It's no secret that 2020 was a terrible year for all those who remember it: In a time filled with much fear and uncertainty, most of us turned to the Internet to find some escape from the world that seemed to be collapsing around us.

Erica Berry was no exception. "[With] very few new shows and movies to watch, I found myself consuming digital content: memes, TikToks, and YouTube videos, as my primary form of entertainment.", she says. 

Though the array of personalities across these digital spaces seemed endless, Barry was aware that a silent majority wishes to make their voices heard in the virtual world yet lacks the confidence or the know-how to do so. To that end, she's published her guide to online content creation, Don't Wait, Create: How to Be a Content Creator in the New Digital Revolution!. "My hope is that those with a story or message to tell, whether they want to film their life story, create cooking videos, educate others, or explore fashion trends, will feel empowered to do so.", she explains.

Indeed, the counsel given in the book could not have come from a more authoritative source: Barry is a veteran content creator whose foray in the digital sphere began her freshman year of high school with her first blog, 'Cannella Vita.' While spending hours perfecting the art of advanced pastry making, she came to enjoy sharing her excitement and passion for cooking with whoever would listen on the Internet.

While her initial audience consisted of those in her personal circle, as Barry continued to improve the quality of her content, its engagement grew. "Soon, I built a small but loyal following of people who would comment on my posts and e-mail me questions about my recipes.", she recalls. "I had my first viral post, "The Best Banana Bread," in 2013, and the rest is history!"

And what a history it's been: In the years since, Barry has gone on to contribute articles to sites such as Buzzfeed and Food52, as well as cultivate a following on social media with content that ranges from "security camera outfit videos" on Instagram to Tiktoks with management consulting advice.

But at the heart of all Barry's digital productivity is one sentiment: "To thine own self be true." As she explains it, "Authenticity is paramount for me as a writer and creator. Some of the best advice I have received is: 'create content as if you are speaking to your best friend.'" 

To that end, Barry hopes her book will empower those from all walks of life--particularly those from marginalized communities--to step out and let their voice be heard throughout the digital world and transform society as a whole. "As diverse and inclusive content wins audiences and demonstrates commercial appeal, it will continue to exert economic pressure to democratize the entertainment space.", she posits.

Suffice it to say, there are signs that Barry's inspiring message is being heard throughout the globe: Though it's only been available for a little over a month, Don't Wait, Create! has already received accolades from major players across the entertainment and media spheres.

Jacob Pace, CEO of Flighthouse, describes it as "a crash course in the complex world of content creation," adding that "Erica Barry expertly explains the rapid changes that have occurred in the industry in a way that is easy to understand."

Alongside this praise, Don't Wait, Create is already the number one Amazon New Release in Entertainment and Sports and the number one Amazon New Release in Social Media. This is no small feat, especially for an author on the heels of the release of her first publication.

If you're seeking to make your mark in the digital space, you need to look no further expertise: Don't Wait, Create: How to Be a Content Creator in the New Digital Revolution! It is the most comprehensive manual on becoming a thriving content creator that has ever been written.