If you are anything like me, you use your Amazon cart as a wish list. If I see something I like on Instagram, I slide it into my shopping cart… so that when my birthday or Mother’s Day (both just around the corner!) pop up… I’ve got gift ideas ready to roll out! In case you are also in the mood for a spring shopping spree, here are a few items that have caught my eye.
Read MoreIf you are anything like me, books are a huge source of joy in your life and thus, make excellent gifts. As you begin your holiday shopping I wanted to offer up a few of my recent favorite reads. If you don’t see anything on this list that appeals to the people in your life, (or to you, because you deserve some bookish gifts too!) just comment below with what you are looking for and I’ll respond with some more suggestions! Time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year is short, so let’s get right to it!
Read MoreMuch like the Ames cousins, I find myself working hard to manage the full plate life has served me. Almost everything on my plate is good, but it is still… A LOT. Entrepreneurship, kids’ sports schedules, my Word Nerd Collaborative teacher membership, a ghostwriting gig, some self-publishing clients and time on Western’s campus are all keeping me hopping from one task on my to-do list to the next. I guess it’s not hard to understand why I haven’t had time to write the fourth and final book in the Close Quarter series.
Despite the fact that we are reaching yet another holiday season without a new book, I have managed to write a few scenes and I thought I might be able to tide you over a bit if I share them.
The two scenes that follow highlight a couple of the main topics that the cousins will encounter. Hopefully, this sneak peek will whet your appetite for a bit. I also hope that I’ll be able to finagle some more time in the new year to write the rest of the book. Thanks for your patience and continued support. Happy reading!
Read More
October 8th and 9th are Amazon Prime Big Deal Days! In case you are looking to do a little retail therapy, spruce up your classroom, find some new favorite wear-to-work apparel, or maybe just treat yourself, here are ten teacher must have items to check out. Happy Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Shopping!
UV Light Sanitizer - Cell Phone Sanitizer Cleaner Box for Smartphone iPhone
Studies show that our phones are dirtier than public toilet seats. That thought is enough to make me want to wash my phone in bleach… but maybe this would be better?
I love a good pen. When one of my favorite authors (Maggie Stiefvater) recommended these on Instagram, I immediately added them to my cart. A few months in I can tell you they are great. Colorful, smooth, long lasting. If you are an office supply hoarder like me, you will love these. Plus, the company was started and continues to be run by a group of teachers from Louisiana! What could be better?!?! Currently $8.99 for a pack of 12.
I spend a large amount of time watching the members of my family play sports. This translates into a lot of bleacher and bag chair time. Sometimes outside, sometimes in. I figured, if that was the case, I might as well be comfortable. So, I bought these bibs. And I am soooooo glad I did. These fleece overall bibs are warm, cozy, and with tons of pockets to hold my phone, cash, car keys, helping me cut down on always needing to lug a bag into the games. Plus, this 90’s trend is coming back hard… so maybe I’ll be both trendy and comfy. They come in a variety of colors. I got black, but I’m eyeing up the hunter green too. Currently $35.99 with a 12% off coupon available.
This wall ivy helped me make a dramatic feature wall in my office that I absolutely adore. I just tapped a few nails into the wall and it hung up easy peasy! If you are looking to add some texture, dimension or pizazz to your classroom, this will help you do the trick! If you don’t have a window in your classroom, it could help your room feel a little less sterile as well. Right now it’s $52.98, quite a bit cheaper than when I originally bought it… so use that as permission to scoop up a roll or two and lean in your DIY decorating desires.
Womens Wedge Ankle Boots Braided Fringe Strap Western Heeled Fall Booties Dress Shoes
I like these shoes so much I’ve bought them twice. I bought them, wore them out, and then was thrilled when I saw they were still listed on Amazon so I could buy them again. Comfortable, business casual, and stylish… I wear them to work on campus all the time. These leather wedge heels come in a variety of colors and are well worth their $50 price tag.
These would be so much fun to use with my trivia videos! Rather than have students write down their answers, let them buzz in and share their answers aloud!
What an ingenious way to use this kitchen tool in your classroom. Place your weekly First Chapter Friday selections or newly purchased books front and center so students can easily both see what you have to offer and also easily get it in their hands.
Note to students, labels, stickers… this little handheld printer can do it all and then some! Paper for the printer (both regular and adhesive) can be found here.
If “chaos coordinator” doesn’t adequately describe the job of teaching these days, I’m not sure what does. Sometimes leaning into a hard truth and having the ability to laugh a little can be the thing we need to get us through the tough times. That… and caffeine! You can do both with this cup!
Nothing is worse than posters and anchor charts slipping down the whiteboard, especially for schedules and documents that need to stay up all the time. Use these heavy duty magnets to hold things in place… until of course, you want to move them. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, am I right?
If you’ve got a favorite item I need to check out during these Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, put it in the comments below. Thanks in advance and happy shopping!
P.S. Check out my non-teacher shopping list, here!
October 8th and 9th are Amazon Prime Big Deal Days! In case you are looking to do a little retail therapy or get a jump start on your holiday shopping, here are ten items I have purchased and loved. The items range from specialty items to ones I use every day, from clothing to housewares and more. I’ve also got a few bonus items at the bottom that are currently sitting in my wishlist! Happy Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Shopping!
This item will come at no surprise to those of you who watch my IG and FB stories. I love this cold plunge pool. ($119.99) It has been the perfect way for Matt and I to try this new health trend. If you think you can’t cold plunge, you can… and that mindset shift is EXACTLY why you NEED to give it a try. There’s currently a $40 off coupon available on this item, making it an even easier YES!
I love my FitBit Charge 6 ($159.95). To be honest, I only wear it to check the time and to count my steps, but it does a whole lot more. Personally, I don’t love the band it comes with… it feels claustrophobic on my wrist, so I swap it out with this one. It’s both pretty and functional, two of my favorite qualities. :) The band comes in several colors and metals. Currently $17.97.
I don’t know about you guys, but we have had a lot of sleep over company lately. Whether it’s family friends crashing before an in-town sporting event for their kids or my sons’ friends sleeping over, this air bed ($48.99) gets a lot of use at our house. It’s easy to set up (built in electric pump), durable, and comfy. I highly recommend it!
Mr. Pel Gel Pens
I love a good pen. When one of my favorite authors (Maggie Stiefvater) recommended these on Instagram, I immediately added them to my cart. A few months in I can tell you they are great. Colorful, smooth, long lasting. If you are an office supply hoarder like me, you will love these. Plus, the company was started and continues to be run by a group of teachers from Louisiana! What could be better?!?! Currently $8.99 for a pack of 12.
Overall Bibs
I spend a large amount of time watching the members of my family play sports. This translates into a lot of bleacher and bag chair time. Sometimes outside, sometimes in. I figured, if that was the case, I might as well be comfortable. So, I bought these bibs. And I am soooooo glad I did. These fleece overall bibs are warm, cozy, and with tons of pockets to hold my phone, cash, car keys, helping me cut down on always needing to lug a bag into the games. Plus, this 90’s trend is coming back hard… so maybe I’ll be both trendy and comfy. They come in a variety of colors. I got black, but I’m eyeing up the hunter green too. Currently $35.99 with a 12% off coupon available.
Champagne Stoppers
When we did our most recent girls trip to Florida the VRBO had these amazing champagne stoppers. I’m a Prosecco girl. I like just one glass with dinner. But regular wine stoppers never kept the bubbles fresh. I figured out that if I put a wine stopper in, tightly put a ziplock bag over the top of it and then rubber banded it securely… I could. But… once I discovered these saver plugs, boom. Problem solved, no ziplocks needed. And for only $9.89.
Bamboo Toothbrushes
In addition to being a word nerd, I also kind of geek out about the planet, especially when it comes to small daily changes each of us can make… changes can add up to make a big impact. One of the changes that has stuck with me is switching to bamboo toothbrushes. I mean, who recycles their toothbrush? No one. But that adds up to a lot of plastic in the landfill. When we use the bamboo toothbrushes instead, they can simply decompose. This $14.99 purchase of 40 toothbrushes lasts me well over a year! I never have to feel bad about chucking one out after I’ve been sick, plus, I always have one on hand to give a guest who forgets theirs while visiting.
