A free gift to you! "The Little Match Girl" read by me!

  

Folks, this is my favorite seasonal tale, and I'm happy to share it with you here. 

Sunday Funnies: That's Not a Book

A Gift for You! -- "The Little Match Girl" Read by Yours Truly

 

Folks, this is my favorite seasonal tale, and I'm happy to share it with you here. 

The Long-Awaited SHOW ME A HERO audiobook is finally available!

 For the first time since its initial release in 2011, Show Me A Hero, my magnum opus of superhero stories is finally available as an audiobook! 

Read by Allison Cashman, the new audiobook release is unabridged and clocks in at a whopping 13 hours (plus 8 minutes) of spoken story. Cashman has a BA in Theatre Performance and a Certificate in Voice Acting from Wichita State University. She performed as a Grade School E-learning voice actor for MagiCore Learning for 2+ years and was a character voice actor in The Horologist's Legacy videogame.

Show Me A Hero is available via Amazon and Audible. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Show-Me-a-Hero/dp/B0D2LSJHC2/

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0D2M1736S

A Gift for You! -- "The Little Match Girl" Read by Yours Truly

[Link]The rise of audiobook snobbery—and what it’s really about

by Caroline O'Donoghue

Reading a book—not listening to it—has become its own sort of status symbol

Illustration: Kate Hazell 

You can’t talk about reading without talking about snobbery. At some point in the last decade, we decided to abandon most forms of physical media, therefore making a rod for our own backs when it comes to gift-giving (remember when you could just give someone a Monty Python boxset and be done with it? Now your choices are a candle and a skydiving experience) and providing us even fewer clues as to who we really are. Once upon a time, you could walk into someone’s home and piece together their entire existence based on the DVDs and CDs on their shelves. Now we’re supposed to puzzle out who they are by how they yell at their Alexa.

Books, for some reason, have survived this unremitting cull. Books are the clue, the key, the Rosetta Stone for finding out who someone is. As a result, books have become more of a lightning rod for conversations around snobbery than ever. Every day there’s another riot on social media about people who aren’t reading “properly” (see a recent panic about people who chop big books up into chunks as they read them, to lighten their weight); there are fights about book awards and who has been snubbed by them; fights about book awards mattering at all. And, despite the fact that we are living in the era of podcasting, there is still snobbery around audiobooks.

“Well you didn’t really read it then, did you?” has become the common response to conversations around audiobooks, which have been growing steadily more popular over the last few years. And as with many items in rising demand, audiobooks become more scorned the more popular they get. “Nobody sits on a couch to listen to one. Nobody rewinds to linger on a particularly beautiful passage; nobody dog-ears a book on tape,” claimed an essay in Wired published in 2018. “It’s hard not to feel like something is lost in this transition.” Yes indeed, here is “reading” you can—very practically—do at the same time as driving, dusting or anything else. Which is exactly why audiobook snobbery has come to symbolise something big, deep and strange in our collective unconscious.

We are no longer using things to demonstrate status. We are using time. In 1899, Thorstein Veblen brought us the image of the silver spoon. It is “no more serviceable than a machine-made spoon,” he wrote, but exists to showcase our taste, our refinement, our ability to make elegance of our own daily lives. In the 20th century, we were driven by having beautiful things—now we focus on beautiful time. Time is the only resource that we cannot buy more of—and it’s the one that is often most scarce.

Read the full article: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/the-rise-of-audiobook-snobbery-and-what-its-really-about

Corrina Lawson's Steampunk Detectives on Audio Book -- The Curse of the Brimstone Contract and A Hanging at Lotus Hall!

Corrina Lawson is pleased to announce that audiobooks for her Amazon bestselling steampunk detective series novels, The Curse of the Brimstone Contract and A Hanging at Lotus Hall, are now available exclusively through Scribd.

The series is set in an alternate universe Victorian England where magic use was championed by the late Prince Albert, and mage coal revolutionized the technology of the time. This, unfortunately, also consolidated mage power in the hands of the upper classes, especially noble families. 

