O:9:"MagpieRSS":23:{s:6:"parser";i:0;s:12:"current_item";a:0:{}s:5:"items";a:20:{i:0;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:64:"Two podiobook authors lauch new print books, give away free PDFs";s:4:"link";s:106:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/two-podiobook-authors-lauch-new-print-books-give-away-free-pdfs/";s:8:"comments";s:115:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/two-podiobook-authors-lauch-new-print-books-give-away-free-pdfs/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:11:03 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:11:"Author News";s:4:"guid";s:106:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/two-podiobook-authors-lauch-new-print-books-give-away-free-pdfs/";s:11:"description";s:404:"Award-nominated authors and podiobook authors Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine have teamed up across hemispheres for “Double Trouble”, a unique celebration and promotion for their summer releases of The Case of the Pitcher’s Pendant: A Billibub Baddings Mystery and Digital Magic. Morris and Ballantine are asking their fans to make “Double Trouble” on Amazon.com by [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2626:"

Award-nominated authors and podiobook authors Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine have teamed up across hemispheres for “Double Trouble”, a unique celebration and promotion for their summer releases of The Case of the Pitcher’s Pendant: A Billibub Baddings Mystery and Digital Magic. Morris and Ballantine are asking their fans to make “Double Trouble” on Amazon.com by ordering their new books on August 8, 2008, anytime after 8 a.m. PST-USA; and send these titles to the top of Amazon’s charts.

To build up anticipation, the two authors have released their new novels as downloads on their websites, encouraging bloggers, podcasters, and readers to share the free books with others. The downloads for The Case of the Pitcher’s Pendant and Digital Magic have totaled beyond 50,000 and are still averaging for each book 2000 downloads a day.

Don’t forget the date: August 8, 2008, anytime after 8 a.m. PST-USA is the time to buy the books. See you Friday!

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:111:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/two-podiobook-authors-lauch-new-print-books-give-away-free-pdfs/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:199:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F08%2F04%2Ftwo-podiobook-authors-lauch-new-print-books-give-away-free-pdfs%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:404:"Award-nominated authors and podiobook authors Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine have teamed up across hemispheres for “Double Trouble”, a unique celebration and promotion for their summer releases of The Case of the Pitcher’s Pendant: A Billibub Baddings Mystery and Digital Magic. Morris and Ballantine are asking their fans to make “Double Trouble” on Amazon.com by [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2626:"

Don’t forget the date: August 8, 2008, anytime after 8 a.m. PST-USA is the time to buy the books. See you Friday!

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217887863;}i:1;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:9:"Darkfever";s:4:"link";s:52:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/darkfever/";s:8:"comments";s:61:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/darkfever/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:38:44 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:52:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/darkfever/";s:11:"description";s:304:"Please welcome to the site New York Time Best Selling Author Karen Marie Moning, with the audiobook podcast of her first novel in her Fever series, Darkfever. This the very first joint effort between Bantam Dell and one of its authors to release the full version of a book for free as a podcast. We [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:3286:"

Please welcome to the site New York Time Best Selling Author Karen Marie Moning, with the audiobook podcast of her first novel in her Fever series, Darkfever. This the very first joint effort between Bantam Dell and one of its authors to release the full version of a book for free as a podcast. We are stoked to be a part of this!

MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens.

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death-a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone-Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed-a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae….

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane-an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women-closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book-because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands….

And special thanks to podiobook author Ken Wohlrob for helping coordinate and produce this for us. He rocks

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:57:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/darkfever/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:145:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F08%2F04%2Fdarkfever%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:304:"Please welcome to the site New York Time Best Selling Author Karen Marie Moning, with the audiobook podcast of her first novel in her Fever series, Darkfever. This the very first joint effort between Bantam Dell and one of its authors to release the full version of a book for free as a podcast. We [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:3286:"

MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens.

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death-a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone-Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed-a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae….

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane-an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women-closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book-because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands….

