Audiobooks
In 1998, a friend gave me The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien on cassette. It was an excellent production, and many people provided voices for the characters. I listened to the book on my drive work for about three months, and while I enjoyed the production, I have not listened to another audiobook.
Last month, I randomly came across I am Not Spock by Leonard Nimoy. It was not available in ebook format but noticed a free audiobook download. So, I gave an audiobook a try, but after five minutes, I stopped listening. The experience was harsh, stilted, and annoying. The person sounded the end of a commercial where they rapidly talk about complex legal issues.
I think part of the problem is that I read at a modest pace and then think about the topic. Unfortunately, audiobooks are not compatible with my odd reading habits.
Well, it sounds like audiobooks are not my thing. (Get the pun?) However, they are popular, and I certainly understand the appeal. Would I ever want to release an audiobook? It would be easy for me to set up a microphone and start reading. I am comfortable with public speaking; my voice is decent, and I perceive my personality to be engaging. I even know the story. If not, I could pay somebody or ask a friend.
No, I do not wish to go down this road because I can't imagine another person enjoying audiobooks. This concept conflicts with my principal publishing goal: to produce a product that people enjoy.
I know what you are thinking, “Blah, blah, blah. Push through your silly insecurities and release an audiobook!” Ouch! Perhaps I should listen to my advice. “Fortune favors the bold.” Or…
What about other publishing options? How about translating my book into Spanish? It’s an enormous market! Umm, did I mention how bad my high school Spanish class went? On a side note, blogging is cheaper than therapy.
You’re the best -Bill
February 16, 2022
Last month, I randomly came across I am Not Spock by Leonard Nimoy. It was not available in ebook format but noticed a free audiobook download. So, I gave an audiobook a try, but after five minutes, I stopped listening. The experience was harsh, stilted, and annoying. The person sounded the end of a commercial where they rapidly talk about complex legal issues.
I think part of the problem is that I read at a modest pace and then think about the topic. Unfortunately, audiobooks are not compatible with my odd reading habits.
Well, it sounds like audiobooks are not my thing. (Get the pun?) However, they are popular, and I certainly understand the appeal. Would I ever want to release an audiobook? It would be easy for me to set up a microphone and start reading. I am comfortable with public speaking; my voice is decent, and I perceive my personality to be engaging. I even know the story. If not, I could pay somebody or ask a friend.
No, I do not wish to go down this road because I can't imagine another person enjoying audiobooks. This concept conflicts with my principal publishing goal: to produce a product that people enjoy.
I know what you are thinking, “Blah, blah, blah. Push through your silly insecurities and release an audiobook!” Ouch! Perhaps I should listen to my advice. “Fortune favors the bold.” Or…
What about other publishing options? How about translating my book into Spanish? It’s an enormous market! Umm, did I mention how bad my high school Spanish class went? On a side note, blogging is cheaper than therapy.
You’re the best -Bill
February 16, 2022
