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Showing posts with label Tips for Writers. Show all posts

Sunday, June 29, 2025

How to Create Free Picture-in-Picture Walkthrough Videos

Growing a YouTube channel comes with a learning curve. I'm sharing what I've figured out so far in case it helps make your journey a little easier. Last week, I discussed YouTube Playlists, and the week before, I covered how the YouTube Algorithm has changed.

Today's Lesson is about Simultaneous Screen and Camera Recording

Have you ever wanted to show your YouTube channel, walk someone through a tutorial, or create a quick how-to video, with your face in the corner—all without buying expensive software?

That was me just a few days ago. I wanted to create a basic video showing how people can use my YouTube riddle compilations as a free party or family game.

I didn't want anything fancy—just a simple way to screen record my laptop while I talked and scrolled, with my camera on so I could be in the corner of the video explaining everything.

That's when I discovered Microsoft Clipchamp, and the best part is that it's free and already on many Windows computers.

Why I Chose Microsoft Clipchamp

I conducted a basic search on my laptop for "screen and camera recording" tools, and Clipchamp appeared as a result. It was already installed, and it didn't require any sign-up hoops. That was a win.

Clipchamp allowed me to record my screen while showing my face in the corner, so I could explain how viewers could use my YouTube riddle playlist and compilation video as a fun, interactive game streamed on a big screen.

I wanted to walk people through my channel, show them the layout of my playlists, and highlight the video that features 70 riddles in a row—perfect for get-togethers.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Microsoft Clipchamp for Screen and Camera Recording

Here's the super simple, no-fuss tutorial for beginners (like me!).

1. Search and Open Clipchamp

On your Windows laptop, click the Start menu or use the search bar.
Type in "Clipchamp" and click to open it.
If it's not installed, search for it on the Microsoft Store—it's free.

2. Start a New Project

Click "Create a new video."
It will open a blank video editing workspace.

3. Get Your Screen Ready FIRST

✅ Important lesson I learned the hard way:
Before you start recording, make sure the webpage, app, or YouTube channel you want to show is already open in a browser window in the background.

I had to scroll through my YouTube channel to showcase my riddle compilations, and I realized after the fact that setting everything up first makes things go much smoother.

4. Click Record & Create

On the left sidebar, click "Record & Create."
Then select "Screen and camera."
You'll see options pop up. Choose your microphone and camera source.

5. Choose the Right Screen Window

After hitting "Record" (the big red round button at the bottom center), you'll be asked to choose what to share.
Important: Click "Window" instead of "Entire Screen."

“Entire Screen” didn’t work for me—nothing recorded properly when I used that option.
Select the specific window you want to show. In my case, I chose the YouTube window that was already open with my riddle playlist.
Ensure that you only have the one window open that you want to demonstrate—this keeps things clean and avoids distractions or showing stuff you didn't intend to.

6. Check Your Appearance (and Be Ready to Switch to Your Content Fast!)

🎥 Heads-up from my experience:
Once you hit record, the recording starts instantly. Your selected screen will take over and start showing. You won’t see yourself in the corner during the recording—only after it’s done.

So:

Be camera-ready: check your lighting, camera angle, and background before you hit record.
Have your content already open and ready to go in a browser window.
As soon as the recording starts, switch to your content. For me, that meant clicking over to my YouTube page immediately to start scrolling and explaining.

✅ Pro Tip: Keep all other tabs and windows closed to avoid distractions—and to protect your privacy (like open emails, bookmarks, or YouTube sidebar details).

7. Record Your Walkthrough

Start talking to your laptop like you're explaining it to a friend.
Scroll through your browser, demo what you're showing (in my case, my YouTube riddle playlist), and just keep it natural.

8. Finish & Review

When you're done, click "Stop recording."
Clipchamp will automatically insert the recording into your project timeline.

9. Basic Editing (What I Did)

You don't have to do major edits! But if you want to cut out a pause or mistake:

Use the "Split" function (scissors icon).
Click where you want to split, then trim out the part you don't need. There was a learning curve on that as well.