Fairy Lights
It’s kind of silly how much joy these little firefly/fairy lights bring me. When I pull into my driveway at night or step out onto my front step, these bright spots waving in the dark always bring a smile to my face. An 8 pack of lights is only $34.99 and currently has a 20% off coupon. I know we are almost to winter and you might not put these out until spring, but that deal is good enough to justify buying them now and tucking them away for later, or to purchase as a holiday gift for the garden lover in your life.
Wedge Heels
Womens Wedge Ankle Boots Braided Fringe Strap Western Heeled Fall Booties Dress Shoes
I like these shoes so much I’ve bought them twice. I bought them, wore them out, and then was thrilled when I saw they were still listed on Amazon so I could buy them again. Comfortable, business casual, and stylish… I wear them to work on campus all the time. These leather wedge heels come in a variety of colors and are well worth their $50 price tag.
Wall Ivy
This wall ivy helped me make a dramatic feature wall in my office that I absolutely adore. I just tapped a few nails into the wall and it hung up easy peasy! If you are looking to add some texture, dimension or pizazz to a small space, this will help you do the trick! Right now it’s $52.98, quite a bit cheaper than when I originally bought it… so use that as permission to scoop up a roll or two and lean in your DIY decorating desires.
I haven’t purchased the items below, but I have been eyeing them up for awhile. Maybe during these Prime Big Deal Days I’ll splurge and treat myself!
Gold Cordless Table Lamps
Small (2 pack) https://amzn.to/4gTB2Ow
Large (1 pack) https://amzn.to/4dSmk7T
Studies show that our phones are dirtier than public toilet seats. That thought is enough to make me want to wash my phone in bleach… but maybe this would be better?
Okay! That’s the end of my list!
If you’ve got a favorite item I need to check out during these Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, put it in the comments below. Thanks in advance and happy shopping!
P.S. If you are a teacher, check out my teacher shopping list, here!
Have you ever wondered what Disney does better than anyone else? They create an unforgettable experience. As adults, we often seek exceptional environments that enhance our experiences. We choose restaurants, vacation spots, and stores based on how they make us feel. The same is true for many of us when we read. What if we did the same for kids when we ask them to read?
Read More
That’s a long time and a lot of content. I’m very proud of this collection and the time I’ve invested into it, however, as I move into 2023, I’ve decided to cease this weekly ritual. Right now, other pieces of content (books, videos, etc.) require my attention and if I devote 4 hours each week to this blog, then the likelihood of reaching my new writerly dreams and aspirations dwindles. For everything a season and all that. :)
I wrote these pieces to be helpful. I wrote them so that other writers knew they were not alone in their frustrations or joys or blocks. I wrote them to share good news and creative prompts and writing processes that worked for me. And they are still relevant! (And hopefully still helpful.)
Because I want you to be able to use these words as tools, inspiration, education and entertainment, I’ve created a blog archive and organized all of my posts for you here. You can now browse them by category (Authorpreneur Advice, Writing Tips, Inspirational Posts, Environmental Blog Posts and finally, Guest Blog Posts). Either click these links or the pictures below to take you where you want to go!
This isn’t to say that I won’t ever post on my blog again. Already I’m stashing post ideas in mental drawers (I guess weekly content creation habits die hard!), but for now, I’m going to focus on Close Quarters #3, weekly First Chapter Friday videos, and a few other exciting things I can’t tell you about yet.
Amanda Zieba
** If you liked what you read on my blog today and want to stay connected, you can sign up for any of my eNewsletters (with free gifts!) HERE. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest. **
“Just put down your phone, Amanda, and READ.” Anyone else have to have this pep talk with themselves? I LOVE books and I LOVE to read, but sometimes I get in the habit of not doing it. I guess, like anyone, I sometimes suck at picking up a book.
This, however, has NOT been a problem for me lately. In the past week alone I have devoured two books. I am giving the credit to the fact that my Christmas Chaos (and the chores leading up to it) came to a sudden halt. That, and I was a champ at content creation the week before the holidays and all my work was D-O-N-E. Mother nature also blasted the Midwest with extreme cold and gifted me a significant cold/cough that dramatically increased the appeal of my couch. Thus, my reading time increased as well. It also helped that the books I chose to read were fantastic page turners I couldn’t put down.
So what were they? Be patient just a bit longer and I’ll tell you. But before I do, I want to remind you that I keep a list of all the books I read each year on my website. This list, as well as my lists for 2019-2021, can be found in the WordNerdopolis Bookstore. So if these titles, don’t appeal to you, check there. Also, if you’ve got a great book recommendation, please drop it in the comments below and I’ll be sure to check it out.
Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
~ Amanda
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Adult Fantasy, Wisconsin Author
Part fantasy, part social commentary, this book is DIFFERENT and thought provoking. I would have loved to read it with a book club, because there are just so many aspects of the story that beg for discussion. The premise is that in 1955 600,000 women who had had enough of life as it was spontaneously turned into dragons. And then, all the wife-less, motherless remainders of society refused to acknowledge the monumental event (and loss). You don’t have to read to far between the lines to figure out what the author is really upset about. This book is a beautiful, unique, and systemic look and what happens when you ignore something that is right in front of your eyes. If you are a feminist, a lover of social justice, a dreamer, a scientist, a care giver, or one who lives outside the lines society has penciled you in, read this book. (I listened to it on Audible.)
The Last Cuenista by Donna Barba Higuera
Middle Grade Science Fiction, 2022 Newbery Award Winner
I don’t know why I love end-of-the-world science fiction books that take place in space because movies on the same topic STRESS ME OUT. Perhaps it’s because I can control the tension by simply stepping away for a bit or maybe it’s the lack of emotion enhancing music? I’m not sure, but what I do know is I love this book about a time when Earth is destroyed by Halley’s Comet and humanity’s last change for survival rockets to space to find a new planet. The premise may sound familiar, but the specifics are totally new. The way humans are preserved and prepared for their new future. The things the travelers value and what happens to those values as they travel for hundreds of years under the care of “monitors”, not to mention what happens when the finally arrive at the new planet… all that feels new. I was sucked into this book immediately and highly recommend it. This book has been sitting on my shelf quite sometime. I know I bought it shortly after it was announced as the Newbery winner. I’m not sure what took me so long to finally pick it up, but I am so, so, so glad I did. (I got my copy from Birdy’s Bookstore.)
Bookends by Zibby Owens
Adult Memoir on Love, Loss and Literature
I knew of Zibby Owens via Instagram, but I didn’t know much more than the fact that she was popular in the podcasting and bookfluencing realms. I had not heard of her book when I picked it up at Pearl Street Books, but for some reason, it spoke to me. You know, that uncertain combination of cover image, blurb, physical weight, and some additional (albeit intangible) characteristic that coalesces to somehow say, “read me”. I bought it, even though I was not intending to buy a book that day. In fact, I’d been at the store selling books (books I planned not to read a second time and therefore unnecessarily hoard) I’d just taken off my personal shelves. But there it was, making it’s way home with me. After cruising through The Last Cuenista and finding ourselves with a few extra days at home (thanks to sick kids and a Christmas gathering rescheduling) I picked it up. I confess to spending multiple hours on the couch the last 2.5 days reading this book. I just finished it this morning. The story is Zibby’s memoir, about a posh life lived in New York City and her journey through love, loss and literature. For all you Close Quarters fans — it’s essentially a nonfiction version of my story, but put it on the East Coast with uber wealthy characters. Well, there’s more to it than that, but many of the themes are the same. If you liked Close Quarters, I think you’d like Zibby’s book as well, especially if you are interested in the publishing world, authors, books and writing. (I got my copy from Pearl Street Books.)
In addition to these, my favorite books I read this year are:
Millionaires for the Month by Stacy McAnulty - Middle Grade Realistic Fiction (AMAZON/Bookshop/1st Ch. Read Aloud & Author Int.)
State of Terror by Hilary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny - Adult Political Thriller, (AMAZON/Bookshop)
Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang - MG Realistic Fiction for Sports Fans! (AMAZON/Bookshop/1st. Ch. Read Aloud)
Alone by Megan E. Freeman - MG Novel in Verse/Survival Story (AMAZON/Bookshop/1st. Ch. Read Aloud)
Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead - Adult Comedy/Mystery (AMAZON/BOOKSHOP)
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga - MG Science Fiction - (AMAZON/BOOKSHOP/1st Ch. Read Aloud & Author Int.)
You can see the rest (and my full list from 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019), here.
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
This time of year I like to take some time to reflect. What went well? What did I not accomplish? How can I be more effective next year? What were my favorite parts of my job? What in the heck did I actually spend my time on in the last 365 days?!?!? (When you work mostly for yourself, that last question is an important one!)
