New Year, New Reading Challenges! Jael and Lin talk about how difficult it can be to make and keep new year resolutions, including reading challenges. But here at FOLD, we want to make reading as easy and enjoyable as possible!

Join us on Beanstack where there are multiple reading challenges to meet the needs of every reader. Visit thefoldcanada.org/foldreads to learn more!

Jael & Lin's Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions:

1. Instead of making a resolution intended to last the whole year, set a goal for one month. The shorter time period makes it easier to stick to the resolution and you can re-evaluate after.

2. Don't give up if you don't meet your goal. If you miss a day, just start again the next day. Just keep trying.

3. Make your resolution a mindset or attitude that you want to guide your year. Put it on a sticky note where you'll see it every day.

4. Understand your why. Why is this a goal you want to pursue? Understand the reason behind the goal will help keep you motivated.

If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode!

If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate.

Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefold

Website: https://www.thefoldcanada.org

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Book marketing and the way readers choose new books has changed significantly in the last decade. Social media has created more personalized streams to find new authors, with many book influencers taking a hobby and a love of reading and turning it into a full-fledged business.

On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael, Lin and Jessica Rampersad talk about how to break into the exciting but sometimes intimidating world of social media book influencing, both as a prospective influencer and as an author.

Jess’s Tips for Breaking Into the Book Influencing World:

1. For new influencers, take the time to build a strong first impression. Create content that shows you’re involved in an author’s niche and that your network will be well connected to share relevant posts.
2. As an author, understand your goals before reaching out to influencers and personal assistants. Whether it’s coordinating for a launch or growing your social media following, know what you’re asking for before you start the conversation.
3. For everyone, remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Building a platform and relationships takes time and repetition. Be prepared to put in the work.

If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode!

If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider donating at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate.

Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefoldWebsite: https://www.thefoldcanada.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_foldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity

How many shopping days are left until Christmas? At this time of year, it feels like everyone from big box book stores to indie authors selling books from their living room is promoting a sale. But how do you know which book to choose for your loved ones? And are books even a good gift to give?

On today’s episode of Into the FOLD, Jael, Lin, and FOLD’s Kids Program Coordinator Ardo Omer talk about why holiday gift giving can be a joy and a struggle. While they love books, they agree books may not always be the right gift for everyone on your shopping list.

Jael, Lin & Ardo's Gift Giving Suggestions for 2025:Books

• Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin
• One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad
• Waiting To Be Arrested At Night by Tahir Hamut Izgil
• You Can Be An Activist by Charlene Rocha and Mary Beth Leatherdale
• Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging by Matthew R. Morris
• Little You by Richard Van Camp
• The Inscrutable Mr. Yang by Lindo Forbes
• Only Mostly Dead by Alli Temple
• Gaysians by Mike Curato
• International editions and translated versions of your dearest reader’s favourite book

Other Gifts

• Bookish clothing and merch (like FOLD Apparel!)
• Gift cards to your favourite indie bookstore
• Tickets or passes to upcoming bookish events
• Donations to charitable organizations supporting literacy and diversity in publishing
• Library passports
• Reading logs

If you have questions for Jael & Lin, submit them to itf@thefoldcanada.org and we may answer them in a future episode!

If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to support the work of the FOLD, please consider a donation at https://www.thefoldcanada.org/donate.

Podcast Page: https://www.thefoldcanada.org/intothefoldWebsite: https://www.thefoldcanada.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_foldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofLiteraryDiversity