Monday, November 10, 2014

Susan Holmes, Guest Blogger



My guest this week is Susan Holmes whose first audio book was recently released. Loved the book and can’t wait to listen to the audio version. Susan is here to give us her take on audio books. Please welcome Susan, and if you leave a comment you’ll have a chance to win the audio version of DeadlyTies.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Susan+Holmes

 Heard Any Good Books Lately?

I love books. I love the look of them, the feel of them, and the world they open. They’ve nourished my soul and fueled my imagination since I was given my first library card. Whenever I moved—be it to different states or different countries—the packing crates were always full of books.

Then came digital. It took me quite a while to consider a Kindle or a Nook a real book. If Santa hadn’t given me a Kindle, it might have taken me even longer to catch on to the practical advantages of reading ebooks. But now I’m hooked and love the convenience of having dozens of books at my fingertips.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Susan+Holmes

When my third book—and first novel—Deadly Ties (A Waterside Kennels mystery) was published last year, fans clamored for an audio edition. I’ll confess: I was skeptical at first. How could a stranger possibly match all the voices I heard in my head? And what reader would trade the joy of lingering over the page (printed or digital) to listen to a narrator with no emotional connection to the words? 

Fans and voiceover artists soon set me straight. Here’s what I learned from them that changed my attitude about audiobooks and have me shopping at Audible and Amazon as often as I go to my local bookstore.

Audiobooks add a new dimension to the novel. When I opened auditions for Deadly Ties I was amazed at the response. Some of the top producers at Audible auditioned for the chance to narrate my novel. (What a thrill!) And although everyone was offered the same script and basic character notes, no two auditions were alike. Perhaps most fascinating part was the way each narrator interpreted the characters, and the marvelous variety of voices they brought to the story. The oh-so-talented Robin Rowan captured the voices in my head and transformed a manuscript into performance art. 

Audiobooks can go where other versions can’t. Fans tell me they prefer to listen to audiobooks instead of music when they’re working. One mystery lover said she listens to a half-dozen books every week while working on the assembly line. (Who knew?) And yesterday, a friend told me she typically listens to three audiobooks at any time. One goes with her for her hour-long daily commute, another is reserved for her time on the treadmill, and she keeps one in her office desk to enjoy at lunch. 

Audiobooks are the “value-added” answer to chores. Laundry, dishes, and dog-walking can take up hours of our time. Multitaskers tell me those pesky daily chores go a lot faster when their minds are engaged. And since you can load audiobooks on all sorts of gadgets and adjust the narration speed to boot, you can enjoy a great book just about anywhere.
So it’s official: you can add me to the group of diehard audiobook fans. Professional narrators bring a new dimension to the printed word and offer book lovers another way to enjoy books. And let’s add authors to that list, as well, because I found myself enthralled as I listened to Robin narrate Deadly Ties. Unlike some narrators who prefer to read the entire book before they begin, Robin wants to experience the story just as the reader does. Remember what I said about emotional connections? Imagine my delight when she sent me this note:

My heart was pounding—POUNDING—at the end of Chapter 41! Wow! I’m riveted!!!

Now here’s your chance to get your own heart racing! Listen to a sample at http://tinyurl.com/q7hcefv  and leave a comment for a chance to win your own copy of Deadly Ties.

Dogs. Family. Friends. Treasure. Stories and rumors from the past. Secrets and lies. They’re all at the heart of this story. When trouble begins at the kennel, Maggie will have to dig into the past for answers if she wants to have a future. Because her search just might lead to murder. 

Visit Susan’s website: http://dogmysteries.com
Listen to a sample & get the Audible edition: http://tinyurl.com/q7hcefv
Buy the Kindle edition: http://tinyurl.com/mnx8sbu & add narration for just $1.99
Find trade paperback at Indiebound: http://tinyurl.com/ksa4ncp
Follow on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/ozk3uja

CLICK HERE for a visit to Marja McGraw’s website
CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

My book, A Well-Kept Family Secret – A Sandi Webster Mystery, is also out in audio book format. In the spirit of today’s blog, if you’ve read this far I’m offering one free copy of my book, too.  Add the word “Secret” to your comment and you’ll be in the running.


