Internet Killed the Video Star

Howard "Fucking" Stern

As you knew, if you've been reading this blog for more than a few days, I recently "appeared" on a BlogTalkRadio show called Back-Story. Hosted by fellow Trapdoor Books author, Frank Fiore, it was actually fairly short (compared to past appearances) though I'm not complaining.

Point is, as I commented previously, this was "not my first rodeo." Appearing on podcast shows is something I enjoy, even if I wouldn't say I'm particularly good at it.

What I find most interesting is that in this day and age people still "subscribe" to this kind of format. I may not post on this blog all that often lately, but you can still stay updated on what I'm doing if you're clever and friendly enough to follow my Twitter and/or Facebook posts (or just happen to know me). I'm not some world-famous author, gallivanting and jet-setting on a world signing tour. I write, I edit, and I lament the times where I'm not doing either one. But that's not what this post is about.

If you are fortunate enough to appear on a radio show or podcast, treat it like a pitch session at a conference. Have something to say is the first rule of any appearance of any kind. That's not to imply you need to push your work as if it's the hottest thing since the proverbial hotplate under the frog, but you don't want to hem and haw while dozens of people might be listening.

You have an audience of one: yourself. Radio is all about vocal presence, so having something to say is key, but you also need to be able to say it. Skip the ums, either lead or follow the conversation, and stay on task as much as possible. If you think you're rambling, you probably are. If you feel like you have a point to make, make it. The host's job is not to make you look awesome, but to put on a good show. You need to make yourself look awesome.

Being comfortable and confident are important, since you don't want to sound like some fledgling, afraid of their own work. You're an author, act like one. You wrote a book, and if you want other people to read that book you need to tell them so.

This is where that old Disney advice of "just be yourself" comes into play. Authors, just like artists of any kind, need to go outside once in a while and meet their public. If all you have is your voice to do that... maybe a website... maybe a blog, you're only going to handicap yourself by acting like something you're not. Being shy is also not allowed. Swallow your desire not to be an imposition, and just put it out there. People will take it or leave it as they see fit.

That's not to say I'm batting a thousand with my appearances. I get nervous just like everyone else, and, like everyone else, I just have to work through it. You will, too.

So, armed with my crack-shot advice, you're ready to hit the world. To any of my subscribers and readers, if you're going to have an appearance please let me know. Not so I can critique you, so I can support you. You've all been supportive of me, in one way or another, and I want to make sure I'm holding up my end of the two-way street.

Alright, I've mixed enough metaphors for you for the day. Off you go, and good luck.



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