N.B. Austin

American Author

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Decision Making: Why You Shouldn’t Take the Money

Today I’d like to tell you about an experience which shaped my decision making process in a big way. The event I am going to be discussing is my recruitment for my first full-time, post-college job. While I learned a lot from this process, one message stood above any other: don’t take the money.

Decision making. Don't take the money.

The Scenario

I had just finished an internship for the summer at a company I really liked, we’ll call it company A. Company A had a solid environment and a mission I had great admiration for. The people there were also a pretty young, fun group to be around. In the fall after my internship, when recruiting happens for your full-time career after graduation, I received an offer from company A.

During my time at the University of Texas, I also had access to recruiting events hosted by a variety of companies. Company B and C were both ones I had interactions with at these events. These two options were in a business type different from company A.

The difference between B and C though, was the vibe at the events. Throughout college, I had always thought the people at company B seemed to be more lively and out-going. Whenever I met with them we got along great and I could picture myself being around them regularly. It was definitely not the same vibe with company C. Whether it was awkwardness or something else, it just never felt like the right fit.

My Decision at the Time

While company A was one I had a lot of respect for overall, I was pretty confident I wanted to try the business type B and C were in. Then interviews came and went for company C. An offer followed which was significantly higher pay than company A. With dollar signs in my young eyes, this effectively ruled out company A.

At this point in the game, I was only partially into the interview process with company B. Also, my offer from C was an exploding one, giving me a two week deadline to reply. This would not be enough time to see the interviews through with company B. So, I had a decision to make.

Afraid to risk not getting the third offer and missing out on the above-expected salary, I sided with company C in the end.

Why I Was Wrong

Finding a career you love and are fulfilled by is hard. Working in one which provides neither and where you also don’t fit into the culture is harder.

Choosing company C was a direct disregard of my gut feeling at the on-campus events. At the time of my choice, the money differential was my biggest concern. The following are the far-more important points I ignored in the process:

  1. Location – I knew the city company C was located in had never been one I cared for. Living there while also working my first full-time job made it even worse and I struggled mightily to adapt.
  2. The People – Company A and B were both better fits for me in terms of the personalities of the people who worked there. The thing about those you work with is they can make even a dull/hard job tolerable. I would say now this could arguably be the most important factor for me. If you can’t see yourself being like those around you now or in the future, run. 😉
  3. The Work – I did want to dip my toes in the business area of this company, so I can’t say I fully regret trying it. However, I also could have done much more research on the day-to-day before accepting. Whether or not it yielded anything in terms of a decision, enjoying what you do is key.
  4. My Passions – This wasn’t directly linked to picking the job. But with an overall displeasure for my situation, I was far too distracted to pay much mind to what I really value in life outside of work as well. This became a tremendous problem as I started to worry about my full potential not being met.

What to Focus on Instead

It may sound simple, but one word should determine how you make decisions: happiness. What makes you truly happy? What activities, personality types, or places do you most want to be surrounded with?

I promise you, your true answer is not money. There is a baseline amount of income you need, sure. Beyond that amount though, the rest is just icing on the cake. So if you have options and both satisfy your income NEED, I would encourage you to do your best to think past the extra cheese.

Now I’m not saying money is bad either. Do I want to be a millionaire? Sure I do. But those millions would mean nothing to me if the bulk of my week was spent in a place impacting my mindset in a negative way overall.

So while I don’t regret my decision (I did learn a lot from it), if I had to do it again I’d take a risk on waiting for company B. If they wouldn’t have offered me, I know it still would have been worth it to have turned down an environment which didn’t suit me.

In the end, I decided to eventually leave company C for company D, taking a pay cut in the process. I’m now in a city I love, surrounded by people I enjoy being around, doing something that gives me the time to immerse myself in my passions. The situation is fantastic and for me it affirmed this type of decision-making was the way to go.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve had a similar of different experience!

Otherwise, thanks for reading and hope you’re enjoying the Civilands series. Feel free to subscribe for more updates, or click here for your chance at book giveaways, including best-sellers!

The Resourceful Illusionist: Who is Dominic Turner?

