Mari Sellin | Updates

The Day I Was Told Not to Be Creative

Mari Sellin — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Some work experiences stick with you—not because they were inspiring, but because they were so puzzling that you couldn’t help but laugh.

A few years ago, I was given what I thought was a joke of an assignment: “Solve this task, but don’t be creative.”

At first, I chuckled. Surely, the person must be kidding. After all, the instruction came from a manager in the field of art and culture—the very sector where creativity is supposed to flow like water. I waited for the punchline. But the punchline never came. The next day, the same demand was repeated to me by my direct manager, who had received a reminder from above: “No creativity, please.”

Now, here’s the thing: problem-solving is creativity. Even understanding the phrase “not creative” requires a bit of creative thinking. So I started wondering—what exactly was I expected to do? Just shuffle papers in the most unimaginative way possible?

The irony wasn’t lost on me. As a consultant, I often notice how little time people take to get to know me. Assumptions fill in the gaps: I’m a technical engineer, so I must be logical, structured, maybe even a little rigid. Few realize that, in my free time, I thrive on creativity—writing, storytelling, and all sorts of projects that demand imagination. To me, creativity and structure aren’t opposites; they’re partners.

So, how did it all end? I did my job quietly, keeping my natural creativity under wraps, like some guilty secret. Summer came and went. Then, in a twist that still makes me smile, the new order arrived: “Solve the task—and this time, be creative.”

Apparently, creativity had been rediscovered.

The lesson? Sometimes, the workplace operates according to rules that don’t make sense. But the beauty of creativity is that it never really switches off—it just waits patiently until the world remembers how much it’s needed.

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📚 Why Positive Reviews Matter – And How You Can Make a Difference

Mari Sellin — Thu, 3 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

As an independent author, one of the most powerful things a reader can do, beyond simply enjoying a book, is to leave a positive review. 🌟

Sure, reviews help other readers decide whether a book is worth reading. But there's more to it.

On platforms like Amazon, positive customer reviews also influence how the system promotes the book. The more helpful reviews a book receives, the more likely it is to appear as a recommended title when someone searches for related topics. In other words, your review doesn’t just help me – it helps future readers discover books they might love.

🔍 Why I Need Readers Like You

Unlike traditional authors who are hired to write for a company or a brand, I write about what I’ve learned, what I believe in, and what I’m passionate about. Being an independent author gives me the freedom to explore topics that truly matter – whether it's real estate investing, simplifying your space, or creating magical stories for children.

However, to continue doing so, I need feedback – not just any feedback, but meaningful and encouraging responses from readers who see potential in my work. Feedback that says,

“This was helpful – and I’d love for you to write a book on [this topic] next.”

That’s how ideas grow. That’s how future books are born.

🤝 Why Join a Book Review Team?

When you join my Book Review Team, you get more than just a free book. You become part of something creative and ongoing.

Here’s how it works:

📥 You sign up using this link
📚 You receive a free digital copy of one of my books
✍️ You leave an honest review on Amazon
🚀 You get early access to future books – for free – because I know I can count on your voice

It’s a win-win. You help shape the future of what gets written. I get to keep writing the books that matter. And other readers get to discover helpful, hopeful content because you helped bring it into the spotlight.

💌 Ready to join the team?

Click below to sign up and get your first free book:

👉 https://bf.marisellin.com/gptkaei3ny

Thank you for reading – and thank you even more if you’re one of the amazing people helping authors like me keep creating. 💛

Stories inspire, spaces transform - and your review helps build both.

Kindly,

Mari

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Why Organized Lease Agreements Are a Real Estate Investor’s Best Friend

Mari Sellin — Mon, 9 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Let me share a small moment from my current consulting assignment that sparked a big reminder: good lease management isn’t just admin – it’s strategy.

I was going through a portfolio of both residential and commercial leases. Some were perfectly sorted, others… well, let’s say they hadn’t been touched in years. Finding out when leases expired, what index clauses applied, and which spaces were rented took way longer than it should have.

And I couldn’t help but think: this is precisely where new and seasoned property owners often miss out. When you don’t have your lease agreements organized, you’re flying blind.

Here’s why tidy leases matter more than you think:

📂 You can quickly answer tenant questions without digging through email threads or dusty folders.
📈 You save time calculating rent increases based on index clauses and avoid costly mistakes.
💸 You get more precise numbers for your income budget, making your cash flow planning much easier.
⏳ You can track termination dates and initiate renegotiations on time.
🗺️ With clear floor plans linked to each lease, you can instantly see which areas are rented and which are vacant.
🔍 And, let’s be honest, if you ever want to sell or refinance, this kind of documentation increases your property’s appeal.