Here’s a visual and verbal recap of my year. which includes many of the thoughts my self-reflection generated as well as humble brags for all the stuff I did manage to get done. As always, thank you for being here for the ride. I am incredibly grateful for your support and presence in my authorpreneur career. I hope that this email finds you at the starting line of a wonderful holiday and that 2023 is your best yet.
All my best,
Amanda
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest. **
Affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Back in 2020, when we were not allowed to gather as a large family due to COVID, I was looking for a way to fill the void my immediate family was feeling. You see, we have a BIG family. On both sides. And not being able to see them, hug them, eat with them… laugh and play games, watch movies and sleep over... made us sad. (And also, quite frankly a little bored.) So, I created a new tradition for us, The Christmas Crawl.
The idea was, that instead of popping from pub to pub, as the “crawl” term usually referrs, we would bop around town doing all the holiday things. To involve our MIA family members (and to make it more suspenseful and fun for my kids) I had them call a different family member to find out each destination. This way, we *kind of* felt like we were hanging out with them, while we FaceTimed and drove to our next destination.
Needless to say, the event was a hit and even though we were back to gathering (large and loud) in living rooms to celebrate in 2021, I decided to continue the new tradition. Instead of calling everyone, I wrote clues.
This year, in 2022, we’ll be at it again. Don’t get me wrong. I love our big, loud, overly involved family; however, I also love that this tradition is just for the four of us. But I thought that others might want to jump in on the tradition and plan their own Christmas Crawl. To that end, here are several ideas and locations we have visited (in the La Crosse Area) the last two years.
** We are doing our Christmas Crawl on Friday, December 23rd this year and I’ll be sure to come back and update this post with our new stops. But for now, I’m going to keep them a secret, because while my kids don’t read my blog, my husband might… and the surprise-quality of the night (for all 3 of them!) is part of what makes it so fun for me. I was going to wait and share this post after we went, but decided that it would be too late for you to plan your own Christmas Crawl this year, so I guess you’ll just have to be patient and work with what I’ve got here, plus your own great ideas! **
We usually begin our evening with a stop for hot cocoa. We’ve been to The Grind (Holmen) and Kwik Trip. It just depends on the day of the week and what’s open. We are going to try a third (different) destination downtown this year. If you know me at all, you won’t have to guess.
Part of Christmas for us, is giving to others. We have taken cookies to the Warming House, donated to the Catholic Charities drop box, and made financial contributions to Gundersen Lutheran Hospice (in honor of Matt’s mom).
It isn’t Christmas without the lights and Christmas Trees. We’ve been to see the Rotary Lights, both in our car and walking, and also from the Pettibone Beach side (just for a new angle). The David Reay’s Christmas Tree also made an appearance in 2020’s crawl. Another one of our favorite stops is to go up to Granddad’s Bluff at sunset time and watch the city lights come to life.
But perhaps our favorite light display is the Miller Family Christmas Lights (1411 15th St. S. La Crosse, WI) I’ll leave this mini video here for you to give you a sneak peek, but believe me when I tell you, you NEED to go and see it for yourself.
That first year, when going to a restaurant was still frowned upon, we bought our own food and made it at my auntie’s condo on the river. Even though we were the ones cooking, the change in scenery (especially when all we had been doing was staying home!) felt special. Last year we went to Hungry Peddler and loved it! The food was amazing and the décor totally put us in the holiday spirit! We challenged our picky eaters to each try one new food. Their choice? Cheese curds (I told you… they are picky eaters, or perhaps more accurately downright fearful of new foods!) and gave them a thumbs up!
In 2020 we watched a movie (Elf, I think) while we ate at the condo and last year we went to Sing 2 at the theater. I guess this isn’t really a Christmas-y item, but we still had fun!
For a final recap, here are were our stops in 2020 and 2022!
As I planned this year, I hunted for a few things I did not find. I would LOVE to participate in a family friendly Christmas Trivia event (Howie’s… I’m looking at you!) or maybe some Christmas Karaoke? I think that someone downtown is doing that second item, but only after 9PM and with a ten and twelve year old, we are still in the “family show” category. I’d also love for more restaurants to “up their anty” when it comes to holiday décor.
Other potential ideas I’ve had include: caroling, volunteering, creating a gingerbread house and cookie making/delivering. (As well as 4 brand new dynamite stops I’m including this year. If you want to know, DM me on Facebook or Instagram!)
What do you think? Do you have some ideas to throw my way for next year’s Christmas Crawl? Shout them out in the comments. No matter how you choose to celebrate this wonderful season, I hope you get to do it with the people you love (even if it’s only on FaceTime).
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Today’s Guest Post comes from my friend Carolyn Zick of Badaxe Enterprises and she is here to tell you about an amazing opportunity that will help you start 2023 off on the right foot! Take it away, Carolyn!
When was the last time you felt like you had a quick win on social media? As much as I tell folks that building a meaningful presence on social media is a long game (it is), there are certain actions you can take to optimize your presence that will help you start attracting the right folks to your profile.
Yes. These are easy tasks that will start providing a positive impact as soon as you implement them.
1. Check your links in your profiles. Are they all working, accurate, useful?
These links are the inroads to greater involvement with your brand. The whole point of your social media presence is to give the folks who want to give you money easy ways to do it. If your links in your profile or bios are broken, out of date, or irrelevant, you are giving them bad directions on their journey to giving you money.
2. Update your profile pictures to be something relevant to your actual brand. (You know who you are with the cat photos)
This is a space for you to showcase your branding and give folks an image to relate to. Make sure it is relevant and easy to discern.
3. Put keywords (not hashtags) in your about section, but make it readable.
If you can explain in less than a sentence who you are and what type of people you serve, you are winning at the about section. Emojis can help convey meaning when there is a limited number of characters available, but keep them limited.
4. Comment on one ideal client's post in a genuine way. Nothing stupid. Care what they are saying. And actually mean it.
Social media is all about being social! Connecting with your ideal clients in a meaningful way is always time well spent.
5. Post an introduction with your face in it. Tell the story of your brand.
More and more people want to connect with and buy from a brand that has a clear story and ethos. Share yours and get used to sharing it regularly. The more you talk about who you are and what you do, the more folks will know who you are and what you do. Weird how that’s connected, right?
That's it! These five things are easy to do and they will get you on the path to being more findable and more relatable to your ideal clients.
Stressed to Strategic: 30 Days to Social Media Success is a month-long workshop that will take you from being chaotic and uninspiring on social media, to being intentional and impactful with your online presence.
In this first ever cohort of Stressed to Strategic, you are going to get exclusive access to two bad ass founders and marketing experts: Jess Reidy, Founder of Social Siren Marketing + Carolyn Zick (Me!!), Founder of Bad Axe Enterprises.
PLUS tons of curated resources, and the skills you need to stop stressing and get strategic with your social media presence.
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
What greater purpose is there for Christmas than to bring joy? Like a solid dose of goodness and JOY?!?!? For me, joy is found in all sorts of places during the holidays. In time with family, in a delicious meal, in a meaningful church service, in displays of lights, in song, in the perfect gift given.
In my regular, everyday, non-holiday life, joy often comes from books. So, it is with all these thoughts swirling together in my mind (a tornado of joy, per say) that today, in my post, I’m going to combine these two ideas and offer up a list of books to buy the readers on your holiday shopping list.
These books are not related to the holidays, but instead, is a list comprised of books I have thoroughly enjoyed that may match the wide array of people you may need to buy gifts for.
** I buy my books at a variety of locations including Birdy’s Bookstore and Barnes and Noble. I’d encourage you to purchase yours there as well. Click each store’s name to place an order. Otherwise all book titles/cover images listed below are linked to Amazon. **
Millionaires for the Month by Stacy McAnulty
This book was inspired by a question we all ask ourselves: What would I do if I won the lottery? The main characters in this book face a similar question, but it is formed as a challenge. They need to spend 5 million dollars in a month. The only catch? They can’t tell anyone they have to spend it alllllllll and they have to use or consume everything they buy. The fun of this story is equally matched by the moral dilemmas the characters must face. The lessons and conversation starters buried in this book are beyond worth the price tag. If you want to listen to the first chapter (and an interview with the author) to see if it’s a good fit, click here.
