Timothy C. Ward » AudioTim
By Timothy C. Ward
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Podcast Description
Podcaster and Aspiring Author of Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror
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AudioTim 36: Mike Shevdon, UK Urban Fantasy Author of Strangeness and Charm | Welcome to my interview with Mike Shevdon, author of Strangeness and Charm: Courts of the Feyre #3, due out May 29th through Angry Robot Books. Because this is the third book in an awesome Urban Fantasy series, I wanted to make sure that those who haven't read the first two books could enjoy a good chunk of the interview. We don't introduce spoilers until 52 minutes into the show, and even then, it's only to discuss how the first two books set the stage for book three. Actually, we have a couple minor spoilers regarding the setup of the first book, Sixty-One Nails, but you might get those in a backcover summary anyway. If you don't want any information about story events, I posted a 4 minute snippet of our interview about Mike and his style of Urban Fantasy. The spoilers are over by the 65 minute mark, and I ask Mike about writing tips he learned going into book three. We chat about some marketing ideas for his book launch and his schedule for book four. My aim for this show was to discuss elements of this series and Urban Fantasy from Mike's British perspective that would give readers a good taste without ruining the experience. I think we accomplished that. Mike has some good writing advice and was a blast to chat with. On top of all that, Mike is offering a book giveaway: a signed ARC of Strangeness and Charm will be given away as part of the show. Book Giveaway Details I like to give multiple ways for people to enter: *Share this post on Google +, Facebook, or Twitter *Subscribe to my blog or follow me on any of the above websites. *Email me at tim[at]timothycward[dot]com with Strangeness and Charm as subject. *Comment below with what you have done. *I'll give you a double entry if you share the post I make on my Facebook Author Page. I will announce the winner on the release date of Strangeness and Charm, May 29th, so you have until the end of the 28th to enter. You can also enter another giveaway going on at The Qwillery for a signed ARC of Strangeness and Charm. Links Sixty-One Nails and The Road to Bedlam are the first two books in Mike's Courts of the Feyre series. You can get them as ebooks now, or pre-order the newly designed print editions, to be released the same day as Strangeness and Charm, May 29th. In a recent Angry Robots Press Release, they've offered this issuu widgetthat lets you read a good chunk from Strangeness and Charm Open publication - Free publishing Mike mentioned some UK Urban Fantasy Authors you should check out: Kate Griffin's A Madness of Angels Mike Carey's Felix Castor series Suzanne McLeod Spellcrackers series Ben Aaronovitch Rivers of London Lou Morgan Blood and Feathers (free short story) Tanya Huff is someone else Mike mentions as having a closed world in her Fantasy series, and uses Canada as the setting. This book is a collection of short stories that includes "an Imperial Dragon in Toronto's Chinatown." Cool! You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page. Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org | 5/22/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim Snippet: Mike Shevdon on Excitement of Urban Fantasy | While editing my podcast interview with Mike Shevdon (to be released this Wednesday, 5/23), I came across this three minute gem that really encapsulates my recent fascination with not just Urban Fantasy, but Mike's Courts of the Feyre series. The next week is going to focus on his upcoming release of Strangeness and Charm: The Courts of the Feyre, Book 3. What fascinates me about this genre, and his series in particular is how it makes us observe our world in a new light. I suppose a lot of entertainment mediums do that, but I like how Mike uses British folklore and tradition and adds a fantastical spin on what could be. Sometimes I like to read about this in a past or future that is much different than the world around me. Mike's books are similar to the Horror that I like to read in that they keep me in the present, and then blow my mind with what could be lurking behind my day to day tasks. I wrote a few zombie stories that play on what would happen if I opened my side door in the still dark hours of the morning, and a zombie was outside in my driveway. Sometimes I take my time observing my yard and tempt that fear to become real. Of course I know it's not real, but the fact that I set that scene in a real place makes it that much more scary. Mike's story takes place around London. Even though I've never been, I have been to places like where he tells his story: subways, open markets, pastures, woods, heck, even just any old neighborhood. While he uses specific history and places in London to make his story feel genuine, he also sets some of the events in general places that I can imagine myself in. The next time I'm in a subway I'm going to wonder about that doorway no one uses. Next time I'm in a coffee shop I might imagine the person sitting nearby as a fey shape-shifter hiding their sword and identity through a glamour Mike describes in his books that makes them appear uninteresting and normal. Mike has some cool blog posts in his History Category that have pictures and give a little backstory to the British folklore that inspired his awesome series. Hope to see you back on Wednesday when I release this episode, and the book giveaway to come. | 5/21/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 35: Robin Sullivan on Riyria Revelations’ Orbit Experience | Robin discusses her and Michael's experience selling Riyria Revelations through Orbit after already having great success self-publishing through Ridan Publishing. It's really a great study in how self-published authors can take their book to traditional publishers and have equal or greater success. All that said, I ask Robin what she thinks about going forward, and what factors would lead to them choosing to publish through Ridan or Orbit. Links: Since this episode was recorded, Double Share by Nathan Lowell has been published by Ridan Publishing. Michael Sullivan's Rise of Empire is now on Audible. Robin mentioned Jim C. Hines. Thought you might want to check his site out. His latest book is THE SNOW QUEEN'S SHADOW, the fourth of his fantasy adventures that retell the old fairy tales with a Charlie's Angels twist. Oh yeah, and there's that Hugh Howey guy everyone is comparing to 50 Shades of Grey for turning self-publishing into movie deals. Well, he now has a movie option deal with 20th Century Fox for his Wool Omnibus, which is going to be published by Random House UK. Next week's podcast is with UK Fantasy author, Mike Shevdon, in time for his May 29th release of Strangeness and Charm: Courts of the Feyre #3. You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page. Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org. You are also free to share this promo taken from a two minute quote from Michael's interview on AudioTim 16. | 5/16/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 34: Adventures in SciFi Publishing Interview | I turn the mics around on this episode and interview the podcast staff of Adventures in SciFi Publishing. We talk with Shaun about his history podcasting, including the ups and downs, and how building the 2.0 version with Moses Siregar III and Brent Bowen has rejuvenated my favorite author-interview podcast. Halfway through, I ask each of them how their writing is doing, something we don't often get to hear during the course of their normal podcasting format. This show was good fun with great guys, and it was an honor to get to share the airwaves with one of the major influences to my own podcasting and writing career. I'm sorry we weren't able to have Scott Roche on for this slot, but we hope to sometime soon. In the meantime, check out his podcast Action Pack Podcast, a three stories in one hour show that has zombies, steampunk-western action and alien adventures, from authors Michell Plested, J.R. Murdock and Scott Roche respectively. Links: Adventures in SciFi Publishing website (iTunes page) Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences website (where Shaun's story will be published) Moses Siregar III's website (buy his book The Black God's War for $.99) Brent Bowen's website (tease him about his 2 days in March to get him back in the saddle) AISFP podcast interview with D.T. Conklin and Lane Diamond Promo: D.T. Conklin's Fantasy Epic, Eulogy You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page. Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org | 5/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 33: Indie Publishing with Hugh Howey and Robin Sullivan | Welcome back to our marathon podcast with Hugh Howey. On this episode, Robin Sullivan joins the discussion as both she and Hugh share their success stories going from indie publishing to best-seller success. If you haven't caught the first episode (AudioTim 32), that is where we discussed Hugh's best-seller, Wool Omnibus, as well as started a t-shirt giveaway to the most creative Wool fan. There are no spoilers until the end (which I warn you about), so if you haven't read Wool yet, you can still listen to the first part of that episode. About our guests: Robin Sullivan is the President of Ridan Publishing. As you'll hear in this episode, she has created a top-notch, author-friendly publishing model at Ridan, and is one of my favorite people to talk publishing with. This is her fourth interview on my show, and I'm amazed at how each one keeps getting better. Her husband, Michael J. Sullivan, is the author of the best-selling Fantasy series Riyria Revelations. The first book, Theft of Swords is one of my favorite books. Hugh... well, having him on the show with Robin combines two of my favorite people I've met podcasting. He is a terrific writer, and one of the few that I'll read everything they write. He has a fascinating life experience sailing in two hurricanes, which played a part in the next book of his I plan to read, The Hurricane. Hugh is a tremendous, humble guy, who has generously offered two giveaways for my show. AudioTim 32 was a t-shirt giveaway (deadline May 21st to enter), and for this episode, he is giving away a signed copy of Wool Omnibus. You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page. Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org How to Enter Signed Wool Omnibus Giveaway * Stephanie H. from the UK won the Omnibus. Congrats, Stephanie, and thanks to all who participated! Thanks as well to Hugh for his generosity in offering a signed version! Way cool! You can tweet a link to this podcast along with my twitter handle @timothycward (for tracking purposes) You can go to my Facebook Author Page and share the post I made (as opposed to making your own post because I can't track those easily) Or, if you don't use Facebook or Twitter, you can email me at tim [at] timothycward [dot] com, use Signed Wool as subject line. You'll receive one entry (please don't email me a hundred times ;) ), whereas the Twitter and Facebook options can be done more often and earns an entry each time you do. Normally, I use Rafflecopter, but they're having problems right now, so we're going manual-style. Deadline: All entries before 00:00 PST on 5/9. I will choose the winner at random, and announce it in this post on 5/9 as well as via the way they entered (facebook, twitter, email). If I don't hear back within 48 hours, though, I'll move on to another entrant. Worldwide option (Hugh has graciously offered to mail this book outside the US and Canada.) | 5/1/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 32: Hugh Howey, Author of Wool Omnibus | Welcome to the first part of two podcasts with Hugh Howey. In this first part, Hugh and I discuss his breakout series, Wool Omnibus. We take a few questions from readers off of Twitter, and even hear a little bit about his zombie story, I, Zombie. (Check out his video of reading an excerpt live.) After the main part of the interview, I explain a little about the Wool t-shirt giveaway, and then spliced in one of the Twitter questions that led to a spoiler. So, if you haven't read this amazing set of stories, you can still listen to this interview, then duck out for the last part (after the t-shirt giveaway mention by Hugh). The second podcast has aired, (AudioTim 33), and is an Indie Publishing panel discussion with Hugh and Robin Sullivan, Publisher at Ridan Publishing who helped manage Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations series. Their unique experiences going from self-published to literary stardom makes this upcoming podcast one you shouldn't miss. I like this episode too, because Hugh has some great insight into the story of Wool, the characters behind the story (without spoilers) and why so many people loved reading it. I elaborate more on why I loved Hugh's book on my book review. T-Shirt Giveaway Unfortunately, the giveaway is now over. The good news is we have an awesome new shirt to choose from among the Cafe Press Wool Catalog. Thanks to Jason for his winning entry, and everyone else. That was a tough competition. As you can see, Hugh has some Wool t-shirts up at his CafePress store. There are some great options, and as Hugh said, he's priced them as low as he can. Thanks to those who sent in questions on Twitter, you did a great job adding to the show! Jack Danger Canty @jackdanger: @timothycward Also: I want to hear about Hugh's take on grief, grieving and what it takes to kill a beloved character. /cc @hughhowey Andy Sherwood @xinmyname: @timothycward For Hugh: Have you optioned WOOL as a movie yet? Will Joss Whedon direct? -- Sorry Andy, I forgot about this one. We talk about his movie option a little in the next podcast (next Wednesday) Scott Roche @spiritualtramp: @timothycward @hughhowey Is each one of "Wool"s episodes a complete story arc on its own? Roundtable Podcast @WritersPodcast: @timothycward @hughhowey Was Wool ALWAYS going to be a series? If not, when did you realize it would be? You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page. Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org | 4/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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From the Archives: AudioTim 16: Michael J. Sullivan and Robin Sullivan on Theft of Swords | A combination of relevant topics came to mind this morning that led me to post this podcast. The first was reading the Justin Macumber Author Spotlight over at my favorite new podcast, the Roundtable Podcast, and how one of his top four books is Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis. If you've seen my Twitter profile, you'll notice that I have the cover I'm familiar with from that book as my background. It is there because that book is my genesis into Fantasy literature, and the nostalgia of reading that book is still strong to this day. What in the world does this have to do with posting my interview with Michael? Well, his book Theft of Swords is my most recent, favorite Fantasy book. If I could be the one that points people to his book for the first time, and share some role with your joy of reading that book, or even Fantasy in general, then this measly post is well worth my time. Plus, this interview is one of my favorites, and has a ton of great ideas about writing and Fantasy literature past and present. Michael is also one of the nominees for the Independent Book Bloggers Award, which you can vote on (HERE). In my research for my interview with Michael, I read through a handful of posts on his blog, and must say that he has some excellent writing advice on there. Michael is also a very humble guy, and when you combine that humility with the quality of his stories, you can't help but root for the guy's success. If he wins this award, the IBBA will send him to New York for the ceremony, something he sounds pretty excited for. I'd rather his wife, Robin, lock him in his room to write more books, but I suppose he needs to get out sometimes ;). In the interview, Michael summarizes some of these blog posts, and elaborates on them per my questions: Applied Description Dealing with Failure Sculpting Language Combining the Real and the Unreal Voice and finally, A Reason to Read My last reason for thinking of posting this interview is because in my switch from hosting my podcasts on Posterous to this website, the itunes store doesn't have episodes 23 and earlier. I don't mind if you don't listen to the earliest ones, but this one is a definite keeper. You can read more about my discovery of Theft of Swords on my Saturday Spotlight post, including a link to the free, short story prequel, The Viscount and the Witch, which I guess I just gave you. You can subscribe to my podcast on iTunes (HERE). You are also free to share this promo taken from a two minute quote from Michael's interview. Music is brought to you by Nalle, "New Roots" from freemusicarchive.org | 4/16/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 31: K. Allen Wood and Mercedes Yardley of Shock Totem Magazine | I have one packed episode today. K. Allen Wood hi-jacked Mercedes' interview ;) and now we've got almost an hour and a half of audio for you. Ken and I start the show off by talking about his Magazine (with a capital M for magnificence), Shock Totem. We talk about his reading influences, up and coming authors, and future releases from Shock Totem: The Wicked by James Newman as a paperback in early May, Shock Totem Issue 5, and Beautiful Sorrows, a limited edition hardback collection of Mercedes Yardley's stories, to be released in September. Then Mercedes talks about some of her stories, her views on how to make great Horror, and why it's important to make an emotional connection with the reader. Mercedes has great advice, and made me laugh a number of times. Ken... I think was on his best behavior because I was recording. If he ever gets out of line elsewhere, I have a lovely soundbite I can play for him that will whip him back into shape ;) At the end I have some behind the scenes of Ken and I chatting about our time in Korea and aspirations of being musicians put aside for our writing careers. Enjoy! A little context from the interview: Mercedes wrote a story about a woman bashing a boy over the head with a shovel, and it became an inside joke between her and Ken because that was the story that got her started in Shock Totem. She wrote a blog post about it: http://abrokenlaptop.com/2008/10/24/rock-on-i-say/ Links From Ken's Conversation: Kevin J. Anderson's website The Zombie Feed Vol. 1 The Wicked - James Newman's website Ken's first Horror read - Dean Koontz's Lightning Ken's recommendation for "new" Horror authors to check out: Ronald Malfi: Skullbelly Lee Thompson - Division Mythos ; Shock Totem Issue 4 (print and digital) The Bram Stoker Award nominated anthology, Epitaphs, that Ken has a story in. From Mercedes' Conversation: Dark Things in Love was original title of Beautiful Sorrows, which is to be released in September, no links yet, but you can find out about it at Mercedes' website www.abrokenlaptop.com The Stoker Award winning anthology Demons: Encounters with the Devil and His Minions, Fallen Angels, and the Possessed The Gate 2 Her agent, Jason Yarn at Paradigm #quotingmercedes 31:30-50 I like that story. I thought it was sweet. I thought it was amazingly sweet. And kind of sick...a little bit twisted 32:30 Horror has to do with dread and emotion, and making someone feel something 45:15 On why she rolls her eyes at zombie stories "Guy shambles in. There's biting. Guy shambles away, and there's no connection to the characters." 48:00-30 "Horror is more than feeling disgust... about feeling depths of emotion" 49:00-20 On the cheap trick of stories involving rape: "I just read twenty other stories like that. Wow, none of them moved me, except that I never want to go outside again." 65:20 I don't want people to read my work then go walk away and be like I'm just going to go jump off something 66' has a great quote on finding strength in suffering as a reason why horror shouldn't just harp on the suffering. You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page. I have a nice audio clip from this interview here, soon to be made into a promo for the podcast. My soundbite from Ken... that one stays with me, until he misbehaves, mwahahahaha Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org | 4/11/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Inspirational Audio Snippet from Horror Author, Mercedes Yardley | I'm trying something new, and releasing a short section of my upcoming podcast interview with Mercedes Yardley. I'll probably record a quick intro to it to make into an AudioTim promo, but for now, here's 1:45 seconds of raw advice on what makes exceptional Horror. Mercedes is an outstanding writer, and being a slush pile reader for Shock Totem makes her a credible source on what to avoid and how to make your Horror stand above the rest. Her story in the John Skipp anthology Demons: Encounters with the Devil and His Minions, Fallen Angels, and the Possessed won the Stoker Award a few weeks ago--Woohoo! One of these days I'm going to get her to do a reading for my Saturday Spotlight series. In the meantime, here's a few minutes