Author Toolbox Blog Hop: Soundcloud to Record Your Blog, #AuthorToolboxBlogHop

 

#AuthorToolboxBlogHop

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog and to the Author Toolbox Blog Hop #AuthorToolboxBlogHop which meets every third Wednesday of the month to share resources and tips for authors. Thanks to Raimey Gallant for hosting this venture. 

Please join us to learn more about the craft of writing and to meet bloggers who are dedicated to helping each other become the best writers possible. Click here to visit other blog hop participants.

Use Soundcloud to Record Your Blog Posts

All the blogging experts agree video is the "in" thing to have on your blog to keep viewers on your page. Podcasts are certainly popular too. Part of the reason is people need a break from screen time. Another reason is a lot of time is spent waiting for the kids while they practice soccer, football, sports. How about those long lines waiting to vote??? Don't forget all the lengthy times you have been in the doctor/dentist's office and twiddled your thumbs while stuck in traffic. Entertaining podcasts make the time pass more quickly while waiting.

Today you can add a tool to your toolbox for recording your blog and sharing it. You don't even have to be a podcaster to do it. This may help garner more eyes (or ears in this case) on your blog posts. (Podcasters use this tool too.)

I experimented using Soundcloud to record my blog. The blog is written on the page with photos and links as usual, but before the actual post, I share a link to the recorded blog post for those who prefer to listen to it perhaps due to sight problems or, again, they are waiting in their car for their kids, etc.

Click the link below to listen to a recording of one of my blogs.

Pink Flamingo Day Blog Post Recording

Flamingos on the first book cover of Sunshine Boulevard, a novella

The recording is about a rarely celebrated holiday, Pink Flamingo Day. You'll discover how it came about and why I love flamingos in this 3-minute recording made with Soundcloud.

Click here to listen. 

Check out Youtube for several videos on how to make your recordings. You can also use these in emails, newsletters and social media. There is a learning curve, but it's worth it especially if you don't want to appear on camera. 

Click here to check out this video about how to record using Soundcloud.

Conclusion: I did several recordings of my blog posts with spotty results. One received 25 views, while others only 3 or less! It's all about content, just like everything else. If you have the content and keywords to make readers aware of your blog, then you will have success.

I confess recording is time-consuming. I have not used Soundcloud for a few years, yes, years, but after writing this post, I am inspired to try it again....once I get a couple of projects out of the way.

Terror on Sunshine Boulevard

Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed?
Investigating mysterious murders?
These are not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.

NO alligators! (Listen to the recording to find out about this comment. LOL)

BWL Publishing released Sunshine Boulevard, but it was a revised and expanded edition. Cover artist Michele Lee came up with a book cover that portrays the terror and mystery in the new novel, Terror on  Sunshine Boulevard, a scary read for Halloween.

Click here to download this scary read, perfect for this month, at your favorite digital bookseller.

Do you listen to podcasts? Want to share your favorites? Do you record your blog or have you ever thought of doing so? Please leave a comment. I look forward to reading your answers.

Thanks for visiting.  Click here to visit other blog hop participants.

The Rose Courier will be delivered this Friday--Lots of news!!

 

The Rose Courier October 2020

Hi Gang, I'm on the road again to Florida. Taking some time off, but I wanted to remind you that the Rose Courier will be going out on Friday morning. I hope you're signed up to get the monthly edition in your inbox. There's LOTS of news in it this month. 

There's still time to get your name in and receive the newsletter. Click here to sign up.

🌞I'll be back online next week, probably tanned and gorgeous thanks to sunny Florida! 🌞

 Not! LOL

🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

This is more like me in the picture below, but perfect for Halloween!!!

JQ Rose, the Witch--it's a costume!

Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop: Let's Compare a Working Writer to a Hobbyist

 

Hello and Welcome to the Focused on Story Blog AND the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

Always on the first Wednesday of the month.

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. To find out more, click this link:  Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. Click here to sign-up to join.

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Question of the Month

Question of the month

October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

When I think of the term working writer, I believe it means writing is the job of making an income to feed the family and pay the bills. I am not in that category. 

I am a hybrid author of fiction and non-fiction books and a journalist with articles in magazines, newspapers and online magazines). So I don't believe I am an aspiring author. 

That leaves hobbyist, but that sounds like I'm not serious about writing. I am. I love the craft of writing and I try to offer readers a good experience when reading my stories or articles. I want them engaged, informed, entertained and thinking about a message I may have snuck in there. Alright, I think all writers have a message for readers, but sometimes are not aware until the book is written that they really did have a message.

Perhaps another way to define a hobbyist is that I spend more money on writing than I do on making money from my writing. I think everyone knows hobbies are expensive--look at what you need for golfing, sewing, running, baking, cars. They all cost money. This defines me! 

Musing about what to write.

One more way to define hobbyist is a life-long learner. As writers, we learn something new just about every day--new words, new programs, new updates to computers, new friends, new ways to market, social media opportunities, etc. I bet you could add a lot to this list too of all the new things you have added to your writing journey. It sure keeps life interesting to have writing as a hobby, aspiring author, or a working writer!

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 Stay-Up-To-Date with J.Q. Rose--articles, news, prizes, sneak peeks, guest authors and books.

Click here to get the October issue of the Rose Courier delivered to your inbox once a month.

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Thank you for stopping here at the Focused on Story Blog with JQ Rose.

Click here to visit more participating bloggers!