Writing Journey
Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "Not sure what to do!"Help with writing, mine and yours.
40 total reviews
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Several ideas. #1 for the podcasts. most aren't shown live, even if they look that way. So if you mess up you can edit, and also write the show out. Have all the questions , and write down all your answers. Practice. Be prepared. And, on a tv show, they are not liable to throw out racy personal questions th throw you, so again be prepated. And finally. you can always say no to things. It is all your choice. Sounds like they like you sweetie, Karen
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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Several ideas. #1 for the podcasts. most aren't shown live, even if they look that way. So if you mess up you can edit, and also write the show out. Have all the questions , and write down all your answers. Practice. Be prepared. And, on a tv show, they are not liable to throw out racy personal questions th throw you, so again be prepated. And finally. you can always say no to things. It is all your choice. Sounds like they like you sweetie, Karen
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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I'm considering the YouTube shorts and then reevaluate. I can't see me doing the interviews.
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Only do what feels comfortable for you. Karen
Comment from LJbutterfly
Hi Barbara,
It looks like Kevin has given you lots of options. The easiest one is YouTube. My daughter has a YouTube channel. The best thing about it is, you don't have to confront a live audience. You can memorize what you want to say, or you can use notes that viewers can't see.
I recently read a book that I enjoyed. I searched the web to see if the author had a blog. Many authors do. There was no blog, no website, and no YouTube. Nothing. In today's modern times that's unusual. I wish you much success if you decide to do YouTube.
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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Hi Barbara,
It looks like Kevin has given you lots of options. The easiest one is YouTube. My daughter has a YouTube channel. The best thing about it is, you don't have to confront a live audience. You can memorize what you want to say, or you can use notes that viewers can't see.
I recently read a book that I enjoyed. I searched the web to see if the author had a blog. Many authors do. There was no blog, no website, and no YouTube. Nothing. In today's modern times that's unusual. I wish you much success if you decide to do YouTube.
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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I'm considering the YouTube shorts and then reevaluate. Thank you for the support.
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Barbara,
I can fully understand your apprehension in getting more involved than you have in the past. Some people thrive on the attention, and others, like yourself shy away from it. Perhaps you should consider starting small and then if you become more comfortable in the spotlight, you could do more. Of course it's entirely up to you. As you mentioned, it might consume more time than you really want to put into it. One way or another, you don't want to be roped into doing something you don't want to do. I know you'll pray about it. I hope the Lord gives you a clear answer gal. Congratulations on your success so far. Well done.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Hello Barbara,
I can fully understand your apprehension in getting more involved than you have in the past. Some people thrive on the attention, and others, like yourself shy away from it. Perhaps you should consider starting small and then if you become more comfortable in the spotlight, you could do more. Of course it's entirely up to you. As you mentioned, it might consume more time than you really want to put into it. One way or another, you don't want to be roped into doing something you don't want to do. I know you'll pray about it. I hope the Lord gives you a clear answer gal. Congratulations on your success so far. Well done.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Right now, I think I may agree to the YouTube shorts. My publisher would take care of the graphics, and I'd only have to say a few lines. That's where God is leading me. Thank for the support.
Comment from Janet Foor
For what it's worth Barbara, I would definitely do the 'shorts'.
As far as the local interviews, that would be fun too. A friend of mine once told me when I was apprehensive about speaking before a group, "No one knows your story or body of work better than you. What can they say or ask about your work that you can't answer."
In the end, you have to do what's you want to do. Sometimes, life takes us out of our comfort zone and it could be an exciting next chapter in your life.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Blessings
Janet
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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For what it's worth Barbara, I would definitely do the 'shorts'.
As far as the local interviews, that would be fun too. A friend of mine once told me when I was apprehensive about speaking before a group, "No one knows your story or body of work better than you. What can they say or ask about your work that you can't answer."
In the end, you have to do what's you want to do. Sometimes, life takes us out of our comfort zone and it could be an exciting next chapter in your life.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Blessings
Janet
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Right now, I think I may agree to the YouTube shorts. My publisher would take care of the graphics, and I'd only have to say a few lines. That's where God is leading me. Thank for the support.
