s small.
Bird by Bird is more than a book on writing, it is a guide to the writing life. The book addresses writing, the writing frame of mind, and finding help along the way. It’s an entertaining read and includes some fantastic writing advice, especially concerning fears and writer’s block.
On Writing is a nonfiction book by Stephen King, one of the bestselling authors of all time. This book is part memoir part master class on the craft of writing. King teaches the basic tools every writer must have all the while sharing some great stories from his life. This is a great book, especially if you want to improve your writing ability and love reading good stories.
Business Books
People buy from you when they know, like, and trust you. Launch teaches the Product Launch Formula, which turns your audience into customers. If want to develop your own products so you can leverage your time and your impact, this books teaches you how to start fast. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to sell e-books, services, digital courses, etc. When you’re ready to monetize your blog or podcast, this book is a must read.
Rise of the Youpreneur by Chris Ducker
Rise of the Youpreneur is all about establishing a personal brand. A personal brand is one built around your identity and the message you want to share. This book gives you actionable steps on how to build your personal brand, grow your brand, and monetize your brand. Not only will you learn how to spread your message, but also how to position yourself as an expert and which products to sell.
Christian Books
This is my all time favorite book and a must read for any Christian. This is a book about love…but not any type of love, a love that takes action. If your desire is to make an impact, you need to take action…this book will help. The book is filled with Bob’s stories of action, faith, and whimsy. Trust me, you won’t regret reading this book.
Leadership Books
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The number one book on leadership. The title seems like this would be a book on manipulation; however, this is actually one of the best books on how to treat other people. If you’re a leader then this book is for you. These principles are time tested and actually work. If you read this book and apply what you learn, you will be a better leader, communicator, and overall human being.
Productivity Books
Do you want to keep starting projects never to finish them? If not, then read this book. Finish has some great insights on why we finish our goals. Jon is witty, engaging, and one of my favorite authors. This book is not about adding pressure to finish everything, but is, instead, about taking pressure off. Stop starting and start finishing. Give Yourself the Gift of Done.
Rules for focused success in a distracted world. If you want to be an elite knowledge worker then this book is for you. Deep work is deliberate practice. It’s removing distractions to work on and learn whats important. Using 4 rules, Newport teaches you how to implement deep work into your day to day life.
