Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Audio Books and Updates #IWSG


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?

Amazon, iTunes, Audible

Tell me your happy news. I'd love to hear.

 

42 comments:

Michelle Wallace said...

If the sci-fi story has been calling for quite some time, then go for it.
Happy IWSG Day!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I 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.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks for mentioning my book!
Just go for that science fiction story.

C.D. Gallant-King said...

I'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.

So anyone, no, unfortunately I can't recommend any good books. :-(

Natalie Aguirre said...

It 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.

Congrats to Alex on his book!

Jemi Fraser said...

CassaDark is a terrific read!
Enjoy the SF book! I've got a SF series percolating in my brain. Just don't know when/where to fit it in!!

kjmckendry said...

Definitely follow what is calling to you at the moment!
CassaDark is a wonderful book! Congrats to Alex!
I just read Wicked Saints which was really good!

kjmckendry said...

Definitely follow what is calling to you at the moment!
CassaDark is a wonderful book! Congrats to Alex!
I just read Wicked Saints which was really good!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you for featuring Alex's new book.

Sci-fi and fantasy are both still speculative fiction.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congrats to Alex!!

I 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.

H. R. Sinclair said...

I 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!

Nick Wilford said...

Go for that sci-fi. It's good to stretch and try different things. It's how we grow.

Liza said...

If 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.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks Michelle

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yes I have read all Alex's books except this recent one, which I plan to read soon.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yeah, think I will. Thanks, Alex.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I hear ya!!!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Progress is definitely SLOW ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm looking forward to your scifi if/when you write it.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I have Wicked Saints on my kindle. I haven't read it yet...I really should crack it open and give it a go.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

While I mainly stick to fantasy and scifi, a good book is a good book.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Absolutely they are still speculative, but they are also very different categories. But I'm going for it anyway.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Exactly! I love variety.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Reading helps us so much as writers. We do need to make the time to read. But sometimes that's easier said than done.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

So true! Thanks, Nick

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

That's also true. Thanks, Liza.

Lori L. MacLaughlin said...

I 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.

Denise Covey said...

Only 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.

Audiobooks? 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.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Lynda, 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.

J.Q. Rose said...

I 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.

Fundy Blue said...

It'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!

Diane Burton said...

If that story is calling, you must write it. So happy for Alex and his new book. It's calling me to read it. LOL

Carol Kilgore said...

I haven't done any audiobooks either. Congrats to Alex on his new release!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

That's a good goal..and great advice :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

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.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Sometimes 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 ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Aw, thanks for the encouragement. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love that you didn't let anything stop you from doing what you enjoy.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

So many books are calling me to read ;)
Thanks, Diane.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

They are another steep learning curve and aren't cheap to produce.

Carol Kilgore said...

Yes to all the highs. They're what get us through the low spots.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

so true