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
This story is meant for readers aged 8-12, but I adored it (and both of my parents read it and liked it as well!). The entire story stemmed from a question the author’s daughter asked while watching the Mars Rover launch back in 2020. “Momma, do you think the Rover is scared?” What if the Rover could feel human feelings? What Jasmine created from there is an adventure story both geeks and empaths will love. This book is the PERFECT read aloud for bedtime or the classroom. Listen to chapter 1 and an interview with Chicago based author Jasmine Warga here. (P.S. There are illustrations inside as beautiful as the cover image!)
The American Royals Series by Katharine McGee
This book series sucked me in with the premise… what if, when the revolutionaries asked George Washington to be King… he said “yes” instead of “no”. What if America was a Monarchy? What if, after all this time, America was about to have its first ruling Queen? It all spins out from there in dramatic fashion. There is sibling rivalry and romance and political intrigue and so, so much angsty-fun that fills these pages. I think my favorite part is that when I think, “pretty please don’t…” the author never does. Instead of leaning into a cliché or dragging things out needlessly, Katharine picks a different path and does so decisively quick making this series of stories binge-worthy.
The Storm Light Archive by Brandon Sanderson
I first heard about this book series from my uncle and cousin and was pulled in by their exclamations about the incredible world building and then stayed for the characters. And when I say stayed, I really mean it. I choose to listen to most of my adult fiction and am on my third book in this series… each of which boasts an audiobook of 48+ hours. Each installment takes me months… but it’s worth it. So worth it. If you like intricate plots, epic world building, compelling characters and truly masterful storytelling (and if you are patient) give book one: The Way of Kings, a try.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Oh boy is this one funny. I adore the characters, their dark humor (but not too graphic) and all the trouble they get themselves into (and eventually out of). It probably sounds weird to say this is a funny murder mystery, but it is! The book starts with writer Finlay Donovan telling her agent about the plot of her newest book (a thriller) over lunch at Panera. A woman overhears them talking and mistakes Finlay for a hit woman. Before Finlay knows what’s happening, she’s been hired to kill the woman’s husband. Which she definitely has no intentions of doing. But her curiosity gets the better of her and she just has to know… who is the man and what makes him so… killable? It all spirals hilariously (and dangerously) from there.
State of Terror by Hilary Clinton (yes, that Hilary) and Louise Penny
The most fascinating part of this book (for me) was wondering… how much of this is true? Did something like this really happen? I guess that’s what happens when the former US Secretary of State writes a book in which the main characters is the current US Secretary of State. I’m not talking about the huge international and domestic terrorist threat that serves as the book’s major plot point, I’m talking about the nuanced relationships, the use of spies, and the inner workings of a White House staff. This book was as interesting as it was compelling. I just had to keep listening to see what happened next!
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
To be completely honest, I haven’t finished listening to this book yet. But I can tell you that at 7 chapters in I bought a copy for my mom. Supposedly in 1955 over 600,000 mothers and wives had enough with life-as-they-knew-it and spontaneously turned into dragons. They were never seen again. Stranger than a nation missing a massive portion of its caretakers is the fact that ev-er-y-one refused to discuss or even acknowledge the event (or the hole it has left behind). Witty, on the nose, introspective, and sometimes darn near enraging… this novel is different in all the best ways and I can’t wait to see what happens next and how it ends.
For more reading recommendations, you can see the full list of books I read in 2022 here, as well as archived lists for 2019-2021, or visit the First Chapter Friday Read Aloud Playlist on my YouTube channel (specifically for middle grade and YA selections).
Finally, if you’d like to gift a book I have written, you can find the full line up of my titles (from a variety of purchasing options) right here.
More Middle Grade Books — The Best Books I read Last Year — My 2019 Fav Reads, perhaps my favorite year of reading, EVER.
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Like many others this holiday season, I’m taking time to be thankful. In the writing realm of my life that looks like examining author thank you notes, writing poems, and in today’s case, sharing the dedication pages from several of my books. Often times it is in these few lines where gratitude shines the brightest, at least, for me.
But before I share my own heartfelt dedications, here are a few gems the internet provided me while I mentally prepped to write this post.
From: Graduate Texts In Mathematics – An Introduction To Algebraic Topology By Joseph J. Rotman
From: City Of Golden Shadow (Otherland, Volume 1) By Tad William
From: Mortal Gods (The Goddess War, 2) by Kendare Blake
From: A memoir of heartbreak, hookups, love, and brunch by Matteson Perry
E.E. Cummings Self-Published this book with the help of his mother and dedicated it to the 14 Publishing Houses who turned the collection down
From: The Land Of Stories: Beyond The Kingdoms By Chris Colfer
From: ??? (no attributions found online)
From: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand
From: All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
And here, are my thank yous, my dedications, my gratitude laid plain for all (who read my books) to see. If you’d like to pick up any of these books, you can find them all from a variety of purchasing options (Me directly, Amazon, Bookshop) by clicking here.
If you wrote a book, who would you dedicate it to? Tell me in the comments below... and then go write that story!
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
November is often a month that focuses on being thankful. In these thirty days we are prompted more than ever to take a look at the blessings and gifts in our lives and take time to be grateful (and also to say “thanks!”). It is this sentiment that will be fueling my next few posts. In past Novembers I have written poems and lists of those writerly things and people I am grateful for, but today I’m going to do something different and take a look at the author notes and acknowledgments in books and point out what these literary gratitude letters have to teach us. Hopefully afterward, you’ll not only be thankful for me but also for your favorite authors and all the goodness they share in these additional pages of content in their books.
One clear sign that I’ve loved a book, is my desire to read everything and anything the author has included in the book. Their bio, the back matter content, and especially the author’s note and acknowledgements. This was brought to my attention again when listening to Oathbringer, book 3 in the most epic of fantasy epics, by Brandon Sanderson. Rather than put his thank yous at the back of a book, Bandon starts his books with his gratitude. Guess how many minutes it took the audiobook narrator to read Brandon’s list of thank yous?
It took Brandon nine full minutes to say thank you to all the people involved in the creation of his book. The total number? Nearly 150! Can you believe it!?!?! He calls it “the parade of names”.
Okay, so at the point you might be asking me, “Amanda, what is the point?”. Sure this is interesting, but WHAT IS THE POINT?!?! The point is, there is a lot we can learn from not only Brandon’s author note, but others as well. So here we go, the main event of this blog post: 3 Lessons We Can Learn from Author Notes and Acknowledgements.
There is a common misunderstanding, that because there is only ONE NAME on the front of a book cover, that only ONE PERSON created it. This could not be further from the truth. Beta readers, editors, cover designers, copy editors, marketing teams, spouses who care for children and feed the family and run the carpool, the interior formatter, the friend from afar who sent inspiration via email or coffee via a gift card. So, so, so many people work on a book. Reading an author’s note reminds you of these many individuals and moving parts that make a book HAPPEN. If you are comparing your solo-efforted first draft to the book on the shelf… STOP IT RIGHT NOW. Not only will this act get you nowhere… it’s also an incredibly unfair comparison.
A name that will most frequently pop up in the author’s acknowledgements is their agent. If the author has written a book similar to yours (genre, age range, etc.) write down that name and look them up online. Find out if they are accepting new clients. Keep tabs on them, their submission policies/timeline, and publications. These are clues that will help you identify if they are in fact a great agent for you. If you decide to query the agent, mention these things that you have noticed and learned. It shows them you are invested, knowledgeable about how the industry works, and are paying attention. The same goes for editors of publishing houses.
Often in the letters authors will share the reality that a book is years in the making. Much like item one on this list, that fact can soothe your impatient soul and help you to know that good books take a good amount of time. Don’t rush the process. Do your story justice. Also notice the steps the author mentions. The ideation process, the research, the outlining, the writing and revising and revising and revising. Note the additional aspects that enhance a story (the cover, chapter art, maps, audiobooks, prequels, back matter, etc.) and think about how you might use these strategies to make your story more than it could be if it stood alone.
Your homework, as Brandon Sanderson offers in each episode of his podcast writing excuses, is to go look for the author’s notes in your favorite books. Read them and identify/record the helpful bits. Put these pieces of information into action or squirrel them away until you are ready to use them. But either way, know there is a wealth of writing wisdom, direct from your favorite author, waiting for you at the end of each and every book. Now that’s something to be thankful for, am I right?
Okay. Are you ready to thank me yet? (I know I am thankful for YOU!) Hopefully you’ve taken away some word nerd goodness from this piece. If you want more, click any one of the articles below. And if your curiosity is sparked by Brandon’s author’s note above and you want to embark on a lengthy literary adventure, you can purchase the first book in the Storm Light Archive here.
