The IWSG question of the month is, Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?
Although audio books are growing more popular, I have not yet converted any of my books into audio books. I did have one of my short stories narrated for a podcast. That was truly awesome to hear my story read by a skilled narrator.
What's been your experience with audio books?
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A quick update on my writing status.
I had big plans for the year, but I'm way behind on all my goals. Still editing a scifi. My brain says I should be focusing on fantasy because that's what I'm known for and it would be better to expand my fantasy back list, but this scifi story has been calling for quite some time. So I thought, why not? I need a little peace from all its shouting for my attention.
Also I've only read one book this year...that's terrible for both my sanity and my creativity. Got any good books you could recommend?
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CassaDark
Alex J. Cavanaugh
A big congrats to Alex for his long awaited new release.
Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse?
Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prison planet.
On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?
Tell me your happy news. I'd love to hear.
If the sci-fi story has been calling for quite some time, then go for it.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG Day!
Thanks Michelle
DeleteI agree, just go for it. You've probably already read all Alex's books? There are so many great novels out there. Happy IWSG Day, Lynda.
ReplyDeleteYes I have read all Alex's books except this recent one, which I plan to read soon.
DeleteThanks for mentioning my book!
ReplyDeleteJust go for that science fiction story.
Yeah, think I will. Thanks, Alex.
DeleteI'm also not reading as much as should. Probably because everything I pick up just turns out to be terrible. Or maybe it's just me? My attention span has been awful lately.
ReplyDeleteSo anyone, no, unfortunately I can't recommend any good books. :-(
I hear ya!!!
DeleteIt sounds like your current manuscript is really pulling you to write. Trust your intuition and just go for it. We don't always make as much progress as we'd like.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Alex on his book!
Progress is definitely SLOW ;)
DeleteCassaDark is a terrific read!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the SF book! I've got a SF series percolating in my brain. Just don't know when/where to fit it in!!
I'm looking forward to your scifi if/when you write it.
DeleteDefinitely follow what is calling to you at the moment!
ReplyDeleteCassaDark is a wonderful book! Congrats to Alex!
I just read Wicked Saints which was really good!
I have Wicked Saints on my kindle. I haven't read it yet...I really should crack it open and give it a go.
DeleteDefinitely follow what is calling to you at the moment!
ReplyDeleteCassaDark is a wonderful book! Congrats to Alex!
I just read Wicked Saints which was really good!
Thank you for featuring Alex's new book.
ReplyDeleteSci-fi and fantasy are both still speculative fiction.
Absolutely they are still speculative, but they are also very different categories. But I'm going for it anyway.
DeleteCongrats to Alex!!
ReplyDeleteI mainly write YA/fantasy because it makes me happy to move beyond the norm. But I have also written sci-fi and mystery. It sometimes feels good to venture off, into other paths.
Exactly! I love variety.
DeleteI was talking last night on how I need to read. That I felt stunted because I have completed reading anything this year yet. So I totally get it!
ReplyDeleteReading helps us so much as writers. We do need to make the time to read. But sometimes that's easier said than done.
DeleteGo for that sci-fi. It's good to stretch and try different things. It's how we grow.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Thanks, Nick
DeleteIf a story is calling to you, then it needs to be told or you'll feel you have unfinished business. Hope you get some reading in soon.
ReplyDeleteThat's also true. Thanks, Liza.
DeleteWhile I mainly stick to fantasy and scifi, a good book is a good book.
ReplyDeleteI used to make goals, but not so much anymore. Right now, my only goal is to finish my current WIP that I've been working on for forever, it seems. I'm starting to make progress again so I'm happy about that. I think you should work on whatever story makes you happiest at this moment. That always brings out the best.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good goal..and great advice :)
DeleteOnly read 1 book. Gulp. I reckon I've read about 30. Think about how much more writing I'd get done if I could control my book habit. But I don't want to. I read at night when my brain is too tired to write.
ReplyDeleteAudiobooks? Who's got a spare $3,000+? Not me atm. One day I plan to. I have a friend who's going to do it so I'll hang by her shirt tails and learn.
I've decided to MAKE time to read more. Reading only improves writing, so it's never a waste of time. Plus it's a great stress reducer.
DeleteLynda, I'm in the same fix as far as focusing on the best project when an alternate project is nagging me to death. I wrote the beginning chapters for the alternate project and can see it has promise, but it's not where I really "should" be spending my time. Ideas are like that! Good luck on all your projects.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I have an idea like that, I'll write down the bare bones of it so I can set it aside and refocus on the project I "should" be working on. But not always ;)
DeleteI think you are smart to get that book out and write it. And have fun with it. Don't worry about reading one book. This is your season for writing, not reading. Later it will switch around to reading a pile of books, I bet.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks for the encouragement. :)
DeleteIt's good to work on something that's calling to you, Lynda. I read a lot in January and early February because the meds I had to take made me feel miserable. I reread Joseph Heller's "Catch 22" and the sequel "Closing Time" for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed them. I also read the first volume of the "Wheel of Time" series, plus several more books. By March my double vision was really bad, and I crawled through Kim Stanley Robinson's "Ministry for the Future." I thought it was brilliant, but then, KSR is one of my most favorite scfi writers. Two weeks ago, I realized I could read better with an eye patch blocking one eye, so now I'm off and reading again. I just have to remember to alternate which eye I cover up each day. I must read. I have to read. Now for writing! Happy April!
ReplyDeleteI love that you didn't let anything stop you from doing what you enjoy.
DeleteIf that story is calling, you must write it. So happy for Alex and his new book. It's calling me to read it. LOL
ReplyDeleteSo many books are calling me to read ;)
DeleteThanks, Diane.
I haven't done any audiobooks either. Congrats to Alex on his new release!
ReplyDeleteThey are another steep learning curve and aren't cheap to produce.
DeleteYes to all the highs. They're what get us through the low spots.
ReplyDeleteso true
Delete