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CELEBRATING WRITE WITH FEY: GUEST POST BY CHRYS FEY AND GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Everyone! I'm excited to have Chrys Fey here to share about her new book for writers, WRITE WITH FEY: 10 SPARKS TO INSPIRE YOU FROM IDEA TO PUBLICATION. It sounds like a great resource for writers. I learned a ton from Chrys' guest post.

Here's a blurb about Chrys' new book from Goodreads:

Catch the sparks you need to write, edit, publish, and market your book!

Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication offers an abundance of data in one handy book. From writing your novel to prepping for publication and beyond, you’ll find sparks on every page, including 100 bonus marketing tips. You’ll also discover how to write specific scenes and characters, adding depth to your work.

•Spark One: Being a Writer
•Spark Two: Story Essentials
•Spark Three: A Book’s Stepping Stones
•Spark Four: How To
•Spark Five: Character ER
•Spark Six: Editing
•Spark Seven: Publishing
•Spark Eight: Marketing
•Spark Nine: Writing About
•Spark Ten: Final Inspiration
With so much information, you’ll take notes, highlight, and flag pages to come back to again and again on your writing journey.

Now here's Chrys!


10 Things You Can Do on Your Author YouTube Channel


If you feel comfortable recording yourself and sharing videos, YouTube is something you can look in to. Actually, I set up my YouTube channel to help me prepare for a live interview on YouTube I agreed to, as well as a radio interview. And both of those I signed up for to prepare myself for a speaking engagement I had lined up in the following year.

I never thought I’d have a YouTube channel or that I’d enjoy posting videos of myself, but I do. In the beginning, I experienced pretty bad jitters while recording my videos. My voice would shake, my heart would pound, I’d sweat. I’d have to stop the recording and re-do it a few times before my body and mind calmed down. By the end of the final video, I’d laugh at myself. After all, I’m only talking to myself when I’m recording. That shouldn’t cause me so much anxiety, and yet, it did. Probably because I knew I’d be posting them later.

When I started, I’d record 2-3 videos a day. The first one would always be the hardest. I’d start nervous, but I knew I would, so I gave myself permission to stop and start over until I wasn’t as nervous anymore.

Now, I enjoy it. That’s coming from someone who is an introvert, so if I can do it, you can do it. You just have to keep at it until you get to that place where you’re comfortable.

Creating videos helped me to build my confidence, and it can do the same for you.

Whether you have a YouTube Channel already or are thinking about getting one, here are 10 things you can do on your YouTube Channel:

1. Readings
My first videos on YouTube were readings I did for Seismic Crimes and Tsunami Crimes. I sat down,
pushed record, talked about my series, and read an exciting scene. Yes, it took a few tries before I didn’t mess up, and I did start to get frustrated, but I am happy I completed them.
Recorded readings are a great thing to try if you’re scared about doing an in-person reading, too.
When you finish a video reading and upload it to YouTube, upload it to your Amazon Author Page, too. You should have one through Amazon’s author portal, and if you don’t, sign up for it ASAP.
After that, grab the YouTube URL for your video and use it to add that video to your Goodreads author page. These are the two main places you want your videos to be so readers can access them.

2. Share Tips
Create videos for writers/authors and share tips. Go in-depth on a certain topic and provide viewers with all of the knowledge you have. This is what I do on my YouTube Channel. I share sparks about publishing, marketing, and more. Just make sure you provide new or detailed information viewers can take away from your videos. Don’t discuss the same old things.

3. Book Reviews
Being an author, I bet you might be an avid reader, too. Did you just read a book you LOVED? Discuss it in a video. Gush about the characters, the prose, the plot. Or perhaps you read a book you didn’t care for, you can talk about it, too. Open a conversation so readers can contribute to your thoughts and voice their own options.

4. Answer Questions
Ask viewers/followers/readers what they want to know about you or your books. Record your answers and upload those videos. Make sure to share them to all of your social media outlets where your fans can find the link.

5. Interviews
Do you know authors? Set up your live channel through YouTube, find authors who you’d like to interview and ask them if they are interested in participating in a 30-minute interview. Then do a live interview with the author. You don’t have to go beyond your computer or laptop, and the author you interview doesn’t have to leave the comfort of his/her home. To do this, you’ll need to set up Live Streaming through YouTube.

6. Vlog
Use your YouTube channel as a blog, aka a vlog. Talk about your day, share your opinions, do what you would do for a blog post but create a video instead.

7. Tutorials
What are your skills? Is there something you know how to do that many people struggle with? Create a tutorial. If what you’re explaining how to do is online, show the steps you take to get from point A to point B by recording your computer screen. Make sure to add in audio, though, so viewers can hear you as well as see what you do.
Maybe you have a hobby that allows you to create instructional videos, do that. And if one of your characters does that hobby, or a book or series is about that hobby (consider Jennifer Chiaverini’s Elm Creek Quilts series), then these videos are great additions for your readers, who may enjoy that hobby as well.

8. Record Your Events
If you do a talk at a library or other event, have someone record your speech/discussion so you can later upload the video to your YouTube channel. This is great for people who can’t attend your event and don’t want to miss what you have to say.

9. Be a Fan
Are you a Walking Dead fan? A football fan? A Game of Thrones fan? Discuss a show’s episodes. Share your reactions when your favorite team wins or loses or when a character you love dies. Be a fan and connect to other fans.

10. Poetry Reading
Do you write poetry? Recite them. Put on a show for YouTube viewers as artists would for a poetry slam. Show your emotions and share your view through the power of words and rhythm. 

Try at least one of these ideas and then try another. You may find one you love and want to continue doing. And if you have a handful of videos for a specific feature or topic, you can make a Playlist on your channel and add those videos to it.
Get creative and think outside the box.
If you think something would make a fun, interesting, or informative video, then do it!

