Stephanie, who wrote: I read as a reward. Sometimes I start a new craft/sewing project (though this usually backfires as something else generally ends up needing desperately repaired, sidelining the project).
Stephanie, when you have a chance please send your full name and ship-to address to LynnViehl@aol.com so I can get your package out to you. Thanks to everyone for sharing all the great ideas on how we can better reward ourselves.
Finding out that Nightborn would also be released as an audio book was like getting a very early Christmas gift. I love audio books and take at least one with me whenever I go on a road trip so I can listen to a story while I'm driving. Back when I first got serious about my own work I'd borrow audio books from the library in order to study how other authors handled certain elements like dialogue and pacing, which for learning purposes are often better heard than read.
Also, it's just beyond cool to hear your work being read out loud by a talented voice actor. They take the storytelling to a whole different level.
Some writers like Ariana Franklin and Anne McCaffrey have writing styles that are particularly suited to audio performance; Mistress of the Art of Death and Powers That Be are two of my favorite audio books of all time. I also want to get all of Rob Thurman's novels on audio as her writing practically shrieks to be read out loud. Speaking of Rob, Doubletake, her latest Cal Leandros novel is being released this month, and I know I've hooked so many of you on that series that you'll have to run to the bookstore for your copy.
Or you might get one here, along with an audio edition of Nightborn (the first copy just arrived today in the mail, and I'm keeping my promise to do a give away.) In comments to this post, name your favorite audio book (or if you don't have one, just toss your name in the hat) by midnight EST tonight, March 13, 2012. I'll draw one name at random from everyone who participates and send the winner this elegant tote that I also found during my travels, packed with an unsigned copy of Rob Thurman's Doubletake, the audio edition of my novel Nightborn, the Artist's edition of Magnetic Poetry, a scroll edition of my BookLoop and some other goodies. This giveaway is open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW in the past.
Wonderful! I wonder, though, is it strange to hear your work read? Is it like an entirely new book to you? Hm.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a favourite audiobook, I'm afraid. I haven't gotten into them as much as I would like. I absolutely love my memories of staying up late on Sunday nights as a child with my radio tucked in the bed with me while I listened to the 'late night horror stories'. I couldn't tell you who read them or even the radio station, unfortunately, but I remember being heartbroken when I couldn't find them on the radio anymore.
I haven't listened to many audio books, but a collection of Roald Dahl stories on CD helped to save our sanity during a road trip with the rugrats.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had listened to a book. One on my shelf waiting for me to listen but lately I'd rather curl up with a book and turn the pages. One day I'll pull out the copy of Susan Elizabeth Phillips audio book I have and put it one while quilting. Hopefully.
ReplyDeleteI also haven't tried an audio book, mostly because I don't have a car anymore and prefer to read but a friend of my absolutely loved Sherrilyn Kenyon's Acheron on audio. She said the narrator of the story was excellent and she felt completely lost in his voice. It made shivers run down her spine - and boy did she wax lyrical about enjoying the whole Ash, velvet voice, experience. She keeps promising to lend me the cds but hasn't gotten around to it yet - I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteI tried audio once, on a long road trip. It was a John Grisham book. I don't remember the title now, but I remember how well it passed the time...I might have to try that again.
ReplyDeleteI'm tossing my name in the hat because I am not too fond of audio books. I suppose it's the fact that I like doing my own reading, and when people narrate something to me I find it rather distracting. Or not how I'd read it in my head. :)
ReplyDeleteAudio books are my bribe for doing things I don't like. Laundry, cleaning, and riding the subway suddenly seem like fun if I can listen to an audiobook. My favorite two are Nick Hornby's JULIET NAKED and John Green's THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. But Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series is the best series on audio. Sookie's down-to-earth, wry voice is so companionable. And funnier in audio.
ReplyDeleteI'm throwing my name in the hat!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely cool to hear your own work read by a professional. I have a short story published by Sniplits (http://www.sniplits.com) and when it first came out, I listened to it several times, just kind of amazed at the great job they did. My story is "Dog Universe" by Diane D. Gillette for anyone interested, but there are tons of great stories in all genres if audio stories are your thing.
I've never listened to an audiobook. I'd probably put one in and then forget to listen to it. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm still waiting for my copy of Doubletake to arrive. It's in good company in its shipping box, though, because Nightborn is in there with it, along with Dying Wish by Shannon Butcher and Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire. I like to think they're all chatting during the journey. =o)
I started getting serious about audiobooks this fall when my commute for work went from 7 minutes to 27 minutes. I love James Marsters reading the Dresden Files Books (can I just hire him to follow me around and narrate my life?) Also, really enjoyed the audio version of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan YA trilogy.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the audio version of Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning. I use audio books to get me through the work day.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried an audio book yet but am very interested in giving it a shot as I am able to listen while at work.