22 comments:

  1. Hi, Susan and Marja,

    I loved the interview about audio books. I've seen lots of debates over "real" books versus ebooks, but audio books aren't generally given the same level of attention. I never even thought of listening to an audio book on the treadmill, so I'm definitely going to do it! An audio book is how my son first got hooked on Harry Potter, and it led him to read all the books in the series, so I know first-hand about the power of the audio book. Deadly Ties sounds like a great read-I'm adding it to my TBR!

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    1. Amy, I used to listen to music while walking, but now I listen to audiobooks. The time just flies!

      Thanks for commenting!

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  2. Loved the blurb for Deadly Ties. I'm putting it on my TBR list right now! I wish you the best of luck with your audiobook, Susan.

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  3. I have yet to put any of my books into audio. Sounds intriguing, but I know it will be time consuming to get started. What impressed me most about your sample is that the narrator spoke distinctly and I understood every word without any effort. Often, on TV I find myself using the closed captions because the characters don't enunciate well enough. Congratulations on taking this step!

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    1. Morgan, I use closed captioning whenever I watch Midsomer Murders, just so I can appreciate every line!

      Please do contact me if you decide to offer one of your books in audio format; happy to share lessons learned!

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  4. I haven't done it, but Mundania Press has put several of my Deputy Tempe Crabtree books on audio. Confession, I've never listened to any of them.

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    1. I've added your titles to my "listen" list!

      Did you have any say in the selection of your narrator? I've discovered it's not just the voice that matters in the selection process. I was very grateful to find a narrator who worked at my speed, understood the need to get every little thing right, and who was willing to "learn" the Ozark accent (not an easy task, as this particular region sounds different from the surrounding areas).

      Appreciate you taking the time to comment!

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  5. Audio does interest me but I haven't pursued it....yet. Can you give us some links to reputable audio companies and perhaps the cost of this conversion? Good article. Very information. My cat, Thumper, from Black Cat and the Lethal Lawyer wonders if there is an audio artist who can do a convincing 'meow?'

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    1. Hi Elaine,

      You might explore ACX; it's an Amazon company that serves as a "marketplace" for authors, narrators, and producers.

      Cost for audio production may vary a great deal. Much depends on the length and complexity of the book, as well as desired financial arrangements. Some narrators, for example, work on a 50/50 royalty share basis (which means no money up front). Others work on a negotiated rate schedule, while still others have a :"Per Finished Hour" fee.

      Some authors choose to narrate their own, which would of course considerably reduce expenses. That's not something I could do, particularly now that I know just how much work is involved. (For more details on that, check out my narrator's comments on my own website; one of the posts can be found at http://dogmysteries.com/2014/09/09/readers-listeners-book-lovers/).

      I specifically looked for someone who had an affinity with mystery fiction, amateur sleuths, AND dogs. I bet you can do the same with cats!

      Thanks for taking the time to comment!

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  6. Feeling very lucky to have won an audiobook from you both. I must say your audiobooks have enhanced my enjoyment of hard copies. Being able to listen when a book or Kindle is not appropriate makes life a pleasure. Elaine Faber I am certain they could get Thumper to provide an accurate "meow" for your books. Thanks to all who give me enjoyment everyday. Marja you once again found a great interview person. Just in case no one else gets your Secret my niece would love to have a book.

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Jake!

      The youngest reader (that I know of) to have read Deadly Ties is a 9-year-old. He loved it!

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  7. I can't listen to audio books. My mind either wanders so much I miss half the story, or I end up falling asleep.

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    1. Heather, I listened to a couple that moved too slowly for me. Then I discovered that you can adjust the narration speed--that really helped!

      I appreciate you taking the time to comment!

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  8. I think I'd really enjoy listening to your novel, Susan. I'll have to look into getting a copy. Thanks for the information on audio books.

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    1. Carole, I was very fortunate to have so many experts willing to share their knowledge with me! And in that group I include the many residents of the "hills and hollers" who told me family stories and helped me learn so much about this beautiful place.

      Appreciate you taking the time to comment!

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  10. I love audiobooks! They've been a constant companion for at least a decade. I listen to them while working out and commuting. The hours fly while I'm listening. It makes me wonder what I ever did without them.

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    1. It's a great time to be a reader/listener, isn't it?

      One of my students remarked that listening to books reminds her of her parents reading her bedtime stories...happy memories!

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  11. I'm fond of audiobooks, too! Great post.

    Madeline

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    1. I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for commenting!

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