I have a new favorite pastime: I’m reading and recording my own stories to share with my ever-growing YouTube community. Indeed, the endeavor has been akin to a constant companion these past few months. In this digital age, the way we tell and consume stories continues to evolve, and so has my approach to sharing my work.
The Importance of Content Creation
In the realm of YouTube, content is king. The sustainability of any channel hinges on consistently providing engaging, quality content. For me, this means delving into the world of audio storytelling. It’s a way to breathe new life into my work, giving my audience a fresh way to experience the romance and intrigue of the Regency era.
Navigating Financial Realities
The dream, of course, is to have professional narrators bring my stories to life in audiobook form. However, the reality is that the combined upfront costs for such an endeavor can be steep – upwards of $45,000 by my calculation in late 2023 to produce my backlist of books. My plan remains to invest a portion of my YouTube proceeds into professional narrations. This goal has not wavered, but the path to achieving it is a marathon, not a sprint.
The DIY Approach: A Labor of Perseverance
In the interim, the most viable option to grow my channel and continue providing content is to take on the task myself – reading and recording my stories. It’s a daunting challenge. Over the past couple of months, I’ve embarked on this arduous task, learning and growing with each recorded word.
The process is lengthy and demanding. It involves not just reading, but also mastering the technical aspects of recording and editing to ensure that the final product is something that I am contented to share and that you, my listeners, will enjoy.
Looking Ahead
I cannot recall how many times I have recorded, discarded, and re-recorded the chapters in my current project. In the same vein, I have lost track of the number of times I have asked myself why I am doing this again. But then I remind myself about the 10,000 hours rule, a popular concept which suggests that it takes approximately that amount of deliberate practice to achieve mastery in a field or skill.
Indeed, this journey is far from over. There’s a lengthy path ahead, filled with stories waiting to be told, characters waiting to come alive through my voice. I’m dedicated to this endeavor, understanding that each step brings me closer to realizing my dream of offering professionally narrated audiobooks.
A Sneak Preview
I’m thrilled to share that the first chapter of Abounds with Gaieties, my current recorded narration work-in-progress, is now available for your listening pleasure.
Win a Holiday Treat!
As a token of my appreciation for your support, I’m excited to announce a special giveaway!
Leave a comment below and you’ll have the chance to win an eBook edition of my newest holiday novella, Abounds with Gaieties. This festive tale is sure to immerse you in the spirit of the season.
One lucky winner will be chosen to receive this delightful read. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a touch of holiday cheer to your collection. The giveaway contest ends on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
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