of excellent advice in anticipation for my releasing her interview on Wednesday. This little piece of audio is just a taste of the inspiration that Mercedes will give in her interview. You can get a few more quotes from the hashtag I created #quotingmercedes, some of which are deadpan funny. There were a lot more, but they didn't fit into Twitter's restrictions. I started the hashtag on the hunch that anyone who talks to Mercedes on a regular basis, and appreciates her humor, will undoubtedly come up with many more entertaining quotes. I didn't do a Saturday Spotlight this weekend, partly because I wanted to "take the day off" by editing her podcast. I was so inspired after listening to her interview, that I went up to my room around 9pm, turned off the lights, turned on Shock Totem radio, and pulled out a story I hadn't worked on in two months. It was a fantastic writing session, not really because the words I put on the page were divinely inspired, but because I put words on the page for that particular story after not doing so in two months. Last week, I finished the first draft of my story for The Lost: A Kingdom of Nothing Anthology, and maybe for the first time, had tears forming as I wrote the ending. I might have done that finishing my novel's third draft, but it wasn't as memorable as this one. The story I sent in to Writers of the Future was close as well, but my point is that this latest story was a definite step in the right direction. I tweeted about my experience finishing this story, and Mercedes commented "Some of the best advice I ever received, and it was from K Allen Wood at Shock Totem, was to cry when I rewrote a certain story. That's how you know it's real. Sounds like a story with shine, Tim! Congrats!" As I commented on in my recent post "Perseverance, Confidence, and Dreams," I'm learning varying levels of confidence, and a week after I wrote that post, I learned another: I can write a story emotionally powerful enough to make me cry. I'll admit, I have been known to cry at movies, but only a few times have I ever cried reading a book. As Tosca Lee said at the Ragged Edge conference, however, we have to scream at the page in order for our readers to hear a whisper. I'm not there yet, because tears forming for me, probably won't translate yet to the reader. It's still a rough story, but it shows potential and that I've taken another step towards achieving my dream--strike that, I am one step further in achieving my dream. The difference there is that I don't need some publishing contract to enjoy this step as part of the dream. I loved the experience, and will work hard to replicate and enhance it in further drafts and stories. The story that I worked on Saturday night is my Campus Zombie WIP, which is currently around 14k and has no close end in sight. I've got an idea of structure, so I believe it will finish under 26k. I stopped because I didn't know what the clue was in the lockbox he just found, nor did I know how he was going to escape the situation he was in. I was fortunate enough to have other stories more pressing, but surprisingly, during the two months I didn't work on it, nothing came to mind towards a solution. With Mercedes' advice in mind, | 4/9/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 30b: Robin Sullivan of Ridan Publishing on Amazon and Future of Ebooks | As we continue our discussion, Robin Sullivan of Ridan Publishing addresses some key areas to the IPG driven fear about Amazon taking 70% royalties. One of many articles about this new scare comes from www.paidcontent.org's article "Why Amazon’s Kindle Battle With IPG Matters" Amazon’s decision to yank almost 5,000 Kindle titles from distributor Independent Publishing Group after IPG refused to give the retailer better terms may be a harbinger of things to come. The first twenty five minutes talks about the current lawsuit against the agency model, how Amazon has made it big through making their site the most attractive to authors, and why even if they did revert back to a 65/35 royalty sharing model, it would still be better than nothing. Around the twenty five minute mark, Robin talks about how Pottermore is a real game changer, and that publishers should sell direct, and show how they don't need Amazon. Around the 37 minute mark, I ask if Amazon isn't powerful enough right now to switch the royalty over to 70/30. She tells us what she thinks if they did, and how publishers would respond. In fact, at the 44 minute mark, Robin says that royalty rate percentages isn't even the scariest leverage Amazon holds. Around the 41 minute mark, Robin discusses the pros and cons of using KDP Select for her Ridan titles. All in all, another great interview with Robin. I feel like I just sat down at a convention workshop. I feel very privileged for her audience, and to share this with mine. You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page, along with a promo from my interview with her and her husband, Michael Sullivan, on Episode 16. Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org For other podcasts on this subject: Adventures in SciFi Publishing: Episode 163 Zack Ricks and Scott Roche; Episode 166 Is Amazon Your Daddy The Shared Desk: Episode 13 Amazon, Authors, and Armageddon...at a Discount! | 4/4/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 30a: Robin Sullivan of Ridan Publishing on Amazon and IPG | The title of this episode could go on for a few more lines, but the current debate between Amazon and IPG is what led to our discussion. While some of you may be burnt out on this discussion, most of our discussion isn't really on Amazon vs. IPG, but why this matters to you as a reader, writer, and publisher. Robin has done some revolutionary marketing strategies over at Ridan Publishing, and part of our discussion is how she is adapting to the changing market. We discuss KDP Select, Amazon's Prime service that allows people to borrow one book a month from the lending library of ebooks, with two advantages Robin sees to this program, as well as how these aren't really advantages to her. Part of why I got Robin on was to discuss if she thought Amazon would turn this dispute with IPG into an eventual profit margin of 70% going to Amazon instead of the current 70% to self publishers. Check the 35 minute mark for your quick answer. I will release the second episode of this interview tomorrow, where we discuss more on the future of publishing in relation to the anti-trust lawsuit against the ibook store, which may get rid of the agency model of pricing ebooks. While some have feared that the IPG issue is what my flip the profit margins in Amazon's favor, Robin thinks this lawsuit and the potential loss of the agency model may really be the harbinger of that change. You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, but the complete list of back episodes is on my Podcast Page, along with a promo from my interview with her and her husband, Michael Sullivan, on Episode 16. Music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org For other podcasts on this subject: Adventures in SciFi Publishing: Episode 163 Zack Ricks and Scott Roche; Episode 166 Is Amazon Your Daddy The Shared Desk: Episode 13 Amazon, Authors, and Armageddon...at a Discount! Conversation Timeline: 1:00 What is IPG? 2:00 Why small presses use IPG 5:00 Why Robin is considering moving from Print on Demand to print runs and bookstore presence using a distributor like IPG (though not if it means giving up ebook rights) 6:30 Why IPG does ebooks and why publishing houses use that service. 