Behind the Scenes with Roy P. Awbery Children’s Books

And my journey into YouTube videos!

Aug 30, 2024

It’s been an exciting week here at Roy P. Awbery Children’s Books, full of learning, creativity, and, of course, plenty of story-telling magic. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes to share what I’ve been up to, the new skills I’m honing, and the projects I’m most excited about.

Embracing the Power of Pinterest and YouTube

As many of you know, creating engaging content and connecting with a broader audience is a significant part of being an author and illustrator (and indeed artist) in today’s digital world. This week, I dove headfirst into learning how to leverage Pinterest and YouTube to grow my audience and spread the joy of my children’s books even further.

I’ve discovered that just posting videos of me narrating my short stories isn’t enough to get them noticed, despite the wonderful feedback I've received so far. The reality is, that in the crowded world of online content, you need to stand out. That’s why I’ve been learning all about the importance of creating personalised thumbnails—the eye-catching images you see on YouTube videos that draw you in with a catchy headline. I’ve also realized the value of a short intro to hook viewers right from the start. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about:

One of the most interesting things I’ve learned is that people often come to platforms like YouTube with specific questions in mind. So, instead of just reading my stories, I’m now focusing on creating content that answers these burning questions. For instance, I’ve started exploring topics like “How to Write a Children’s Book,” “How to Illustrate Your First Story,” or “What Makes the Perfect Bedtime Story.” It’s a whole new approach, and I’m excited to see where it takes me! What do you think?

The Quest for a Viral Video

Of course, one of my ambitions is to create a viral video (being in my 50s it just amuses me!) —something that will capture the imaginations of thousands of viewers and bring Roy P. Awbery Children’s Books to an even wider audience. It’s a lofty goal, but as they say, stranger things have happened! I’m constantly brainstorming new ideas and learning from the successes of others, and who knows? Maybe one of my next videos will be the one to go viral! Hopefully for the right reasons!

Managing Multiple Projects with Trello

Speaking of lofty goals, I’m currently juggling ten new book projects at once! Yes, you read that right—ten! It typically takes me about a year to create and publish a single book, so this is a big shift for me. To keep everything organised, I’ve started using Trello, a fantastic project management tool that’s really helping me streamline my workflow. (And no, this isn’t a sponsored shout-out—I just genuinely love how it works for me!) Trello allows me to keep track of all my ideas, illustrations, and deadlines in one place, which is crucial when you’re working on so many projects at once. Remember, I also have to balance my art career too alongside my day job and all the other things I have going on.

A Special Collaboration: Rainbow Sparkles Saves the Day

One project that’s particularly close to my heart is the book I’m co-creating with my granddaughter, Emelia, titled Rainbow Sparkles Saves the Day. We’re about halfway through the illustration process, and I’m aiming to have it ready in time for Christmas. This book has been such a joy to work on, and it’s extra special because it’s a true family collaboration. I can’t wait to share it with all of you!

A particular recent highlight was being invited to a local community centre to read my books and I was able to give Rainbow Sparkles its first public airing. Emelia was with me and she looked so proud when I told everyone it was co-authored by her - she’s only six! I may have been a little proud of her too!

New Illustrations and Where to Find My Books

Lastly, I’m thrilled to announce that my first two books, I Saw a Dinosaur and The Scariest Dinosaur, now feature all-new illustrations and are available to purchase on Amazon. If you’ve already read and enjoyed them, I would be so grateful if you could leave a review on Amazon—it really helps other readers discover my books.

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear from you! Are there any specific topics you’d like me to explore in my videos or blog posts? Maybe you’re curious about how to find an agent for your children’s book, or you’re looking for tips on illustrating your first story. Maybe you are just wondering why on earth I am doing all this! Whatever it is, feel free to drop me a line—I’m always looking for new ideas and ways to connect with my readers.