That's literally all I did.

10. Export Your Video

When you're ready, click the "Export" button at the top right.
Choose your video resolution (I picked 1080p).
It will save the video to your device.

Where I Used This Tool

I used this exact process to create a tutorial showing how people can stream my YouTube riddle compilations on their TV and use them for free family or party entertainment. No apps. No sign-ins. Just hit play and have fun together.

⬇️ Here's the Result of My FIRST Ever Screen and Camera Recording!

A Few Final Tips I Learned Along the Way

Clear your browser tabs at the top if you're recording a screen that shows them. It keeps things tidy (and private).
Close the sidebar on your YouTube channel if you don't want to display personal playlists, subscriptions, or navigation options.
Speak slowly and be yourself. You don't need to be perfect. Just helpful.

Want More Advanced Tools?

If Clipchamp isn't meeting your needs, there are more advanced programs available (such as OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow). Simply search for "advanced screen and camera recording software" to find the solution that best suits your needs.

However, if you're just starting out, Microsoft Clipchamp is more than enough for creating great, basic content.

Final Thoughts

It took me the better part of an afternoon to get my recording to a semi-decent state, and I still fumbled a bit. But I'm glad I stuck with it. Now I feel more confident using Clipchamp, and next time I'll likely be more natural and smooth on camera.

Hope this helps you get started. You've got this!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Sunday, June 22, 2025

5 Smart Tips for Using YouTube Playlists to Grow Your Channel

Why Creating Playlists Has Made a Big Difference for My YouTube Channel

I'm not a YouTube guru, and I'm definitely not one of the big-time experts with millions of followers—but I do have a YouTube channel called Stumped Riddles, and I've spent countless hours researching ways to improve it.

Along with learning about YouTube's new Algorithm, one of the best pieces of advice I picked up—and something I've personally found incredibly valuable—is the power of creating playlists.

If you're new to YouTube or haven't tapped into the playlist feature much, let me walk you through the reasons why it's something you shouldn't overlook.

1. End Screens + Playlists = More Watch Time

This is the biggest benefit I've found so far.

When uploading long-form videos, YouTube allows you to add an end screen at the end of your video. One of the options you can add to that screen is—you guessed it—a playlist.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, so what? It's just a playlist." But here's why it matters: you control what goes in that playlist. If you've several videos on a particular topic (in my case, riddles), you can link viewers directly to related videos using the playlist feature.

And here's where it gets better:

On desktop, the full playlist shows up on the right-hand side of the screen. That means even if someone doesn't click the box on your end screen, they might glance over and click another video in the list. Your list occupies that real estate!
On mobile, that playlist appears below the video, making it easy for viewers to continue watching your content.

This increases your watch time, and that's something YouTube loves.

2. The Master Playlist: One Place for All Your Videos

If your videos all fall under one broad theme, like mine do, it's a good idea to create a master playlist, along with other category playlists.

The master playlist will contain every video you've published that fits within your channel's overall theme.

As you keep creating, that master list keeps growing—and that's a good thing. People can easily binge on your content, which again boosts your channel's watch time.

This master playlist can also be used on end screens or discovered in searches (more on that below). And just like before, people on desktop see it to the right, and mobile users see it below the video.

3. Break It Down: Organize Your Content into Logical Categories

Besides having a master list, organizing your videos into specific topic-based playlists helps your audience find exactly what they're looking for.

Here are some of the playlists I've created on my channel:

Christmas Riddles
Halloween Riddles
Riddles for Teens, Adults, and Seniors
Emotion & Virtue Riddles
Food Riddles
Nature Riddles
What Am I Riddles
And a special one for the Riddle Sisters, a new series I've started
and more....

You can even put one video in multiple playlists if it fits into more than one category. This gives your content more chances to be discovered through different search paths.