For the second character bio post of the Civilands series, we will be talking about Dominic Turner. Time to find out what makes this crafty illusionist one-of-a-kind!

The resourceful illusionist. Dominic Turner.

Background

As industrialization grew in the eastern cities of Duresia, demand for entertainers shrank. Like many, this shift hit illusionist Dominic Turner hard and prompted him to make a move to the Murrieta Territory. What he was to find there however, would be more impactful than any trick he could perform.

Dominic’s journey into the territory was dangerous and his early days of inhabiting it were lonely. The struggle of not finding work back home was hardly worse than the isolation he felt in the tiny settlements of this massive place. Though he loved the adventure, it all made him feel so small as he went it mostly alone. Devastating winters and intimidating wildlife became harder to adjust to as well without support. Once all other options were exhausted, he had no other choice but to turn to the gangs.

Gangs were expanding quickly in the territory as a means of safety and fraternity for easterners. In the early days of Dominic’s involvement, he was provided just those things. Food, shelter, and regular relationships were no longer luxuries. It was all just starting to feel right when he started noticing a change.

A Day That Doesn’t End

As more gangs formed, so too did rivalries. Dominic’s group was no exception, as its leadership began arming followers. Orders were given to conduct raids he felt he couldn’t refuse in his debt to them. Over time, he started utilizing his resources as an illusionist to steal goods for the gang. This caused his skills to improve significantly. Though he still felt a pit of guilt in his stomach, he couldn’t deny his enjoyment to be doing his craft in any capacity.

The gang soon started expanding in influence thanks to people like Dominic, prompting its leaders to grow more power hungry. One day though, a red line was finally crossed . . .

An order came one morning for Dominic to kill a member of a rival gang–something he’d never had to do. This enemy group was also growing, and went by the surname of the brothers who led them, the Keagans. Whether or not he follows through on the order is answered in the books, so you’ll have to read them to find out! 😉 The event changes him as a person and has a big impact on his development in the series. It is also the subject of the soon-to-come short-story prequel blog post series, An Illusionist’s Tale.

“And from your pain, your fortunes will be awoken. Because what you see here isn’t beyond your own reach or ability. This ‘magic’ as you will see it, it’s drawn only from the magic you provide back to the world.” ~Dominic Turner in Crystal Eyes (Civilands #2)

Ready to see what this crafty, Daryl Dixon-esque illusionist is made of? Come one, come all because the show’s about to begin. Start the series now readers are hailing a “wilder, richer adventure,” available at the links below:

Crimson River Amazon linkCrimson River nook linkCrimson River Kobo link

Thanks for reading and hope you’re enjoying the Civilands series. Feel free to subscribe for more updates, or click here for your chance to earn free books, including best-sellers!

POLL: What did you think of Star Wars Episode 8?

For this post I would really like to see what people thought of Star Wars: ‘The Last Jedi.’ The reviews overall have made it clear this was a divisive movie. I would like to figure out why this is and how you felt about it either way. Did it bring balance to the force? Or is it really time for the Jedi (franchise) to end?

I will soon be posting my own detailed review/re-write of the movie as well in the coming days.

Please respond below with your overall rating of the movie, as well as your degree of Star Wars fan-hood. I’d love to know your detailed thoughts in the comments too!

Star Wars space photo

How would you rate Star Wars: The Last Jedi?
Vote

How would you qualify your Star Wars fan-hood?
Vote

Looking forward to all manner of opinions!

I also greatly appreciate all the love for the Civilands series so far! If you haven’t started and would happen to enjoy free things, click here for your chance at a bunch of free books 🙂

From Fearful Hermit to Fierce Female Lead: Who is Latera?

Welcome to the first character bio post of the Civilands series. Today I detail as fierce a female lead as you’ll find, Latera of the V’ahani!

Fierce female lead. Latera.

Background

Latera is the daughter of the V’ahani Chieftain Arkouda and sister of Hanzah. Her clan, the V’ahani, are known for their ancient connection to the land and ability to control of the great grizzlies of the Murrieta Territory’s Riverlands.