And special thanks to podiobook author Ken Wohlrob for helping coordinate and produce this for us. He rocks

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217867924;}i:2;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:28:"System Downtime Announcement";s:4:"link";s:71:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/system-downtime-announcement/";s:8:"comments";s:80:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/system-downtime-announcement/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:17:54 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:5:"Chris";}s:8:"category";s:16:"GeneralSite News";s:4:"guid";s:71:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/system-downtime-announcement/";s:11:"description";s:264:"This week, we’re going to be upgrading some of the hardware that runs Podiobooks.com. We will likely be down for a day. During that time, you’ll get errors when trying to download chapters, and for that, we apologize. We’ll be back online ASAP. ";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1330:"

This week, we’re going to be upgrading some of the hardware that runs Podiobooks.com. We will likely be down for a day.

During that time, you’ll get errors when trying to download chapters, and for that, we apologize. We’ll be back online ASAP.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:76:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/04/system-downtime-announcement/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:164:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F08%2F04%2Fsystem-downtime-announcement%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:264:"This week, we’re going to be upgrading some of the hardware that runs Podiobooks.com. We will likely be down for a day. During that time, you’ll get errors when trying to download chapters, and for that, we apologize. We’ll be back online ASAP. ";s:12:"atom_content";s:1330:"

This week, we’re going to be upgrading some of the hardware that runs Podiobooks.com. We will likely be down for a day.

During that time, you’ll get errors when trying to download chapters, and for that, we apologize. We’ll be back online ASAP.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217859474;}i:3;a:15:{s:5:"title";s:36:"The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie";s:4:"link";s:79:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/01/the-trolls-of-lake-maebiewahnapoopie/";s:8:"comments";s:88:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/01/the-trolls-of-lake-maebiewahnapoopie/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:29:46 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:79:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/01/the-trolls-of-lake-maebiewahnapoopie/";s:11:"description";s:329:"I’m happy to welcome jeff white (and yes, that’s how he capitalizes his name) back to the site. His latest book, The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie, adds to our Children’s section. Be sure and say the name of the lake out loud for the full effect: You may think you know about small towns. You may think [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2185:"

I’m happy to welcome jeff white (and yes, that’s how he capitalizes his name) back to the site. His latest book, The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie, adds to our Children’s section. Be sure and say the name of the lake out loud for the full effect:

You may think you know about small towns.

You may think you know about high school principals.

You may think you know about high society poodles.

If you’ve done some reading about the world, you may know think you know about superheroes.

If you’re very imaginative, you may think you know a thing or two about trolls.

And if you hang out with undesirable crowds, you may even know a thing or two about belching.

But none of that will prepare you for The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:84:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/08/01/the-trolls-of-lake-maebiewahnapoopie/feed/";}s:6:"itunes";a:7:{s:8:"duration";s:4:"0:48";s:8:"subtitle";s:135:"I'm happy to welcome jeff white (and yes, that's how he capitalizes his name) back to the site. His latest book, The Trolls of Lake ...";s:7:"summary";s:744:"I'm happy to welcome jeff white (and yes, that's how he capitalizes his name) back to the site. His latest book, The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie, adds to our Children's section. Be sure and say the name of the lake out loud for the full effect: You may think you know about small towns. You may think you know about high school principals. You may think you know about high society poodles. If you've done some reading about the world, you may know think you know about superheroes. If you're very imaginative, you may think you know a thing or two about trolls. And if you hang out with undesirable crowds, you may even know a thing or two about belching. But none of that will prepare you for The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie.";s:8:"keywords";s:9:"New,Books";s:6:"author";s:14:"Podiobooks.com";s:8:"explicit";s:2:"no";s:5:"block";s:2:"No";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:172:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F08%2F01%2Fthe-trolls-of-lake-maebiewahnapoopie%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:329:"I’m happy to welcome jeff white (and yes, that’s how he capitalizes his name) back to the site. His latest book, The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie, adds to our Children’s section. Be sure and say the name of the lake out loud for the full effect: You may think you know about small towns. You may think [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2185:"

You may think you know about small towns.