7:50 Is there a separate contract between ebooks and print w/ distributors (turns into convo on exclusivity) 10:00 Why this issue with IPG concerns her: never good when a stream of distribution is cut off, especially when their Select program is showing cost of business with Amazon is exclusivity. 15:40 In what ways (contract or KDP) can Amazon exercise exclusivity? 17:00 Two advantages of KDP: 1) Lending library; 2) 5 days out of 90 to make your book free --includes how these are not really that great as far as advantages 27:00 Advantages of not publishing with big 6 as it pertains to distributing ebooks worldwide 28:00 As Amazon tightens grip on IPG, they could with others 30:15 Why you still want to sell directly, instead of giving up exclusivity to Amazon Compares Walmart to Amazon in re: low price margins, and how Amazon will demand higher cuts 32:00 Gives history on Amazon using Create Space versus Lightning Source to make books out of stock (ex. Nathan Lowell) and therefore manipulated people into using Create Space and the more advantageous margins for Amazon 35:00 Big question: Do you see Amazon taking 70%? | 4/3/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 29: Justin Macumber and his publisher, David Wood, discuss HAYWIRE | Justin Macumber, the host of one of my favorite writing podcasts, the Dead Robots' Society, comes on to discuss his debut novel, Haywire, along with his publisher, David Wood, from Gryphonwood Press. Justin is a modest guy, so it was good to have his publisher on to brag a little on this wonderful new addition to the Science Fiction catalog. We also get great insight from David about how they worked together to make Justin's book shine. They did a great job, too. I've read it and reviewed it (here). The episode is a little long, but is full of interesting information on story development, author branding, story scope, etc. Don't sleep on it, because at the 65 minute mark, I pull out some helpful reasons from Justin on why he chose this route as opposed to self-publishing or submitting to a larger publishing house. We also talk a little about cover design and his plan for audio rights. There was a little problem with our Skype connection, but the glitches were sparse, and if you think of it like Justin being infected by the Hezrin's virus from his book, then it's kind of funny. Watch out, Justin is an infected Titan! Ahhhhh! You can listen or download from the player above, or head over to my iTunes page. I don't think I have any reviews yet, so if you'd be so kind, an honest review would be most appreciated. If you like the show and would like a promo to play in your show, or just for great advice, this promo has one minute of writing advice from my interview with Michael J. Sullivan, episode 16. Stay tuned for upcoming shows: Robin Sullivan discussing the dispute between IPG and Amazon (coming soon); Mercedes Yardley from Shock Totem magazine (4/11); and Hugh Howey of the infamous SF series, Wool (4/25). Music is provided by Daddy Scrabble's song "Lorda Mercy" found on http://freemusicarchive.org Editorial Reviews for HAYWIRE Review "A riproaring adventure through the galaxy, full of sound and fury, yet at its center it is a surprisingly touching commentary on what it is to be human." -- Philippa Ballantine, author of "Geist" and co-author of "Phoenix Rising (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences)" "Justin Macumber's HAYWIRE is a thrill ride from first blood to closing sigh. I found it difficult to put down." -- Nathan Lowell, creator of the "Golden Age of the Solar Clipper" and the "Tanyth Fairport Adventures" "HAYWIRE is sure to satisfy cravings for Saturday matinee high adventure space fantasy." -- Matthew Wayne Selznick, author of the "Sovereign Era" storyworld "A thrilling chase through a superbly realized solar system. Enhanced warriors, space pirates, galactic threats and more make this a powerful debut from a strong new voice in speculative fiction." -- Alan Baxter, author of "RealmShift" and "MageSign" "An action-packed sci-fi thriller that will keep you up late into the night!" -- David Wood, author of "The Zombie-Driven Life" and the "Dane Maddock Adventures" Product Description A century ago, super-soldiers known as Titans drove alien invaders from the solar system and back to their home world. Now the Titans have returned, infected by a virus and compelled to destroy humanity. Will a scholar, her son, and the only Titan able to resist the infection find a way to stop them and save humanity from its own greatest weapon? | 3/28/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 28: Roundtable Podcast Brainstorms Zombie Novel | Dave Robison and Brion Humphrey of the brand-spankin new Roundtable Podcast are back at it again. Well, we never really stopped, but with the magic of editing it sounds that way. This is the second hour of our interview, and in this part I volunteer to let them show me what their show does for authors like myself who need help taking a story idea and turning it into a story. I'm brainstorming the next novel I plan to write, a zombie novel about a failed pastor who must defend a Hebrew burial mound in small town Iowa before others who have a deal with the dead steal his relic and expand the undead territory. Okay, that tagline needs work, but I'm still flushing out what this story is about. These guys were incredibly helpful in giving me ideas and questions to help it grow. You can subscribe to both podcasts on iTunes by clicking the image for their show. Music brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org I thought it would be neat as I'm editing this episode to write down the questions and prompts Dave and Brion ask which may be helpful for you in your story. It would be great if you commented about what you thought during this brainstorm. Did you come up with any cool "what ifs?" Any suggestions? What drives the zombies (what force awakens them)? What was the first zombie, and what was its purpose from rising from the dead? If the steward is what keeps them from coming out, how are they getting out in the first place to destroy the steward? - I said there are other stewards and zombies that could have invaded, but in the story it was a botched sacrifice. 21:50 Does the steward also have control over them? Can he send them out? - Maybe this is what the Cub Scout zombie story answers, that if the steward deals with the dead, then he can. 23 - Once the zombies are free, what's their goal beyond that? Comes down to theme and what story you want to tell. 24 - What has driven him to such a point of rage that he can't be a pastor? Why is he driving her away? What is the anger that is at the core of his self-destructive trend. Understand that and you understand his place in the coming struggle with the zombies. His issues (The overarching story and the ultimate zombie goal should be mirrored in the prime character's major weakness and flaw). This could all be a metaphor for his own failing marriage and self-efficacy issues, doesn't think he is worth of being a pastor, or being a husband, or being the steward. 