
This week, I spent a few afternoons watching online workshops offered by the Creative Academy (CA), (the workshops are free by the way, although donations are appreciated), and I found some really helpful ones for authors.
I’ve been focusing on audio books and Amazon Ads lately, which has made the process seem less daunting than I originally thought. All of CA’s workshops are archived (many come with handouts and useful links) to view anytime, so if you’re looking for something to do during your Christmas break, this is a perfect opportunity to sign up (again at no cost) and browse through their catalogue of workshops. You can find all the workshops past and future, under their Events tab, but I recommend taking their orientation video to fully learn about the many resources that are available.
Thanks to those videos, part of my marketing plan for 2021 is to create audio versions of my books. As was said in one of the videos, the audiobook world is still fairly new, the way ebooks were back in 2011. There are more opportunities to sell them than I imagined and production costs don’t need to be as expensive as you might think.
There are also a number of new workshop releases called Expertpalooza, where firefighters, police officers, a librarian, a small plane pilot, and Olympic athlete, to name a few, provide insights about their professions. Looks like I’ve got plenty to keep me busy between now and the new year.
Since it was recently announced that British Columbians will not be permitted to go visit one another on Christmas Day and throughout the holidays until Jan. 8th, it looks like I’ll have extra time on my hands.
I also plan to spend these last days of 2020 working on a new book and to continue editing my urban fantasy. I have to say COVID has allowed me to indulge in one of the most productive years I’ve had in a while, especially since retiring in June. Still, I’m looking forward to more get togethers in 2021, as long as I don’t over commit. With luck, things will feel much more normal for all of us by this time next year.
Creative Academy is a great resource. Eileen Cook is a great instructor and I´ve watched a few of her workshops. Will you still be able to see your granddaughter for Christmas or will it have to be via Zoom?
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As things stand now, I think I’ll have to see her by Zoom. on Christmas Day However, she has a doctor’s appt. tomorrow, so they’re coming by before the drive back home 🙂
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Well this seems like an interesting way to spend a lockdown!
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Yes, it is. Thanks to those workshops, which aren’t only 1-2 hours, I’m feeling better about tackling some of the to-do marketing chores that I’ve been avoiding for a long while.
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Wow, you are going to be one busy girl, Debra! Christmas lockdown will be remarkably productive in your household. Audio books, eh? Do you read them into an app?
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Busy yes, but not overly so. Regarding audio books, I’m still researching the best methodology for me!
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Great ideas. I have to say, having our writing, if you’re like me, it has made COVID so much more tolerable. We always have something that must be done!
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You’re right, Jacqui. There is something to do re: writing and marketing every day of the year 🙂
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The Creative Academy is a terrific resource. Wish there were more hours in the day to watch all their videos. Have a wonderful Christmas. Cheers, Jo-Anne.
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Thanks, Jo-Anne. Yes, I plan to get through several between now and the year’s end. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas as well!
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Audio books sounds like something I’d be interested in too. Thanks!
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You’re welcome!
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Thank for providing this resource! Glad I’m not the only one being more productive this year because of Covid. Sometimes it’s good to be a writer and a traveler. When one can’t travel and explore, one can write (or edit or publish)! 🙂 I thought producing audiobooks was crazy expensive, so I look forward to learning about your approach to this media.
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Thanks, Liesbet, I’ll let you know how the audio thing goes 🙂
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