WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

I'm shocked to see that the last update I sent out was in September!  My apologies for not doing a better job updating this blog and my Facebook page.  In my efforts to coax everyone to become audio book listeners, (dare I say evangelists?) I am going to continue with my facts and  reflections about audio books.  I've added one to each category below.  If you can think of any to add, just leave a comment, and I'll include it in the next update.

A word about audio books (bad pun intended)
Did you know-

• Audible is a division of Amazon Books and provides a huge library of audio books, narrated by some incredibly talented voice artists?  
• When you sign up for Audible, your first download is free? 
• As a member, you receive credit for one free download each month?
• If one of the books I've narrated is the first book you download when you sign up with  Audible, not only is it free, but I receive a spiffy award in my paycheck?
• Audio books are available on other platforms such as Goodreads and iTunes?

Why I listen to audio books-

• They are great entertainment for long road trips (I'm pretty sure the Harry Potter series could get one across the country and back with nary a bored moment).
• They make shopping at Costco or Winco ever so much more pleasant.
• They make housework fun! Okay maybe not, but listening to an audio book lightens the load of indoor and outdoor chores
• They can help tremendously with insomnia.  Listening to audio books when I go to bed, has cured my inability to quiet my mind and fall to sleep right away. I'm convinced it's because I focus on the story, and all the things my brain won't let go of, all the world's problems I try to solve mentally, fall by the wayside and I relax and drift off... I simply set my sleep timer for 30 minutes or so, and rarely do I know when it shuts off the audio because I'm in dreamland.
• Walking the dog is way more interesting when listening to audio books!
• They are hands free!

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HIGHTAIL IT TO KINSEY FALLS

I completed a couple of Novellas in December, and am excited to share that one of them; "Hightail it To Kinsey Falls" by Gayle Leeson is now available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.  Here's a review of the book:

EDITORIAL REVIEW: "This is a novella and not a cozy mystery (even though the author does write cozies) but it was so enjoyable! I think what I liked best was the conversion of a former mall into micro apartments with retail on the first floor. I have read about this and think it is brilliant marketing and a great way to use an abandoned building. There were so many great characters in this story and I can only see more depth to the characters to be developed over future books. Jade has trust issues but I think she learns to overcome them in this book. She has a fantastic grandmother that I think anyone would want to welcome into the family. And the story would not be complete without a handsome male that works his way through Jade's apprehension and into her heart. And then there is Perry the Possum....he has a minor role but it is what brings everyone together. I can't wait to see what is next for this series. We give it 5 paws up!"

My understanding from the author is that the next book in the series will have a bit of mystery with one of the characters deciding to become a detective.  There is a sneak preview at the end of "Hightail It".  Give it a listen!

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BEAUTIFULLY IMAGINED

The other Novella I completed is titled "Beautifully Imagined" by Gracie Wilson.  It's a young adult romance that is not available yet, but will hopefully be available soon on Audible.

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WHAT'S NEXT??

I'm excited to tell you that I've begun production on a Backpacker Mystery series. "Down and Out in Kathmandu" by Jennifer Alderson is the first in the series featuring the (mis)adventures of Zelda Richardson.  It is a fun, humorous, yet thrilling, travel adventure set in Nepal and Thailand. Not only is it a fast-paced mystery, it offers a glimpse into the backpacker culture of Southeast Asia, and insight into what life can be like for a Westerner volunteering in a developing country.

I'm having a blast narrating this one.  I am caught up in the story.  In addition to Zelda, there's an Australian with dreadlocks, and a Canadian smuggler with attitude.  I'm laughing at myself as I work to get the accents!  The audio book is scheduled for completion no later than mid-April.  Given how fast the time passes, it will be out there for your listening pleasure in no time at all.  Watch for it!