27 - Back in ancient days there was a pact that set aside a land to become the portal into the land of the dead, and as long as everyone held up their bargain, this land and portal would be given/opened. But, it didn't work, some of the hebrews failed in their agreement, and so the dead are trying to reclaim that pact. Maybe the main character is the one who can end this pact. 30:50 - By understanding the pain of mc, the story is a reflection/mirror/distortion of that, and the pathway through it. 32:30 - What if anger issues are at father for not doing anything when mother died (or not died, got divorced and moved away to a worse situation)? 32:45 - Could bring father into it, (Indiana Jones), tension mounts with son confronting father only to father revealing something son didn't know. 35 - Does he have to die, so he goes into portal to fight the dead? 36 - Does bringing Goliath's Armor relics together give him more powers? See spirit realm? Knowledge? Ability to read secret Hebrew language? 38 - Zombies want to gather armor to recommit pact (broken pact broke armor). 39 - What if deceitful people tell him to bring pieces together, when that's what the other side wants too? 42 - What does he see when he has relic in his hands? Spirit realm? Alliances with dead? Does this push him further into his anger, fear he will be turned? 43 - Reading book, trying to translate, picks up watch and Boom, can read it like it's English. (scene) | 3/14/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 27: Roundtable Podcast, Origin and Destination | Dave Robison and Brion Humphrey of the brand-spankin new Roundtable Podcast helped me produce two hours of podcast gold. This episode is the first hour, split in half by a promo for the Fullcast Podcast, and in it we get to know Dave and Brion. I can't remember a more comical introduction to two people. In the second half we discuss their goals and format for the Roundtable Podcast. I think they've got a great idea, from teaming aspiring authors with amazing pros like Nathan Lowell and J. Daniel Sawyer for brainstorming sessions, to their equally informative "20 minutes with" where they ask their guest host of the week questions on the writing process. If I didn't like these guys so much I'd say this was my idea all along and they stole it! But, I won't. Mad props to them for coming up with such an awesome idea. Now, go check them out at www.RoundtablePodcast.com. They just released their Nathan Lowell interview. Stay tuned tomorrow for my release of the second hour of our interview. These guys can talk, but it was a lot of fun. Links: Brion's blog post "Try Something New" about not limiting ourselves in our writing by saying you aren't able to write something because you're not an expert in that field. Be a guest link - Have a story idea that you'd like to a professional writer, maybe even your hero, brainstorm with you? Click that link and get one of the best writing lessons of your life. Subscribe to either podcast by clicking on the images above. And don't forget to drop a line on our pages. You know how much podcasters love to hear from their listeners. Music brought to you by Daddy Scrabble's "Lorda Mercy" from www.freemusicarchive.org | 3/13/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 26: Lane Diamond, author of Forgive Me, Alex | In this podcast, we discuss Lane Diamond's psychological thriller, Forgive Me, Alex, along with his cohort in crime at Evolved Publishing, D.T. Conklin. This is the original first part of the interview I posted for episode 25. Lane does a great job of enticing you into the characters and their conflict, and amazingly so without giving away any spoilers. We also discuss how to turn an action focused story into a character's experience so that the reader is more engaged. D.T. shares about his story in the Evolved Publishing anthology, Evolution: Vol. 1, "The Last Earthling," and his upcoming Epic Fantasy, Eulogy, which is due out March 14th. He discusses creating multilayered plot, what it's like to write by the seat of his pants, and how he uses beta readers. All in all, a fun discussion with some new friends. Come and join us, and spread the word. Evolved Publishing Raffle Giveaway! As I mentioned in the podcast, Evolved Publishing is giving away a free Kindle ebook from their catalog (including new releases in March). To enter, review one of their titles on Amazon or Goodreads and enter the link into the widget below. You have until March 15th to read and review from their awesome catalog of ebooks. If you have trouble with the Rafflecopter widget, leave a comment and I'll help. You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes by clicking the podcast image above. // a Rafflecopter giveaway You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway. | 2/28/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 24: Lane Diamond and D.T. Conklin of Evolved Publishing | Today's interview is the first of two with Lane Diamond and D.T. (Dan) Conklin (the Kobe Bryant's of publishing duos? Sorry, last episode was the Michael Jordan of Mad Scientists, Michell Plested, so, anyway...). I decided to publish the second part first because it includes information about Evolved Publishing's upcoming anthology, Evolution: Vol. 2 which opens for submissions today. Because I begin the interview halfway through, I realized after recording the intro that I should have mentioned that Lane is the first one speaking and Dan (D.T. Conklin) is the other guy (I'm sure he'll love that moniker). I really like Evolved's motto as being an "author-centric" publishing house. As Lane will say in this interview, their goal has been to create a publishing house that they would want to join as authors. From what I've seen, they not only take care of their authors, but they are dedicated to producing top quality fiction. I've really enjoyed Lane's book, Forgive Me, Alex, and the anthology, Evolution: Vol. 1, and anticipate many more quality reads in the future. Evolved Publishing Upcoming Releases: T.G. Ayer's book, Dead Radiance: A Valkyrie Novel, comes out Feb. 25. Angela Scott's Zombie Western, Wanted: Dead or Undead comes out between then and mid-March. D.T. Conklin's Epic Fantasy book, Eulogy, is set to release March 14. I also mentioned Emlyn Chand as the newest author to Evolved Publishing. She has three children's picture books that will release soon, the first coming in the Spring of 2012. In case I wasn't clear in the intro, the podcast feed has been pointed from my host at Posterous and moved to this website. Thanks to my friend, Mike Templeton, for making that a seamless transition. If you were subscribed before, you should still be subscribed. The only difference is the podcast will be down at the bottom of your list with the title, "Timothy C. Ward >> AudioTim." ***News 2/20/12*** The new placement