Writing books is one thing. Marketing books is a whole different genre.

Promoting my books has provided me with plenty of opportunities (in other words, forced me) to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. That’s how I found myselfyesterday reading aloud from Martha the Hairpreneur for Indie Reads Aloud, A Storytelling Podcast. Diana Plopa has created this venue to give indie authors an opportunity to reach new audiences. The emphasis is on telling the story, not on promoting the book.

I’ve read aloud many times, of course, but reading when you know you’re being recorded is another matter altogether. Luckily, Diana made it very easy. I practiced the chapters I would read aloud every day for a week ahead. I wanted just the right intonation and rhythm. We connected on a Zoom call. I came prepared with my pages bookmarked and my glass of water nearby. Diana was very calm and matter of fact. We chatted for a few minutes, and then she stepped out of the way, and I started to read. The words came out of my mouth pretty much the same as I’d practiced. The technology behaved itself, and before I knew it, 30 minutes had gone by, and I had recorded my first podcast. The reading won’t appear on the website until July 27. Meanwhile, I plan to listen to the others indie authors available there. Here’s the info so you can listen too.  http://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-podcast.html, and I’ll go back to my comfort zone until the next “opportunity” arises.