Under the tutelage of her late mother, she learned to be a nurse for wounded clan warriors. Even now though, Latera remains sheltered and disengaged in the politics of her clan. The larger world of the Murrieta Territory is simply not a worry of hers in the harsh, northern Riverlands.

Will she be able to remain closed off from the world when the Keagan gang makes their presence felt?

Ground to be Gained

Latera is one of my favorite characters to write because there is so much for her to still figure out about herself. Let me be clear, she isn’t the youngest point-of-view by any means at age 20. However, when we first meet her she is in a state of misconceiving her own identity and desires. Because of this, there is a lot she needs to unlearn, before she can learn.

This forced cloudiness is something many of us go through, myself especially included. Too many times I’ve experienced periods where I pretended I was satisfied with my circumstances, while simultaneously knowing I could achieve more. Have you gone through something similar? If so, how important was this period of transition to you becoming stronger today? Most of the time, we are broken out of this haze by some shock event. Latera is no exception to this rule.

Her own trauma will shake her in a way that doesn’t turn her into something. Instead, it makes her realize what her potential is and pushes her to turn it into her reality.

“The characters are all well drawn and I felt that, with Latera especially, there is great growth throughout.” ~Amazon Review for Crimson River (5 stars, User PeaceLoveHope)

So can you wait another year or more for Daenerys Targaryen’s return to satisfy your kick-ass craving? Let Latera quench your thirst now and start the series readers are hailing a “wilder, richer adventure,” available at the links below:

Crimson River Amazon linkCrimson River nook linkCrimson River Kobo link

Thank you for reading and for everyone’s continued support for the Civilands series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, feel free to subscribe for more blog updates, and click here for a FREE e-book!

World Building the Western That Wasn’t

World building in the Civilands series was an interesting process. The story didn’t begin with the continent of Duresia or the Murrieta Territory within it. It started only with Jeannie Morrell and a chase through the woods. So how did it expand as a function of my own experience? And how will it relate to you?

World building the Civilands series.

The Western That Wasn’t

In book 1, Crimson River, the focus is on the Murrieta Territory. The power struggle which occurs there is also the major point of conflict in the series. Its story develops from an interest in nature, manifest destiny, and the west.

However, I’m not from the west, nor am I ready to abandon my roots altogether just yet. The big city is a part of my non-fiction story as much as it is this fictional world. So, starting in book 2, Crystal Eyes, we start to see more of Duresia’s east and its sprawling cities. This is where it all began for many of the main characters like Jeannie and the members of the Keagan gang. Their transition to what are literally greener pastures is a major theme throughout.

And thus, from the country-convert that isn’t yet, comes the western that wasn’t!

How World Building Will Be Familiar to Readers

Whether you’re the type to start east and go west or do it the other way around, the transition to the unfamiliar will be familiar. Supplanting ourselves into new environments shapes the way we see the world. If you’ve experienced this in any capacity, the following concepts should be all too familiar and presented in exciting ways. If you haven’t yet, the journey will be more enlightening! 🙂

1. Personal Growth Through Change

When you leave home you observe a new way of living. When you do return though, you get to see the contrast in-depth. In Crystal Eyes, William Keagan goes through this during his trip back home to the city of New Berkeley. Along the way he’ll come to discover more about the place he left and whether his decision to leave was the right one.

2. Figuring Out Where You Belong

Not a fan of westerns? Good–industry is on the rise in New Berkeley. Do you prefer the more natural west? Good–let’s go to the Murrieta for a wild ride. Not sure which is for you yet? Even better to find out the hard way! And you will not be alone. Some of the characters also have these same questions to answer for themselves.

3. Sociological Impact

If you’re one of the less selfish among us, you’ll get to see how these budding societies will either come together or fall apart. Will responsible governments develop or will power be controlled by the few? Also, how will new relationships impact connections with longtime family and friends? Will you change too much while you’re away for their liking?

