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.
51 responses to “10,000 Hours in the Making: My Alternative Storytelling Journey Underway”
Eager to hear this!
Wonderful! Thanks so much. I hope you’ll love it.
That’s so exciting! Thanks for sharing your stories with us.
It’s my pleasure! I appreciate your enthusiasm. Thank you!
What a brilliant idea have always enjoyed your books now hopefully lots of new folks will too.
Thank you, kimble61, so much for your kind words and support! It’s my hope that this new venture into audio storytelling will indeed introduce my tales to a broader audience. Stay tuned for more!
I enjoy your YouTube channel, but still also enjoy rereading many of your books I’ve bought on Amazon. Kudos to you and your massive undertaking!
Thank you for your kind words. I’m delighted to know you enjoy my YouTube channel. Growing my YouTube community is my highest priority for now. I appreciate your support!
Best wishes in achieving your goal! Thank you for sharing your stories.
You’re very welcome! Thanks for your kind, encouraging words.
I love holiday novellas, thank you for the giveaway and for all the work you are putting in sharing audio versions of your books.
It’s my pleasure. Thankfully, ‘Abounds with Gaieties’ is one of my favorite book babies. I’ve read it over ten times in the past few months alone while working on the narration. Despite this, I’m eagerly looking forward to starting on the next one. Thank you for all your support.
Thank you for the giveaway. I will definitely check out YouTube.
You’re welcome. Thanks for checking out my YouTube channel. I hope you’ll enjoy what’s in store.
I need a nap after just reading of your labors. I’d like to win a copy.
I never did succeed with whatever the offerings are with patreon. (?) And after Lauren died in September accounts were changed from joint accounts, so I think the payments stopped. . .just as my brain is continuing to shrink. Not that I’m trying to cease supporting you.
Hugs,
Betty
I am so sorry for your loss. Your support of me through the years during the good as well as the tough times means so much to me. You are forever in my thoughts. Take care!
Best wishes on achieving your goals! Thank you for sharing the audio versions of your books, and thanks for the chance to win an ebook!
Thank you for your warm wishes and support! It’s my pleasure to share the audio versions of my books, and I’m thrilled you’re excited about the ebook giveaway.
I’ve so enjoyed your other novels, high hopes for this one!
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for my novels! I hope you’ll enjoy this story just as much.
Hello, I love your stories and read them as soon as they are available for Kindle and have added many of them to my favorites list for reading again in the future.
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that you enjoy my stories and have added them to your favorites list. Your eagerness to read my work as soon as it’s available on Kindle is incredibly heartwarming and motivating for me. Thank you for your wonderful support!
Your books are a welcome escape to the genteel world of yesteryear.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It’s heartening to know that my books offer you a delightful escape to the genteel world of the past.
I always buy my ebooks so that I can revisit and reread them . Your books are a large chunk of my library and would love to add this one to that library. Thank you for the hours and hours of entertainment you have provided. Gloria Myers gkm@northstate.net.
I’m truly honored to know that my books hold a special place in your library and that you enjoy revisiting them. It’s a pleasure to provide you with many hours of entertainment, and I’m excited for you to add this new story to your collection. Thank you for your continued support and appreciation!
Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this story. Good luck with the release. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.
You’re very welcome and thank you for participating in the giveaway! I appreciate your kind wishes. Wishing you and everyone who celebrates a joyful and Merry Christmas as well!
Love reading your novels. My favorite still are the ones involving the little knight. However, all the others are great! Good luck in the future with all new releases. Thank you for keeping us readers enjoyed by your writings.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your favorites, the Darcy and the Young Knight’s Quest series! I’m thrilled to know you’ve enjoyed them and my other works. Your support and well-wishes for future releases mean a great deal to me, and I’m delighted to keep providing stories that captivate and entertain you.
Fantastic! So enjoy your stories. I’m a fan of the audiobooks and very excited you’ve crossed into this arena. The written word is best however, an audiobook is lovely for days when we need our hands AND eyes 😊. Your narration is wonderful! Thank you!
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic support! I’m thrilled to hear that you’re a fan of audiobooks and find them convenient for those busy days. I feel the same way; I can stay glued to my chair, getting things done at my desk for hours while listening to audiobooks. Your kind words about my narration are incredibly encouraging.
Wonderful! I would love to get one!!
Thanks! I’m glad you’re excited about the giveaway contest. I hope you’ll love the story.
Congratulations on taking the challenge of narration. I dont think my voice would not do well trying to do that. ~ Glory
Thank you so much! Taking on the challenge of narration has been an exciting and fulfilling journey, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring my stories to life in this way.
My family all loves audiobooks, but I have always preferred reading them myself so I can imagine the voices. I have been listening to your stories on YouTube when I drive and now I sit on the couch and listen instead of reading… my husband can’t believe I like audiobooks now! ☺️
That’s wonderful to hear! I’m delighted that my stories have become a part of your drives and now your relaxing time on the couch. It’s great that you’ve discovered a new enjoyment in audiobooks, and I hope they continue to provide you with delightful listening experiences!
Thanks for many hours of listening to great P&P stories 😀
I would love to win your new Christmas story <3
You’re very welcome, and I’m thrilled to know you’ve enjoyed the Pride and Prejudice variation stories! I hope Abounds with Gaieties brings you as much joy as the others have.
Thank you for continuing to create new content! I would love to read your Christmas story.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! It’s my pleasure to keep creating new content, and I’m thrilled you’re interested in reading Abounds with Gaieties. I hope you’ll love it.
I’ve enjoyed everything of yours I’ve read and would love to own your Christmas story!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for enjoying my work! I’m delighted to hear of your interest in owning Abounds with Gaieties. I hope this story brings extra joy to your holiday season!
I’m listening to your narration now; I think you’re well on your way! I’d like to read the rest of the story.
That’s fantastic to hear! I’m glad you’re enjoying the narration and thank you for the encouragement. The rest of the story awaits, and I hope you find it just as enjoyable! Happy listening and reading!
You do not only write wonderful books, you also have a wonderful warm voice. Loved to listen 🙂
Thank you so much for your heartwarming compliments! I’m truly touched to know that you enjoy both my writing and my voice. Your kind words inspire me to continue creating stories that you’ll love to listen to.
I loved it! Such a personable voice and can’t wait to hear more.
I’m thrilled to hear that you loved it! Thank you for your kind words about my voice – it means a lot to me. Stay tuned, there’s definitely more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
I’m thrilled to hear that you loved it! Thank you for your kind words about my voice – it means a lot to me. Stay tuned, there’s definitely more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with you!