The books focus on the team of Joan Krieger, a Jewish seamstress and mage, and Gregor Sherringford, a scion of a noble house working as a consulting detective, as they solve magical mysteries that strike, in some cases, very close to home. 

The books are available widely, including at Amazon (https://amzn.to/2Wt3Mci). The audio versions are exclusive to Scribd (https://www.scribd.com/),  a subscription service with over a million paying subscribers. There is a free 30-day trial available for new customers. 

[Link]The Pleasures of Being Read To

By John Colapinto

(Editor's Note: An Oldie but a goodie...)

Harold Bloom, the literary critic, once expressed doubt about the audiobook. “Deep reading really demands the inner ear as well as the outer ear,” he told the Times. “You need the whole cognitive process, that part of you which is open to wisdom. You need the text in front of you.” While this is perhaps true for serious literary criticism, it’s manifestly not true when it comes to experiencing a book purely for the pleasure of its characters, setting, dialogue, drama, and the Scheherazadean impulse to know what happens next—which, all apologies to Bloom, is why most people pick up a book in the first place. Homer, after all, was an oral storyteller, as were all “literary artists” who came before him, back to when storytelling, around the primal campfire, would have been invented—grounds for the argument that our brains were first (and thus best?) adapted to absorb long, complex fictions by ear, rather than by eye.

That’s an idea I ran past the neuroscientist V. S. Ramachandran (whom I profiled in 2009). Rama answered via e-mail, saying: “Language comprehension and production evolved in connection with HEARING probably 150,000 yrs ago and to some extent is ‘hard wired’; whereas writing is 5000 to 7000 years old—partially going piggyback on the same circuits, but partially involving new brain structures like the left angular gyrus (damage to which disrupts reading writing and arithmetic). So it’s possible LISTENING to speech (including such things as cadence, rhythm and intonation) is more spontaneously comprehensible and linked to emotional brain centers —hence more evocative and natural.” He did add a caveat: “On the other hand reading allows you to pause and reflect and go back to do a second take.” (Though I’d argue that that’s what the rewind button is for.)

I listened to my first audiobook three years ago, when I had to master an interview subject’s massive literary œuvre in a very short time and realized that, to do it, I would have to use every available moment of the day—including those when traditional reading was impossible: walking home after dropping my son at school; jogging; grocery shopping; doing dishes. Since then, I’ve become a habitué of the audiobook section of my local library, renting and illegally ripping “books” to my iPod. I’ve discovered that audiobooks are (among other things) an ideal way to get to know a work that you can’t, for whatever occult reason, bring yourself to read in book form. I’d taken several runs at two late Updike novels, “Seek my Face” and “Terrorist,” and gotten bogged down in both. I have now listened to them as audiobooks and can report that they contain much of Updike’s typical brilliance that I would have missed had I stuck to Bloom’s method of mastering a book.

Read the full article: https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-pleasures-of-being-read-to?

OVER 13 HOURS OF GRIPPING TRUE CRIME AUDIO! JUST THE FACTS: TRUE TALES OF COPS AND CRIMINALS DEBUTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

True crime, cold cases, criminal dramas… From the Whodunits to the How’d-he-do-its, the world has forever been enamored with the criminal mind. Law-abiding citizens, who would otherwise never dream of committing such heinous acts, nevertheless savor every scandalous, wicked, and macabre detail. Columnist Jim Doherty has compiled a sampling of such twisted true tales just for you in JUST THE FACTS: TRUE TALES OF COPS AND CRIMINALS from Pro Se Productions, now a top quality audiobook produced by Radio Archives!

Fiction is filled with fantastic crime fighters, people who put on the badge and solve every mystery and put every criminal where they belong. But those same sort of people have always existed beyond the page. Real-life lawmen who went above and beyond in the pursuit of justice and the law. Jim Doherty, "Just the Facts" columnist for Mystery Readers Journal and a third generation policeman, tells the stories of law enforcement legends in Just the Facts: True Tales of Cops and Criminals.
Bill Tilghman, legendary Oklahoma lawman and town-tamer from the territorial era to the Roaring Twenties. Richard Crafts, an airline pilot who killed his stewardess wife and fed her frozen body into a rented wood chipper. Hawaiian policeman Chang Apana, the real Chinese-American detective who inspired Earl Derr Biggers to create Charlie Chan.

