Flow & Voice: a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey.
It's been a cathartic act to share my mom's wisdom in the current season of the podcast through a 10-part series called "What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.”
Since her passing, I've felt the need to let everyone know how special she was, and to share her positive messages and acts of love with those who may not feel that in their life. I realize I am very blessed to have been loved so well, and I hope you know that my sharing it all with you means I want that love to touch you, too.
Today's lesson is about starting before you are ready and having the courage to experiment and pursue the creative projects and hobbies that interest you. Whenever I start something new, I always research it. I can research it to death, but there comes a time when you've learned all you can from reading and you have to start doing. That's where I am with my audiobook narrating. After almost a year of coaching, my coach told me I was ready to start auditioning and booking my first audiobooks.
I was terrified, but excited. He said that, even though he would teach me all he could about the voiceover and narration business, acting, and performance, there were important things I could only learn by doing, and that producing each new book would push my skills to improve by a factor of at least 10.
So, I had to start before I was ready, and you know what happened? I got two books in a month of auditions. The first one just came out (see below), and the other one will be out shortly. At times, I was a complete mess – recording, proofing, editing, and mastering audio is a full-time job, but I did it, and my coach was right, I learned by leaps and bounds. My confidence is at an all-time high!
Now, it's your turn. Press play on today's episode, then start something before you feel ready. It will empower you. I promise.
This Month on Let the Verse Flow
Episode 71: Start Before You’re Ready: Creative Courage and the Power of Experimentation (part 8)
Episode 70: The Healing Power of Touch - Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 7)
🎙️Behind the Mic
I'm official! My first audiobook, a short book of prayers to reduce overthinking and anxiety, is out!! I hope you'll check it out.
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Let the Verse Flow (and its companion newsletter Flow & Voice) is a creative project created with love by writer, podcast host, and narrator Jill Hodge. If you subscribe today, you'll have full access to the website and newsletter, including articles, podcast episodes, and the Flow & Voice monthly note. Members are vital to building a rich community of diverse voices. Join us by subscribing today; consider a paid subscription to support Jill's work. Thank you!
