This Writer’s Journey Into Podcasting and What I Learned

When we start out as writers, we dream of joining the ranks of our most beloved print authors. Our goal, most of the time, is to become a New York Times best selling author akin to the likes of Joyce Carol Oats, Stephen King, or Stephanie Meyer. We eat, sleep and breath print–even in the digital age.

The more time we study and learn about the publishing industry, the faster our dreams change. Do we still want to be recognized authors? Of course, but we realize that the writing world is full of talented authors who might not get their big break by conventional means.

At least, this is true for me. Despite my consistent efforts to build a solid social media presence and many years spent in creative writing classes and at a keyboard, I realize that my future might not be in print–at least not right away.

Armed with this realization and a burning curiosity about up and coming trends, I’ve turned to podcasting. Ultimately, I want to get my work out there…even if it’s in audio form rather than print.

Everywhere I turned, I was hearing something about the rising medium. There was no denying its popularity. It seemed that everyone and nearly every business entity produced a podcast. To be honest, the idea became an obsession.

After a year of researching about the best hosting platforms, the best recording equipment, and the best audio software, I decided to go ahead and take the plunge.

What started as an idea has turned into a full time endeavor. While I knew plenty about the mechanics and techniques of writing, I knew nothing about podcasting or audio production. So I dove into uncharted waters and this is what I’ve learned.

THERE IS PLENTY OF COMPETITION

Make no mistake, the podcasting market is quickly becoming saturated (even for creatives). If you venture into this space, don’t expect to become an overnight success. Just enjoy the ride for a while.

Currently, there are 700,000 active podcasts. Read that again.

That’s an increase of over 200,000 in a year. The number of listeners has also increased dramatically. That’s a lot of podcasts and rapid industry growth. Don’t let that deter you though.

Yes, it’s highly competitive, but rapid growth in a media platform is ideal for creative startups. Launching something new in a stagnant market is counter productive. Have some faith in your abilities and forge forward.

According to Statista, approximately 86 million people in the U.S. listen to podcasts and that number is projected to rise to approximately 132 million in the next few years. There’s plenty of opportunity for success in this space.

don’t ignore social media

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of launching your podcast. But don’t forget about your social media accounts. Let your journey into podcasting enhance your social media presence. There’s a couple of reasons not to ignore Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

First, research shows that 70% of podcast consumers are actively searching for new podcasts on social media. It’s a no brainer, really. Think of creative ways to promote your show on other digital platforms. I regularly post updates about production progress and on occasion, I introduce my characters on my social media pages/accounts.

There’s opportunity for monetization

Everyone is looking for ways to monetize their digital spaces. Blogs, social media accounts, gaming channels, etc. can make advertising and sponsorship revenue. Podcasts are not any different.

Podcast advertising expenditures are projected to surpass half a billion dollars by 2020. Now is definitely the time to try your own journey into podcasting.

When you stop to consider the growing popularity of podcasts, it makes sense that advertisers plan to drop more money in the podcasting bucket to reach potential buyers.

I haven’t monetized yet, but I’m still in the early stages of show development. Thus far, I’ve only launched one trailer for the upcoming series. As my listenership grows, so will my monetization efforts.

A Final thought

Writing is my passion but I’m open to new ways to gain exposure. I’m tenacious enough to jump into another lane in order to get my writing front and center for my audience. It doesn’t matter to me if my audience reads or listens, as long as they enjoy the story I craft for them. So far, I love this journey into podcasting.

the next chapter podcast: Season 1 trailer

How to cope with unexpected Change

By: Y.P. Wright

It happens. The unforeseen has a way of creeping up on us and shaking up our reality. Everyone has experienced some kind of unexpected change in some area of our lives. Whether it’s finding out your partner has cheated, or a business relationship falls apart, the impact to our psyche is the same—and it’s not always easy to rebound from.

I’m usually not one to share my own experiences in this arena, but sometimes the impact is so profound that it must be shared with the world.

Not long ago I had a job with a company that came with some impressive perks. It wasn’t unusual for me to board a private company jet for business trips, dine at 5-star restaurants, or stay in luxury hotels. It was a dream come true for someone from a working-class upbringing.

Now, it wasn’t a situation that I simply walked into. I worked my tail off and moved up the ladder fast. I knew my capabilities and limitations—and I ran with them. I was living the life I had always wanted but I lacked the title that I wanted. So, I left. I took a job that offered the title that I thought I deserved.

Within the first week at the new job, I knew I had made a terrible mistake. That mistake was on me. No one forced me to leave. My ego got the best of me and I knew it. I decided to make the best of it and put my best foot forward at the new company.

It was professionally devastating.

What happened after 3 months with the new company? The unforeseen. It came from so far out of left field that the greatest glove in existence could not have fielded it.

Walking out of my house, I slipped on my steps and broke both feet and fractured both ankles. The breaks in my right foot required surgery and I would be home-bound for nearly 4 months. After a month of working from home, the new company decided to let me go. There was no warning and no severance package.

It was financially devastating.

But I tried to stay positive. After four months I was able to walk with a boot—still unable to drive but at least I could walk. I kept looking for jobs and researching potential markets for my diverse skill set.

The universe had different plans for me and my family. My mother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. It was completely unexpected. Because I was unemployed at the time of her diagnosis, I was able to help care for her. However, it was brief. She passed six weeks after her diagnosis.

It was emotionally devastating.

A pattern of devastation was emerging. I hadn’t even had time to process one catastrophe before another occurred. My fight or flight response compass was spinning out of control and I felt completely powerless—but only briefly.

After processing my mother’s death, I came to terms with a few things.

Everything happens for a reason.
We are not at the mercy of the universe.
We can’t control some things, but we can choose how to react.

Yes, it would be easy to succumb to grief but that’s not how I’m wired. After some soul searching, I decided that the skill set and mindset that made me successful at the job that I loved were still in my possession. I own who I am and what I can achieve.

My mother taught me that.

So how do you cope with the unexpected? You embrace it. Let it fuel the fire that burns inside of you. It doesn’t have to be a controlled burn; let that bitch rage and set out to accomplish more than you ever dreamed possible.

Success is the result of effort—not the byproduct of what happens to us.

Poet & Writer

This Writer’s Journey Into Podcasting