has all my AudioTim episodes so you can delete the old one. Same feed, no need to resubscribe. If you're not subscribed via iTunes, you can by clicking here on the AudioTim image above. | 2/15/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Saturday Spotlight: “Courage through Fear” by Ruby Standing Deer | Another five-star story from Evolved Publishing's anthology Evolution: Volume One is "Courage through Fear" by Ruby Standing Deer. This story caught me off guard with my immediate fear and concern for the main character. This 21 year old girl grifting cross-country with alcoholic husband finds out too late the cost of their freedom. Emotional attachment and the temptations for survival prevent her from escaping just as they would anyone else in her situation. This is a story that will keep your firm attention till the end. There is a brief content warning, though I won't say what to keep the surprise. I asked Ruby to read a section from the story that is sure to pull you in to the young woman's plight. Ruby has a book out with Evolved Publishing called Circles. In her bio, she says "Life presents us a path; how we choose to navigate that 'circle' is up to us." I would say this philosophy is part of what nailed me into the hero's quest in "Courage through Fear;" I was captured by her dilemma and cared deeply for her to find her way to safety. I imagine her novel, Circles, will evoke the same sense of connection with the main character's quest. I asked Ruby to share a little about the unique setting of Circles, and she also gave us a brief excerpt to illustrate the main character's voice. Circles is set in a time rarely written about, in a place of plenty and peace. Seldom bothered by outsiders their culture's not challenged, but rather deeply rooted in every person from birth. Families passionately connected through bonds with band member share everything, be it food or goings on within the band. Little happens that others do not share in. Life is happy with humor always part of everyday experiences as well as Spirituality, and fears. Dreaming of the Spirit world is as natural as breathing...unless you are a confused eight winters old boy who only wants to play, and be free from responsibilities. Feather's dreams show him a being that frightens him. In its wake only grey dust remains, no life is able to escape the coming advancement his dreams show him. Not even his grandmother can get him to fully open up to her, and she is an important teacher in his life. White Paws, a grey wolf comes to share his life, offering guidance he does not see at first. They become fast friends; one never is without the other...then a Great Elder of a ragged band of survivors finds her way to the "Shining Light" in her dreams—the camp of Feather's people. She shows him how to find his way within the Circle of All Living. Now, he must learn what to do with this knowledge, how to use it to save his people from a grey future he cannot see beyond. Now, the excerpt from her debut novel, Circles: He picked out a nice thick splay of grass upon which to sit, and called to his grandson, whose many stones spilled over his tunic. "Let the stones go free and come sit beside this old man. I have a story to tell you." The stones fell from Feather's tunic as he turned and ran to Hawk Soaring. "Dust off your breechclout and sit." Before Hawk Soaring could add, "away from my face," sparkling dust sprinkled his cheeks and eyes— and his mouth tasted of dirt. With his grandson now sitting, he stood to brush himself off. The young boy looked puzzled by his dirty tunic. "How did you get so dirty, Grandfather? I do not remember you throwing stones." "Oh, I think it was maybe some boy who tossed dirt on me." He laughed as Feather turned looking for that boy. "I did not see him. He must have been very fast!" "Yes, he was very fast. Too fast to see." He sat down again. "Fast, all right." "Why do birds have wings and we just have arms? That boy was maybe a bird, but he was too fast to see for sure. If we all had wings, would the sky get too crowded? I bet then birds would have to walk. But then—" "Feather! Too many words spill out of your mouth all at once." He grabbed his middle and laughed. | 2/11/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 23: Michell Plested is the Michael Jordan of Mad Scientists | Today's interview is Mike and I discussing writing. We talk fast writing, slow writing, outling, pants writing, wall writing, you name it, we talk about it. We also discuss NaNoWriMo and our writing plans for 2012. Michell Plested is the author of Mik Murdock: Boy Superhero, soon to be released by 5 Rivers. He produced the audio drama Galaxy Billies, and is the host of the Get Published podcast. I'm a big fan of his and have a lot of fun hanging out to discuss writing. He's also teaming up with J.A. Hite to produce A Method to the Madness: A Guide to the Super Evil. Submissions are still being accepted to this anthology, so check out their guidelines and submit to your inner super-villain. This episode's promo is for Scott Roche and his 52 Weeks of Indie (books). | 1/31/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 22: Nick Zaino III, Author of Horror, Humor and Non-fiction | This week's Saturday Spotlight has grown into its own podcast. Author, Nick Zaino III, wrote two great short stories in the zombie genre: Walter's Friends (One Buck Horror:Volume 4) and Sing for Your Life (In Delirium Bloom). Scroll down for giveaway. I asked if he'd do a Saturday Spotlight reading for me, but I wanted to hear what he has planned and what the fuss is all about with him publishing on www.libboo.com. If you haven't already, the second part of this interview is up as AudioTim 21, where I interviewed one of the leaders of Libboo. I think you'll enjoy Nick's interview first because the story he reads from, "Sing for Your Life," is great as an audio production, and also because he's got great back story on his stories. The setting for his zombie short story, "Walter's Friends" is ripe for a movie in the vein of The Shining--an island off New York City with an abandoned hospital. North Brother Island was home to a place for Typhoid victims, a place where a thousand bodies washed up after a boat wreck, and a drug rehab facility. Creepy stuff, and his story uses it very well. He also shares a funny story from his first job out of college, working as a book doctor. Links for Nick: Facebook Goodreads Bandcamp The Spit Take (comedy critic) One Buck Horror Volume Four In Delirium Bloom /*{literal} a Rafflecopter giveaway You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway. Podcast music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble, from www.freemusicarchive.org, "Lorda Mercy." You can subscribe to AudioTim on iTunes (here). | 1/14/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 21: Libboo.com Publishing Community with Fernando Albertorio | I recently came across a uniquely innovative publishing model that combines the benefits of the teamwork present in traditional publishing with the freedom to choose your team found in self-publishing: Libboo.com. I'm calling it a publishing community because these guys