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Sometimes it’s difficult to convince new-to-me readers that they should give me and my feel-good-fiction books a try. It’s a common problem for indie authors. One way I do get people to give my books a try is by sharing my first chapter for FREE. Rather than post it online as text, I share these first chapters in read aloud videos on YouTube. This way I can also tell people about all the fun behind the scenes facts about my inspiration for the story. I love so many aspects of this meet-the-author/book-tasting strategy, but my favorite part is that I get to read my books aloud, with the tone, inflection and voice in the way I intended for the reader to experience it. I don’t want to be dramatic, but it takes my book sharing efforts to a whole new level… at least I think so!
I’m sharing these first chapter read aloud videos in this week’s blog post so you can check them out. Maybe you are one of those new-to-me readers… and you want to give one of my books a try. Maybe you are already one of my loyal readers, but in the pandemic you lost track of my newest publications and want to listen to chapter one of a book you haven’t read. Or maybe you are an author and you want to check out this strategy in action so you can try it out yourself. No matter why you’re here or what you’re looking for, happy listening! I hope you love what you hear.
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Hey ya’ll, it’s MARKET SEASON!
This time of year, my entrepreneur friends and I are super busy with events, especially markets. The holiday season is a wonderful time for us to sell our wares and meet new customers. It’s a lot of fun, but a lot of work too! I often use my blog to give an inside scoop on what it’s really like to be an authorpreneur, and this week is no different. Here is what market season prep looks like behind the scenes.
#1 Book Inventory and Ordering
In order for me to sell books, I need to buy them first. At any given time there are around 250 books in my basement. But which ones? The first step is to lay them all out and take stock. Then, I’ll place an order for what I think I’ll need. This is always a bit of a guessing game. Sure, books don’t spoil or go bad… so I could order a thousand! But spending all my savings to then sit on product for months… doesn’t really work out well for the cash flow situation. I do my best to order what I think I’ll need and a little more (just in case).
For example, because I have a market coming up in St. Paul, I ordered a few more of my Duluth based Champion Chocolatier series that usual, because Minnesota people sure to do love the North Shore. But when I’m at the Mistletoe Market later in the month, I’ll be certain to have tons of Close Quarters for the La Crosse locals.
Books usually take 2-3 weeks to be printed and shipped to me. So this important step is often written in my calendar about a month before market season.
#2 Book Signing
If you’ve been following my social media stories the past week, you know that I’ve been signing a lot of books. I could just scrawl my name inside each book and call it good, but I like to do a little more than that. For each of my books, I find a quote that connects to the story and write that on the title page along with my signature. This step takes a little extra time, often more time than I have to spend with each customer at a busy market, so I like to do it ahead of time. This way, when a book is purchased, all I have to do is add the personalization (To: ______) and hand it over.
This task is mindless and easy, so it doesn’t need to take the place of other tasks during my “work day”. Instead I usually work on it in the evenings while we watch TV as a family.
#3 Pricing
Situations change from event to event. Things like mileage and event fees make a difference in how much I have invested in a selling event. Some markets cost little to nothing, while others cost hundreds of dollars. I also may have added another book to my line up, thus changing the overall price of a bundled series. (As a self-published author, I am able to buy my books at cost + shipping. For more information on royalties and how I decide how much to charge for books, read this post.) I also think about how things sold at past events and considering adjusting prices to increase sales.
For example, I have a bunch of zipper pouches that have been slow sellers. (I’m not sure why, I love these things and think they are great!). So for my next market, I’m going to try selling them for $15 each or 2 for $25. If that doesn’t go well, I’ll try something else the next time around.
Figuring out how much I want to charge per item or bundle is definitely something I need to do ahead of time, rather than make it up on the spur of the moment like a garage sale.
#4 Signage
I’ll then make new signs (thank you Canva!) to reflect these prices so that customers clearly know the cost of my items. I frame these price sheets and include them in my table display.
I also like to have signs with information on how to stay connected to me. Lately this has come in the form of QR codes to my email newsletter sign up landing page in mini frames. Here are a few of my signs, just to give you an idea.
For this market season I have upgraded my signage. Often times people think I am a retailer or book distributor (like Usborne Books). Once they find out that I am the author of the books they see, they are much more interested (and willing to buy). Personalized and autographed books make GREAT gifts! I learned that I need this fact to be front and center, rather than the result of a two minute conversation. My signs hopefully reflect that, including this new beauty I designed on Canva and ordered from Next Day Flyers.
#5 Help
Running the actual market is a lot of work. Often my husband helps me pack and set up for events, and my parents will help me sell books. Standing and talking and selling for 6-8 hours takes a lot of effort. It’s fun, but work… and harder work still if you can’t take a break to eat lunch or go to the bathroom. Securing help is a step you might not think of… but a necessary one. My best advice is to find an author friend that you can share a table with. Not only will you cut your cost in half, but you’ll have a built in buddy to give you a break. Also, sometimes is easier for you to brag up another person’s books than your own. Together you can hype up each other’s offerings without appearing outwardly arrogant or salesy.
#6 Packing!
Getting all my stuff to the market is a task in and of itself and you better believe “packing” makes it on to my to-do list the week of an event. Books, tables, a chair, table cloths and display décor, signs, money bag (with cash for change - add a stop at the bank to the to-do list!), square card reader, book marks, bags (pre-stickered with my brand logo), and… what am I forgetting?!?!? If I’m totally honest… it’s at least one thing.
In addition to these steps, there’s buying the packaging (bags) your shoppers will use, assembling any kits or bundles, checking with collaborators on co-created product, social media posting, picking out your outfit (something thematic to the event and comfy!), booking a hotel (if necessary) and probably a dozen other small things I do on autopilot. It’s a lot!!
I’ve been doing markets for the past 5 or 6 years. It’s not an exact science. Each market and event is different, even from year to year at the same annual event. No matter the turn out (or weather), your sales or lack there of, remember that this is an opportunity to meet new customers, build relationships and the let the world know you exist. Markets are a TON of work, but in my opinion, definitely worth it.
Here are the markets and events I’ll be at this season. I hope to see you there!
P.S. As a shopper and attendee of these markets, remember that some of the people you see are side gig hustlers and others are out there trying to earn their mortgage payment. But no matter what, they have a passion for the “thing” they are out there peddling. Be kind, pay a little more than you would for something on Amazon, and if you love something you find… tell a friend. Word of mouth referrals are still the BEST way for any business (big or small) to succeed.
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Typically I share non-fiction articles on my blog… helping readers, writers and teachers find amazing resources or improve a certain aspect of their lives. But occasionally, like today, I share a short piece of fiction. Fall is the perfect season for mysteries and I hope you enjoy this one!
P.S. If you prefer audiobooks, you can listen to this story here.
P.P.S. I originally wrote this story so students could practice identifying collective nouns (nouns that refer to a group of things). For a little extra fun, see if you can find them! There are 15 in each chapter. Click here for a handy dandy answer sheet to keep track of your guesses (as well as additional educational resources that will help you use this story in your classroom - if you are a teacher).
Chapter 1
An eerily silent crowd stood staring at the crime scene. The police department jostled them as they strung up the yellow caution tape and yelled a mess of orders for them to stand back. It was odd. Nothing like this had ever happened in their little town before. The citizens would not have believed it had they not been seeing it with their own pair of eyes. Above them a parliament of owls stared down at the forest of legs standing in the library lawn, adding to the peculiar atmosphere.
“Where is she now?” a man in a heavy coat asked.
“The librarian? Chief said it drove her absolutely mad.
She’s at the hospital now,” another responded.
“I heard it took the entire ambulance crew to remove her from the building,” commented a bystander.
As the adults looked on and speculated, a gang of school children burst onto the scene. Having been released from school moments earlier, their pent up energy seemed to overwhelm the scene. They tromped straight past the yellow tape and descended onto the mass of books that littered the library lawn.
Currently the library staff was being marched out of the building and past the bomb squad as they began their search of the building. It was highly unlikely that anything besides the books were amiss, but the team of officers on duty would rather be safe than sorry.
A small section of reporters from the local syndicate stood on the edge of the scene, snapping a roll of film that would document the event for any who might not be present for this bizarre moment.
