045: A course for writers who want to self-publish

045: A course for writers who want to self-publish

I'm working on a course that shows aspiring writers how to design and and self-publish a book as a paperback and ebook using print-on-demand companies like IngramSpark and Kindle Direct Publishing. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/a8e9GMPwpTJfAytU9

044: Scheduling for content creators

As a content creator, the thing I struggle with the most is time management. I realised this particularly in 2024 when I set concrete goals. Two blog posts per week; Focus on YouTube; Publish 5 YouTube Shorts every week; One podcast episode per week. I set ambitious goals but didn't have a plan. As a family man with a full-time job, I know I need a plan. I need structure. Daily habits. Tools to help me organise my process. It's all new to me and I'm having a hard adjusting to structure and sitting down each morning, writing, recording, and editing videos and podcasts. Stopping to fulfil my paternal duties, and get things done around the house. I'm writing this on Monday 8th January, 2024. It's exactly 10:00 AM. Do I want to be writing this article? No. I don't. So, I've gone from being a content creator who approaches things willy-nilly to one who's seeking structure and trying to build a business, and my brain hurts. You know those headaches you get when you give up sugar and flour? Yeah. I've been walking around with that headache for two days. But! I'm getting things done. I want to share the things I'm doing to bring structure to my life as a content creator. 1. I've set goals. They're clear. They're concrete. Two blog posts per week: One on Monday at 8:00 AM; and one on Thursday at 8:00 AM. One podcast episode. Because these goals are concrete, I will know when I miss them. 2. Prioritise writing. As a YouTuber, I'm tempted to think in terms of video first. In 2024, writing is the priority. These articles become the stepping stone to YouTube Shorts, Podcast episodes and long-form videos. As I write new ideas spring up and I jot them down for later. Visit my website: https://potbake.com/ [https://potbake.com/]

043: On becoming a better content creator

Today I want to talk to you about becoming a better content creator. I've been a writer and YouTuber since 2008, but I should warn you: it's only in 2024 that I committed to becoming a better content creator. I may not be the ideal guide. These are merely my thoughts, and how I go about things based on my gut and the articles I read. If you glean something, I'd be pleased to hear. You can reach me on Instagram or X @lyndonbaptiste [https://www.instagram.com/lyndonbaptiste/]. Know your audience. If you're still here, chances are you're a content creator who likes to read; or, if you despise reading, you're here because the information is important to you. While your audience probably loves you, ask yourself what are they looking for: Love? Nostalgia? A taste of Trinidad and Tobago? Or Grenada? Are they searching for scenic accommodations on a hillside in St Vincent? Or luxury, all-inclusive hotels? For me, the first step to becoming a better content creator is setting goals and sticking to them. For far too long I've done things willy-nilly. No clear goals. Nothing to aim at. No process. No business plan. No structure. Although I heard successful YouTubers and podcasters preach on the topic. For 2024 my goals are clear. Publish weekly: two blog posts; one podcast episode; at least one YouTube Shorts on weekdays; and one long-form video on Thursdays at 8:00 PM. Find good clients. I've set goals. My website: https://potbake.com/ [https://potbake.com/]

042: What drives you as a content creator?

As a content creator, how can I become a professional? Time: I need a schedule. Besides content creation, I have a job. I have a young family. Ideally, I want to spend time with my wife and children on weekends. if I have to work on Saturdays I will, but I don't work on Sundays. There. I know my boundaries. It’s important to know your boundaries. I need a schedule. One that involves writing, batch recording and editing every week; despite the “monotony”. Do what I need to do without complaining. Repeating tasks. Google Calendar will help. Focus: My focus is writing. As I write ideas spring up. I’ve chosen to focus on YouTube because it’s the only platform where I earn revenue as a Caribbean Content Creator. I’ve uninstalled Tik Tok, Facebook Pages and Instagram from my phone, and I’m already reaping the benefits. I’m a solo creator. To maintain focus I’m going to have to back off Understand what drives you. As a content creator I work fluidly when I share grassroots stories. Stories of hardworking people who are easily overlooked. Stories of people who are quietly working, quietly doing what they do without recognition. Recognition is important. When we recognise people and their work we lift something inside them that may not have moved in years. This drives me. My website: potbake.com Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndonbaptiste/

041: How to make music reaction videos on your smartphone

Today we are chatting with Bar Miztah, a Trinidadian YouTuber who creates reaction videos. In the podcast, we dive into his process of creating reaction videos. I was honestly blown away when I learned that he uses his phone. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify. Here are the Key takeaways. Caribbean Content Creators need to invest in themselves. To be taken seriously on the global stage be professional. Where necessary pay for programs and apps to access more features or, say, have an app's watermark removed from your videos. Give your best. Look at the competition. Get a better microphone. Up your game. Love what you do. Be yourself. Before creating a YouTube channel, Bar Miztah stumbled on reaction videos looking for songs. The content creators he looked at would break down bars in the song but he noticed that they would miss things. He pointed this out and his wife suggested that he do it himself. So he did. Everyone has different motivations to create, and that's fine but you must love what you do. Connect with Bar Miztah: https://www.youtube.com/@BarMiztah Read more: https://potbake.com/bar-miztah-on-how-to-make-music-reaction-videos-on-your-smartphone/