Not that I do not have enough on my plate with Pandemic-19 and preparations for publication with Good Twin Publishing, but I have decided to expand my reach and sharing capabilities and produce podcasts and videos!
What? Are you serious? We get to see and hear you in the flesh?
Yup.
Sounds scary.
No, not at all. Scary would be the time, energy, and effort added on top of everything else I have going on in life and being a writer. That right there my readers and followers, is the spine tingling sensation that creeps me to the bone.
In my other life, the one as a professional jack of all trades, I spent a lot of time writing and producing videos for a program I designed and developed for Stanford Healthcare and the University’s School of Medicine. I was the face of digital transformation efforts around technology and training initiatives. In my capacity running the show, I developed a comprehensive training and support program around various new technology platforms.
So, what does that mean?
Well, I was the guy with the face you saw or voice you heard promoting digital transformation to the global Stanford community of world-class and well-known doctors, nurses, researchers, staff, students, and the at-large Bay Area community of technologists. I taught classes on campus and through remote video sessions, and developed all of the videos to train everyone for online classes and support for specific technology platforms that are still in use today!
Woo hoo!
So in a nutshell, I have done this before. I have spent my time in front of cameras speaking to large groups of people and as part of videos. Morphing into a podcaster and video face I guess you could say is just a transition to different content presentation.
Well, spill the beans. Tell us!
A dear friend and my mentor these long years, Mark Trenchard, has been a prolific podcaster and video guy. You name it and he has done it for content around technologies, leadership, and other topics that are great to listen to and watch. You should check him out. I have never had my own set up for home or office beyond a professional studio, so I needed something smaller scale. I asked, and he gave me some great recommendations on tools to buy.
A few clicks and Amazon delivered.
Now what?
That is the million dollar question. I could simply stay behind the lens and just write. Forgo anything else. True, but for those that know me well, my vision of things means I go all in. I am a big picture thinker, outside the box, and what better way to connect with my readers and followers than by sharing even more?
I have my blog posts here, but there is more to expand on. With podcasts and videos, I can really dive into topics in greater depth. It also means portability where instead of just the words I write, you can listen to me and see me talk. Throw the podcast on while running or in the car. Watch the videos on your PC or tablet, even your phone!
Novel, isn’t it?
Not really, but it allows for more than just words on a page. Many writers do it and do it well. I am just following suit.
Though doing it my way.
In reality, it is a new experience for me. I am used to suit and tie or dressed for the occasion in front of the camera. This approach to me in more intimate, more in line with being a writer who shares his work. Less stuffy, more personal, and hopefully, engaging and entertaining.
Not to say my other work was boring or droll.
I tried to make it fun as much as possible.
This though is definitely a way for me to really do what I want to do as an author and engage with the people that matter.
All of you.
So, what all do I plan on doing?
The format is pretty open, but will be writing-centric. Discussions of my books, blog posts, influences, books that I like or have inspired me, really the floor is undefined. I have a starting point in mind and will just go from there and see where the road takes us. Character development, plots, #wips in the works, different aspects of the writing process I find valuable, and whatever.
Yes, I did just say “whatever” as a catchall.
Really, if I think you will enjoy I will look to tackle it. It’s not meant to be formal. It’s just a guy sitting in front of a camera talking capturing his thoughts.
Stay tuned.
Jason McDonald 