The text featured below is the transcription of the video above.
It’s a new year but time is already running out.
I took a break last week because of the New Year and also because of health issues I had to address.
Topic of the day: Facing Reality
1. This week I started individually reaching out to authors I’m interested in interviewing on one of my podcasts. Some of these are authors I’ve known for a while. Some of them are new acquaintances. Some of them are authors I know, but they don’t know me and they have much bigger followings than I do. So, that’s the reality I’m facing this week. Some authors are just not going to be interested in being on my podcast.
2. I’m facing reality for two reasons. I don’t want to discourage myself, so I’ll be looking to the bright side of reality as well as being realistic about my prospects.
So, yes, I have a small following, but a person’s social media following isn’t the reflection of reach that it used to be. I personally know of several people and or organizations with quite a bit of influence, but their social media is relatively small.
I was very fortunate with the first two seasons of the Read Local and Read All Over Shows to already have had a chance to interview some of my favorite authors. I can’t be too upset if other authors I admire just aren’t up for it.
Lastly, I’m not famous, but I’ve been doing this for a while. I’ve given talks at libraries, vended at local cons and book fairs, and have even been a guest speaker. Plus, I’m a fan of books and authors. If that by itself isn’t enough for another author to give me the time of day, well then, it just wasn’t meant to be, and I’m ok with that.
3. This is a give and take world, and not matter how good my intentions may be, if I’m not doing the necessary work to build an audience, I can expect people miraculously be interested in what I’m putting out into the world. Though I’ve been part of the writing, author, and bookish community for at least two decades, in the last five years, I haven’t been that active. I’ve had, and continue to have, health issues that prohibit me from doing all the things I’d like to do. This goes beyond finding time to write and release new works, this comes down to visiting other content creators and engaging with them- liking, commenting, sharing- you know, the things that show you’re truly connecting. With that said, I’m moving forward. Each day I will do the best I can and be proud of whatever I’m able to accomplish.
Question: Is there a harsh reality you’re having to face right now? I’d love to hear about it and offer encouragement.
If you, or someone you know, is an author or aspiring writer interested in being featured on a podcast, please click my Be Featured links on social media to learn more.
Until next time, stay safe, keep reading, and be blessed.
Credits
Lit Carnivale Season 1, Episode 9.
Staring Toi Thomas.
Featuring no one else at this time.
Topics Discussed: Facing Reality and Encouraging Oneself
Produced by Toi Thomas in association with The ToiBox of Words and Lit Carnivale.
Directed by Toinette “Toi” Thomas.
Thanks again to the Lit Carnivale Community at Substack, YouTube, and wherever you can hear this podcast.
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