Chapter 2
The flock of onlookers finally broke up near dusk, heading home to the calling of dinners unprepared and homework un-started. An ensemble of voices and shuffling feet could be heard all along Main Street. Among the homeward bound was the mayor, feverishly wondering which member of his constituency could have possibly pulled this prank. Who would remove every book from the library only to leave them mere paces from the front door? What would such a demonstration prove? Was there anyone who wished to harm the health of the Madame librarian? Because surely this would do the trick.
He waved absentmindedly to the police patrol stationed across the street ushering a pack of children through the crosswalk and decided to focus more closely on his drive home instead of attempting to solve the mystery.
Also heading home was a teacher, just emerging from school. She had been grading a mountain of tests and watching a naughty duo of trouble makers in detention and therefore missed the event. She attempted to catch up on the town gossip as she walked the three short blocks home. She noticed a convoy of vehicles dispersing from the library and hastened to catch up with a student from her class.
“Why the gathering of the public? What’s with the swarm of children and parents?” she asked.
“A bunch of the library books were moved to the front lawn,” her student explained.
“Why?” she asked.
“No one in the group seemed to know,” the student continued. “The police force has no leads.”
“Very peculiar,” the teacher commented.
“I need to catch up with my family,” the student called over their shoulder as he began to run ahead. “Good night!”
“Good night.”
Chapter 3
The next day, a Saturday, an audience formed to watch a crew of enthusiasm lacking volunteers carry the bundles of books back into the library. In couples and clusters and yokes and masses, the books were brought back inside. From the sidelines, the crowd could hear a majority of the faculty volunteers grumbling a cloud of complaints.
“What did they hope to accomplish by putting this heap of books out here?” a volunteer griped.
“Whoever writes books with an abundance of pages should be
fined! My arms are killing me!” a junior staffer whined.
“Is the librarian coming at all today?” another asked.
“Nah, she doesn’t check out of the hospital until tomorrow.”
As dusk fell, the final book was re-shelved and the pair of oak doors were locked, the books safely behind them. The clique of coworkers trailed out of the parking lot. The events of the past two days behind them and a weekend ahead and waiting. Their talk turned from work to a multitude of other mundane topics.
Chapter 4
Curiosity was fueled by a letter that appeared in the newspaper the following day.
To the entire population of Noun Town,
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for my library spectacle. I am truly sorry for the thicket of trouble it may have caused. I am also writing to ask for some help. While removing the books, I stopped on the moonlit lawn to gaze at the galaxy and constellations in the heavens and read a most fascinating tale. I was quite busy and could not finish it, so I marked my page with a special note. You know how the librarian hates when we lie them face down, damaging their spine in the process. Seeing as I was already going to drive her crazy with my plague of shenanigans, I didn’t want to further upset her. When I returned home, yes, I too am a member of this fair city, I realized I left a large bank of wealth tucked inside the pages of the book. Do you think you could help me find it?
Please do this discretely, I don’t want to create a rush of pandemonium. Simply go to the library and begin checking out a bushel of books. Don’t let me catch you returning the bulk of books without reading them… I’d hate to have to turn your house inside out!
If you find the currency I spoke of earlier, contact the newspaper and they will place an announcement in a random section alerting me that it has been located. If you should see this notice, feel free to discontinue your search.
Thank you for your host of help and again I apologize for the expanse of trouble I have caused.
Sincerely,
The Library Looter
Chapter 5
In every office, on every bus and in every classroom, a harvest of information was gathered. Throughout the town a network of gossip was instated. A piece of green paper sticking out of the top of graphic novels. The assistant librarian’s boyfriend had acquired a packet containing a list of every book the library owned. A dozen bouquets had been sent to the librarian and she had a bevy of visitors. Each visiting party attempted to gain some small factoid about what she may have seen upon her unfortunate discovery on the library lawn. Every piece of information was passed along the gossip chain including the knowledge that the librarian was said to be on indefinite leave of absence starting now.
An anthology of questions were asked. “How will the looter know if I actually read the book?” “Do you really want to test the theory and end up with your laundry scattered in your yard?” “Can I really find this nest of money buried in a load of dusty books?”
An extensive list of plans were made. A Girl Scout troop strategized to work together and split any money they found. Their meetings were already held in the basement of the library and the frequency of their meetings was increased to three times a week. Teachers extended free reading time during class so that they themselves could page zealously through their library books. Whole families instated reading time each night before bed and could be seen religiously reading through their lit windows.
Each night they fell asleep mentally spending their reward and wondering who would be the lucky one to find the hidden coven of treasure.
Chapter 6
If the looter was distressed at the continued displacement of his or her money, they made no comment. Weeks went by, and the town continued to read, and read, and read. The children read a feast of picture books. The teens had set up shop in the young adult section. They refused to allow anyone in but their own age-group while they read a horde of paranormal romances. Mothers checked out batches of cookbooks and after they had run out of those they went through a regiment of historical romances. After a wad of sport and construction magazines the fathers began reading a body of books on architecture. Old men read a platoon of war memoirs while their old biddy wives read a host of religious biographies on saints. It seemed everyone had their section in the library staked out and everyone was reading. And it wasn’t just the books.
Keeping in mind that an announcement would be made in the newspaper once the money had been found, the citizens combed the newspaper from front page to last looking for word that the search had ended. Even those who didn’t purchase the newspaper, soon became daily subscribers.
The faculty at the library was working harder than they ever had before. Re-shelving a battery of books left them feeling delightfully exhausted. If only the mentally vacationing librarian could see this, surely her soul would be healed! But she remained away.
Chapter 7
The assistant librarian used to sit bored at the front desk praying for a friend to stop by, a child to check out a book, or an email from her boyfriend. Now as a line of regulars stretched across the room, she wondered if those days were an illusion. A crop of book lovers seemed to have grown over night. The span of hours she spent at the library seemed to fly by in a blur.
Each day a slew of books exited and reentered the library, carried by a mass of men, women and children. Each time she checked out a book, her heart raced at the thought of discovering the looter’s left behind treasure. How much had they really left trapped between chapters? Which of the books in the body of the library had been chosen? How and why? A clutter of questions she asked herself daily. The urge to constantly check her email left her, as her boyfriend now chose to visit her at the end of each work day. Together they assessed the dwindling list of books the library owned that had yet to be checked out since the fateful day.
They promised each other they wouldn’t use the list to find THE BOOK themselves. They just enjoyed the process of the treasure hunt the city was determined to complete. As a new reporter among a mob of stiff competition, the boyfriend was excited about his inside angle on this compelling story. The assistant librarian carefully locked the door behind a caravan of Girl Scouts leaving with an array of reading selections tucked under their arms before rushing back to the front desk, her boyfriend and the list.
Chapter 8
“It has been too long since I was last here,” the mayor thought as he veered away from a knot of people gathered around the library shelves. He’d decided to stop and pick up some evening reading material since his wife was on vacation visiting her sister on the West Coast. It was getting a little lonely at his house and he thought it might be fun to fill his mind with a cast of characters.
He was happy to leave behind thoughts of the city planning committee, the finance board meeting, a looming election, a council position that needed to be filled and the lack of appetizing dinner options awaiting him at home. He instead turned his attention to an anthology of books on the US Presidents.
Once seated comfortably in his car, his parcel of selected books lying in the seat next to him, the mayor shifted into gear and began his drive home. Sounds of the city orchestra accompanied by a string of Latin lyrics drifted out of his speakers as he drove past the zoo, orchard and farm before finally pulling into his subdivision.
After feeding the litter of cats that met him mewing near the door, he settled into his favorite chair, book in hand, ready for an enjoyable reading of evening.
Chapter 9
It was entirely unnecessary, but another note appeared in the newspaper several weeks later.
Dear Citizens of Noun Town,
Good word has reached me that you have become an army of readers! Thank you for taking my cause so seriously. Has anyone found my cache of fortune? Keep looking, I assure you it is there. Feel free to share your current findings, working as a team may be helpful.
Sincerely,
The Library Looter
As expected, it created a rapid of reaction of rumors. The occupants of the town could no longer contain their portfolio of book blurbs, recommendations, and favorites. The blessing of book information gushed forward from one tribe of teens to another, one colony of coworkers to the next, from one congregation to the church across the street until they were all talking and talking and talking about books.
Baskets of books continued to be checked out from the library. The cable company has issued a catalogue of complaints due to their large chunk of cancelations. School board members were rejoicing when the principals reported that reading levels at the local schools were escalating at unheard of rates. Children saved their reserve of birthday money to buy books at the newly opened book store downtown.
