Listen to his Promo now:

Todd’s Take

One of the first things a beginning writer learns is: deciding to write a book isn’t the same as deciding to finish a book. Many reach the end of [what becomes] their initial draft, yell “cut!” and pop open the champagne, only to realize many more hours of editing and rewriting (not to mention typesetting, cover design, and the dreaded marketing) are stalking just beyond the hangover. And that’s not even the whole of it.

Completing the work for Podiobooks.com requires the same kind of fortitude. It’s much like starting over with the writing process entirely, as recording has its own learning curve, potential speed bumps, and technical challenges.

It reminds me much of running my first 10k; all of the training required, the nervousness on the day of the race, the struggles between mile 2 and mile 5, and that burst of energy when the Finish Line finally came into sight. Also similar is the feeling of accomplishment, accompanied by the nagging of whether or not you want to put yourself through that again.

When I first decided to record my book for Podiobooks.com, I scrolled through the forums for insight of users and authors alike. Appalled that some began the process only to give up part of the way through, I swore to myself that I would finish—no matter what. Of course, that was before vacations and malaise kept interrupting my schedule, my new laptop decided to be unable to use my microphone, and I truly realized how many copyedits my “final” manuscript still required. Still, despite my numerous misgivings, I powered through. Now comes the time to reflect.

Should one simply be proud that they have achieved a goal, or disappointed that if they opt-out of further trials they become a “one trick pony?” Is it worth the trouble of effort to dive back in, constantly worry whether your audio quality is good enough (not to mention the story itself), and shakily click the “Refresh” button to see what those dreaded Star Ratings will be today?

Of course it’s worth it. Nothing compares to accomplishment, or the knowledge that hundreds of people you’ve never met (or tried to convince) are experiencing your work. Besides, if humans actively spent time worrying whether or not what they produced was perfect we’d never get anything done at all.

Just as with running a marathon or writing a book in the first place: if you’re going to start, finish.

Todd Newton

In this episode Rhonda talks with Keith Hughes and Heather talks with Emmy Z. Madrigal. 

Listen Now:

or Download Episode 16.

Borrowed Time by Keith Hughes Science Fiction

This is Keith’s first book on Podiobooks.com and we really enjoyed talking to him about Borrowed Time.
Website: http://www.penslinger.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/edgizmo
Voice mail: (206) 309-9171

Star Struck by Emmy Z. Madrigal

Websites:  http://www.sweetdreamsnovel.com
http://www.emzbox.com, & http://www.horroraddicts.net/
Email:  emzboxATsbcglobal.net 
Twitter @emzbox

Related News: Emerian Rich’s Night’s Knight will be released in October.

News

Dark Overlord Media

Scott Sigler & Audacity Events of San Diego have turned the traditional publishing model on its ear with the creation of Dark Overlord Media’s inspection. The announcement was made August 19th. It is a publishing house that will create premium limited edition books and other properties for those with an established online following.

Dark Overlord Media’s first release is The Rookie, Sigler’s far in the future space football story. Get a signed, limited-edition, hand numbered hardback. This edition has 50 extra pages of content you can’t get in a podcast. The Future Dark Overlord is kicking of the Tailgate tour on September 7th with a 20 city tour in 24 days to promote this release. Order yours now at Scottsigler.com.


 

The Mark of a Druid Book Signing

August 29th – Beat the southern California heat and rise above it all in the San Bernardino mountains at the first book signing for The Mark of a Druid. Join me, Rhonda R Carpenter for the reading, see the original art and meet the cover artist Amie Perry-Reavis from noon to 2 pm At McCabes and Co Booksellers in Crestline Ca. And a little bird told me I would not be the only author in attendance. We may even give out some signed posters. When it is all said and done please feel free to enjoy the mountains, lakes, shopping or spectacular site of the community I call home.

Win a signed print of the cover to J.D. Sawyer’s Predestination!

Entering is as easy as 1-2-3:
1) Send a post card to:
Chooch and Viv
43 Town and Country Drive
Suite 182
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

2) Make sure to include your name and return address (where we’ll ship the print) and a statement that you are at least 18 years old.

3) All entries must be post marked no later than August 26, 2009

They will do a random drawing with one winner receiving the print through the mail. The contest is being hosted at http://www.intotheblender.com/

Some other Scotland

Mick Bordet is still giving out download codes for the music in Some Other Scotland. You can get the codes by tweeting the link to his interview and emailing him.
He will be running the contest until the BRT-PR interview on August 31, 2:30 pm PST/5:30 pm EST. He is giving away a free book for the best BTR question and allowed a listener to name a character. Here are the details.

Review it up!

Rhonda is asking her fans for their help to spread the word about The Mark of a Druid.

