THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE HELM TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!
Are you one of the millions of people in the world who do not like reading, but love listening? Someone who seeks information, but doesn’t enjoy getting it from a book? Maybe you are one of the growing numbers of people who listen to books anywhere at any time…while driving, cooking, walking, or exercising. One in five of us are now listening to recordings of books.
As of January 2021, there are over 1,750,000 podcasts in this world. 36% of Canadians and 50% of Americans are podcast fans. Why and how would someone like me, a brain tumour survivor, venture into the world of podcast hosting?
“Taking the Helm” came to fruition after I was challenged by internationally recognized speaker, Michael Angelo Carusso. About to graduate from Michael’s “Present Like a Pro” course, he asked me to host an interview with him. Imagine how I felt at the time! With great trepidation, I accepted Michael’s challenge and thank him today for pushing me in this direction.
In the beginning, I became increasingly worried about remembering the next question and could not be engaged in the conversations. With valid concerns about my memory, I always had notes for reference, and still do. Now, no interview happens without a “get to know you” call and a great deal of advance research on my guest. Those notes no longer drive the interview. I now allow myself to refer to them without apology, bumble over some words, and sometimes repeat myself. It is what it is. I am who I am.
This podcast has impacted many people’s lives in a positive way. By giving guests a platform to share their own stories, they in turn empower us to take action in our own lives.
One year later, “Taking the Helm” now launches a new interview every Wednesday. Our courageous guests have each endured a crisis, tragedy, or challenge in their personal or business lives. Yet, they have opened new doors and are sharing their journeys to help others make conscious and positive choices. Entrepreneurs as well have disclosed their strategies of collaboration, marketing, and promotion. There’s something for everyone!
In celebration of these remarkable people, we’ve captured many of their quotes in two Youtube short videos. I thank each one of our guests for so passionately sharing their experiences and making a difference in the lives of others.
Most podcasts today are only provided in audio. Taking the Helm is published every week in audio and video, as you can see above. Look for a new podcast episode every Wednesday on my Youtube channel and on most podcast apps. You can also search the archives of all interviews on my website. Perhaps one of our previous guests can help you make the change in your life you’ve been looking for.
Thank you to you, our listeners and viewers as well as our sponsors who continue to make this podcast possible.
Why an Audiobook?
Are you one of the millions of people in the world who do not like reading, but love listening? Someone who seeks information, but doesn’t enjoy getting it from a book? Maybe you are one of the growing numbers of people who listen to books anywhere at any time…while driving, cooking, walking, or exercising. One in five of us are now listening to recordings of books.
Are you one of the millions of people in the world who do not like reading, but love listening? Someone who seeks information, but doesn’t enjoy getting it from a book? Maybe you are one of the growing numbers of people who listen to books anywhere at any time…while driving, cooking, walking, or exercising. One in five of us are now listening to recordings of books.
As an author, do you want your book in the hands of as many people as possible? My purpose in writing Jackson is to drive conversations about mental illness, the struggles of families, of love, and hope. If those discussions happen as the results of an audiobook, why not make that available?
If you are listening to audiobooks, you learn to appreciate and seek out the highest quality. Some authors will choose to create or produce the audiobook themselves. I simply don’t have the expertise, equipment, or talent to do so. There are several options and after a great deal of research, I discovered Marnye Young who is a multi-award-winning narrator and recognized by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Marnye had narrated my first book in 2017 and is now the owner of Audio Sorceress, which has a Canadian branch. Almost immediately, I was screening the narrators for the two main characters of Jackson and June. The choice was exciting and not at all easy, with so much Canadian talent, but Jeremy Thomas Gilmer and Nancy Petersen stepped into the roles and began production. They immediately immerse us into the lives of a mother and son who find themselves wandering through the constantly evolving landscape of acute and chronic mental health. The official release is on the horizon!
Audiobooks continue to increase in popularity with a 16% rise in market sales last year which, “Continues an eight-year trend in double-digit revenue growth”. There are countless reasons for this, and perhaps our busy lifestyle is one of them. Regardless, audiobooks provide a convenient alternative where we can lose ourselves in someone else’s story, perhaps while also exploring a trail, preparing a meal or simply enjoying a pajama day!
Eight Weeks Before Your Book Launch ... There's So Much To Do!
Planning for your book launch actually starts at least three months ahead of time. Some begin six months in advance! Through my own experience, collaboration with other authors, and hundreds of hours of research, I’m sharing proven strategies on how I am preparing for the launch of my next book, “Jackson”. I know it is going to change the lives of many!
You want a day of celebration like no other. You've been writing for weeks, maybe even years and it’s time to bring your dream to fruition. How will your book find it’s way into the hands of as many readers as possible around the world? It’s your story! It’s time to plan all of the details leading to the day that you have dreamt about.
Planning for your book launch actually starts at least three months ahead of time. Some authors and publishers begin six months in advance! Through my own experience, collaboration with other authors, and hundreds of hours of research, I’m sharing proven strategies on how I am preparing for the launch of my next book, “Jackson” which is very different than what I have written in the past. I know it is going to change the lives of many. It already has!
Writing a book description has a strategy in itself. What do you think of this one? I’d love your input!