QUESTION: What else can an author do on their YouTube channel?


For more information like this check out:
Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication by Chrys Fey


BIO: Chrys Fey is the author of Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication. Catch the sparks you need to write, edit, publish, and market your book! From writing your novel to prepping for publication and beyond, you’ll find sparks on every page, including 100 bonus marketing tips. Fey is an editor for Dancing Lemur Press and runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s Goodreads book club. She is also the author of the Disaster Crimes series. Visit her blog, Write with Fey, for more tips. @ChrysFey www.ChrysFey.com

Thanks for all the advice, Chrys! You can enter into Chrys' Rafflecopter Giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's what's coming up:

Monday, June 25th I have a guest post by MG author Diane Magras and her agent Adriann Ranta Zurhellen with a query critique giveaway by Adriann and a book giveaway of THE MAD WOLF'S DAUGHTER by Diane

Wednesday, June 27th I have an agent spotlight interview and query critique giveaway with Colleen Oefelein

Friday, June 29th I'm participating in the I Couldn't Put It Down Giveaway Hop

Tuesday, July 3rd I have an interview with debut author Cindy Baldwin and a giveaway of her MG WHERE THE WATERMELONS GROW and my IWSG post

Monday, July 9th I have an interview with debut author Bree Barton and a giveaway of her YA HEART OF THORNS

Hope to see you on Monday!

47 comments:

nashvillecats2 said...

I have been a follower of Chrys for some time and your post only reflects without doubt what an excellent writer and person she is,

Yvonne.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Great ideas here, Chrys! I've made a few short forays into video, but haven't really figured out exactly what topics I should record on. Your thoughts helped! Thanks again and thanks for hosting Chrys, Natalie.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's a great list of ideas for YouTube videos. I wonder if I could do one in disguise?

Greg Pattridge said...

I have filmed YouTube videos for others, participating as the interviewer in the background. I never thought about doing my own but this post gives me some motivation. Thanks for the post.

Christine Rains said...

All excellent ideas for videos. I thought about having my son read an excerpt for me. I'm still too timid to go on camera.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

We've tried recording my seminars but the lighting is usually so bad it looks awful. We will be recording at least one session from Raleigh SuperCon and posting it though.

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you for you kind words, Yvonne!

Chrys Fey said...

You can dress up as a ninja, Alex! :)

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you, Elizabeth! I think your videos would be great and very well received. :)

Chrys Fey said...

I’m going to have my nephews read my mom’s children’s books because she wouldn’t want to be on camera. :)

Chrys Fey said...

I’m glad to give you some ideas and motivation, Greg. :)

Chrys Fey said...

I’d love to watch your seminars, Diane! :)

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you so much for having me on your blog to share this post, Natalie!

Patricia T. said...

What a great interview! Haven't thought about doing videos.

Computer Tutor said...

Congrats, Chrys! Loved the interview.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

A great post. I have Chrys's book. Looking forward to reading it. Videos are fun, but I'm nervous just thinking about doing one.

Suzanne Warr said...

Thanks for this, Natalie and Chrys! I've dabbled with videos and would enjoy exploring further. This inspires me to stop dreaming and do it!

DMS said...

Yay for Chrys! So exciting to see the tips here too. I plan to come back and read through them again. The post is chocked full of great advice. Thanks for sharing and best of luck to Chrys.
~Jess

Chrys Fey said...

Hi, Patricia! Thanks for visiting!

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you, Jacqui!

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you, Beverly! I was nervous, too, but with practice, I soon got the hang of it. :)

Chrys Fey said...

I'm so glad this post inspired you, Suzanne!

Chrys Fey said...

Hi, Jess! Thank you so much for commenting! I hope you tips spark many ideas. :)

Pat Hatt said...

Great tips indeed. Although if you delve into fanfare, just be ready to ignore the trolls, as they will probably show.

Sherry Ellis said...

These are all great ideas for what authors can post on YouTube. I've done trailers, and one author commentary on one of my picture books, but that's about it. Maybe I'll utilize some of your ideas.

Chrys Fey said...

That's very true. Trolls could pounce, but if you talk about something you love, you'll attract others who love it, too.

Chrys Fey said...

I haven't done trailers yet, but I want to. :)

Juneta key said...

Great post. Congratulations Chrys!

Nick Wilford said...

Some great tips here from Chrys! I haven't given much thought to this before, but it certainly sounds great for engaging with people.

Raimey Gallant said...

Chrys's book is jam-packed with advice. :)

emaginette said...

Great tips, Chrys. I find the ones I watch most are tutorials. Some were released years before and are very useful. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Yolanda Renée said...

What an exciting idea! Congratulations, Chrys!

Loni Townsend said...

Grats to Chrys! She's definitely got the skills for advice!

Jarm Del Boccio said...

These are very helpful tips, Chrys! I’m going to tuck them away for my debut. 😊

Jessica Lawson said...

Thanks for the post~ great tips!

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you, Raimey!

Chrys Fey said...

I try, Loni. Just passing on things I know and hoping others can use it. :)

Chrys Fey said...

I hope they help you, Jarm!

Chrys Fey said...

Thanks for commenting, Jessica!

Chrys Fey said...

Thanks, Yolanda!

Chrys Fey said...

Tutorials are very popular. Everyone goes to Google and YouTube to learn about something.

Chrys Fey said...

Thanks, Juneta!

Chrys Fey said...

It's a nice way to engage with others.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Chrys' book is really what writers want and need. Congrats to her on her book launch.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I hate making videos, but I can see how beneficial it would be to use it.

Angie Quantrell said...

Great ideas! Thanks for helping me CONSIDER recording videos for YouTube! LOL.

June McCrary Jacobs said...

I so enjoyed your guest post. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and expertise with us!