Rhonda says,

 ”Where can you put them? Itunes, Amazon, B&N, Podiobooks.com, Podcast pickle; your personal blog is a great place to talk about the book or where ever you can think of to put up a review. I still have not found a way to see overseas Amazon reviews so if you are out of the U.S. please feel free to take a screen shot and email.
This contest is retroactive so if you’ve written a review already just click participate on contest #10 and let me know where you left the review. Same thing for new reviews.
On September 13th I will announce 2 random winners from all those who review it or have already posted a review. What will you get? A lead into the final contest for the grand prize of the original oil on canvas that will be awarded at the end of this year. With this prize you can really see the hidden images on the cover.
Your words mean the world to me and I want to read them.
Good Luck,
Rhonda”

Help Name Characters in Sea Hawk

Arlene Radasky needs names for her characters in her new novel SEA HAWK. When you email her with your suggestions, she will put your name in the hat for a FREE signed book THE FOX, sent anywhere in the world. Winner will be drawn on October 30, 2009. For all the detals go to her website.

Calling all Podcasters and Podiobooks.com authors

Enter the Podioracket.com sponsored Podiobooks.com Promo Competition! Simply create your one-minute promo, the perfect storm of persuasion and enthusiasm, then email it to contact@podioracket.com. See the complete list of rules and suggestions in our handy-dandy guide.

New Releases

Dragon Ore by Brian Rathbone Fantasy

Heretics by G.K. Chesterton Essays Produced by David Grizzly Smith FAMILY FRIENDLY: Safe for family listening

The Scars by William Tennant Literature

Tumbler by Brand Gamblin Science Fiction FAMILY FRIENDLY: Safe for family listening

Completed Works

AMNAR: THE AWAKENING by Isabel Joely Black Fantasy

The Ninth Avatar by Todd Newton Fantasy

A User’s Manual for the Human Experience by Michael W. Dean Self-Help

Anon Time by Craig Robertson Science Fiction

The Sphere Of Travel (TSOT2) Science Fiction
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Safe for family listening

Listen now

or download Podioracket Ep-07

INTERVIEWS

 Todd Newton was born in Gridley, California in 1980. He now resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife, Micah, and their two dogs, Leonidas and Suki. Todd holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science but is an avid reader of Fantasy. The Ninth Avatar is his first published work.

Todd’s Websites – http://initialdraft.blogspot.com and http://tdnewton.wordpress.com

Todd’s Email – initialdraft@gmail.com

Twitter – www.twitter.com/tdnewton

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1200034868&ref=profile or search for T.D. Newton


 
Christiana Ellis first released Nina Kimberly the Merciless in 2006 and is now preparing for her May 15th print release from Dragon Moon Press.

Christiana’s web site: http://christianaellis.com/

Nina Kimberly web site: http://www.ninakimberly.com/

Christiana on Twitter: www.twitter.com/christianaellis

NEWS

Jespa, from Emerian Rich’s Night’s Knights has been named as Podioracket’s Champion!

King Calgacus ran a good race, and Arlene Radasky, author of The Fox has awarded her book to Phosephone.

Podioracket.com was so impressed by the number of votes, we took a leaf from Arlene’s book and did a drawing of our own. Congratulations to ElderDaniel, who will receive Podioracket.com merchandise!

We expected to confirm battle details between Nina Kimberly the Merciless and our Champion Jespa, however matters have changed dramatically.  Listen to the episode to find out more, and stay tuned for Friday’s mini-episode on www.podioracket.com as we amass our forces.

 

H.E. Roulo’s Fractured Horizon has a new cover created by Lone Wolf Sage Co. Modeled off the old and much loved cover by Devlin Donnelly Design, the new cover is ready for Podiobooks 2.0. Click on the cover image to see the previous cover.

CONTESTS:

Phillippa Ballentine is still looking for reviews. Leave one, drop her a line in an email to pip@pjballantine.com and you could win!

New contest for Rhonda R Carpenter’s site at www.themarkofadruid.com. For the month of May come and meet our very own Rhonda Carpenter’s characters. Enter your name in a drawing.

Scare us in 140 characters or less. There is a new competition on Twitter called Tweet the Meat see the website and go to www.twitter.com/tweetthemeat. I hear there are cash prizes for this competition.

Check yourself into the Brink! Join Brinkvale Psychiatric, that is, and get your patient profile or enjoy art therapy with Zachary Taylor. J.C. Hutchins dares you to.

TIP FROM AN EXPERIENCED AUTHOR

Check out the tip player and hear tips from experienced authors that could make your podcasted novel better!

NEW RELEASES:

• Virtual Vice - a new technology crime novel based on true events by Jason M. Kays Thriller
• Cell U.R. by Mark Plimsoll Science Fiction
• Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by A Square (Edwin Abbott Abbott) Science Fiction

COMPLETED WORKS:

• The Zombie Chronicles: Escape By James Melzer
• A Brief Conversation with My Hair by Russell Bradbury-Carlin Humor
• Ancient Prophecy, by Richard S. Tuttle is Book 3 of the Targa Trilogy

We will continue to offer tips on writing, audio editing, and equipment through our regular feed and are pleased to announce a Tip Player. This new player has all the tips from experienced authors that have already aired in our first five episodes as well as additional never-before-heard tips provided by people we have interviewed. Check it out!

In the upcoming weeks we will be releasing interviews with Mur Lafferty, John Mierau, then Todd Newton and the much-anticipated interview with Christiana Ellis as Nina Kimberly fights our champion. We also have J.C. Hutchins, Jim Priest, Dan Sawyer, and others lined up.

Stick around.