You may think you know about high school principals.

You may think you know about high society poodles.

If you’ve done some reading about the world, you may know think you know about superheroes.

If you’re very imaginative, you may think you know a thing or two about trolls.

And if you hang out with undesirable crowds, you may even know a thing or two about belching.

But none of that will prepare you for The Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217633386;}i:4;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:37:"Get Shadowmagic in hardback ? signed!";s:4:"link";s:77:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/31/get-shadowmagic-in-hardback-signed/";s:8:"comments";s:86:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/31/get-shadowmagic-in-hardback-signed/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:39:34 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:11:"Author News";s:4:"guid";s:77:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/31/get-shadowmagic-in-hardback-signed/";s:11:"description";s:312:"Just got this word from Shadowmagic author John Lenahan: After lots of trials and tribulations, Shadowmagic is finally coming out in a hardback signed/numbered limited first edition of 1000 copies - next Monday - August 4. If you live in the US, I can only recommend you try Amazon.co.uk. Here in the UK [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2116:"

Just got this word from Shadowmagic author John Lenahan:

After lots of trials and tribulations, Shadowmagic is finally coming out in a hardback signed/numbered limited first edition of 1000 copies - next Monday - August 4. If you live in the US, I can only recommend you try Amazon.co.uk. Here in the UK it will be available at Borders book shops.

According to my publisher, I am almost sold out with UK bookshop pre-orders (you can read his blog post here) so if you have trouble getting a copy let me know and I’ll see what I can do. (This might only be to tell you to wait for the paperback in January - it will be a lot cheaper.)

Thank you all for taking the time to email me with your comments on Shadowmagic. I know this will sound spectacularly melodramatic but I can honestly say it has changed my life. Rest assured I’m working on Shadowmagic 2 (I’m at 80,000 words) and you will be the first I tell when I’m done.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:82:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/31/get-shadowmagic-in-hardback-signed/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:170:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F31%2Fget-shadowmagic-in-hardback-signed%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:312:"Just got this word from Shadowmagic author John Lenahan: After lots of trials and tribulations, Shadowmagic is finally coming out in a hardback signed/numbered limited first edition of 1000 copies - next Monday - August 4. If you live in the US, I can only recommend you try Amazon.co.uk. Here in the UK [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2116:"

Just got this word from Shadowmagic author John Lenahan:

After lots of trials and tribulations, Shadowmagic is finally coming out in a hardback signed/numbered limited first edition of 1000 copies - next Monday - August 4. If you live in the US, I can only recommend you try Amazon.co.uk. Here in the UK it will be available at Borders book shops.

According to my publisher, I am almost sold out with UK bookshop pre-orders (you can read his blog post here) so if you have trouble getting a copy let me know and I’ll see what I can do. (This might only be to tell you to wait for the paperback in January - it will be a lot cheaper.)

Thank you all for taking the time to email me with your comments on Shadowmagic. I know this will sound spectacularly melodramatic but I can honestly say it has changed my life. Rest assured I’m working on Shadowmagic 2 (I’m at 80,000 words) and you will be the first I tell when I’m done.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217547574;}i:5;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:19:"BloodCast, Season 2";s:4:"link";s:61:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/bloodcast-season-2/";s:8:"comments";s:70:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/bloodcast-season-2/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:46:59 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"Site News";s:4:"guid";s:61:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/bloodcast-season-2/";s:11:"description";s:351:"Anyone ever hear of Scott Sigler? Kidding. The Future Dark Overlord is back with another helping of blood and gore. Mad props to dedicated Podiobooks.com fan Arioch for compiling another collection of Sigler short stories in BloodCast, Season 2: Season Two presents 10 more bloody episodes from best selling author Scott Sigler. It features the [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1871:"

Anyone ever hear of Scott Sigler? Kidding. The Future Dark Overlord is back with another helping of blood and gore. Mad props to dedicated Podiobooks.com fan Arioch for compiling another collection of Sigler short stories in BloodCast, Season 2:

Season Two presents 10 more bloody episodes from best selling author Scott Sigler. It features the Parsec nominated stories “Kissyman & Screamin’ Jesse Dupre” and “Passenger” as well as Scott’s unique satire of the Peanuts “You’re a Damned Fool, Charlie Brown.”