Here’s One of My Playlists (Featuring the Custom Cover I Designed):

What Am I Riddles Playlist From StumpedRiddles

4. Give Each Playlist a Unique Cover Image

This may seem like a minor detail, but I've found it extremely helpful for visual organization.

You can upload a custom image for each playlist, so that when people visit your YouTube channel homepage, they can instantly spot the difference between categories. I've done this for all of mine—it gives your channel a more polished look and helps guide viewers more easily.

If you're new to it, you'll need to research how to do this, but it's relatively straightforward once you've learned the basics.

5. Write Descriptions for Your Playlists (They Matter!)

This is one thing that's easy to skip, but it's essential: make sure you write a solid description for each of your playlists.

YouTube treats playlist descriptions as part of your searchable content. So, if someone types "Christmas riddles" into the search bar, your "Christmas Riddles" playlist (with the right keywords in the description) might show up, not just your individual videos.

In other words, your playlists can be searchable assets. That's extra real estate on YouTube to help people find your content.

Final Thoughts: Don't Get Overwhelmed—Just Keep Building

If you're just getting started with YouTube, it can seem overwhelming. I've been there—and truthfully, I'm still learning every single day.

My best advice? Don't try to figure everything out at once. Focus on one piece at a time. Playlists were one of those "a-ha" moments for me, and once I got the hang of them, I saw how much they helped, not only with organization but also with growth.

So take it step by step. Learn a little more each time you post a video. And when it comes to playlists, trust me—they're worth the effort.

Time to Solve a Riddle!

Take a breather and try to crack this fun riddle from Wild Roxy of the "famed" Riddle Sisters! It's a YouTube Short—and I'll be sharing tips on Shorts along the way too!

Enjoy!

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Sunday, June 15, 2025

Why YouTube Success Isn’t Just About Likes or Subscribers Anymore

Why I'm Writing This - YouTube's Algorithm Has Changed

I'm no YouTube expert, but I'm definitely a research addict.

I've spent countless hours watching tutorials, reading articles, and just observing what works (and what doesn't) on my own channel, StumpedRiddles.

What I've come to realize—and it might surprise you—is that the old metrics of YouTube success aren't the only thing that matter anymore.

So, I thought I'd share some of what I've learned.

It's Not Just About Likes or Subscribers Anymore

We've all heard it before: get more subscribers, get more likes, and you'll grow. And yes, those metrics still matter—but they're no longer the whole picture.

In fact, you can have a video blow up even if you have zero subscribers. I've seen it happen. The reason? Interest-based retention.

What Is Interest-Based Retention?

This is the real game-changer.

YouTube's algorithm (which is constantly evolving) is getting smarter at feeding content based on a viewer's actual interests.

It's examining search history, viewing behavior, and even the types of videos people finish and rewatch. The algorithm then pushes videos not just because they're popular, but because they match someone's interests.

YouTube and much of social media are building their own version of TikTok's For You Page.

You might be thinking, "Well, if I subscribe to a channel, it's because I'm interested in what they have to say." Sounds logical, right? But surprisingly, that's not always how it plays out. Think about how many channels you've subscribed to, only to rarely—if ever—watch their videos again. We've all done it. Subscribing doesn't always equal ongoing interest or engagement.

How This Changes Everything

This shift means that the focus is less on building a massive following and more on creating content that resonates deeply with a specific audience.

You don't need thousands of subscribers to make a splash. You just need the right video to reach the right people.

I've seen some of my own riddle videos gain more traction than I expected—not because they were perfectly edited or had fancy intros, but because the riddle struck a sweet spot in the interests of certain viewers.

That's encouraging, especially for creators just starting out.

Niche Growth Is Slower (But Powerful)

Here's something else I've learned the hard way: niche content tends to grow more slowly. If you're not making videos in a massive trend space like gaming or beauty, growth takes time.

I wrote more about this last week, but it's worth repeating—being in a niche like riddles means you're not trying to reach everyone. You're aiming for your people.

