One of the many wonderful things about being a member of Crime Writers of Canada, and being Chair of the association, is that I get to meet (albeit many virtually) authors doing all sorts of cool things to promote books. One such author is Joanna Vander Vlugt, who has created an author interview podcast called The Dressing Room. As one of her many willing subjects (you can listen to my interview with Joanna here), I was interested to know more about the how’s and the why’s behind it. Here’s Joanna in her own words:
It’s not about money. It’s about connecting.
I moved from the city I loved to a small town. I needed a connection to compensate for my feeling of isolation. I listened to podcasts while I worked from home, tuning in daily to my favorite podcasters. I didn’t feel alone. The late Stewart McLean made me laugh and I am in awe of his delivery. One day I decided to launch my own podcast. My research told me to “jump in, don’t wait, iron out details later.” I learned about hosting sites and editing and recording equipment. And just like when marketing a book, I was to identify my audience. I became comfortable with the sound of my own voice and launched JCVArtStudio – Sophisticated Creatives. In my first podcast episode I discussed setting the scene in a novel.
My podcast experienced growing pains and emerged with a new name, JCVArtStudio From the Dressing Room. The concept was to invite authors and artists to visit my virtual dressing room and discuss their latest novel, or art piece–a dress rehearsal, before heading out on a book tour or art show.
Money came up in my research, getting advertising spots, asking for donations. I don’t want to bid for advertisements. I refuse to ask my guests for donations. My podcast isn’t about money, it’s about connecting. I want to provide entertainment, education and give authors a platform, and listeners, as Bonnie Raitt sang, “Something to talk about.”
The edited podcast I publish once a week is the prize after a lot of work. I book authors months in advance, and I read their novels and come up with tailored questions. I also work fulltime and I’m writing my second novel. The minutes of my day I attack with the lethality of a Katana sword. My duties as a podcaster include programmer, research, promotion, sound and editing, I.T., assistant, communications, networking, social media and interviewing while bribing my dog, Ozzy, so he won’t bark and steal the show. I interview authors from across Canada, the United States, the U.K., and in a couple of months from Japan. I better know my time zones.
I believe in my platform and the community I’m creating. For 60 to 90 minutes when I’m interviewing an author, or artist, time stops. Nothing beats that feeling when I finish recording a podcast, and I step outside my podcast room and tell my husband, “That was a great interview.”
JCVArtStudio from the Dressing Room is entering season 2. I may add video to support the audio and grow my subscribers. Then, I’ll also be doing hair and make-up.
Joanna Vander Vlugt is an author and illustrator. Her motorcycle illustrations have been purchased world-wide and her Woman Empowered motorcycle art series has been featured in on-line art and motorcycle magazines. In 2006 under her then pseudonym J.C. Szasz, her short mysteries Egyptian Queen and The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing were published in the Crime Writers of Canada mystery anthologies. Her personal essay, No Beatles Reunion was published in the Dropped Threads 3: Beyond the Small Circle anthology. The Unravelling, her debut thriller novel, was a Canadian Book Club Awards finalist. The sequel is set for release August/September 2021. She is proud of her podcast JCVArtStudio – From the Dressing Room and being able to promote authors and artists. Find her at www.jcvartstudio.net.
Great, relaxed interview, Judy. It was wonderful to hear your voice. Hope to see you Zoom at More Than Malice!! Beth
Thanks Beth. Sorry about More Than Malice but that’s during my birthday and time in northern Ontario — very patchy internet.