Saturday, August 31, 2013

An Interview With Kate Udall, Narrator of THE BATTLE LORD'S LADY

 

I am thrilled to present Kate Udall, narrator of my best selling sci-fi romance novel, The Battle Lord's Lady, Book One of the Battle Lord Saga.
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Before we begin, I have to praise you again for doing such a superb job on The Battle Lord's Lady  When I listen to it, you make me laugh and cry. You’ve brought the book to life! What was it about the book that caught your attention, and made you want to narrate it?

Thank you Linda! That is good to hear. I always feel such a responsibility to an author. it's scary!  Well first of course - our blue haired heroine.  Her combination of courage, passion,  skill and vulnerability is appealing to me. And of course the way the relationship between her and Yulen is one of equals.

In general, I find all the characters and relationships nuanced and complex.

The world you have created is so fun and interesting - Ferrets! I am always excited to see what is coming around the corner. The animals are just the best. I am a big nature girl myself, so I enjoy all the time in the woods.
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What was the biggest challenge in performing the story?

The biggest challenge? I find keeping all the tough guys distinct. Tough, soldierly, but distinct. You can't just use stereotypes. I have to make them individuals in my mind.
>
You once commented to me that you were “seriously in love with Yulen”. Care to elaborate?

Oh, Yulen! He is what we want, isn't he? Masculine - but not a clod! He has enough of the dark brooding quality that appeals to me - but he is not a dysfunctional idiot. Sexy, smart, capable, physical. Hmmm.
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Do you keep notes as you read aloud? Like descriptive reminders as to which voice was for whom, etc?

Do I keep Notes. No, the story is in my mind, so as long as I remember what everybody looks like and a sense of  their personality I am ok. The voice comes from that - I have tried to do it technically - this person has these vocal characteristics, but then I find I lose sight of why they are saying what they are saying and it doesn't work. It is easier to create a picture in my mind - Karv has mean little eyes, squat, and suspicious and then I imagine I look like that and the voice comes. I am constantly morphing in my recording studio!
>
As a narrator, you have a large repertoire of voices, and I love the way you act out each point of dialogue to where I can almost envision that character on the screen. I especially love how you performed Liam MaGrath. Do you prefer male voices over female voices?

Male voices are much harder. I think women have a lot more vocal permission - we can be high or low, squeaky or scratchy. In general, men are culturally encouraged to be duller!

I am constantly working on how to voice characters. The challenge is to make them believable, sustainable and nuanced. Lately, I have been trying to listen to men having conversations around me. I am listening for what - other than pitch - makes it sound male. One of my teachers always tells me to make it flat - that most male American English speakers don't use much  variety when they speak. I am curious about that so I am listening for it. How do they express themselves?
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Okay, one final question: what started you on the path of narrating books for ACX?

It is such a pleasure to live in my imagination and get lost in the story. It is, I suppose, the same way I feel when I read for pleasure.  I never thought about that before! What is the difference between reading aloud and reading silently? It seems to me that when I started out I found that I did the best job when I wasn't "reading aloud" i.e. just saying the words that were on the page but living the story, "being" the story. I suppose it is what I do when I "read to myself".   I am creating the story inside me. So, I think the verb "read" is wrong. As I think about it, I think the only thing I "read" are those instructions from Ikea! Wait a minute, they just have those funny little people and useless pictures!!!
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If you'd like to hear more of Kate Udall, check out THE CURIOSITY, and this fabulous review!
THE CURIOSITY
Stephen Kiernan
Read by Kate Udall, George Guidall, Jason Culp, Erik Bergmann

This mesmerizing book is well written and superbly narrated--a possible best audiobook of the year. Scientists are shocked to find a man frozen in a massive iceberg. The story is told from the perspective of the four major characters, with the flawless narrators alternating chapters. Massachusetts Judge Jeremiah Rice perished in a 1906 Arctic expedition and is eventually reanimated. Experiencing Boston through his eyes is deeply moving. Highlights include hearing Jeremiah's 1900s vocabulary and perspective, and Dr. Kate Philo's bittersweet romance with him. Portraying the doctor, narrator Kate Udall is astonishing as Kate acts as Jeremiah's protector. Her delivery is deeply moving yet believable. When Udall portrays Jeremiah, his voice is deliberate and dignified, an approach that makes his quaint words sound perfectly in context. This splendid account is perfect for audio. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2013]


Thursday, August 29, 2013

When You Least Expect It, the Muse Strikes - How to Handle the Flow, Day 3

 
Thank goodness for cell phones that allow you to record an audio memo.
Or you can email details and ideas to yourself.
 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

When You Least Expect It, the Muse Strikes - How to Handle the Flow, Day 2


This is my well-worn little notebook that I keep in my purse. That way I have it with me at all times whenever I get an idea. Oh, and don't forget to also have a pen handy. (I usually have 2 or 3 pens, since I inevitably choose one that won't write.)