And that's actually a good thing. Your community becomes more engaged, and your content is more likely to be shared among people who genuinely care.

The First Three Seconds Matter (A Lot)

One of the most essential pieces of advice I've heard repeatedly (and am still trying to master myself) is this: the first three seconds of your video are everything. That's your hook. If someone doesn't connect with those first few moments, they scroll. Period.

So, I'm experimenting with ways to capture attention fast. Whether it's a powerful statement, a visual twist, or a bold question—I'm trying to start strong. Because if the algorithm notices people clicking away too fast, your video is basically toast.

New Ideas vs. Recycled Content

Now let's talk content. The internet is saturated with duplicate, recycled content. That's just the way it is.

But here's something I remind myself of: even old ideas can feel fresh if you find the right angle.

That's what I try to do with StumpedRiddles. There are tons of riddles out there, sure—but I try to inject personality, humor, and a little twist.

It's not about inventing a whole new concept every time. It's about presenting it in a way that feels new or different.

Here's my latest creation to spark interest - the creation of the Riddle Sisters! Four young ladies with different personalities reading riddles and competing for attention. Their names are "Pink-Haired-Patsy, Educated Ellie, Gentle Violet, and Wild Roxy."

Here's Educated Ellie's most recent riddle post!

Final Thoughts (AKA What I'm Still Learning)

I'm still figuring all of this out, but I wanted to share these nuggets in case they help someone else.

The biggest takeaway? You don't need a million likes or subscribers to be successful on YouTube. You just need a good idea, a solid hook, and a clear sense of who your video is for.

And honestly, I think that's kind of exciting.

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Sunday, June 8, 2025

Is My YouTube Channel Growing? What the Research Actually Says

Is My YouTube Channel Growing or Am I Just Going Through the Motions? What I Found Out

Like many content creators who have committed serious time and effort to YouTube, I reached a point where I had to ask myself: Is this going anywhere? Am I building something, or am I just talking into the void?

After uploading hundreds of riddle niche videos and slowly gaining subscribers, I started wondering whether my pace was "normal" or a sign that maybe YouTube just wasn't going to work out for me.

So, I did what many creators do when they feel stuck: I started researching.

What I found was a mix of relief, validation, and renewed motivation.

If you're in the same boat, asking the same questions, here's what I've learned from digging into YouTube growth patterns, expert opinions, and honest feedback from others in similar situations.

Why I Started—and How My Goals Changed

Initially, my motivation for creating a YouTube channel was straightforward: I needed a platform to host short riddle videos that I could easily embed on individual pages of my website, StumpedRiddles.com.

Initially, YouTube was just a functional tool—not a platform I had planned to grow.

But as I kept uploading and people started interacting—leaving comments, liking videos, even subscribing—I realized YouTube could be more than a support feature. It could actually become its own avenue for discovery, branding, and connection.

That's when I started treating my channel as a long-term creative project.

Here's a Typical Riddle Creation For Both YouTube and My Website:

So… Is My Growth Normal?

At the time I asked myself this, I had uploaded over 400 videos, built several themed playlists, and reached 155 subscribers—with a 90.9% like ratio on my videos. Naturally, I wondered: Is this respectable? Should I be further along by now?

What I experienced isn't unusual at all. Here's what I found:

1. Niche Channels Grow Slower—but Stronger

One of the first takeaways that jumped out during my research is that niche content takes longer to grow.

Whether you're posting riddles like I am, or offering tutorials, educational content, or deep-dive commentary, your audience is smaller by default, but often more engaged.

Unlike general entertainment or viral content, niche creators often build deeper connections with their audiences over time.

The slower pace doesn't mean failure—it means focus.

2. Most Successful Channels Take 3–5 Years to Build

This one surprised me. I found multiple sources and creator testimonials suggesting that it can take three to five years for a YouTube channel to gain significant traction—especially without shortcuts like trending content, reaction videos, or influencer collaborations.