have set up an amagalmation akin to Smashwords mixed with Eharmony for writers. They have a patent pending method of rating books and services that tracks reader behaviors like reading cover-to-cover or sharing the book with others. Getting involved at the early stages of this community means you get a head start on building your rankings as an artist and a reviewer. Enjoy the podcast, and head over to Libboo.com to see what opportunities await. Links mentioned in the podcast you should check out: Libboo - http://www.libboo.com Here is the direct link to the Libboo Bounty short story competition - http://www.libboo.com/bounty Nick Zaino III is mentioned in this interview because we interviewed him earlier in the recording. His interview will be posted next week. He has a story published in One Buck Horror: Volume Four, and has another great story on Libboo.com: "Sing for Your Life" in this book - http://www.libboo.com/read/in-delirium-bloom Here is an info graphic I found that I thought you might like...:-) (about self-publishing numbers versus traditional publishing) http://bit.ly/AjP4cB Podcast music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble, from www.freemusicarchive.org, "Lorda Mercy." You can subscribe to AudioTim on iTunes (here). | 1/7/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 20: Michell Plested, Author Interview | Today's episode is part two of three interviews I've done with Michell Plested. This time we talked about some good news he had from World Fantasy Con, some things he's learned editing his 3 Rivers book, Mik Murdoch: Boy Superhero, some info on his Boy Scouts of the Apocalypse zombie story and upcoming anthology, and then some general encouragement related to NaNoWriMo. I should have part 3 up in a couple days. I may try a schedule of posting every other day so that this site stays active. Thank you to everyone that has been stopping by of late, it's been very encouraging. In case you're wondering why this interview sounds a little disjointed, it's because I cut this half off the first episode (AudioTim17), where I interviewed him about his podcast, Get Published. Podcast music is brought to you by Daddy Scrabble, from www.freemusicarchive.org, "Lorda Mercy." You can subscribe to AudioTim on iTunes (here). Did you learn anything from Michell's advice? What have you learned from your most recent editing? | 1/3/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 19: Georgina Kamsika, Author of The Sulphur Diaries | Today's episode is an interview with Georgina Kamsika, author of The Sulphur Diaries. She has a fascinating concept for this story that you won't want to miss, as well as a chilling reading from the book. I will be giving away a Kindle copy of The Sulphur Diaries, which you can win by utilizing the Rafflecopter Giveaway below (contest has ended). My Saturday Spotlight post this week will be for you to check out Georgina and Matthew's stuff. Matthew was interviewed in the last episode and has a free web series called, The Day the Sun Stopped Shining, which is also really good, and worth your time to check out. Make a video of your own at Animoto. The Sulphur Diaries Excerpt: “There is blood everywhere, on the walls, on the tables; I’m not sure what I just stood in, but it’s slippery. Johnny! I scream, to be heard over the racket from outside, but there’s no answer and I can’t see him in the dim light. There’s a wet thump against the outer wall, though I daren’t look out of the windows. If I do, I might never be able to look away. The shrieking outside is like nothing I’ve ever heard, and I freeze. Clenching my hands to stop their trembling, I peer into the gloom. Soft red light from some torches show me nothing but a puppet-show of shadows fighting outside. I recognise some of the locals: Mr Higgins, the Croft twins, their shapes easy to pick out as they struggle against the imps. There seem to be more of them now. Where are they coming from? I remember calling to Lyle – not even an hour ago, however much it feels like days – but why are these imps attacking, why–” /*{literal} a Rafflecopter giveaway You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway. | 12/29/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 18: Matthew C. Wood, Author of The Day the Sun Stopped Shining | Today's AudioTim podcast interview is with Matthew C. Wood, author of the Apocalyptic Science Fiction Web Series, The Day the Sun Stopped Shining, which you can read for free on his website. We talk about the setting and the unique hook about what would happen if the sun stopped shining, the protagonist being an unlikely hero, some of the science involved in setting the story 70 years into the future, and he even reads us a tantalizing sample from the beginning of the story. Georgina Kamsika, author of The Sulphur Diaries, joins us on the interview. I broke the interview in two, so that this episode focuses on Matthew, and the next episode will be us interviewing her. Sorry about the sound quality, we were dealing with skype problems, and my intro had to be recorded by calling my Google Voice line. Aside from that, it's a great interview. I'm very excited for you all to meet Matthew and Georgina, they're top class. Since Matthew's Web Series is free right now on his website, I can't give that away, but I do want to entice you to subscribe to his website, like his Facebook page, etc. So, I'll give away a $10 Amazon gift card to the winner based on the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Enjoy the podcast and go check out Matthew's story! You'll get hooked just like I am. In case you didn't know, AudioTim is on iTunes (subscribe here). // a Rafflecopter giveaway You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway. | 12/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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AudioTim 17: Michell Plested of Get Published Podcast | Today's Saturday Spotlight is going to combine with my newest AudioTim episode as a Podcasting Spotlight. If you're looking for some five-star fiction, I just posted my review of One Buck Horror:Volume Four, which has at least two five-star short stories, and two more that are a real close four-star. In this episode of AudioTim, I interview Michell Plested of the Get Published Podcast to discuss his podcast. We cover equipment, software, podcasting strategies, and how he combines podcasting with being a writer. It may be a week or so for itunes to catch this, as I'm moving from hosting my files on Posterous, to hosting them here on my website. Thank you in advance for your patience in this transition. You can download the episode here in the meantime. You can subscribe on iTunes (HERE) to download and listen to all the episodes. Links mentioned in show: Podcasts: Michell's audiobook, Galaxy Billies on Podiobooks.com The Survival Guide to Writing Fantasy I Should Be Writing Space Casey Fullcast Podcast Software and Hardware: Audio Hijack Pro Call Graph BluBrry Podcast Plugin for Wordpress Blue Snowball Mic Zoom H1 Handy Recorder | 12/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 24 Episodes |
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