Unplugged!

I’ve begun a new practice in my life.

For one hour a day, everyday, I unplug. No exceptions.

I mean I unplug EVERYTHING.

And I do something in total silence, like paint. And the amazing thing that has come out of this is that I get more “Ah-ha!” moments.

You know what an “Ah-ha” moment is. It’s that sudden idea that drops into your head, seemingly, from nowhere.

And yesterday, that “Ah-ha” moment had to do with writing and podcasting.

A New Writing Adventure!

As some of you know, I had been writing for an online Audio Series. The problem with that is that I have so little control over the way the story is read and distributed. They use an AI reader. That bothers me. Because, I want my story read in my authentic voice.

The platform also punishes authors if listener retention drops after the first couple of episodes. Therefore, they encourage you to use AI to write your stories. Because they do this, all of the stories have a similar feel. The process looks like this. You type in your idea and AI produces the story. I refuse to do that. As a result, my episodes are a little too “cerebral” for most listeners. They’re also imperfect in that the sentences aren’t measured the way that AI sentences are. Sometimes my sentences are long and complicated. This means that my audience tends to be more mature and grounded.

This means that every episode is supposed to be fast-paced, drama-filled, action-packed, etc. I don’t like to write that way. Rather, I prefer to write intricate stories that delve into the human psyche. When I read, I enjoy highly developed, character-driven plots. It’s the type of stories that take me inside the characters’ minds and motivations. Stories that let you feel what the characters feel by their body language. (Did you know that only about 7% of communication is actually in words? That means the other 93% is conveyed through body language, tone and facial expression.)

My “Ah-ha” Moment Solution

Yesterday, right after I turned on my phone at the end of my unplugged hour, it came to me. Start a podcast, Darlene. Let people subscribe to it and listen to you read your stories. Share stories there that they can’t hear anywhere else. Engage with your readers. Answer questions they send in to you. Have fun. Connect.

So, I whipped out my phone and asked my Tony Robbins AI. Yes, I have an app for Tony Robbins on my phone. If he can teach Oprah to walk on glass, surely he can teach me how to start a Podcast. And to my delight, the Tony AI laid out a step-by-step instructional plan for implementing my idea. I get to use a structure I already have–this blog.

It Has Begun

I just recorded the first episode for my new podcast. It can be accessed right here on my blog with a paid subscription of $5 per month. That’s cheaper than most books, plus you get other features as well. One of those features is access to audio recordings available nowhere else. We will call those exclusive stories! You will also get access to print books available nowhere else online. AND you get access to private blog posts and interviews that I only share with paid subscribers.

Each episode will be a part of one of my books. I’m starting with Looking for Pork Chop McQuade. Not only will I read chapters from the books, but I’ll discuss what inspired the stories. I will also invite listeners to send in comments and questions. I’d love to address these on the show! The audio version of this book is only available to my subscribers. You will be able to listen to this on Spotify and other audio platforms shortly.

My promise to you is that I will show up consistently. I will continue to write unique and engaging stories. And, will also, reply to your comments and questions.

I want to connect with my readers.