Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

Everyone seems to be making videos to promote their books these days, and I have been turning several shades of green looking at them all. Such a brilliant way of drawing attention to our writing and even comparative newcomers to the art are producing very impressive material.

I didn’t think I stood a snow ball’s chance in hell of making some of our own. Didn’t stop me from wanting too, though, but then nothing much usually does. If I want to do something, my mind won’t quit until I have found a way to do it. I knew that just as soon as I felt brave enough, I would be having a go.

Apparently, it is SO easy to make a simple video. Well, YouTube is full of them, so it must be true.

When I woke up this morning, I had no idea that today would be the day.

Someone sent me an email with a video in it, and as I looked at it, I knew it had to be now or never. I remembered there was something called Moviemaker hiding somewhere on my PC, and before I knew what I was doing; I was filming my collection of bonsai for a test run on my camera. Up until that moment, I hadn’t been aware that my simple camera could do this. I chatted a bit as I filmed, to see what I sounded like, for eventually I wanted to read excerpts from our books on some promotional videos.

Then I set to work, only to find (surprise, surprise) that it wasn’t quite as easy as it sounded. I don’t have a technical brain, so it is that much harder for me to grasp the basics. Even when I do manage to do something right, you can bet I won’t be able to remember it or do it again.

But a few hours later, I had a passable video of my bonsai collection. I had mastered the text and background colours, even uploaded some music and learned how to adjust the sound. To say I was pleased is an understatement, but my initial efforts looked immature and not very profession looking.

I know I am going to have to learn and practice a lot more before I deem my efforts presentable, but I have the bit between my teeth now and I won’t stop until I am satisfied. To this end, I have found some books on the subject on Amazon, so I will see you all later!