In hindsight, this made me feel a lot better. What I thought was "slow progress" was actually typical progress.

Understanding that YouTube is a long game, not a sprint, shifted my mindset and helped me let go of some unrealistic expectations.

3. Consistency Builds More Than Numbers

I used to wonder whether uploading hundreds of videos with modest views was overkill. But here's what I learned: each video adds to your footprint. On YouTube, volume matters—but only if the content is consistent and aligned with your niche.

Evergreen videos, such as riddles or how-to guides, can attract new viewers long after they're uploaded.

Some of my earlier videos continue to attract attention months after they are posted. I realized that every upload isn't just a performance—it's a deposit into your future visibility.

4. Playlists Aren't Just for Organization—They're Strategy

I'd built playlists on my channel mostly to keep things tidy—organizing riddles by themes like health, holidays, and emotions.

However, what I didn't realize until I delved into the research is that playlists actually aid YouTube's algorithm.

They signal consistency and intent, guide the viewer's experience, and can improve watch time.

Creating a series called The Riddle Sisters, with fun character-based riddles, also helped give my channel a personality—which matters more than I thought.

One of My Many Playlists:

5. Engagement Rate Is a Quiet Win

When I saw that my like ratio was over 90%, I wasn't sure if that meant much.

However, experts say that the engagement rate is one of the most important signals of viewer satisfaction. It may not skyrocket your subscriber count overnight, but it shows that the people who do watch your videos are finding value in them.

That told me I wasn't just yelling into the void—I was actually connecting with the right viewers, even if the crowd was small (for now).

So viewers could see that I'm actually a real person (lol), I created a playlist section where I personally read my riddles. Here's one of them from the playlist: I upload these as shorts:

What YouTube Creators Should Expect (and Accept)

Here's the big picture I walked away with after all that digging:

YouTube growth is often slow, especially in niche spaces.
Most creators see meaningful growth only after years of consistent effort.
Engagement and audience retention are more valuable than raw view counts.
Creating structure through playlists, themed content, and branding helps both your viewers and the algorithm.
Uploading regularly—without burning out—is more important than chasing virality.

So, Should I Keep Going?

That was the big question for me. And after reading what I did, the answer became clear:

Yes, I should.

If anything, the research validated that I wasn't behind—I was right on track.

The hours I've put into editing, theming, scripting, and uploading are not wasted. They are foundational. According to the experts, they are precisely what a channel like mine should be doing at this stage.

Meet one of My Latest Creations From The Riddle Sister Series:

Final Thoughts: Questions Are Good—Just Don't Let Them Stop You

If you've been quietly wondering whether it's worth continuing, whether your results are "respectable," or whether your numbers are normal, you're not alone.

I asked all those questions, too. And while there's no one-size-fits-all answer, what I found out is this:

YouTube is a long-term platform. Niche creators need patience. But persistence really does matter.

If your channel has heart, structure, and consistency—even with just a few dozen or hundred subscribers—you're already doing better than you think.

👉 Curious how all this looks in action? You can visit my channel, Stumped Riddles on YouTube, to see how I've structured playlists, themed content, and kept at it—one riddle at a time.

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Sunday, May 18, 2025

Pinterest vs. Social Media: What Most Creators Get Wrong

Why Pinterest Is Different from Other Social Media Platforms

If you've got a pile of content and you're wondering how to get more eyes on it, especially over time, Pinterest might be exactly what you need. While Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are great for engagement in the moment, Pinterest works differently. It's less about real-time interaction and more about long-term discovery.

Let's break it down.

Pinterest Is a Visual Search Engine

Most people think of Pinterest as a social media platform, but it's actually a visual search engine. That's a game-changer if you're a content creator, blogger, or small business owner.

When people go to Pinterest, they're not necessarily looking to chat or scroll mindlessly—they're looking for ideas, inspiration, and solutions. Think of it like Google, but prettier.

