It's 9AM
“You’re changing, he said.
I don’t like it.”
I opened my mouth as I read the email.
Closed it.
Probably tilted my head.
Probably looked mad.
It is my natural look most of the time.
Like I’m open to explode at any moment.
I wasn’t.
Because he was right.
I was changing.
Am changing.
I talked about books a lot.
But no one bought them.
From here, at least.
Maybe they don’t want to click away from the app.
Maybe they don’t want to support an indie author.
Maybe they just want the It’s 9AM daily, a habit they cultivated over the last 350 free issues.
Maybe they just want the next 150 free issues to hit the 500 milestone.
No matter the reason, he’s right.
Some of you have figured out why.
Because if you don’t buy books, I don’t eat.
So I’m making more video stuff.
Free audiobooks for you, but when you listen, I get a few shekels.
Spotify has a payout threshold and there’s just not enough traffic there.
Yet.
I’m making more different kind of content too.
Because every few thousand views is a couple of bucks.
I’d really like a million of them, but that’s slow going.
I tried offering up exclusive stuff on other platforms, but no one bit.
Like Patreon, where you support your local indie.
Even Substack didn’t get more than a handful of annual subscribers.
That’s why you see some links to sponsors.
Like BULLET PROOF COFFEE
It’s why I’m changing some stuff around.
Songs because it takes two minutes to listen.
Walks and coffee and cooking, and day in the life of.
When I say things like, Click here, just know your support means the world to me.
In 2019 I got some advice.
Post 2 or 4 times a day on Tik Tok and Linked In and Instagram.
I did not.
I also did not follow the advice to make a “face” video (vlog) about my day to day.
After all, I write, how interesting is a video of watching me do that.
Except…
I was watching videos of people doing just that.
Not the writing, but fellow authors doing co-writing sessions where everybody logs in together to do work.
I didn’t watch it, but there was a lady who ate her dinner in front of a camera and posted it on Youtube for people who didn’t want to eat alone.
And made bank.
I mean, New York penthouse lifestyle money.
Then there was me.
I posted a couple of face videos, got less than 10 views apiece, and got a lot of shit from a couple of people about it.
Who did I think I was. See, nobody watches. Etc.
Etc.
Etc.
But…
Had I posted one video per day doing what I was told to do by a guy who knew what he was talking about…
Woulda, shoulda, coulda because we can’t prove what MIGHT have happened.
NOW…
He’s telling me to post more on Tik Tok, Youtube shorts and Facebook Fan Page(s).
And those platforms are pushing video.
Face video.
So you will probably see some changes with that.
I don’t want to miss that boat again.
You will still see books too.
I’ve written over 100 and have more lined up and ready.
Battlefield Z - The Complete adventures giant boxset
I’ve got FREE Stuff Too:
Like THIS: All He Takes (A Vivian Fox Suspense Thriller
And This: Lawless Litter (Pet Whisperer P.I. Book 11)
Plus This: First Night: Jessie Night Thriller Book One
AND
I’m trying to finish TWO FULL LENGTH AUDIOBOOK UPLOADS but keep running up against Tech issues: so keep your fingers crossed for this weekend.
In the meantime, if you have ever thought or wondered about STARTING SOMETHING NEW, like a business idea, or just sharing stuff, click and let me know what you think of this. (IT is on Tik Tok,) Who knows, maybe we’ll collab on something, if you tag me, or email me to follow you too.
Subscribe to The Youtube Channel
UPGRADE IT’S 9AM to Monthly and SUPPORT THIS GUY
I understand your need to change, especially since things as they were weren’t working for you. I’m saddened as I enjoyed reading your 9 o’clock as it was, and will miss it. As a boomer, I’ve seen lots of change and though I don’t like it, I’ve been able to accept it quite well. I wish you well in all your endeavors.
I don’t utilize the many “new” networks you are using- I rarely go on YouTube, never use TikTok or LinkedIn , and don’t watch blogs. So I probably won’t be following you much. As to the “books” you offer- I’ve told you before that I’m old school: I consider all writings of less than 200 pages to be novelettes or short stories, which I abhor as I just get into the storyline and it ends. So the only thing I might buy are your box sets. But you do things like offer your Battlefield Z on your site for $14+, when I can order it on Amazon for $9.99! And the Free books you offer are by other authors?! How could my getting these help you?
So, please don’t change too much, or at least allow the past some space in your life too.
-Helen from Vermont