The future of my Youtube channel 📺(Updated)

The first time I recorded a YouTube video, I thought I was going to hyperventilate. I don't think I took a breath the whole time because I was so scared and definitely out of my comfort zone. Almost 200 videos later, I've long let go of these fears, as my confidence built over time. Now, I enjoy making videos and don't even give it a second thought. 

So why did I start? Well, it certainly wasn't to become a YouTube star. I created the channel in hopes of connecting with my audience and potentially finding a new audience. I wanted people to see who I was and to maybe learn a little about me. Also, it gave me a chance to talk about my books, my process and maybe answer a few common questions along the way.

I'm not sure if having a YouTube channel is common amongst writers, but I think it's a good idea. You never know who is watching, and that's kind of neat. 

My goal in the future is to improve and update my videos while diving into more topics that people want me to discuss. It's even been suggested that I start a podcast but I'm not quite there yet. 

If you have any ideas or suggestions, feel free to contact me at info@mimaonfire.com. Sign up for my newsletter and keep up to date! Subscribe to my YouTube channel, hit the bell for notifications, and share the videos. Thanks for reading this blog. 

Let's talk about my YouTube channel 📺(Updated)

In a world of glitzy, glamorous, and finely-crafted YouTube channels, mine is a bit of a clunker in comparison. But that's ok.

When I started making YouTube videos, it simply was to tell people about my books. I wanted to keep it straightforward, not get into anything fancy but use my channel as a way to connect with others. It allowed me to reach people from across the world and show them the person behind the books. The idea of editing, creating an intro, considering lighting, etc wasn't my biggest concern.

Now, I'm close to 200 videos in, and all these things still aren't important to me. What is important is showing people the real me. I speak honestly about my writing and giving viewers some information. I have considered putting more work into the channel but at the end of the day, it should be more about my writing than becoming a YouTube star. Not that I'm saying anything negative about those who make the extra effort, quite the contrary, but for me, my focus isn't the number of views and subscribers (which is good because I don't have a lot 🤣) but simply putting the information out there for those who are interested.

I enjoy doing these videos and having the opportunity to talk about my writing. I'm very fortunate to live in a time where all this is possible. 😃

Thinking about doing a video blog and actually doing it! 🎬 (Updated)

I wasn't exactly comfortable recording my first video blogs. I barely breathed while recording the first several videos, but I also recognized that this was a challenge I had to take on. I needed to get more comfortable talking about my writing. 

Over 200 videos later, I'm probably a little too comfortable on camera, but I certainly don't have it perfected. With each video, I see what I can improve. I make a lot of mistakes, but I'm having fun. 

The beauty of recording a video is that people can see who you are, and if you do so without editing or overproducing, it's much more authentic. The idea of perfecting my makeup, figuring out perfect lighting, and other details might improve the overall look of the videos, but for me is a waste of time. The short videos that I make are to talk about my books and answer common questions that I get asked. I'm not trying to become a television or Internet star.

I know people who've talked about making videos but never get beyond the talking stage. Most of the time, it might be due to a lack of confidence or maybe no sincere interest in doing the work. Doing these videos is relatively easy, but you have to be ready to jump in front of the webcam and not overthink every detail. You have to consider your content and not which shirt to wear. If anyone is watching your videos and are more concerned with your appearance, chances are they aren't interested in the topic you're discussing anyway. (unless you're talking about fashion, makeup, or hair)

The best tip I can give anyone interested in recording a video is to do it. It doesn't matter if it's perfect or if you even share it with the world, but you should try.