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DIY Audiobook. A bit of equipment, good advice and lots of patience

I want to create an Audiobook - should I?  Ever since the release of book one in the "Cannabis Preacher" series of thrillers, that question has been on my mind.  The "Cannabis Preacher" books were quite long. To produce an audiobook from each of the four, including voice actors and audio production with a turn key service, I was looking at around $15,000 per book. Financially, that was a non-starter for me at the time. That amount represented a LOT of books and audiobooks to sell to recover the investment, and I shelved my plan again.  With the popularity of the "Magical Papillon" cozy mystery series, I found myself coming back to the growing popularity of audiobooks. I knew that audiobooks could reach a wider audience and catered to busy readers who prefer listening while multitasking. The idea of bringing my characters to life through narration excited me, as it offered a new dimension to my storytelling.  The cozy mysteries were only 60-65,000
Recent posts

From Whispers to Screams: My Hilarious Journey into Audiobook Narration

Picture this:  a mild-mannered mystery writer, armed with nothing but a dream, a microphone, and a relative who knows his way around a soundboard. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, my friends. Everything. The Birth of a Brilliant (Read: Insane) Idea It all started when I thought, "Hey, wouldn't it be great if my cozy mystery 'Whispers in the Attic' could actually whisper in people's ears?" Little did I know, I was about to embark on a four-month journey that would test my sanity, my vocal cords, and my family's patience. Learning to Talk: Take 436 First step: learn to narrate. How hard could it be? I talk all the time! Turns out, talking into a microphone for hours on end is about as natural as trying to lick your elbow. There were days when I sounded less like a smooth narrator and more like a choking cat trying to recite Shakespeare. Software: The Real Mystery Next up: mastering audio software. Because apparently, writing a mystery novel wa

Happy Labor Day!!

  Happy Labor Day, Cozy Mystery Lovers! Labor Day weekend is finally here! It's time to kick back, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved rest. For me, that means curling up with a good book (of course!), spending quality time with family, and maybe even doing a little research for Book Five in the Magic Papillon series. I know, I know, I should probably be taking a complete break from writing. But the characters in my head are already plotting their next adventure, and I can't seem to shake the urge to start jotting down ideas. Besides, a little research never hurt anyone, right? Speaking of my characters, I want to take a moment to thank all of you amazing readers for your support. Your kind words and comments mean the world to me. I'm so grateful for your enthusiasm and for joining me on this cozy mystery adventure. So, what are your Labor Day plans? Are you spending time with loved ones, tackling a DIY project, or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime? Whatever you'

Art in the Park Oakville - thank you!!

  Art in the Park Oakville - A Magical Day! What an absolutely enchanting day we had at Art in the Park, Oakville! It was a pure delight meeting so many of you wonderful readers and fellow art and book lovers. The energy was electric, and the atmosphere was just perfect. So much beautiful art in the charming village of Bronte - it was almost overwhelming to the eye. We had a blast chatting about our Magic Papillon series, and it was so heartwarming to see the excitement in your eyes as you discovered our books. To those of you who brought home a copy, we hope you're already immersed in the magical world of our characters! A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. Your support means the world to us! Thank you so much!

Whispers in the Attic Soars - Book Two Incoming Faster Than Expected!

A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible readers who made **Whispers in the Attic** my most successful book yet! Your enthusiasm for the Anderson family's spooky adventure in Rosewood Hollow has been truly overwhelming.  Seeing the book hit shelves and connect with so many of you has been a dream come true.  From pre-orders to downloads, reviews, and spreading the word, your support means the world to me.  But the story doesn't end here! Whispers in the Attic was just the beginning for the Andersons, and the secrets of Rosewood Hollow are far from unravelled.  Originally planned for a later release, I've been so inspired by your response that I've decided to fast-track book two in the series! That's right – get ready to dive back into the charming chaos of the Victorian house and the mysteries lurking in the small town of Rosewood Hollow. Expect even more thrills, chills, and heartwarming moments with Sarah, Emma, Cory, and of course, the ever-adorable Pixie! St

Limited Time Offer: Get Book 4 of 'The Cannabis Preacher' Series for Free!

Hey book lovers, Exciting news! For a limited time only, Book 4 of 'The Cannabis Preacher' series is available for FREE on Amazon! Dive into the thrilling conclusion of Connor Beauregard's journey, where ambition, betrayal, and redemption collide in a heart-pounding finale. In this gripping installment, Connor faces his toughest challenges yet as he navigates the treacherous world of legal drug dealing and high-stakes finance. Will he emerge victorious, or will his past finally catch up with him? Don't miss out on this exclusive offer to experience the adrenaline-fueled thrills of 'The Cannabis Preacher' series. Grab your FREE ebook now and join the suspense! Happy reading!

Witnessing the Magic: A Total Eclipse Tale from Oakville!

Wow, Oakville! Did you step outside today and witness the magic in the sky?  We just experienced a total solar eclipse, and let me tell you, it was absolutely awe-inspiring! As the moon slowly crept across the sun, the world dimmed in an otherworldly way. Birdsong quieted, replaced by a hush that seemed to hold its breath.  Streetlights flickered on, confused by the sudden twilight settling in the middle of the afternoon. Then, for a glorious few minutes, the sun vanished completely.  A ring of fire, the corona, encircled the black hole in the sky, a sight both breathtaking and a little eerie.  Gasps and cheers erupted from rooftops and parks as everyone shared this incredible celestial moment. Here in Oakville, the total eclipse lasted for about ten minutes.  But even the partial phases, as the moon began to cover and then uncover the sun, were mesmerizing.  The whole experience was a powerful reminder of the vastness of space and the wonder of our universe.