Indie Reads TV Begins

Yesterday afternoon I did something that I never thought would be a part of my life... I hosted my first television series.  It is a little strange, and yet oddly comfortable, simultaneously.  I thought, television is something that "the big guys" do, not little start-ups... and then I remembered that the world has changed dramatically since I was a teenager, and truly, anything that I can imagine, can indeed become real.  With all the advancements in technology, nothing is completely out of reach.

But enough waxing romantic... here's the thing... It is SO MUCH FUN to host a TV show!  I worked in the theatre for several years in my younger life, and being in a television studio is akin to that experience... but with more advanced technology.  The rush of the technical rehearsal is the same, and the excitement of "show day" is the same.  The jitters of actually recording is the same as a live production.  Simply put, it's just plain fun!

The show, hosted on CMNTV, a local station in Troy, Michigan, is called Indie Reads TV, and my goal with this program is to shine a much-needed spotlight on Independent Authors and other interesting bookish people.  It's so difficult for indie authors to get the kind of exposure that the major publishers can offer, and I wanted to make a little dent in that disparity.

The long-term goal of the program is to produce one-on-one interviews with authors and those who support authors.  I also want to also offer opportunities to bring more awareness to special bookish events happening in the community with remote shoots, and to provide additional in-studio programming for audiences like poetry and story slams, storytime readings for children, literary panel discussions, and perhaps even a literary game show.  My vision is to utilize this magnificent outreach tool as a way to enhance awareness not only of our local authors as celebrities, but to also offer programming for viewers that encourages them to embrace literature, and get more enjoyment out of picking up a book.

My first day of recording went well, and I'm pleased with the production.  Yes, newbies are certain to make a few mistakes... I blundered a few of my questions, didn't always have the "snappy" retort as I would have liked, and we experienced a few technical glitches due to my inexperience with the equipment... but I'm certain that will all get smoothed out the more shows I get under my belt.  I hope when you watch, you'll forgive my foibles.

We've got four shows "in the can": Episode One features Donald Levin; Episode Two features Andrew Charles Lark; Episode Three features Brenda Hasse; and Episode Four features Kate McNeil.  The broadcast dates will be revealed shortly, and the programs will be available for viewing on CMNTV channel 18 in local neighborhoods, on the CMNTV website, and later on the Pages Promotions website, our YouTube channel, and there will be links to the programs on our social media channels.  There will be lots of opportunities for the public - YOU - to watch and learn about these fascinating authors.

I have upcoming interviews with Mel Corrigan from Scribe Publishing, Indie Author Wendy Thomson, Indie Author Andy Lockwood, and Bailey Lockwood of Just Ducky Editing Services.  Also, I'm super-excited to take the remote equipment out into the field to film Donald Levin's book launch on Saturday, May 11 at Color & Ink Studios in Hazel Park, so watch for that program to be available shortly, as well. 

Watch for broadcast dates and times to be posted shortly.  And... come back to our website frequently for more shows and special appearances by People of The Book on Indie Reads TV! 

If you're an Indie Author, in an industry (like editing, cover design, etc) that supports Indie Authors, an Indie Bookshop owner, or an English teacher... I want to host you on my program!  Please visit the Indie Reads TV show page on our website, and complete the interest form.  I'd love to get you on my production schedule.

Before I go... a BIG, HUGE, THANK YOU to CMNTV and their fabulous staff for making television accessible to the community!  We appreciate your guidance and support in creating local television.

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