Find the answers and more in Civilands and thank you for reading with me thus far! Let me know in the comments about a time you changed environments. How did it impact you either positively or negatively? Which place did you prefer and why? If you do share, I’ll tell you which character you’d most relate to in the series 🙂

Whatever You Set Your Mind To

Having heroes and people we look up to is important for perspective. They give us proof of the attainability of our dreams. The person I looked up to while growing up was Derek Jeter. His autobiography, The Life You Imagine, has had a particularly significant impact on me. Like most people of his stature, Jeter preaches a familiar, positive message:

“If you work hard, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”

Pause for a moment and hold your current feeling in your head. Can you really picture yourself having the lifestyle someone like Jeter has? At the same time this person says you can do it, you are both encouraged and somewhat doubtful. And understandably so.

Now don’t get me wrong, this message is a great one and it isn’t incorrect. If you’re determined enough, you could do almost anything. However, is it what a person zeroing in on a mission in life needs to hear?

Let’s try something different. Imagine yourself in an auditorium full of people who are listening to someone give a presentation or speech. In this scenario, it doesn’t matter if the speaker is successful or not. They speak and speak about success though, until they say this:

“Looking at you all, it’s clear to me none of you are talented enough to achieve your dreams.”

Again, hard stop. Think about your first thought. Personally, all I’m thinking in this situation is, “hell no. Maybe the people around me, but this clown is wrong about me. And I’m gonna prove it!”

Perhaps you think it in a different way. But I believe most of us would do the opposite of doubting ourselves when someone else casts doubt upon us. And this can be an incredibly powerful tool because of what it means.

  • Pain is temporary, but even beyond that can be extremely positive.
  • “Haters” or doubters are actually your friends. Once added to your list, you have a ton of friends!
  • If you have your own doubts, they can be channeled if you separate yourself from them and use them as fuel.

So if you leave here with one thing today, know that I don’t believe you’ll be able to achieve your dreams. Feel free to either bombard me for it in the comments, or just go out and prove me wrong instead. You know you want to! 😉

Thanks so much for reading and I hope you’re enjoying the Civilands series.

I Created a New Religion, Here’s What I Found

World-building is one of the most exciting parts of creating a series. One aspect of world building is developing a new religion. In the Civilands series, there are actually two major religions. In this post I will highlight each briefly, but will end with something more profound I realized once they were created.

New Religion created in the Civilands series.

Cerebism

This is the most prevalent belief system amongst Eastern Duresians. It is monotheistic and views the mind as man’s greatest gift. Cerebs are conscious of the world their deity, the Enigma, grants them. If they follow the Cereb Hymnal, they will perceive a better world in the next life. Their favorable reincarnation is what gives them faith and drives the expansion of their religion.

The Murrieta Maiden

The natives of Western Duresia (the Murrieta Territory) follow the will of their own deity, the Mother. Unlike Cerebism though, the followers of the Maiden are more focused on their world around them as its own entity and gift. They draw faith from what the Territory gives them and their unique connection to the place itself. For more on this connection, read on in the series!

What Creating a New Religion Taught Me

Perception on one side and secular appreciation on the other. It wasn’t an entirely intentional effort for these belief systems to be based around each of those concepts, respectively. However, I realize now it was no coincidence either.

Since my college years I’ve come to understand the power of the mind. It can be influenced by so many things. When it is though–whether in a positive or negative way–the world around us and what it all means, can change. The loss of a loved one might make life seem cruel the same way a new relationship can make it heavenly. Our world can shift over time with a switch of thought and to me, there is a spirituality in that.

On the other hand, the Earth is a magnificent place and there is more to it than just what we perceive. It is a privilege for us to be a part of the life that exists here. Personally, I love to hike and explore different environments. Doing so provides a type of energy. It runs through you and gives you purpose. It is a connection which feels as spiritual as it does physical.

Discovery: The Combination Makes Up My Concept of Spirituality

In a way I guess you could say it’s my own little belief system. A balance between there being a greater purpose than life here in our world and the great purpose of life here in our world. Maybe this qualifies as “religious” and maybe it doesn’t. Either way, it was really cool to me to see somewhat subconscious values come to life this way 🙂

Look for the conflict of these two belief systems to really build in book 3, Crescent Heart, coming March 2018. Thanks so much for reading!