The Authentic Voice

After writing my book I’ve been contemplating the different forms of communication within the”My Medical Musings” brand.

The blog, the book, the podcast are all me, but all a different reflection of my voice.

My online FB forum support group, is also a reflection of my voice. It’s less about my personal thoughts, it’s more about listening, showing compassion, empathy and true understanding to others, through responding to members FB comments. I also design segments on the forum to encourage discussions and sharing among members. The group is so important to me. It’s my number one focus and I’m incredibly protective of it to keep it authentic and relevant for its members.

As a book author I believe it’s important to be authentic. To write as if I am sending a letter to my best friend. This is how I approached writing my recent Memoirs. This writing style allowed me to express myself freely and not shy away from being vulnerable as I shared my story.

As a Podcaster, when I record an episode, I imagine I am sitting in a cafe with my Medical Musings Friends, chatting about things important to me. I choose to believe my listeners do really want to hear what I have to say. I create a safe place in my mind while I chat away. It’s the only way I find the courage to talk into my phone and bear my soul.

When it comes to this blog, it’s my comfort zone. I can write in any style I like. I can say as much or as little as I like. I can use it as a place to record the important things happening in my life, or laugh at the crazy events chronic illness brings. I can cry here as if writing in a personal journal. I know my followers understand the struggles involved with living with chronic disease.

Being Authentic and Keeping My Integrity

As “My Medical Musings” brand expands, keeping it all authentic and keeping my own integrity is paramount to me.

“Integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions. “

Wikipedia

I’ve been in discussions with my Publisher about whether to record and release my new book as an audio book.

It’s currently available as a paperback, e-book and soon to be published as a hard copy. I’m very excited about the hard copy option as that was a surprise and I love hard cover books when I want to keep them.

While there are many good reasons to record an audio book, there are also an array of reasons why I have decided to decline at the moment.

From the perspective of book sales, an audio book is a good idea. I’m aware it will also appeal to another subset of book lovers.

So why is it not a simple decision to just say yes?

Ultimately my reasons come down to me being authentic and my integrity.

1. I’m exhausted and I don’t want to drop the ball with my forum and online volunteer work;
2. I’ve recently committed to other writing projects and coaching roles, which will help a cross section of people and organisations passionate about supporting others;
3. There are financial costs involved with an audio book contract, which I can’t afford, and would impact my husband’s life as well as mine if I tried to;
4. My social media followers would have to purchase the audio book to listen, whereas my Podcast is free to everyone;
5. My mission has always been to provide a free, safe place for my readers, forum members, and the wider community. I want everyone to enjoy a community of free friendship and understanding;
6. I want and need to remain authentic to my calling to help others;
7. I ultimately wrote my book to record my crazy health journey, in the hope it might reach others, who are on their own crazy journey, and need to know they are not alone;
8. I never wrote it with making money in mind. If I could give it away for free to everyone I would.

The Right Decision To Keep my Authenticity

So, given all of the above, I’ve decided my podcast can serve as a great alternative as an audio book. I may not record all chapters but my plan is to record sections of my book on my podcast each week…..and it’s free!

My Podcast, Medical Musings with Sam, can also now be heard on Amazon and Audible, as well as all other major Podcast apps, so it’s easily accessible.

I know some of you may be disappointed not to be able to access the full book as a complete retail audio book, but I hope you can understand my reasons. I really want people to have “free access” to the book in some form and, at the moment, my Podcast can provide this option.

As my book is now launched, my Podcast direction sorted, my workload a little more manageable and my love of writing kept alive through my blog, I feel relieved.

I’ve assesed what’s important to me, analysed my motives and made decisions, I feel have ensured I have kept my authentic voice.

Lots of love

Sam xx

My book “My Medical Musings”, is published by Imaginewe Publishers and available now to purchase as a paperback or e-book.

Here is the Publishers sale link: My Medical Musings..The Book

If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding & friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic & complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.

I’m also a Contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page

I also write @ Blogs by Christian Women

I’m a member of the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network, the Grace Girls Facebook Group and Salt and Light Linkup Group

If you would like to read a little more about my journey, here’s the link to My Story

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