“Times are hard all over.”
As a child these were words I often overheard in conversations between my father and his friends. It would be years before I would fully comprehend the meaning of words that were sure to come up in during their weekly gathering at our home.
Born four years before the Depression, my father was well on his way to adulthood before the downward spiraling of the nation’s economy would begin to show signs of stabilizing.
The harsh realities of the time left few untouched. Yet, there were those who, rather than lament over what they didn’t have – made the best of what they did possess.
The seemingly endless stories shared by my father and his friends, at times were heart-wrenching for a little girl who knew not a lack of food, clothing and adequate shelter. Blessedly I can now say that their remembered stories were the seeds of survival that I grew into crops I would often harvest in my quest for maintaining my literary career.
Their resourcefulness reminded me of the following scripture: And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
Moses had excuse after excuse for why he could not return to Egypt to free the Hebrews as he was commanded. His responses were, “Who am I to go? The King of Egypt will not permit it. What if they don’t believe me? But I am slow of speech, and slow of tongue.”
As with Moses, we too have been called for such a time as this. You know God has spoken to you about your literary career, but economics has you questioning what to do.
Currently we are experiencing a national economic crisis synonymous with that of 1929. Gasoline is at an all-time high, homes are being foreclosed upon at an alarming rate, down-sizing and outsourcing has sent U.S. unemployment rates skyrocketing. With all that is dismal around us, we are compelled to continue to write. Our passion for the written word will not allow us to set aside the muse. Despite the passion that drives us to the keyboard, as writers we are not unscathed by the economics of this world.
Regardless of economics, we must still promote our works. But how do we do this in a time when traveling about the country literally requires the selling of your first-born?
Restrictive travel has crippled many an enterprise of late. Not many are not at apt to hop a flight as they once were. With ticket increases, fuel surcharges and baggage fees, most fares have literally doubled. Add that to the cost of a hotel, rental car and conference/expo fees and you get the picture.
To some, meager or lack of finances has you believing you will always reside in Egypt serving the whim of Pharaoh. But I ask you – what is in your hand? What is readily at your disposal if you only believe that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ?
Although the cost of moving about the country is almost prohibitive, there are ways to promote your works from the comfort of your home.
Today I want to talk about the option of Blog Talk Radio.
What is blog talk radio? The concept is the brainchild of Alan Levy who created an Internet social network that functions as a radio station. The growing phenomenon was launched in 2006 and has continued to grow. Statistics show that the enterprise has approximately 2 million monthly listeners.
Daily, entrepreneurs are launching their own programs in order to create an audio platform for their passion(s). The literary industry is just one of many capitalizing on the cost-effective way of reaching the masses with their message. For example, Harper Collins created Authors on Air for the purpose of featuring on-air interviews with their authors.
There are hosts out there who need you. Most programs are supported by listeners wanting to hear from and interact with personalities from a variety of walks. It is no longer just about the ‘Big’ name. Readers are hungry for new authors as well as those they have supported over the years.
If you haven’t considered Blog Talk Radio, now may be the time for you to weigh the option adding this cost-effective promotional tool to your repertoire.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE BLOG SHOWS:
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2 comments:
Linda,
More than a great blog post, this was a God send message for me! Thank you for using your gift to empower and reach others.
Valerie
It is my pleasure to serve you. Thank you for stopping by.
Linda!
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