Someone might search:

"Neutral living room decor ideas"
"Spring front door wreath"
"Easy slow cooker recipes"
"How to start a blog"

And when your pin shows up in those results, you're meeting someone at the exact moment they're interested.

Content on Pinterest Has a Long Shelf Life

One of the best parts about Pinterest? Your content doesn't disappear after 24 hours.

On platforms like Instagram or TikTok, your post might only get attention for a day or two. But on Pinterest, a well-designed pin can circulate for months, even years.

You can:

Create a single photo promo with a compelling headline and link it to your blog, shop, YouTube, or lead magnet.
Schedule that pin to go live next week—or next month.
Rinse and repeat with all your content.

It's the perfect place to build a library of visual content that keeps working for you behind the scenes.

Pinterest is Built for Clicks

Unlike many social platforms where outbound links are either hidden or discouraged, Pinterest encourages users to click through. That's why every pin you create can be connected to whatever URL you feel fits best:

A product page
A blog post
A YouTube video
A landing page
Even an affiliate link

If your goal is to drive traffic (not just likes or follows), Pinterest should be part of your strategy.

You Don't Need to Be "On" All the Time

With TikTok or Instagram, consistency usually means showing your face, filming videos, or engaging with comments regularly. But Pinterest doesn't require that kind of presence.

Instead, you can:

Batch-create your pins
Schedule them out days (or weeks) apart
Let the Pinterest algorithm do the rest

This means more breathing room and less pressure to be constantly visible. I use scheduling a great deal.

I'll create numerous variations of a marketing graphic and schedule them to go out hours, days, or even weeks apart.

Here's an example of a Pinterest graphic I recently created for one of my activity books.

Note that I created five other original versions of this marketing piece and scheduled them to go out days apart, actually, a few are scheduled to go out weeks apart:

More than a wordsearch book grandmas life advice

Got Tons of Content? Pinterest Helps You Use It All

If you're sitting on a treasure trove of blog posts, product photos, videos, or quotes, Pinterest gives you an easy way to repurpose them.

Each piece of content can inspire multiple pins:

One with a bold title
Another with a quote or benefit
A third with just a clean, eye-catching image

The more pins you make, the more chances you have to be found.

Because we may write on numerous topics, having the freedom to create marketing graphics for one location, if you've structured your Pinterest account that way, is incredibly convenient.

An article I posted here several weeks ago about an affordable men's wallet inspired me to create this pin, which leads back to that article; and yes, I created five different versions of this wallet pin to go out at different times to different boards.

Final Thought: Pinterest Isn't Just Social—It's Strategic

If you spend time creating content but feel like it's getting lost in the shuffle of fast-moving feeds, consider Pinterest. Think of it as your quietly powerful sidekick—always working in the background, helping the right people find your content when they're actively looking for it.

If you have a lot to share but not a lot of time to promote it constantly, let Pinterest do some of the heavy lifting.

You can find me on Pinterest here. There, you'll see the boards I've created over the years. To date, with nearly 12,000 followers, the traffic is between 250,000 and 350,000 monthly views, depending on the time of year. Don't hesitate to follow!

___________________

**If you're into more creative fun, in January of this year (2025), I posted an article on how to use Pinterest's new collage feature. The instructions are here.**

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Sunday, January 7, 2024

Navigating the New Year: A Casual Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals

As we embark on a fresh chapter with the new year, setting goals is like sketching the map for our journey ahead.

However, staying on track can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded.

From 2024 and on, I've decided to approach the marketing of my books more fearlessly. It sounds crazy to use the word brave in association with marketing; however, when you're not used to hearing your voice on social media, it takes a bit of bravery to jump into video creation.

Let's break down the process into a laid-back strategy to help you set those exciting goals and glide through the year with a sense of accomplishment.