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

When You Least Expect It, the Muse Strikes - How to Handle the Flow, Day 1


I'm going to take the next few days talking about how I handle situations when the muse suddenly strikes, and I'm nowhere near a computer. That, or I'm simply too tired to log back on.

See this? It's my notebook I keep by my bed. When I'm in the shower, or I wake up from a dream, I just jot down what I want to remember. Sometimes the simple act of writing it down helps me recall it the next time I get ready to write. Otherwise, it's there for me to read.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Jenna McCormick is my Guest Author Tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio

Don't miss tonight's episode of "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio! Jenna McCormick will be reading an excerpt from her sci-fi romance novel, No Rules, Book 3 in the Illustra series, from Kensington Aphrodisia.

Show time is 11 pm et/ 10 pm ct/ 8 pm pt

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Games of chance, worlds of desire. . .
Nowhere to run
Light years from home in a world where everything is unfamiliar, Alison Cartwright barely recognizes her own self. But dressing and acting as a pleasure companion is the only way she can stay ahead of the assassin marking her every move. And with seduction the name of the game, she'll do whatever it takes to survive. . .

Del Fenton has enough troubles without getting aroused by the sexy siren across from him at the gaming table. He's determined to keep a promise to his sister and can't allow lust to get in the way. But temptation is strong and his body is hungry.

Just one touch, that's all he needs....

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Poll - Which Book Do You Want Me To Write Next?


It's Polling Time!

Please help me decide which book in one of my series you most want me to write next. Comment here, or place your vote on the poll at the right side of this blog. Poll ends next Saturday, and I'll announce my next book then.

Thanks so much!
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* HeartStorm (bk 3 of the HeartFast series)

* Cut Glass: Jewels, Book 3 - Emerald

* Runner's Moon: Yarrowlam (bk 5 of the Runner's Moon series)

* Covert Identity (bk 2 of the Secret Identity series)

* AEquana's Quest (bk 2 of the AEquana series)

* The Gifted, Book 2

* Breachers #3

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Monday, August 19, 2013

How Frequent is Too Frequent?

With the advent of e-publishing, readers no longer have to wait months on end for the next new release from an author. This is also a major plus for authors, who no longer have to wait a year or more for their next book to go public. While, in the meantime, they keep writing and are accumulating a stockpile of finished works like a squirrel gathers nuts in the fall. Unless they have more than one publisher, and can have several new books premiere within several months.

E-publishing has helped authors tremendously. But at what point does frequent become too frequent?

I've seen authors comment that a self-publisher (of which I'm one) should space their new books out. How far apart, I ask. A month? Every other month? Every third month?

Say an author has been proliferate, and has managed to write three books within a span of a summer. Should she sit on those books (while she continues writing) because she already have 2-3 other novels releasing between now and the end of the year? Or should she go ahead and put them up for sale after they've been edited and formatted?

Authors and readers, I'd like your opinions.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

33 Ways to Use Your Texas Bandana




I'm sending this as a gift to a friend of mine.
Click on the picture of the examples to get a closer look.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Got Witches? Siren Allen is My Guest Author Today

Please check out Siren Allen's new release, Lovers Unchained, Book 1 of her erotic paranormal romance series, Curse of the Dark Witch, published by Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. And now available at Amazon!
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A Cursed Demon
Twenty years ago Jude made a huge mistake resulting in him and four of his best friends being cursed by the Dark Witch. For twenty years he has searched for his mate-the only being able to break the curse placed upon him. Until he finds her he will not be able to release the pent up sexual energy that is driving him insane. On his journey to find his mate he is captured and held prisoner by Lana, a vicious vampiress.

A Sex Crazed Vampiress
Lana is intrigued by Jude's ability to resist making love to her. She doesn't know of the curse placed upon him years ago. No matter how hard she tries to seduce him she always fails. His life means nothing to her and she is ready to end his existence, but first she must know what prevents him from succumbing to her seduction. She wonders if it's her or if Jude is like this with all women. To test her theory Lana places one of her female prisoners, Carissa, and Jude together. To her dismay, sparks ignite between the two captives.

A Witch on a Mission
Carissa is searching for her friend who is rumored to have been captured my Lana and her men. She doesn’t plan on finding love but she can’t resist the attraction she feels for her fellow captive, Jude. She senses the desire raging through him and yearns to ease the tension coursing through his muscled body. However, their lust for one another angers Lana and can only lead to one thing…death for both her and Jude.