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:66:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/bloodcast-season-2/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:154:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F30%2Fbloodcast-season-2%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:351:"Anyone ever hear of Scott Sigler? Kidding. The Future Dark Overlord is back with another helping of blood and gore. Mad props to dedicated Podiobooks.com fan Arioch for compiling another collection of Sigler short stories in BloodCast, Season 2: Season Two presents 10 more bloody episodes from best selling author Scott Sigler. It features the [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:1871:"

Season Two presents 10 more bloody episodes from best selling author Scott Sigler. It features the Parsec nominated stories “Kissyman & Screamin’ Jesse Dupre” and “Passenger” as well as Scott’s unique satire of the Peanuts “You’re a Damned Fool, Charlie Brown.”

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217443619;}i:6;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:37:"Dunkin the Vampire Slayer is COMPLETE";s:4:"link";s:80:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer-is-complete/";s:8:"comments";s:89:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer-is-complete/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:05:28 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:11:"Author News";s:4:"guid";s:80:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer-is-complete/";s:11:"description";s:117:"We’ve just posted the 20th and final installment in Greg Crites’ tale, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. Enjoy! ";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1244:"

We’ve just posted the 20th and final installment in Greg Crites’ tale, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. Enjoy!

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:85:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/30/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer-is-complete/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:173:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F30%2Fdunkin-the-vampire-slayer-is-complete%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:117:"We’ve just posted the 20th and final installment in Greg Crites’ tale, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. Enjoy! ";s:12:"atom_content";s:1244:"

We’ve just posted the 20th and final installment in Greg Crites’ tale, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. Enjoy!

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217441128;}i:7;a:15:{s:5:"title";s:17:"Letter from China";s:4:"link";s:60:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/28/letter-from-china/";s:8:"comments";s:69:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/28/letter-from-china/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:57:34 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:60:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/28/letter-from-china/";s:11:"description";s:352:"Today we release Letter from China by Peter James Froning: This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author’s yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2705:"

Today we release Letter from China by Peter James Froning:

This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author’s yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort zone. The author’s generous and compelling personality allowed him to gain access to the lives of his students and their families, who became characters in his tale. One can experience the author’s wit and humanity throughout the narrative.

The author’s humorous view of China is especially timely and dovetails with the current explosion of interest in that country as it enters the modern world. The book is neither a travelogue nor a look at the government, although elements of those subjects are woven into the story. Instead, it is an engaging look at China, tailored toward those who know little about it. Still, those who have lived and/or traveled there will also enjoy the book as it reminds them of the absurdities they, too, experienced.

Barrett Whitener provides the narration for this book. Many fans of audiobooks will recognize that name, as he’s a professional narrator with dozens of titles under his belt. A huge thanks to Mary Froning for allowing us to distribute this book.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:65:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/28/letter-from-china/feed/";}s:6:"itunes";a:7:{s:8:"duration";s:4:"1:03";s:8:"subtitle";s:168:"Today we release Letter from China by Peter James Froning: This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author's yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English ...";s:7:"summary";s:1337:"Today we release Letter from China by Peter James Froning: This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author's yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People's Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort zone. The author's generous and compelling personality allowed him to gain access to the lives of his students and their families, who became characters in his tale. One can experience the author's wit and humanity throughout the narrative. The author's humorous view of China is especially timely and dovetails with the current explosion of interest in that country as it enters the modern world. The book is neither a travelogue nor a look at the government, although elements of those subjects are woven into the story. Instead, it is an engaging look at China, tailored toward those who know little about it. Still, those who have lived and/or traveled there will also enjoy the book as it reminds them of the absurdities they, too, experienced. Barrett Whitener provides the narration for this book. Many fans of audiobooks will recognize that name, as he's a professional narrator with dozens of titles under his belt. A huge thanks to Mary Froning for allowing us to distribute this book.";s:8:"keywords";s:9:"New,Books";s:6:"author";s:14:"Podiobooks.com";s:8:"explicit";s:2:"no";s:5:"block";s:2:"No";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:153:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F28%2Fletter-from-china%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:352:"Today we release Letter from China by Peter James Froning: This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author’s yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2705:"

