Podcasts And Authors -- How They Help!
Well, it's getting hot here in old North Carolina. Three days of almost 100 degree-weather! So, I stay indoors and write. Any excuse to write -- rain, snow, heat, or relatives, I stay indoors and away fron them all! 
Did I say that out loud? Oops! Probably really shouldn't have said that last about my "relatives," but it is all relative, if you get my drift.
Anyway, I just wanted to mention that I recently was offered the chance to record one of my own stories, for Aberrant Dreams Magazine. This was a heck of a chance for me, because I've never tried anything before like this in my life. Oh -- I've had the odd readings here and there, and they always strike terror into my heart, but recording, oddly, is even worse! When that microphone goes on -- I freeze!!! Yeah, I really do. But the good news is, if you have a decent computer recording software package, you can just back up and fix any and all mistakes. So, I managed to record Without Omens, a short story I had published last year at Aberrant Dreams Magazine. Although a harrowing experience, and time consuming for a beginner like me, it was exciting!
Now, why am I excited about a podcast, other than it being my first, of course? Well, it gives me more exposure. It allows lots of readers to actually hear me, and thus get to know me better, and how I really feel about my story. Lots of professional readers may do a better job than I would, overall, of reading aloud my story, but only I can give it the inflections, the stresses at certain points that I had in mind when I wrote it. Only I can give it the appropriate tone, or atmosphere in how I read it. With my story, the mood was meant, deliberately, to be overall a dreary one, a sad one, and one of a growing dread, and fear. I think I managed this, at least to some good measure. So, I'm happy with my podcast (hope the editor is now, too, because I just mailed it to him), and I think it will help further my career.
And, that's what other aspiring authors should consider when debating whether or not to do a podcast. You, as a writer, can get your work out there as writing, but it never hurts to also have it done in your own voice. Like radio of old, it helps more people to hear your work and not just have to read it. That's a big factor. Fewer people are reading nowadays. They want their entertainment prepackaged. So, on their way to work, they listen to talk shows, music, and/or audio books. Podcasts from you can also be a part of this. People at home often don't have time to sit still and read, but with a story audio CD popped into the stereo, they can move about the house, do their chores, and still get pretty much the same results as if they consumed valuable time just sitting and reading. Is reading a book a great experience? You betcha! I love settling down on rainy days, and even sunny ones, and reading a good story. Preferably, with a snack and some sort of drink nearby me. But time, or the lack of it, is a big factor in all our lives, and it is one we must inevitably deal with to varying degrees, depending on our personal circumstances. And think about it -- even people with children can play audio stories. Not only can the adults listen, but so can the kids. What a great way to introduce the next generation to your work!
So, not only does podcasting expand your usual "readership" as it were, but it expands it to those who might not ever have bothered or have time to pick up a book and read it. You will play to a much larger audience. You will have the opportunity to thus increase your name recognition, your work to a greater cross-section of the populace. And, you can have a lot of fun doing it. Who knows, you might even make a career of it. You may even inspire more people to try turning to reading. Who knows? I honestly can't see any negatives with regard to this whole scenario. At the very least, orders for magazines with your stories in it might go up, thus making you more in demand. You may even sell more novels. You might get offers for doing readings, for money!
I think we've all heard excerpts on news broadcasts, at least, of J.K. Rowling reading from her Harry Potter books. And having heard her and her abilities, I'm betting most of us can do just as well at reading aloud as she can! And that's a fact. Now, if we could just make her kind of money... oh, well! Yeah, what can I say -- I want it all!!!!