ReplyDeleteI tried audio books but find they move to slow. I'm a fast reader and for some reason that maks listening less fun.
ReplyDeleteJames Frey's BRIGHT SHINY MORNING was one of my first audiobooks and one that got me through some long drives to work.
ReplyDeleteI recently started listening to audiobooks and I can't believe how good they are! I thought it would just be someone reading the book, but the skill with which they do it... I mean, each character gets their own voice, with the proper accent and everything. It's incredible.
ReplyDeleteI'm throwing my name into the hat this time!
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of the audio books of Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant series and Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl series... The person reading the books brought the characters to life just the way the author meant to...
ReplyDeleteMy daily work commute was my time for audio books. I would read when going to work and listen when coming back..
A couple months ago I had to go on a long road trip by myself. The only audio book I could find that was vaguely interesting was Guilty Pleasures, by Laurell K Hamilton. It turned out to be really good. I listened to the whole six hour reading going out, and did it again coming back.
ReplyDeleteI love Rob Thurman's books, which I originally discovered because of a post here.
ReplyDeleteBethany, thanks for the tip about James Marsters reading the Dresden Files books. I love his voice.
On a road trip I listen to audiobooks which makes the time fly. My favorite is The language God Talks by Herman Wouk.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried an audio book....but would love to, so here is my hat!
ReplyDeleteI had to stop listening to George Carlin's books in the gym because I'd laugh so hard I'd almost fall off the eliptical. I also second James Marsters reading The Dresden Files. Ray Bradbury does a superb job of reading his stuff...LuAnn V
ReplyDeleteI haven't used an audio book as an adult, but as a child, we'd borrow Hank the Cowdog stories and listen to them in the car. I've never actually read a physical copy of those books, but Hank was just so hilarious! The voice actor was so energetic. We'd begged to return to the library for another and borrowed like two at a time. My brothers and I adored them.
ReplyDeleteI remember a reference to April 15 being the tax day, because like Hank, I had no clue what was so upsetting about that day. His master were depressed (they ran a farm, so self-employed?). I had to ask my mother. Thanks for making me remember that! :D
I have never listened to an audio book, but I keep thinking I would like to try it. I've read a few interviews with the guy (Patrick Lawlor I think) that does the narration for all of Suzanne Brockmann's books and it intrigues me. I've also never thought of getting audiobooks for kids, duhhhhh. Haha. I need to get some for our next road trip.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite audio book was Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I have the next 3 and continue to love the reader, and, of course, the books themselves.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of favorites - I listen to audiobooks in the car all the time. The Time Traveler's Wife (abridged - the actors....fit better) - The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls, and the entire Sharing Knife series by Bujold are really good in audio too. The Host was good too (and I am NOT a Twilight fan).
ReplyDeleteListening to an audio book is so relaxing and appleaing especially before bed and outside in warm weather. An enjoyable one is When I stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes listen to an audiobook of a book I have already read because I'm curious as to how it will sound. I don't have a favorite audiobook, though.
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite audio book,actually books, are Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series. I love her descriptive writing and the person reading the books, Sandra Burr has a wonderful voice for the stories. She actually narrates all 6 books which I think is a plus for audio books. I listened to one series that had different narrators and it just wasn't the same.
Tami
Jacksonville
I think one of my favorite audio books was The Time Traveler's Wife - such a story. I do enjoy listening to books by Stephanie Laurens and Jayne Krentz (Castle, Quick). I haven't never read a book by James Rollins but I have bought quite a few = they are great for long driving trips. I just finish the new Darkyn book - it was fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried audio books, so I don't have a favorite one yet.
ReplyDeleteI have never listened to an audio book,but I would like my name thrown into the hat.
ReplyDeleteI love audiobooks. My favorite is The Last Camel Died at Noon, written by Elizabeth Peters and read by Barbara Rosenblatt.
ReplyDeletei am an audio book virgin!! toss my name into the hat please!!
ReplyDeleteI've never listened to an audiobook, but would love to give one a try :)
ReplyDeleteI love audiobooks. I listen to them every day at work. It makes the day fly by. My favorite has to be Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, and I mean the Whole series. Some of the books exceeded 40 CDs. And in my spare time, I am almost finished reading Nightborn. Absolutely love it.
ReplyDeleteOhmygosh! Literally drooling right now. Please toss my name in there. ^_^
ReplyDeletei never listened to any audio books:). Might try it one day:). arethazhenATrocketmailDOTCOM
ReplyDeleteI loved listening to The Woman in White and Dracula as audio books. I have Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner on my iPod.
ReplyDeleteSandyL
I only ever used audio books to study for promotion (when I was in the military). For that purpose, it worked great! I could hear the narrator speaking the sections I needed to answer questions on the test. But that is tho only audio book I ever used, wonder what listening to a novel would be like....
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Inkheart read by Brandon Fraser. The entire series is read by him, and I love it!
ReplyDelete