Comment from Ulla
We, Barbara, what can I say. I would just go for it. See where it takes you. Many a writer would be over the moon to face the choices you're facing. So again, just go for it. You only live once. So what that you're 70. Just my opinion. Ulla xxx
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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We, Barbara, what can I say. I would just go for it. See where it takes you. Many a writer would be over the moon to face the choices you're facing. So again, just go for it. You only live once. So what that you're 70. Just my opinion. Ulla xxx
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Right now, I think I may agree to the YouTube shorts. My publisher would take care of the graphics, and I'd only have to say a few lines. That's where God is leading me. Thank for the support.
Comment from Shanbreen
Hi Barbara. You are in an enviable position. The book signing idea is wonderful. I had around 175+ books sold on the first wo days and my publisher was all over me to do different promotional activities. However, I have never pursued marketing beyond that for personal reasons. BTW, is Kevin doing this for free? I mean is he charging you for setting up the various choices he suggests and taking a commission for whatever is sold?
On the other side of the coin, my brother who is an MD had a marketing expert who did (and still does podcasts and setting up talks all over the nation) for his book titled "Open Heart". The book is very well received by the American Heart Association and many other organizations all over the world. He had to do lots of interviews, but most of them were via the internet. He sold a lot of books (mostly for charity) but he did spend money in setting up the marketing forum. He now hardly sells books but has become a motivational speaker.
Of course, promoting a fiction is an entirely different cup of tea. I did my first interview for a fiction I wrote through my publisher, but I, like my brother, am not shy.
I am telling you this so that you know what you are getting into.:
1. How much is it costing you and are you comfortable with that?
2. Is Kevin providing you with a guarantee for the number of books sold (which hardly anybody does), or is he going to charge you for his services on contingency basis (taking his cut from the books sold) or does he want you to pay up front?
3. Again, you have to consider what you would like to do? Perhaps a taped interview with major personalities in the writing field can be helpful. (Can Kevin arrange something like that? Kevin can then run it on different venues. Alternatively, if you have the money and the time, he could set up signing activities in different cities.
Barbara, I wish I could have been more helpful. BTW, do you have the credentials of Kevin and his marketing abilities? I wish you the best on the next step of your fantastic journey. Proud of you.
For my next novel, I may go your route and publish it on Amazon? Did you get more than a nibble at Amazon? My publishers are no longer in business or have a poor circulation.
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Hi Barbara. You are in an enviable position. The book signing idea is wonderful. I had around 175+ books sold on the first wo days and my publisher was all over me to do different promotional activities. However, I have never pursued marketing beyond that for personal reasons. BTW, is Kevin doing this for free? I mean is he charging you for setting up the various choices he suggests and taking a commission for whatever is sold?
On the other side of the coin, my brother who is an MD had a marketing expert who did (and still does podcasts and setting up talks all over the nation) for his book titled "Open Heart". The book is very well received by the American Heart Association and many other organizations all over the world. He had to do lots of interviews, but most of them were via the internet. He sold a lot of books (mostly for charity) but he did spend money in setting up the marketing forum. He now hardly sells books but has become a motivational speaker.
Of course, promoting a fiction is an entirely different cup of tea. I did my first interview for a fiction I wrote through my publisher, but I, like my brother, am not shy.
I am telling you this so that you know what you are getting into.:
1. How much is it costing you and are you comfortable with that?
2. Is Kevin providing you with a guarantee for the number of books sold (which hardly anybody does), or is he going to charge you for his services on contingency basis (taking his cut from the books sold) or does he want you to pay up front?
3. Again, you have to consider what you would like to do? Perhaps a taped interview with major personalities in the writing field can be helpful. (Can Kevin arrange something like that? Kevin can then run it on different venues. Alternatively, if you have the money and the time, he could set up signing activities in different cities.
Barbara, I wish I could have been more helpful. BTW, do you have the credentials of Kevin and his marketing abilities? I wish you the best on the next step of your fantastic journey. Proud of you.
For my next novel, I may go your route and publish it on Amazon? Did you get more than a nibble at Amazon? My publishers are no longer in business or have a poor circulation.