Now that Jude has found his mate he must get them both to safety before Lana destroys them.

Will Jude lose his mate so soon after finding her or will they escape Lana's wrath and form a bond so strong nothing and no one can break it?
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Hi, my name is Siren Allen. I’m a writer and lover of all things erotic and romantic. I reside in southern Mississippi where I write steamy romances that are guaranteed to make you blush. When I’m not listening to the characters in my head and jotting down their adventures, I am busy working as a Clinical Laboratory Technician.

I love to travel, preferably with my husband, so he can do all of the driving. I enjoy time with my family, who are just as silly as I am. I have no children…yet, wish me luck! My hobbies are reading, writing and shopping, though I hate trying on clothing. If I wasn’t a writer or a Laboratory Professional, I would probably be a Secret Agent. But that’s the beauty of being a writer; you can create your own world and be whoever you want to be. In my imaginary world, I am Queen and my siblings are my minions.

SHARE YOUR STALKER LINKS HERE:
Amazon Author Page – N/A Yet
Website/Bloghttp://sirenallen.com/

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Post a comment, and you could be one of Siren's chosen winners, and get a part of this fantastic swag!


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

THE GIFTED is Back!

Great News! I got back the rights to my sensuously erotic sci-fi romance novel, THE GIFTED. It has since been re-edited and revised, and given a new cover.


After being banished from her own world because her people deeply feared the scope of her powers, an anomaly shoots Sah'Reena toward Earth and the one man in the universe meant to be her mate.

No one, least of all Dr. Robin Dickenson, expected what they discovered when they opened the alien craft captured by the space shuttle Liberty while on a routine space mission. But from the moment he first sees the star girl, Robin is captivated.

Near death, and never expecting to see anything again beyond the endless void of space, Sah'Reena isn't certain, at first, that her mind isn't playing tricks on her.  But the handsome face of the stranger she sees gives her hope for life when she'd thought all hope was gone.
Warning!  Contains carbon dioxide poisoning, severe sleep depravation, baked potatoes with crackers and honey, challenging authority, kosher cooking, dissolving aircraft, and an ability that could wipe out an entire planet.

It's now available at:

All Romance eBooks -

Amazon -

Barnes and Noble -

* International Readers, if you cannot get the book from any of those locations, you can also get it directly from me -



Monday, August 12, 2013

Michele Zugnoni is My Guest Author Tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio

Join us tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio. Michele Zugnoni is my guest author, and she'll be reading from Starfire, her paranormal, vampiric romance novel.

Show time is 11 pm et/ 10 pm ct

Don't miss it!

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From an ancient battle comes a forbidden love … and the chance to hope again.
 
Destined to destroy vampires, or refuse and be executed, seventeen-year-old Julia Kirkwood finds herself drawn to two things: a life of partying and rebelling against the law, and Clay Blackwell. The trouble is, Clay happens to be the son of the Lumince high priestess, the leader of a race of peace-loving vampires … and Julia’s father’s unspoken enemy. For Julia isn’t just a Reaver, she’s the daughter of the Reaver Chief. And Julia’s father is furious to discover she’s secretly dating and falling in love with a Lumince, particularly after an attempt at peace crumbles in bloodshed.
 
When her father intensifies his attack against the Luminces, endangering the lives of Clay’s people, Julia’s forced to take a stand. She must choose to accept her destiny as a Reaver, or claim her heart and find the inward strength to declare war against her own flesh and blood. Interwoven with her fate are the ramifications of a love story as forbidden and passionate as her own: the ancient romance that sparked the creation of Reavers and Luminces, igniting this centuries-old feud. Will Julia’s feelings for Clay be enough to transcend centuries of love-turned-hate? Or will their final hope for peace be incinerated in a fiery war?

Monday, August 5, 2013

H.R. Jackson is my Guest Author Tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio

Don't miss tonight's episode of "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio. My guest author(s) will be H.R. Jackson, and they'll be reading from their paranormal romance, Hand of Time, Book 2 of The Nemesis Chronicles from Geek Treats Collective.

Show time is 11 pm et/ 10 pm ct.

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Morgan...Three months after the events of Vegas turned her life upside down, she's finding that getting back to normal is anything but easy.

Dirk... Trapped between juggling his new responsibilities and making Morgan understand his feelings, the former courtesan is discovering that letting go of the past is much harder when the past refuses to let go of him. 

Nemesis... Still reeling from the Society's attack, they find themselves facing a familiar foe and a new menace hellbent on testing their fortitude. 

Midsummer madness heats up Nemesis Island. It's a time of celebration and renewal, but the Society has other plans...with Dirk, Morgan, and the rest of Nemesis at the top of their list.