Recently, I finished reading Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why.”*

So, it got me thinking. How about I break down the What, How, and Why of DSM Story Forge? That could be fun, right?

Wrong. But, also, kind of right.

It turns out that DSM Story Forge is in a bit of a transition right now. There are multiple “departments” forming within DSM Story Forge, each fueled with the same sense of Why, but with very different Whats and Hows.

I’ll break down the Why and then explain the Whats and the Hows.

The Why

In its simplest form, my Why is this:

Everyone, from individuals to small businesses to major corporations have a story to tell, and I want to help create, share, and tell better stories alongside those people. Because everyone’s story deserves to be told.

The What

This is where things get interesting, though.

My What has changed and evolved several times now. Initially, I wanted to be a freelance writer with a focus on Christian ministry, specifically youth ministry.

Here’s the thing: not much money to be made in this niche.

Then, I wanted to create all kinds of Digital Content via PDFs, packages, podcasts, ebooks, and more. Again, lots of time and energy and not a lot of money to be made for a long time. 

After that, I wanted to create my own publishing company. Do I need to say it? Not much money unless you have been in the game for a while.

But, here’s the thing…I’ve grown a lot and understand more now than I did when I first started out.

So, my Whats are similar, but different – and I have created space for them in their own way that makes sense given my Why.

1. Content & Copywriting – Technology

Yeah, I am still doing some writing. The gig has changed some, though. I niched down into the Technology (and IT) sphere and I am building an agency focused on helping companies and individuals in this industry to capture and nurture loyal customers (or raving fans, as I like to call them).

2. Digital Products

I’m keeping this one around as a passion project, but also because it is a primary way of fulfilling my Why. People have stories to tell and I want to create Digital Products that can help them create, share, and tell better stories.

3. Hybrid Publishing

This one is exactly the same, just put on hold for a while. I want to create, share, and tell stories of my own. More importantly, I want to help others do the same. And offering my services as a Hybrid Publisher gives both myself and potential clients lots of freedom in creating the exact book they want to create – be it ebook, audiobook, paperback, hard cover, etc.

The How

Essentially, I am still figuring this part out. 

There are lots of ways to skin a cat, as they say.

However, here is where I am with each of these:

1. Providing lead generation, email marketing, and content marketing writing services
2. Creating digital products in a variety of formats and providing them for purchase online – from TTRPG rulesets to Youth Ministry files and content to podcasts.
3. Offering the expertise of someone who has gone through the process and my connections with others in the field to help authors go from outlining to marketing to launching their book.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it.

This was a good exercise for me to get everything down on paper, but it was also good to share what it is I do, how I do it, and why. I hope you learned something useful – and feel free to email me about any or all of these services!

*This is an affiliate link, if you decide to purchase the book via the link, then I receive some compensation. If you choose to do so, I appreciate your support!!