You don’t need a huge system to stay on top of it. Even a well-structured spreadsheet or a folder with labeled PDFs can make a big difference.

Want to learn how to build brilliant real estate routines from the ground up?

👉 Grab my book "A Practical Guide to Real Estate Investing for Beginners" – it walks you through not just the numbers, but the mindset and tools you need to grow confidently.

Stay organized, stay empowered. Your future self will thank you.

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Stay Ahead in Real Estate – Join My Mailing List for Exclusive Updates!

Mari Sellin — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Join my mailing list for my author newsletter and receive the exclusive 'Checklist for Beginners: Your First Steps in Real Estate Investing'! This checklist provides actionable advice and guidance to help you get started. Click the link to sign up and begin your real estate journey with confidence and clarity.

Here’s the link: https://bf.marisellin.com/cy03odh5gk

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Why I Started My Own Publishing House – A Journey from Buildings to Books

Mari Sellin — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved telling stories. Writing has always been a way for me to process the world, put ideas into words, and bring creativity to life. But turning that passion into published books? That was a journey I never could have predicted.

If you’re curious about how to self-publish a book, why to start a publishing house, or how to balance writing with a full-time career, this is my story.

Balancing a Full-Time Job and Writing – How I Made It Work

In 2017, I made a decision that changed how I structured my career and personal life. As a real estate consultant, I frequently traveled for work. Instead of seeing this as a challenge, I turned it into an opportunity.

Train rides and quiet evenings became valuable moments to develop my books—whenever my focus wasn’t required on the start of a new workweek or wrapping up the final details before heading home. Those transition periods, between finishing one role and stepping into another, gave me the mental space to shift gears and focus on my creative projects.

Still, even with this structured time, publishing wasn’t easy.

From Rejection Letters to Independence – Why I Chose Self-Publishing

Like many aspiring authors, I initially sought out traditional publishers. I submitted manuscripts, waited patiently, and received rejection letters in return. Some were encouraging; others were just standard responses. But the message was clear: if I wanted to see my books in print, I needed to take matters into my own hands.

That’s when the idea of Admiranda Publishing was born. Instead of waiting for someone else’s approval, I decided to build my own platform—one that would allow me to publish not just my books but, in the future, perhaps other inspiring voices as well.

I started researching how to self-publish a book and discovered the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Suddenly, the publishing world didn’t seem as exclusive. It became clear that I had all the tools I needed to bring my books to life—on my own terms.

The Children’s Book That Never Let Me Go

One of my most personal projects is a children’s book I created in 2015. This story wasn’t just a random idea—I originally wrote it for a children’s book competition hosted by a publishing house. Excited and hopeful, I submitted my entry, dreaming it might win a spot on their publishing list.

It didn’t.

But here’s the thing about stories: the best ones refuse to be forgotten.

My main character has been chasing me for years—waiting for the right time to be published. And now, thanks to self-publishing, that time has come.

What makes this book even more special is that it wasn’t just my project—it was a collaboration. My partner brought the world to life through beautiful illustrations, creating a shared creative journey.

How to Find Time for Creativity While Working Full-Time

Balancing a demanding career with writing and publishing isn’t easy. You have to:

✅ Prioritize your time – Schedule creative work just like business meetings.

✅ Use transition moments – Train rides, early mornings, or weekends can be writing gold.

✅ Stay consistent – Small, steady progress leads to a finished book.

Publishing while managing a full-time career has taught me an important lesson: we don’t have to choose between creativity and financial stability—we can have both.

What’s Next? My Self-Publishing Plans

Starting Admiranda Publishing wasn’t just about bringing my books to life—it was about taking control of the creative process. It was about proving that with the right mindset, persistence, and a willingness to learn, we don’t have to wait for permission to create.

Now, as I prepare to launch my next book, I’m more excited than ever about the future.

👉 Are you curious about the journey of self-publishing or balancing creativity with a demanding career? Leave a comment in the contact form —I’d love to share more about the lessons I’ve learned along the way!

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MariSellin.com is Live – Step Into My World of Stories and Inspiration!

Mari Sellin — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you – my author website, MariSellin.com, is now live! 🎉

This is more than just a website; it’s a place where creativity meets passion, where stories come to life, and where I share my journey as an author and publisher.

💡 What to expect:

Updates on my latest books and projects.
Practical tips for decluttering, real estate investing, and more.
A behind-the-scenes look at my creative journey.

Come on in, have a look around, and let’s connect! 🌟

👉 Visit MariSellin.com

Let’s celebrate stories, spaces, and everything in between!

#ExploreCreateInspire

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