I have realized (for quite some time) that I have been at an impasse with my writing endeavors. I can see the end vision in full color and in vivid detail, but I find myself stumbling and stopping (often) in the process to get there. I’d like to feel as though each step takes me closer to this vision, but sometimes I am not even sure where to take even a tiny step.
Sometimes as writers we hold our words too close to our heart, afraid of rejection and being misunderstood. Sometimes we’re even afraid of success.
Even though our books may be born of our own imaginations and hard work, we write them to be read and heard. I have been thinking a lot about the “heard” book, or the audio book, for some time. I have ethical issues with the standard print choices for indie writers, and this includes the environmental impact. Lots of excuses hold me back from production and distribution. I want to make money for my work, but at what cost?
Which brings me circling back to why I write, and in particular why I am writing this middle grade series I’ve called Warriors of Light. In essence, I want to spark belonging in those who read or hear my written words. I want my audience to find a sense of home in this labyrinthian adventure I have created.
So, I have been thinking about ways to read my book with minimal cost investments. I’d love to hear your ideas…
The woman who cuts my hair suggested I read chapters on YouTube, and perhaps combine the audio with tranquil images. It’s something I have also thought of, so it’s got me wondering…Ideally I’d love to have moving graphics related to the chapters, and present them as “bedtime” stories for kids, teens, and adults. Really, for anyone old enough to find a home inside the words.
But, I also realize that my vision is often grander than my means. How to take those small steps and still feel like the product is good enough?
Has anyone thought about doing something similar with their writing, or have thoughts about how to offer “free” readings of their books and make them widely accessible?
Thoughts and advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
The Light Behind the Story 
I have no experience with making videos or podcasts. Both seem like good ideas. It would seem podcasts would be a simpler task if you’re willing to forgo the visual for now. And you could make a couple of test YouTube videos, reading your books.
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Thank you, Brad. I am pretty open to trying anything. Not sure I want to start my own podcast but I have enjoyed going on other people’s.
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You have a grand idea, Alethea! For the trailer of my book, I used PowerPoint to have several slides, then created animation and transition. I inserted music, then exported it to mp4, and uploaded it to YouTube. The next step would be distribution. I don’t know how to do that.
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Thank you, Miriam. You are helping to inspire me!
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It’s time consuming but not difficult, Alethea! You can record your reading, then time the music and the transitions for the slides. I used free music for my book trailer.
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A friend took me to a recording studio a long time ago and I read parts of my memoir. I used that audio file to make a book trailer. Reading an entire book? That would be expensive, I think.
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I think it does tend to get expensive if done professionally…
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I’d love to hear you read tranquil bedtime stories on youtube. Moving graphics would be nice, but it would be personal to show the picture from the book, too and maybe some photos. You could take a look at what others have done and see what you like. Good wishes!
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Thank you, JoAnna! Some of my friend suggested I show the characters from the book as well. I have head cartoon-like images of them, as well as a map of the setting and the image of the labyrinth. Another friend suggested, like you, interspersing them with relevant photos and using iMovie to integrate them with the narrative. This will take a little figuring out, but it sounds doable. 🙂
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Good ideas! One step at a time. 🙂
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Foud this: https://deepzen.io/portal-bowker/
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Thank you, Lara. I think I’d prefer to narrate my books over using an AI narrator, but an interesting turn the industry is taking…
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