Their stories and many more are brought to life in this new edition of JUST THE FACTS: TRUE TALES OF COPS AND CRIMINALS , featuring articles new to the collection as well as three exclusive to this edition from Pro Se Productions.

"This is a well researched, addictive collection of true case studies, some sensational, others little known, all intensely interesting. And one, ‘The Mad Doctor and The Untouchable,’ will no doubt become a terrific movie." - Joseph Wambaugh

Featuring iconic cover art by Jeff Hayes and a thrilling audio performance by Dan Order, JUST THE FACTS: TRUE TALES OF COPS AND CRIMINALS is available now on Amazon.

This exciting True Crime audiobook is also available on Audible and Itunes.

JUST THE FACTS: TRUE TALES OF COPS AND CRIMINALS is available in print and ebook at Amazon and www.prose-press.com.

For more information on this title, interviews with the author, or digital eBook copies to review this book, contact Pro Se Productions’ Director of Corporate Operations, Kristi King-Morgan at directorofcorporateoperations@prose-press.com.

Check out Radio Archives and the fantastic audiobooks, classic radio collections, and the fantastic variety of classic Pulp eBooks they offer at www.RadioArchives.com.

To learn more about Pro Se Productions, go to www.prose-press.com. Like Pro Se on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProSeProductions.

[Link] Top Ten Trends in Publishing Every Author Needs to Know in 2017

by Chloe

What does 2017 have in store for authors? If you haven’t had a chance to read forecasts and predictions for the coming year, fear not. We have read all of the top articles written by industry professionals and top indie authors so you don’t have to. We also reached out to some of our industry friends to see what their thoughts are. Below we have compiled a list of the top 10 trends in publishing that will impact indie authors the most, with specific takeaways on how you can best navigate them.

1. The Majority of Fiction Sales will Come from eBooks

Data Guy notes in his DBW White Paper that 70% of adult fiction sales were digital last year. It is likely that ebook readership will continue to grow in 2017. More eBook readers means more eBook sales. This means that if you’re writing fiction, promoting your eBooks is a good place to focus in the coming year.

What this means for you: If you are a first-time fiction author, publishing your work as an ebook is an affordable and easy way to enter the market. If you are a published or self-published fiction author, continue to focus your time, resources and budget on driving ebook sales.

Read the full article.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES-IN AUDIO! ‘THE BONE QUEEN’ NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES-IN AUDIO! ‘THE BONE QUEEN’ NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK!

From THE ADVENTURES OF THE PULPTRESS Comes A Villain Like No Other-THE BONE QUEEN by Andrea Judy. And now the origin of The Pulptress’ arch foe is available as a top quality audiobook produced by Radio Archives!

All of humanity shares one inescapable experience, one inevitable fate. They all die. And in death, one woman finds her destiny. To be a Villain, to stand toe to toe with the ultimate heroine, The Pulptress. But first, evil had to rise from somewhere dark. Renata, a devotee of Mene, Goddess of Death, is on a singular mission during the era of the Black Death: to kill the Necromancer who is bringing the dead back as chiffoniers, rag and bone men. With a small band of men who have survived the Plague, Renata must find who is attempting to steal away the power of death and destroy them once and for all. Chiffoniers dog them every step of the way. And when death itself finally comes for Renata, everything changes. Once hunted, she becomes the hunter, tracking down the necromancer at any cost to herself and those around her. From devotee to deliverer of death, follow Renata as she discovers her true purpose lies in what comes after life. May The Gods Help Us All.

Featuring a cover by Arianne Soares and a riveting performance by Julie Hoverson, THE BONE QUEEN is available now at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/The-Bone-Queen/dp/B01DOJD5V4/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1459622778&sr=8-1

This action packed audiobook is also available on Audible and Itunes.