5 Ways to Keep Our Goals on Track in 2024

1. Start Small, Dream Big: Setting goals is like planting seeds for future success. Begin with realistic, achievable targets that align with your aspirations. It's tempting to go big, but starting small allows you to build momentum and gain confidence. That's precisely how I started: one book at a time - and now I have approximately 32 activity books published. Dreaming big is crucial, but let the small victories pave the way for those grand accomplishments. Remember, it's the journey, not just the destination!

2. Create a Roadmap, Not a Rigid Itinerary: Think of your goals as a roadmap rather than a strict itinerary. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, so leave room for flexibility. Craft a general plan, breaking down your goals into manageable steps. This way, you can adjust your course if needed without feeling overwhelmed. A roadmap allows you to enjoy the scenic route while progressing towards your destination.

3. Buddy Up for Accountability: Sharing your goals with a friend or family member adds a layer of accountability and turns the journey into a shared adventure. Find someone who shares similar aspirations or is willing to be your cheerleader. Checking in with each other regularly can make the process more enjoyable and provide the encouragement needed to stay on track.

4. Celebrate Milestones, Big and Small: In the quest for achieving goals, it's easy to focus solely on the finish line. However, celebrate the journey by acknowledging milestones along the way. Whether completing a challenging task or reaching a mini-goal, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Recognizing these achievements fuels your motivation and adds joy to the process. This year, I'm already learning to slow down, be laser-focused, and tackle each task thoroughly without thinking about the one hundred following items in my head!

5. Learn and Adapt: Goals are not set in stone; they're more like a living, breathing entity that evolves with you. Embrace the opportunity to learn from setbacks and successes alike. If a particular approach isn't working, be open to tweaking your strategy. The beauty of setting goals is the growth and self-discovery that accompany the journey. Stay adaptable, and remember that the path to success is often winding.

As you dive into the new year with your goals in tow, keep it casual, enjoy the process, and savor every step of the way. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, career milestones, or health and wellness, remember that you can shape your narrative.

Here's to a year filled with achievement, resilience, and the satisfaction of making your dreams a reality!

Check out this latest item off of my marketing checklist: the beginning of videos using my own voice (oh, that was scary, but I'll keep at it):

@stumpedriddles #riddles #brainteaser #mindexercise #stumpedriddles ♬ original sound - Barbara

Follow me on TikTok @stumpedriddles - More at StumpedBooks.com - On my Author Page on Amazon

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Sunday, July 16, 2023

The Power of Journaling - The Pathway to a Positive Mindset

In a world filled with constant distractions and stressors, journaling is a timeless practice that nurtures our mental well-being and fosters a positive mindset.

Recognizing the stresses that face us daily, I've designed and created five different styles of prompt journals over the past several years. My research began with the fundamentals of journaling, why it matters, and how it helps to create a positive mindset.

In this article, I delve into why journaling is essential to maintaining a positive mindset and offer five practical tips to ensure a successful and fulfilling journaling practice.

Why Journaling Helps With Attaining Positive Mindset:

By putting pen to paper, we unlock a portal to self-discovery, introspection, and emotional release.

Journaling provides a safe self-care haven to express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, allowing us to gain clarity, reduce anxiety, and cultivate gratitude.

Emotional Catharsis: Journaling provides a healthy outlet for processing and releasing emotions, reducing the burden of unresolved feelings and promoting a sense of relief.

Self-Reflection: Regularly writing in a journal allows us to gain insight into our thoughts and behavior patterns, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Gratitude Cultivation: By jotting down things we are grateful for, we shift our focus from negativity to positivity, fostering an attitude of appreciation and contentment.

Stress Reduction: Journaling can lower stress levels as it helps us organize our thoughts and encourages problem-solving and coping strategies.

Positive Affirmations: Writing positive affirmations and declarations can boost self-confidence and reinforce a positive self-image.

Tips for Successful Journaling:

Set a Regular Schedule: Establish a consistent journaling routine, whether it's daily, weekly, or whenever you feel the need to express yourself. Consistency will make journaling a habit.

Create a Sacred Space: Designate a special corner or use a beautiful journal to make your writing experience more enjoyable and encourage you to return to it regularly.