The shower of questions from the town still rang out, but they had changed. “Have you read the new historical fiction thriller?”
“Did you hear that book I read last week finally made its way on to the New York Times bestseller list?” “When is the first book club meeting?”
Chapter 10
Winter descended on the little town. A layer of snow covered the library lawn, and the yellow cautionary tape that had long been taken down was replaced by strings of colored lights. A festive garland was wrapped around the terrace railing and a beautiful wreath hung on the old oak door, welcoming library patrons to the building and the season.
As the librarian returned to her place of work for the first time since the incident last fall, she could see a kit of little kids reading and giggling in the children’s corner. A pair of siblings were sharing a chair and a book while their father browsed through a dossier of recent book arrivals. Just beyond the family she saw an entire fleet of women young and old who had gathered for the recently started book club. Everywhere she turned she saw worshipers of the written word, wonder and enjoyment written clearly on their faces.
When her assistant, who was now acting as head librarian, saw her entering, the young woman gasped and attempted to stand. But the librarian, ever a rule follower, shushed her and silently slipped back out into the darkening evening. As a light snow begins to fall, the librarian reminisced over the past collection of months, catalogues of memories in her head. She wondered if the townspeople would ever be able to forgive her for intentionally misleading them. She wondered if they too now understand the wealth to be found in words and that it was their treasure she had be writing of the entire time.
She smiled to herself as she shuffled a pile of books off the passenger seat of her husband’s car and buckled her seat belt.
“Everything just how you left it?” he asked her.
“Oh no dear. It is much, much better than I left it.”
“Do you feel good about your decision to retire?”
“Absolutely,” she responded. “Now, on the way to the symphony, catch me up on the panel of candidates you had in mind for that council position.”
The End
Listen to the story here:
Or read it here.
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
This past weekend I jumped in the car with my writing bestie to drive alllllll they way across the state to an SCBWI event. It was my first in person writing event in over two years and we were so excited. Why? Because there is quite possibly nothing better than hanging out with people who love what you love. And these people, my SCBWI people, are some of the best.
Whenever I attend an SCBWI event, I never fail to learn something new, be inspired and feel the love of the kid lit community. This event was no exception. Case in point? A young college grad, brand new to “the society” as he called it, walked in nervous, yet DOING THE THING (aka: showing up). He was instantly greeted, welcomed, and ushered directly to a veteran in his niche area who kindly chatted with him, answered his questions, and built him up. Seriously, where else in the world does this happen??!?!?
So today’s blog post is dedicated to SCBWI… what it is, what it can do for you and why (if you are a kid lit creator) you absolutely need to be a part of it.
Let’s start with the basics.
I have been a member of this organization since way back in 2016 and can tell you I have learned more from it and the people I have met there than anywhere else in the publishing world. I have also made some amazing friends. But more than knowledge and friends, this organization can offer you professional development, marketing and promotion, print/online resources, opportunities for awards and grants, as well as discounts. You can learn more about these offerings here.
One of my favorite parts about SCBWI are their events, both in person and in the form of online webinars. In the past month I have gone to one in-person event to hear a presentation from an editor at Harper Collins, a fabulous first pages webinar and also a meet the agents webinar. It is through these events that I get to meet (and learn from) the people who are in the room where it happens. Many people meet their agents and editors at these events (and get to skip the slush pile)!
I wrote all about one of my first SCBWI events in this 2018 blog post after attending a great three day conference.
If yes, click here to learn how to become a member. I hope I’ll see you at one of our events soon!
Happy writing and illustrating my word nerd friends!
~ Amanda
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Last week I shared a bit about how my whole YouTube journey began as well as a few things I’ve learned along the way. This week I’m going to delve a bit deeper and share the top 10, most popular, First Chapter Friday Videos on my channel.
If you are a teacher and need to good stuff (aka: books your students will be clamoring to read) scroll on to the countdown. But if you’ve got a minute, stick with me.
For one semester, I taught part time at both Western Technical College and the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. (Side note: I wouldn’t recommend working part time at two places to anyone — part time pay and no benefits for full time work.) It was through my time at UWL that the seeds for my channel, Learning with the Word Nerd, were planted.
I taught in the Foundations of Education string of classes, primarily focused on reading and reading instruction. I was floored when my students began turning in lesson plans based on books that were written decades ago - Caps for Sale and books by Dr. Seuss. A Bad Case of the Stripes, which is a great book, but I’m pretty sure I did a student teaching lesson on it, more than 20 years go!
I asked my students how they had chosen their books and why, when living in a GOLDEN AGE of KIDLIT, did they pick these old, old books! Sometimes they told me they were just replicating what had been read to them. Or that they didn’t have time go to the library and search out something new. That these were the books with lesson ideas on Pinterest. Some said they didn’t even really like reading, but as an elementary education major, they would have to teach it. Needless to say, I was distraught. We had a beautiful campus library with a section dedicated just for education majors full of beautifully displayed and thoughtfully curated titles. (The librarian is my friend… so I might be a touch biased… but really, it’s pretty great!). We also have a Barnes and Noble and a historic used bookshop (Pearl Street Books) in town. It broke my heart that some of these students either a) didn’t care about books or b) have the time to explore them.
My channel is an attempt to fix that.
Okay, so you don’t like reading, but you have to teach it. You don’t read books personally, but need to know what’s being published so you can recommend good books to your students. You don’t have time, but want to do the best you can. Okay. I can help.
I do love reading. I have been a middle grade and YA reader for the past 3 decades. I do spend time (and money!) in bookstores. I am connected to the publishing industry and authors through writing groups and organizations. Let me the bridge. Thus, Learning with the Word Nerd was born.
On my channel I share books that I think kids will LOVE. Books that will lead them to other books. Books that will introduce them to incredible authors. Books in which they can see themselves, their classmates, and the world. Books that will mend their heart and stretch their minds. Books that are funny and books that will make them sit on the edge of their seat. Books they didn’t know they’d love and ones they’ll arm wrestle the kid next to them to get first. There are thousands of amazing books in this world and I’m making it my mission to get them into the hands of readers, one book recommendation video at a time.
So far I’m up to 95 and I have no plans of stopping.
** Links to purchase books can be found in each video description box.
(12:44) REALISTIC FICTION - A middle schooler just wants to have a normal summer and befriend the new neighbor girl, but her brother with Autism is making things… difficult.
(20:02) A MODERN DAY GHOST STORY - 3 Friends set out on a quest to lay a troubled spirit to rest, but not all of them are convinced that what’s happening is real.
(16:48) REALISTIC FICTION in the NEAR FUTURE - When a family overspends their “limit” their children must work off their debt… only, things aren’t really as they seem.
(26:35) ACTION ADVENTURE FANTASY - To unify a divided kingdom, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. INCLUDES AUTHOR INTERVIEW!
(28:46) FANTASY - Harry discovers that he is a wizard and heads off to Hogwarts, a magical school, where adventure and danger await him!
(31:13) REALISTIC FICTION NOVEL IN VERSE - Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant debut. INCLUDES AUTHOR INTERVIEW!
(11:18) FANTASY - NEWBERY AWARD WINNER - When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history.
(26:59) SCIENCE FICTION - NEWBERY AWARD WINNER - When a girl’s father goes missing, she travels out into the universe to find him and attempt to bring him home.
(15:35) NARRATIVE NONFICTION/MEMOIR - Told from the perspective of two children living in Sudan and two different time periods (1985/2008) this story highlights the damage of civil war and the importance of water.
(10:35) REALISTIC FICTION - Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this first electrifying novel of the acclaimed Trackseries.
I know I was a bit soap-boxy about the whole “old book thing” and yet, here on my list, are a few books that could be qualified as old. A Wrinkle in Time certainly can be. It was published in 1967 and the author has been dead for over a decade. And Harry Potter has been out since 1997. My thoughts? There will still be classics that continue to have relevance and ensnare readers. Award winners will likely stand that test of time, simply because they are award winning. However, even though I too taught A Wrinkle in Time 8 years in a row, and I love this story of good vs. evil, I will agree that perhaps there is a story with modern day situations and current vocabulary that will instill these lessons just as well, if maybe not better than, Madeline L’Engle’s story. Every teacher will need to make that decision for their students in their classroom.
I was not surprised to see A Long Walk to Water on the list since I know it is a part of many middle school curriculums. The book is a wonderful way to connect social studies and ELA content as well as introduce students to a world that is likely vastly different from their own.
