Reviews from

Writing Journey

Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "Not sure what to do!"
Help with writing, mine and yours.

40 total reviews 
Comment from GWHARGIS
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Someone suggested I do a YouTube video for art. I'm like you, no thank you. But I had a friend who told me to try a cheat method. Have someone you're comfortable talking to, sit just behind the camera. Talk to them. It looks like you are talking to the camera but you're talking to a friend. Maybe that will help. Anyway congratulations on the book clubs and book signings. Gretchen

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    Thank you for the support and suggestion. I appreciate both.
Comment from lyenochka
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I'm so glad you are doing these signings and hooray for the Book Club which is reading your book! May they read more!
I think it's great that Kevin is doing his job to give you more exposure. The YouTube and Podcasts would be a great way for marketing. As a shy person, maybe the morning interviews might add more pressure. But don't worry, you have such a great history of publishing that your fans will have lots to choose from for years to come even if you took a break.
Suggestions:
of you are better author's (authors)
of you are better author's (authors') and another place where it's plural possessive.

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    Thank you for your support and the catches. I have made the corrections. I'm probably going to start with the shorts and then build from there as I grow in confidence. At least that's where I'm leaning, right now.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
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Congratulations! Sounds like you have a great promotion team. I think some of the ideas are doable even if you have speaker anxiety. I totally understand, I'm the same way. I'm very shy too but one on one i do well. i taught adults for many years and i didnt get nervous about it. It's weird.

I think these options are good for people like us:

-- a small bookstore in a town, sounds easy and you are excited.

-- YouTube shorts, you can reach a lot of viewers and you wouldn't get in front of people... just you and your Camara crew. A lot of people watch YouTube

--Potcasts is the same as YouTube, it's just you and your team and you can reach about of people.

These are my recommendations... I know you will make the right decision that suit you best.

Gypsy :)


 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    I will always do the book signings. I have no issue with them. I am serious considering the shorts. The others I might pause on until I get more comfortable. At least that's where I'm at right now. Thank you for the support. I'll check on the tracking for your book.
Comment from jim vecchio
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Great commentary, but found one small error: 3rd paragraph: "attended". I'll never have your problems. I took a few of my stories which got many stars and "best evers", made a book of it, submitted it for a seal of quality, and was told it wasn't good enough. So rejoice in your rewards for great writing.

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    You're writing is very good. I tried for the quality seal a few times and was turned down too. Those novels are published. I don't mess with it anymore. Thank you for the support.
Comment from judiverse
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Having your book selected for a book club is a great idea. Often if they read one from an author they like, they'll want to read more. I think you should at least try some of those suggestions. I'm assuming the talk shows would be on the local stations, and they're not likely to be too long. Unfortunately, that's part of the process if you want to sell books. Why not try a few and see how it goes before you commit to too many? It's bound to get easier the more you do. Imagine yourself as Mary Higgins Clark and wear something powerful! Go for it! It's not like you'll be doing tours across the country. My own experience with local TV is limited, but the hosts do their best to make you feel at ease and will help you out. Best of luck. Go for it! Note: Second sentence, use authors, not author's. judi

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    Thank you for the catch. I'm leaning towards the shorts, then maybe go from there. I appreciate your support.
Comment from mermaids
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I would say do only what you feel comfortable doing. The book signings sound reasonable but youtube and podcasts are another story. If you do decide to do the youtube and podcasts, you could practice in front of friends. I would think everything through and do what you want to do. Best wishes.

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    Thank you for the suggestions and the support. I know God will guide me. I am thinking of continuing with the book signing and maybe the shorts, since my publisher will be doing the graphics. Maybe I could say a sentence or two. LOL
Comment from BethShelby
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It sounds like your novels are doing well, but I would have the same misgivings as you. I write because It is relaxing and fun and I don't need the money, and I sure don't need the pressure, but I'm older than you. I'm not sure how I would have felt at seventy. The Utube shorts doesn't seem like a lot of pressure and it could certainly make the books you've written sell and wouldn't necessarily put a lot of pressure on you. The pod casts for me wouldn't be something I'd not want to do. Maybe you could do the shorts and then deside if you want to take it further. Pressure for me would take away the pleasure.

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    I was thinking the same thing. I don't want to do the interviews or the podcasts. I think I could do the shorts and be comfortable. That's the way I'm leaning. Thank you. We don't need the money either.
Comment from Teri7
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Barbara, I am 68 years old now and I don't jump into many things these days without a lot of consideration and prayer. I do wish you the very best with what you decide to do my friend! I will keep you in my prayers! love and blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    Thank you for your prayers. I know God will give me the answers I'm seeking.
reply by Teri7 on 28-Aug-2024
    You are so welcome!!!
Comment from Begin Again
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Just imagine being in front of first grade students (or some would have said imagine the crowd in their underwear) but for you I pick students...a place where you feel great and comfortable...then talk to them like you are taking them on an adventure...one that's in your book.

You can do this Barbara. I have faith in you! But only do it if YOU want to do it. If you are happy just writing, then do that! But if you want to join the status of Sandra Brown, James Patterson, or whoever you admire for mystery and crime, then give it your all.

It's your dream and you should live it...but only as you see it. I offered to fail speech class if my teacher would just let me sit there and not talk... of course, that didn't fly. He finally send me on a field trip (to a juvenile detention center) when I came back, I couldn't stop talking about it.

Get inside that book and become the character...Tell them how it is.

What ever you decide, Barbara, I am behind you 100%. Good luck and I'll chill the champagne to celebrate.
Smiles and hugs, Carol

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 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    Thank you for the support. I know God will lead my way.
reply by Begin Again on 28-Aug-2024
    He will and you'll find the answer in your heart.
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    I know. I can always can on you for support. I appreciate you. HUGS!!!
reply by Begin Again on 28-Aug-2024
    thanks...it's a two way street.
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    HUGS!!
reply by Begin Again on 28-Aug-2024
    By the way, I am open to suggestions for Eleanor if I decide we need another book. All ideas are appreciated.
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    As long as Matthew and Garth are in it too, I'll read anything.
Comment from estory
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I say go for it. This is a chance to get much more exposure, and that's hard to come by. Any support from the publisher you should accept. It's hard to overcome shyness and there is the aspect of committment here, but in the end, to have your books gain a wider audience, some sacrifices have to be made. Stay focused on the books. Talk about the books, and I think your passion for them will come out and you will be OK. I will probably have to go through the same things, but I am trying to find them exciting. That's how you have to feel about it. estory

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 Comment Written 28-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
    Thank you. I do appreciate the advice. One thing I didn't mention, but IF my books take off, I'm not sure how my husband would respond. A few times, during our marriage when my career took off, he didn't handle it well, me making more money and things. His ego was hurt. I need to think about that.