Jackson’s battle to take control over his own mind and life portrays what millions of people are fighting with around the world – mental illness. His mother, desperate to free him from his demons and desperation, faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save her son, through love and hope. After countless emotional and heartbreaking moments, June and her son must both accept that only Jackson can save himself.
For the next eight weeks, follow me on my YouTube page for an update every Friday. Each week I have action items, some of them very large and time consuming. Have you chosen your keywords and categories? Is your website ready to go? Who will be on your launch team?
You won’t believe how many ways a book launch can happen, even virtually! I’m exploring any and all options because too many people are struggling to be mentally well, more so than ever during this pandemic. “Jackson” will make a powerful impact on parents, those fighting mental illness themselves and those who are seeking to understand.
There is so much to do I can’t sleep at night!
Aspiring Author? Unsure of Your Next Step? It’s Time to Publish!
There are many tricks of the trade leading to publishing, distribution and promotion. What I offer to aspiring authors is second to none. Time To Publish is a four part series and most importantly, personal and interactive which is why I limit each session to no more than 5 people. It’s driven by your goals, not mine. Do you want to save money and time while gaining knowledge without incessantly searching google and YouTube? Contact me for a free consultation. The next series begins August 12th! You won’t regret it.
Are you a writer and hoping to publish but you have no idea where to start? My writing sat on a shelf for almost two years. When I knew I wanted to publish and started to look at options, complicated is the adjective that comes to mind! As a new author in 2017, I was taken aback about how much I did not know. Write, edit and publish a book - shouldn’t it have been that easy? How naive I was!
Four publishing options? How do we decide which one to take? That momentous decision is only one step as we continue to write. I chose to follow the Indie route and hired a consulting company for my first book. It was one of the best decisions I made. Experts were made available to me at each phase of the process, from editing to cover design and publication. Their knowledge and experience guided me as I learned how to navigate this new world. Did I make mistakes? Most certainly, but isn’t that how we all learn?
For my current book, I’ve selected a form of hybrid publishing (there are many different options within this publishing path alone). Beta readers are giving me honest feedback for the final formal edit. The public cover reveal of “Jackson” is on the horizon. It’s a very exciting time for authors - our launch day is within reach! But getting there doesn’t happen overnight. It’ a process.
It’s time to start planning the pre-sale, launch and book signing events. but what does that look like in a pandemic? There are countless options, some quite unique. We’ve all had to find solutions to problems we never imagined possible a few months ago.
There are many tricks of the trade leading to publishing, distribution and promotion. What I offer to aspiring authors is second to none. Time To Publish is a four part series and most importantly, personal and interactive which is why I limit each session to no more than 5 people. It’s driven by your goals, not mine. Save money and time while gaining knowledge and tools. Time to Publish also includes the complete course presentation slides with links to resources, access to Lynn between sessions, a Certificate of Completion as well as a Freedom Writer’s Pledge badge for social media sites. Immediately following the last module, you will be invited to join our exclusive, private Facebook group, a community of writers. Contact me for a free consultation. The next series begins Wednesday, August 12th! You won’t regret it.
“I’m sorry to tell you…”
It was July 13th, 2013, a day that will be forever ingrained in my memory. I was sent to the emergency department immediately following an MRI. Alone, l heard the terrifying words, “I’m sorry to tell you…you have a brain tumour”. A mother of three teenage children at the time, It almost ended my life. I am passionate about helping others not make the same mistakes I did during that year of my life. Crises come to us in many ways. How can we be empowered to survive and find our “new normal”?
It’s Brain Tumour Awareness Month in Canada. Let’s join together to raise awareness!
It was July 13th, 2013, a day that will be forever ingrained in my memory. I was sent to the emergency department immediately following an MRI. Alone, l heard the terrifying words, “I’m sorry to tell you…you have a brain tumour”. A mother of three teenage children at the time, it almost ended my life. I am passionate about helping others not make the same mistakes I did during that year of my life. Crises come to us in many ways. How can we be empowered to survive and find our “new normal”?
It’s Brain Tumour Awareness Month in Canada. Let’s join together to raise awareness!
This is a list of common symptoms which, alone or combined, can be caused by a brain tumour (malignant or non-malignant). If you, or someone you know is experiencing any of them, consult a doctor. I ignored them for too long!
Behavioural changes
Cognitive changes
Dizziness or unsteadiness
Double or blurred vision
Frequent headaches
Hearing impairment
Morning nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Weakness or paralysis
Free resources can be ordered by mail from the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and supports are available for both patients and caregivers. Youtube also has webinars on a host of topics. There are over 120 different types of brain tumours, making treatment complex.
Although as many as 60% of children with brain tumours will survive, they are often left with long term side effects.
In May 2019 the Brain Tumour Registry of Canada was launched with the goal of collecting data on every malignant and non-malignant brain tumour in Canada. The first Canadian Survival Report is now available with excellent information which will drive research. The Foundation is committed to research that is changing treatment options and improving the quality of life for patients.
Every day 27 Canadians hear the same shocking words I did almost 7 years ago. On Saturday, June 27th Canadians from coast to coast will join together for our virtual community walks. My team, “The Tumour Raiders” is only one of hundreds across Canada.
“Turn May Grey ” has interesting meaning this year with hair salons closed. Many of us certainly are, in a way we never predicted! There are many ways to support: join or sponsor a team or individual for the walk in June, make a donation, share this information to raise awareness or cheer us on!