By: Kathleen Pickering http://www.kathleenpickering.com/
My marketing plan has taken me to interesting places. Conferences. Book signings. Post Offices. Restaurants. Bars. Beaches. Office supply stores. Publishers. Printers. YouTube, Facebook and all paths deep into the Internet.
That last one, friends, is my favorite. And, as of last week, I discovered my most favorite place on the Internet is radio talk shows.
I’m hooked.
Looking for another outlet for MYTHOLOGICAL SAM-THE CALL, I submitted a request for an interview to SPIRITUALLY RAW, a radio show where no topic on religion or spirituality is taboo. It’s a fascinating site. You have to be pretty open minded. You’d like to know that I found a forensic investigator, and a few mystery writers there. My biggest surprise was to find movie producer, James Cameron (AVATAR) and actor, Timothy Dalton, among the friends list.
Since MythSam contains strong spiritual undertones, my request was accepted, but I had to go through a process. First, I was slotted for a 15 minute interview where I presented myself, Mythological Sam-The Call and my thoughts. That Friday I was invited to return to see if I would be voted back. Once again, I had the chance to chat with the radio hosts on the air.
It was a close call (I’m sure it’s because my story sounds well . . . unbelievable), but to my delight, I was voted back. And, guess what? I can completely confirm that I am a sucker for a microphone! Holy guacamole. I loved being on the airwaves.
I’m convinced it’s because I’m one of eight kids and I never really got the proper attention I needed as a child. Not only that. For someone who has a hankering to know as many people on this planet as she can possibly meet, nothing beats sending your story out into the ether. Who knows who might call me back! (I just hope they speak English or Spanish.)
I’d love to share last Thursday’s interview. Just let me warn you. I don’t come on until 13 minutes into the broadcast.Speaking before me is an interesting woman who wrote a book on orgasms as spiritual experiences. (Really. Makes sense. Don’t you think? I’ll have to buy a copy. My husband will be thrilled.) Unfortunately, that woman was not invited back. You can listen to her as well, or move the line on the radio dashboard into the 13 minute mark. Here’s the link to the first podcast. Be sure to click on the return arrow in the top left to get back to this page when you are finished.
http://spirituallyraw.podomatic.com/entry/2011-07-28T08_40_09-07_00
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Ajay and April Matta have invited me back to talk more about my strange religious experience and how it relates to the Mythological Sam trilogy. The show will air on August 18th at 10 a.m. Mark you calendars. If you are available, I would love to have you listened in. Here’s the link for the information:
http://www.spirituallyraw.com/forum/topics/mythological-sam-the-call
The Spiritually Raw website has a fun chat room while listening and a phone number so you can call in to heckle me. Wouldn’t that be fun?! If you do call, be sure to tell me you’re from The Kill Zone. I want them to know about everyone here, too!
So, I ask you. If someone offered you a microphone as a marketing tool, would you take it? And if you have already, how did it work for you?
Ha! Kathleen–of course. I can totally see you taking ANY microphone.
I’ve done a number of these now, between what publicists arranged or being interviewed by my editor on the house blogtalk show. What I learned is that as interviewee, you should have an agenda of things you want to say. My editor and I spoke briefly ahead of time to chat about a game plan, but with strangers (especially ones outside the book industry), it’s important to steer the conversation. An interviewer can go off on some pretty strange tangents. Always seque back to what you need to get across.
Even if they ask to read the book ahead of time, assume they haven’t done so. Most don’t have time. It’s also important to speak in terms of “sound bites” – clear and concise with an entertainment factor, not rambly. I think you’d be especially entertaining. Anyone coming from a large family usually has loads of material.
That is some great advice Jordan! Truly.
So nice to have you around over at SR Kathleen and I look forward to reading your book.
I wish I could get radio sots lined up when my time comes. You go!
Blogtalk radio spots can be linked to your website as a promo tool after. It might be a good idea to edit it down to only your segment though. Not sure how to cut off those first 13 minutes, but it might be worth it.