Today we release Letter from China by Peter James Froning:

This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author’s yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort zone. The author’s generous and compelling personality allowed him to gain access to the lives of his students and their families, who became characters in his tale. One can experience the author’s wit and humanity throughout the narrative.

The author’s humorous view of China is especially timely and dovetails with the current explosion of interest in that country as it enters the modern world. The book is neither a travelogue nor a look at the government, although elements of those subjects are woven into the story. Instead, it is an engaging look at China, tailored toward those who know little about it. Still, those who have lived and/or traveled there will also enjoy the book as it reminds them of the absurdities they, too, experienced.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217253454;}i:8;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:46:"Sometimes, authors get behind for good reasons";s:4:"link";s:88:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/sometimes-authors-get-behind-for-good-reasons/";s:8:"comments";s:97:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/sometimes-authors-get-behind-for-good-reasons/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:18:03 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:11:"Author News";s:4:"guid";s:88:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/sometimes-authors-get-behind-for-good-reasons/";s:11:"description";s:294:"Some of you may have noticed that one of the books on our site, The Chameleon Chronicles: Colors of Fate, went sort of MIA with new episodes in the month of June, then came back with a vengeance in July. Andrew, the author and producer of the work, would like to explain: I just wanted to [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2278:"

Some of you may have noticed that one of the books on our site, The Chameleon Chronicles: Colors of Fate, went sort of MIA with new episodes in the month of June, then came back with a vengeance in July. Andrew, the author and producer of the work, would like to explain:

I just wanted to thank everyone for their patience in June. I got behind on the Colors of Fate episodes, while I finished up the Sludge Monster Scene, which is the sequel. I?ve released a few more episodes Colors of Fate and seemed to be back on the weekly schedule.

The Sludge Monster Scene is finished, except for cover art. If things go as planned, Episode 1 of The Sludge Monster Scene should be released the week after Episode 24 of the Colors of Fate.

So that’s good news! And yes, Andrew does seem to be on track. So if you’re following along and want to get info straight from Andrew, check out his website for the latest info. In the meantime, we’ll wait while he wraps up the remaining seven episodes and get ready for the launch of the second book!

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:93:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/sometimes-authors-get-behind-for-good-reasons/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:181:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F25%2Fsometimes-authors-get-behind-for-good-reasons%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:294:"Some of you may have noticed that one of the books on our site, The Chameleon Chronicles: Colors of Fate, went sort of MIA with new episodes in the month of June, then came back with a vengeance in July. Andrew, the author and producer of the work, would like to explain: I just wanted to [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2278:"

I just wanted to thank everyone for their patience in June. I got behind on the Colors of Fate episodes, while I finished up the Sludge Monster Scene, which is the sequel. I?ve released a few more episodes Colors of Fate and seemed to be back on the weekly schedule.

The Sludge Monster Scene is finished, except for cover art. If things go as planned, Episode 1 of The Sludge Monster Scene should be released the week after Episode 24 of the Colors of Fate.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217020683;}i:9;a:15:{s:5:"title";s:19:"The Round Red Stone";s:4:"link";s:62:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/the-round-red-stone/";s:8:"comments";s:71:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/the-round-red-stone/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:54:03 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:62:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/the-round-red-stone/";s:11:"description";s:312:"Jeff Burton adds to our collection of Young Adult (and Family Friendly) titles with his novel, The Round Red Stone: This tale concerns a lad of twelve, who sets off unwillingly on a journey with his uncle. In the course of his adventures, he obtains a stone, whose ultimate meaning is tied up with the fate [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2696:"