THE BONE QUEEN is available in print and digital formats at Amazon and www.prose-press.com.

For more information on this title, interviews with the author, or digital eBook copies to review this book, contact Pro Se Productions’ Director of Corporate Operations, Kristi King-Morgan at directorofcorporateoperations@prose-press.com.

Check out Radio Archives and the fantastic audio books, classic radio collections, and the fantastic variety of classic Pulp eBooks they offer at www.RadioArchives.com.

To learn more about Pro Se Productions, go to www.prose-press.com. Like Pro Se on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProSeProductions.

Night Beat Goes Audio!

FINALLY IT CAN BE REVEALED! A long-term project that has been underwraps from Radio Archives is available in TWO formats! Already known for producing quality Ebooks and Audiobooks of classic Pulp tales, Radio Archives has just released its first collection of new tales based on an Old Time Radio Program!

In 1950, NBC began broadcasting Nightbeat, considered one of the finest shows of its time. The show featured Randy Stone, a reporter who covered the night beat for the Chicago Star with a unique blend of wit, compassion and toughness.

Radio Archives invites you to return to the streets of Randy Stone's Chicago in Nightbeat: Night Stories. Six brand new Nightbeat stories are now available in both Ebook and Audiobook format. Authors Howard Hopkins, William Patrick Murray, Paul Bishop, Bobby Nash, Tommy Hancock, and Mark Squirek breathe new life into Randy Stone, bringing the nostalgic noir feel of the radio series fans have enjoyed for over sixty years to newly written tales that capture the true essence of Nightbeat.

A mystery involving a puzzle. A mad killer strangling women. A young boy on the wrong road. An old flame threatening to burn again. Blood and Conspiracy in the boxing ring. The murder of a reporter. And at the center of every tale, Randy Stone. This nostalgic newly written collection issued for your reading pleasure in electronic format also features a cover by Douglas Klauba.

This Collection includes:

• Introduction by Tommy Hancock
• Strangler by Howard Hopkins
• The Chicago Punch by Paul Bishop
• Puzzle in Purple by Will Murray
• Down Addison Road by Mark Squirek
• Lucky by Tommy Hancock
• The One That Got Away by Bobby Nash

Step into the world that comes alive when the sun sets with Nightbeat: Night Stories. eBook only $4.99. And the Audiobook also available voiced by veteran Actor Michael C. Gwynne, $23.98 for CDS, $12.99 as a digital download! Six Hours of New Stories based on a Classic Concept!

AIRSHIP 27 AUDIO BOOKS

The first Airship 27 Productions audio book is now available for sale at the Airship 27 Productions website; "Witchfire" by Ardath Mayhar & Ron Fortier. (See link below.) Produced in conjunction with Broken Sea audio, the six hours plus book features reader Fiona Thraille and was engineered by Chris Barnes.

"We could not be happier with the final product," said Airship 27 Editor in Chief Ron Fortier, also one of the co-writers of the book along with the late Ardath Mayhar of Texas. "I'm not sure if any of Ardath's many science fiction or fantasy novels were ever adapted to this format. I hope her many fans will truly enjoy this audio version which is dedicated to her memory."

Along with the release of this, Airship 27 is also releasing a Kindle version of "Witchfire." The company released its first Kindle title, "Captain Action – Riddle of the Glowing" by Jim Beard only last week. "We are really excited about these new formats," Fortier went on. "Our readers have been asking for them and finally we have the capability to provide them with this multiple formats. Expect to see many more of our books on both Kindle and as audio downloads."

Up next will be "Captain Hazzard – Python Men of the Lost City," and "Brother Bones – The Undead Avenger."

For now only audio file downloads will be available, selling for $9.99. Airship 27 does hope to eventually press CD copies as well. The company, started six years ago is devoted to publishing brand new pulp novels and anthologies and is operated by Fortier and his partner, Art Director Rob Davis.

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTIONS – Pulps for a New Generation!

(http://robmdavis.com/Airship27Hangar/index.airshipHangar.html)