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!