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Right now, I think I may agree to the YouTube shorts. My publisher would take care of the graphics, and I'd only have to say a few lines. That's where God is leading me. Thank for the support.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I think it's an amazing offer, Barbara, and really no one can tell you what they think you should do. The last paragraph in this peice says it all. It will be another job, and there is a huge possibility that you will be going here, there and everywhere. At the end of the day, it's totally down to you. I'm a few years older than you, and doubt I could keep up with it. You, on the other hand, might find you will enjoy it. Had I had the opportunity to do something like that about 50 years ago, I would have jumped at the chance. I wish you good luck in whatever you decide. It's an incredible offer. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I think it's an amazing offer, Barbara, and really no one can tell you what they think you should do. The last paragraph in this peice says it all. It will be another job, and there is a huge possibility that you will be going here, there and everywhere. At the end of the day, it's totally down to you. I'm a few years older than you, and doubt I could keep up with it. You, on the other hand, might find you will enjoy it. Had I had the opportunity to do something like that about 50 years ago, I would have jumped at the chance. I wish you good luck in whatever you decide. It's an incredible offer. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Right now, I think I may agree to the YouTube shorts. My publisher would take care of the graphics, and I'd only have to say a few lines. That's where God is leading me. Thank for the support.
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Hi Barbara,
First, congratulations on the honor of being asked to do all of this.
At one time in my life, I was doing a lot of book talks, book signings, etc. I enjoyed it immensely. My muse never dried up because I had so many people talking about my books that they seemed to take on a life of their own.
That being said, I wouldn't do it again. I lack the drive and ambition I had 15 years ago when I was so active. There were no outlets like you have with podcasts and all that. I probably would have jumped on it. Only you can decide if you want to make your hobby a job. At the time I did it, it was a part time job since I was teaching at the time as well. I never regretted it, and, if pressed now, I might do it.
Let us know where this leads you.
Hugs,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Hi Barbara,
First, congratulations on the honor of being asked to do all of this.
At one time in my life, I was doing a lot of book talks, book signings, etc. I enjoyed it immensely. My muse never dried up because I had so many people talking about my books that they seemed to take on a life of their own.
That being said, I wouldn't do it again. I lack the drive and ambition I had 15 years ago when I was so active. There were no outlets like you have with podcasts and all that. I probably would have jumped on it. Only you can decide if you want to make your hobby a job. At the time I did it, it was a part time job since I was teaching at the time as well. I never regretted it, and, if pressed now, I might do it.
Let us know where this leads you.
Hugs,
Rhonda
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I appreciate the thoughts and support. Right now, I'm leaving toward the YouTube shorts. Then maybe moving on as I get comfortable.
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That's a really good idea!!
Comment from royowen
I would probably grab the opportunity with both hands, I'm not sure how authors become well known, but perhaps it's publishers giving their authors this sort of a push. I must admit I would write no matter what, perhaps fame may be a retrograde step, go on, nothing ventured, nothing gained, well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I would probably grab the opportunity with both hands, I'm not sure how authors become well known, but perhaps it's publishers giving their authors this sort of a push. I must admit I would write no matter what, perhaps fame may be a retrograde step, go on, nothing ventured, nothing gained, well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. Maybe start small. LOL Am praying about it.
Comment from Jacob1395
Have you ever thought of doing blog tours for your books? I've been taking part in blog tours for authors on my blog for eight years and it is an effective way to reach a wider audience. It might not produce immediate sales but it does make your book more visible and gets a buzz going. If you want to have a look at my blog to get an idea, the link to my blog is in my profile. I wish you the best of luck with your books, Barbara. I think I would be nervous about doing a talk show as well.
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Have you ever thought of doing blog tours for your books? I've been taking part in blog tours for authors on my blog for eight years and it is an effective way to reach a wider audience. It might not produce immediate sales but it does make your book more visible and gets a buzz going. If you want to have a look at my blog to get an idea, the link to my blog is in my profile. I wish you the best of luck with your books, Barbara. I think I would be nervous about doing a talk show as well.
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. I am off to check out your blog. I'm going to share that with my publisher. It looked like a great idea.