I was also not surprised to see Ghost on the list. Jason Reynolds is an A-List book world celebrity, meeting readers where they are and bringing real life stories with him. He is kind (I’ve met him in real life) and generous, inspiring and talented. This story is all of those things too. If you don’t have a copy for your classroom library, get one, ASAP.
I was surprised to see The Limit on here. I love this book and KNOW that kids love it, but it just isn’t one I hear being discussed and shared frequently. This book is timely and makes readers think. There are parts that are straight up fun and others that are downright suspenseful. It puts kids in charge of solving adult problems and it is masterfully told. I am thrilled that so many readers are finding this book through my channel! If you are looking for a classroom read aloud that will appeal to a wide variety of students, this is your book!
My interview for The False Prince with Jennifer A. Nielsen was one of my favorites I’ve ever done. If you are looking for a book to pull readers in with an unreliable narrator you’d follow anywhere and an introduction to an author that will supply you with dozens of great books, play The False Prince video in class.
If you’d like educational content to go with a few of these videos, check out the items below.
Okay! That’s it for today. Thanks for sticking with me ‘til the end. Happy reading!
- Amanda
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)
Once upon a time in 2019 I was pretty confident I was going to get a full time job (again). The salary and benefits were pretty appealing… so, even though I loved my entrepreneurial life, I was going to switch back… for a while. But then, I didn’t get the position.
I kind of freaked out. The decision was a long time in coming and I didn’t have a back up plan for a solid income. I saw that my friend Andrea Jean was doing amazing things over on YouTube and so I straight up begged her to teach me her ways. This was the start of my YouTube journey.
I will be completely transparent and say that YouTube is not my main income source (yet). It has taken me two years to generate a return of mere dollars a day. At first, I had to find other ways to hustle for my hard earned authorpreneur income. But now, I am proud to say my YouTube income stream is flowing and contributing to my earnings each month. I have moved past my beginning and am excited to see where the next phases of my journey will take me.
If you are interested in starting your own YouTube channel or are just curious about the platform (how it works and its earning potential), here are six things I have learned since starting my YouTube channel.
#1 - Andrea Jean of Andrea Jean Co. Andrea is a friend of mine from high school. We were on the same gymnastics team and later went to the same college. It is because I saw her wild success on this platform (read: earning $20,000 a month from YouTube) that I even considered jumping into the YouTube pool. #2 - Trial and Error. You can read all the blogs and watch all the advice videos. But until you get in there and give it a try, you just don’t know what will work for you.
YouTube doesn’t pay just anyone. You need to prove yourself first. The subscribers are easier to get than the watch time. I found success achieving this milestone by sharing my content (both when solicited and unsolicited) in close Facebook Groups of people in my niche audience (middle school ELA teachers). For another tip on how to increase subscribers, watch this video from Andrea. 4,000 hours is A LONG TIME. At this stage in the game, videos that are a little longer (17-30 minutes) are going to help you rack up that time faster. Later on, videos that are shorter (3-12 minutes) are going to be better. (I’ll explain why in a bit.)
Yep. That stat is right. Read it again. It takes a lot of work. For me, it took about a year and a half of 5-10 hours a week to be monetized. I currently make about $15 a week. At first glance you might be flabbergasted that I even bother. But you know what? This is just the beginning. It will only go up from here. And, this money will continue to come to me… whether I do another thing, or not. $15 a week for the rest of my life… for doing nothing. What if I got that number up to $100 a week or $1,000? It’s possible. Andrea currently makes around $600 a DAY on her channels. It is that potential that drives me.
Some YouTubers do sponsorship deals, meaning companies pay them to promote their products. I know that some people make a lot of money this way, but Andrea encouraged me not to pursue that line of work because then you are still working for someone else… catering to their demands and requests. It is a less passive way to make money. And there is no guarantee your time and energy pursuing a brand deal will pay off. Andrea has shown me that making videos, lots of them, is a more sure fire way to earn money.
Up above I said longer videos were great when beginning, because they helped you rack up those necessary watch hours. But once you are monetized, shorter videos work better. Why? Because ads are likely to play at the beginning and end of each one. An hour of watch time for two thirty minute videos could mean a potential of 4 ads. That same time spent with 15 minute videos could result in 8 ads. More ads equals more money, thus, shorter videos will provide more opportunity for income generation. Plus, providing what your viewer is wanting efficiently in a succinct amount of time, will lead to greater satisfaction, likely increasing their return to your channel.
Become the expert and go-to channel for a specific group of people. My channel is dedicated to providing resources for Middle School ELA teachers. I know that I have done this, because now OTHER TEACHERS are recommending me and my content in those closed Facebook groups I mentioned before. Another related tip, create a series of videos for your niche audience… something that they’ll come back for again and again. For me, this looks like my First Chapter Friday videos. Each week I introduce a great novel (tell a bit about the book and its author) and then read the first chapter. Teachers use these videos to get their students interested in reading a particular book. It works for me, because there is an endless supply of great books out there to share (and I don’t have to stress about finding good content to create/share) and teachers/students will continue to come back to my channel to see what’s new (or reshare a video that went well for their students last year!). Another example of a series of videos that have worked for me are my trivia videos. A series of videos that have worked well for Andrea on her Fitness channel is this 14 Day 10 minute Ab Challenge. (I just completed my second round of it this week!)
When I mentioned before that I currently make $15 a week on YouTube, what I didn’t mention is that my videos were leading paying customers to another platform, Teachers Pay Teachers. I’ve been in the TpT game, much longer, since 2013. That income stream started small too. Like $20 a month, small. But over the years I’ve built it up to $500+ a month. Part of my recent growth is due to my YouTube videos. Here, take a look.
Here is a screenshot of my sales dashboard for the last 30 days.
4 of the top 5 best selling products are all companion resources to my YouTube videos. Teachers buy the worksheets and then use them with the videos (which I then get paid for via Google AdSense when they watch them). They aren’t going to buy those products and NOT watch the videos. Additionally, those who watch my free videos will learn about the paid resources in the video description box, which will potentially lead to a sale on TpT. So even though my YouTube channel only made $71 last month, my TpT store made $662. One platform feeds the other. It all works together. And both will only continue to grow, with the help of the other. If you can find a way to lead traffic from one paying source to another and back again… that’s where the real magic can happen. The fact that both of these income streams are passive (meaning I don’t have to be clocked in or at my desk to make a sale) is the glittery fairy dust icing on the top of that magical cake!
All of this is to say that when you hear someone declare they “want to be a YouTuber”... maybe don’t roll your eyes. Maybe after reading this article you’ll realize this platform isn’t just an off the wall pipedream. Instead, ask the YouTuber where they are at on their journey. Ask them their niche audience (and then if you know someone who fits their ideal viewer, pass their content along!). Or perhaps after reading this article you’re thinking, “maybe I could do that”. And you’re right. You can. It’s a lot of work, but I’m hopeful that my hard work will pay off and I think yours can too.
One final note. YouTube is not my only gig. It is only one part of my whole authorpreneurship pie. If I had taken time to solely focus on it, my timeline would likely have been shorter. If you read that it took me 18 months to monetize and thought - “I don’t have 18 months to work and wait in order to get paid!” - Don’t worry! It doesn’t have to take you that long. You could reach monetization much faster! In the same breath, if I focused all of my working hours on video creation and promotion (the way Andrea and her husband do for her channels) my income would likely be much larger. I state this not to belittle what I have achieved, but to encourage you… you get out what you put in… and you can get it faster and achieve greater results than I have… if you put in the time and effort. :)
If you liked what you read on my blog today (or are in search of weekly word nerd goodness) and would like to have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning, you can sign up HERE. If you are interested in any of my email lists (with free goodies/downloads!) click the audience that best describes you: Writer. Teacher. Reader. As always, feel free to share this post with others you think might be interested via email, Facebook or Pinterest.
Finally, affiliate marketing is promoting a product or service in return for a commission. When you purchase a product or service through one of my links, I earn a small part of the sale. There is NEVER any extra cost to you. If you looked up the same product on the same site through another source besides my website, the price will still be exactly the same. 100% of the time.
I also NEVER link to products or services that I don't 100% believe in. I will never tout a company or their goods if they are disreputable or if I don't believe them to be worthy of your hard-earned money. In no way are my affiliate links a scam. (Language borrowed with permission from Kristen Kieffer on Well-Storied.com)