It’s the 1st Wednesday of the month. Time for science fiction writer, Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. If you want to join click this link – https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
April 6 question – Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?
The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise – Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!
I don’t have audio versions of my books, but I do have podcast episodes of a few horror shorts. Below is an episode I shared with co-host/writer, Keri Schroeder.
Link –
https://ghoulsjustwannahavefun.podbean.com/e/episode-11-happy-horror-holidays/
While I’m an unapologetic bibliophile, I love my audio stories! If Hulu’s major hit streaming comedy/mystery series on the popularity of podcasts is any testament, the rest of our device loving world does too.
Enter writer, Alex Dolan and his binge worthy Patron Saint of Suicide! He was generous enough to give me a brief Q&A located below the link and description of the series. Thank you, Alex!
Adrienne Reiter: What were the main challenges involving production, and what are/were the biggest highlights?
Alex Dolan: This was the first time I’ve done a recording session where I wasn’t physically in the same studio. Impressed by the caliber of performances the cast brought to the show; working with actors remotely and hearing how a trained actor can bring writing to life was an amazing experience.
Working with producer Auidiohm Media gave me insight into how foley (sound effects) works, and how to bring a scene to life through sound. In season 1, there’s a pivotal shooting on a BART train, and we searched around until we found a good recording of an actual BART train. It’s a very specific sound. When we created the scene on the Golden Gate Bridge the team and I minimized the sound of the water (hundreds of feet below the bridge), and increased the sound of traffic (naturally very close to pedestrians). We then added horns for the cargo barges traveling under the bridge. That’s just one example. It’s subtle, but a lot of work goes into creating a scene convincing to one’s ears.
Thanks again, Alex.
Do you have audio books, serial podcasts, or short story anthologies? Have you thought about it? Please share in comments below. Unless abducted by aliens or kidnapped by Bigfoot, I always return comments on my fellow IWSG member’s blogs. Looking forward to reading yours!
I must be the outlier for audiobooks and podcasts. I don’t much care for them. Too much talking for me. LOL
Nothing trumps the smell of print and the feel of a book in your hand, but I do enjoy fiction when driving or on a hike. Switching up the delivery of a story is fun for me.
I’ll start listening to podcasts again when it’s warm out and I’m working or walking outside. Thanks for the recommendation. I tend to listen to podcasts about writing, agenting, etc.
I like my info and true crime podcasts, too. I highly recommend The Patron Saint of Suicide if you’re in the mood for some well executed mystery.
I enjoy audiobooks. Usually I like single-narrator stories with minimal production (sound effects, music, etc), though the Sandman full audio production was quite good.
I’m partial to Patron Saint of Suicide due to its local referencing. It’s so well done. Happy IWSG Day!
Podcasts are very popular. I just started to get into listening to podcasts. Or…I should say…a podcast, because I’ve only started to listen to one, but I can see (hear) the benefits. They’re great. And very popular.
True. It’s a noisy world, but I highly recommend this one, Chrys. If you like mysteries and the bay area (and I know you do) this one’s for you. Alex is an amazing story teller.
I’ve never heard a podcast that presents fiction, but it sounds like an excellent medium for this. I haven’t listened to many podcasts. I need to focus when I listen to such things and I don’t like just sitting at my computer listening to things or watching them.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
There are many serial fiction podcasts out there. I was familiar with Alex’s mystery novels before I started listening to his audio work. If you’re a Martin Shore and/or Steve Martin fan I highly recommend watching Only Murders In The Building.
I like a real book too, but I also appreciate ebooks. Sometimes it’s easier and faster to purchase. But nothing can replace the feel and smell of your very own novel.
I love a paperback/hardcopy. Having said that, I read ebooks but haven’t listened to an audiobook… yet. I’ve listened to a few podcasts.
I definitely love to read a real book, Adrienne. I take pleasure in its weight, the pages and print, and my imagination that brings it alive. I must look into podcasts more. How lovely that Alex Dolan gave you an interview! Well done!