Embrace Freewriting: Don't worry about grammar or structure; just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. This technique helps you bypass your inner critic and fosters authentic expression.

Focus on the Positive: While it's important to acknowledge challenges, try to shift your focus toward positive experiences, gratitude, and achievements in your journal entries.

Use Prompts and Themes: When you need inspiration, use journaling prompts or themes to kickstart your writing. Explore topics like personal growth, aspirations, or daily wins.

Journaling is an invaluable companion on the journey to a positive mindset, providing us with a space to process emotions, gain insight, and cultivate gratitude. Putting our innermost thoughts onto paper carries the power to heal, uplift, and transform our perspectives on life.

Journaling Can Be A Challenging Commitment to Make

It can be tough to write in a journal every single day, but it's important to keep up with it, even if we miss a few days.

That's why I've compiled these easy-to-use prompt journals featured below and available on Amazon.

These journals are designed with specific topics in mind and offer handy prompts that help you keep track of your emotions and thoughts about whatever's going on in your life.

And here's a neat feature in several of these journals - you can score your mood. It's a nifty way to see how you're feeling over time and better understand your overall disposition.

You can check out the journals below; they're available on Amazon:

Gratitude Prompt Journal My Happy Tracker: A Helpful Guide to Track What Makes You Happy and Help You Visualize Triggers and Trends Why I Feel Good Today: A Fun Colorful Monthly Workbook to Instantly Track Good Feelings - For Teens and Adults I Need Help Thinking Positive: A Negative Thoughts Workbook For Adults - 31 Days with Four Easy Prompt Questions Repeated Daily to Track Those ... What Common Threads May Be Triggering Them Why I Feel Bad Today: A Casual Full Color Workbook For Teens and Adults Self Awareness Workbook - Comprehensive Introspection: 196 Detailed and Thought Provoking Questions to Ask Yourself

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Sunday, September 25, 2022

Review of 3 Free Useful Services for the Self-Publishing Maniac

As many of you already know, I've been on a self-publishing journey for several years.

I have to say that I understand what it means to truly love what you do! I find all I want to do is create activity books.

Self-publishing is an endless learning curve. I spend a ton of time listening to "Guru" training on YouTube and investigating products and services to make the process easier.

If you're a self-publisher, I thought I'd share some must-have tools.

1. ISBN Barcode Generator

If you are using your own ISBN numbers (the number that goes on the back of your book, on the pricing barcode), you'll need to generate a barcode to put on the back of your book.

My favorite free service is Bookow - here is the link to Bookow.

The service is free, but they do offer an opportunity to make a donation if you so choose.

There are many other free barcode generator services online, but Bookow is my favorite.

2. KDP Cover Calculator:

If you're self-publishing books through KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), Amazon's self-publishing service, you'll want to keep the KDP Cover Calculator page saved for easy access.

To ensure the cover's margins are correctly allocated, you'll want to create a template you can save and bring over to the design platform you're using to make your cover.

You'll need to know how many pages your book is, so don't bother creating your cover until you do!

KDP Cover Calculator is easy - simply fill in the blanks and download the cover template.

Here's the link to KDP Cover Calculator.

3. Canva for Professional Cover and Interior Designs:

Canva offers a free version; however, I've recently switched to the paid version.

The free version works perfectly fine, and if you're just starting your self-publishing journey, go with the free version to start. That's what I did.

There's a learning curve with Canva; however, it's worth it! In 2019 I published my first book and had no idea how to create my own cover from scratch. Eventually, I was able to use KDP's cover creator and import my own front page.

For a while now, I've been able to fully design my own covers with my own ISBN numbers and barcodes. I was baffled and intimidated about all of this a few years ago! After much practice and reading, it is much less daunting today.

Once you get the swing of it, you'll be able to create some gorgeous covers using Canva.

This lady on YouTube has an excellent beginner tutorial on Canva.

You can check out Canva.com here.

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