Also, since the interview is done over the phone, your voice can sound muffled. It’s important not to speak too fast and avoud the occasional mumble. I pretend I’m talking to my mother, sitting on her bad ear side.
Internet radio. Another change. I’m looking at going internet with my TV. Soon nobody will have to go outside and global warming and pollution won’t matter as long as the electricity isn’t interrupted.
They should use Skype. With earphones and a mic you’d sound like you were in the studio.
Omg, Miller, my husband and I were talking about no one having to leave their house. I even thought how I could write a short suspense story around that, something techy.
GREAT suggestion on Skype. That would work well. Thanks!!
I hope we get to TV!!!Namaste xoxoxo,Jenni
Jordan— you are so darned smart!!! I’d like to move next door to you and have coffee in the mornings. After talking w/you, I’d be jazzed to get things done all day . . . and the right way!
Shannon!! Thanks for stopping by!
Johh, they did use Skype and I did wear headphones/mic. You’re right. It makes a great difference.
And, hey, I have to go outside. Why else would it be out there if we weren’t supposed to go in it? LOL!!
Jenni!! Thanks for stopping by! Isn’t it great? The networking grows . . .
Great interview, as always Piks – and wasn’t that how we lured you to be president of FRW? By waving the microphone around? LOL
Great suggestions, Jordan – I’ve done internet radio and internet tv as well as real radio and tv – I just like being the center of attention 🙂
Airwaves are my lap pool!
I have to agree that getting behind a mic as either a guest or an announcer is awesome. I did a 2 hour weekly blogtalkradio show for a couple years and had a blast with it. Interviewing authors, musicians, politicians etc is a blast. After a while I had to drop the show due to life constraints but still do a lot of local talk radio as a fill in host.
Any and all authors on this blog (big names, B-listers or self pubbed types {restrictions actually do apply, IE. your stuff has to be pro-good} are welcome to get a hold of me and next night I am on the air you can be too.
Oh and Kathleen, if you have the MP3 of the radio show and want to cut it to just your own spot there’s a really good free sound editing program I use called Audacity. You can cut it then save it as a separate MP3 and repost it to your webserver. Let me know if you want help doing that.
Hello Kathleen,
I absolutely love your writing style; spiritual urban fantasy! What a great way to get your dose of enlightenment & keep you entertained along the way.
Not to mention…Jay is super excited to receive his 1st autographed booked:) When I read your bio to be a guest, I knew you had a great opportunity to rock your RAW FACTOR segment cause SPIRITUALLY RAW has a huge fan base for mythology. Low and behold you won over cast and of course the listeners with your topic & infectious personality. WAY TO GO GIRL! Everyone is very much looking forward to your full interview on: Thursday, August 18th @ 10:00 am EST. Congrats again! May you be blessed with many years of great joy & prosperity.
April Matta
Traci! You are so funny! Yes, you know how to recruit me to do your bidding! That’s why I love making those writing videos with you on YOUTUBE!
xox
Basil–I certainly can see you as a radio host. Your vibrant and. . . um. . . unusual personality come through so clearly. I’d certainly be a fan! (Could it be the Alaskan air?) 🙂
I do have Audacity. I will try to make the MP3 segment. I’ll see if I can get the file. Great idea. Thanks for the offer of help!
Thanks for the kind words, April. I can see a great friendship growing here. I’m thrilled to be associated with you, Ajay and the gang at SPIRITUALLY RAW. I look forward to tuning in tomorrow, and the next day, and the next . . .
I have not yet done Internet radio interviews. It’s a new adventure waiting to happen! Thanks for the advice here.
By the way ladies & gents I will be on the air on KBYR, AM700 (www.kbyr.com) next week on Monday and Friday evening if any of you are interested in an interview. Drop me an email at basil (at) basilsands (dot) com and we can get it scheduled. We can either do it live or pre-recorded, whichever fits your schedules.