Jeff Burton adds to our collection of Young Adult (and Family Friendly) titles with his novel, The Round Red Stone:

This tale concerns a lad of twelve, who sets off unwillingly on a journey with his uncle. In the course of his adventures, he obtains a stone, whose ultimate meaning is tied up with the fate of a war between two cities. As commonly happens with boys, he finds himself at the center of the conflict. Can he divine the stone?s purpose in time? Even more importantly, can he even hang on to it?

The story includes a mystery, long journeys, prisons, adventure, and living out-of-doors. There is also a fairly large battle at the end, with plenty of blood. Death appears throughout. I believe that no one washes his hands at any point in the account, but sometimes my memory is faulty. It takes place long ago, but not in a place you’ll find in an atlas. Some may be disappointed in the absence of wizards and dragons.

Girls are welcome to listen, but they should be forewarned. Horses are mentioned, but no person develops any meaningful friendship with one. Talking animals, while interesting, do not figure in any way (unless one considers boys between the ages of ten and fourteen to be talking animals). There is absolutely no kissing of any kind.

With those cautions in mind, I invite you to listen to The Round Red Stone.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:67:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/the-round-red-stone/feed/";}s:6:"itunes";a:7:{s:8:"duration";s:4:"1:41";s:8:"subtitle";s:148:"Jeff Burton adds to our collection of Young Adult (and Family Friendly) titles with his novel, The Round Red Stone: This tale concerns a lad of ...";s:7:"summary";s:1356:"Jeff Burton adds to our collection of Young Adult (and Family Friendly) titles with his novel, The Round Red Stone: This tale concerns a lad of twelve, who sets off unwillingly on a journey with his uncle. In the course of his adventures, he obtains a stone, whose ultimate meaning is tied up with the fate of a war between two cities. As commonly happens with boys, he finds himself at the center of the conflict. Can he divine the stonersquo;s purpose in time? Even more importantly, can he even hang on to it? The story includes a mystery, long journeys, prisons, adventure, and living out-of-doors. There is also a fairly large battle at the end, with plenty of blood. Death appears throughout. I believe that no one washes his hands at any point in the account, but sometimes my memory is faulty. It takes place long ago, but not in a place you'll find in an atlas. Some may be disappointed in the absence of wizards and dragons. Girls are welcome to listen, but they should be forewarned. Horses are mentioned, but no person develops any meaningful friendship with one. Talking animals, while interesting, do not figure in any way (unless one considers boys between the ages of ten and fourteen to be talking animals). There is absolutely no kissing of any kind. With those cautions in mind, I invite you to listen to The Round Red Stone.";s:8:"keywords";s:9:"New,Books";s:6:"author";s:14:"Podiobooks.com";s:8:"explicit";s:2:"no";s:5:"block";s:2:"No";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:155:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F25%2Fthe-round-red-stone%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:312:"Jeff Burton adds to our collection of Young Adult (and Family Friendly) titles with his novel, The Round Red Stone: This tale concerns a lad of twelve, who sets off unwillingly on a journey with his uncle. In the course of his adventures, he obtains a stone, whose ultimate meaning is tied up with the fate [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2696:"

Jeff Burton adds to our collection of Young Adult (and Family Friendly) titles with his novel, The Round Red Stone:

This tale concerns a lad of twelve, who sets off unwillingly on a journey with his uncle. In the course of his adventures, he obtains a stone, whose ultimate meaning is tied up with the fate of a war between two cities. As commonly happens with boys, he finds himself at the center of the conflict. Can he divine the stone?s purpose in time? Even more importantly, can he even hang on to it?

The story includes a mystery, long journeys, prisons, adventure, and living out-of-doors. There is also a fairly large battle at the end, with plenty of blood. Death appears throughout. I believe that no one washes his hands at any point in the account, but sometimes my memory is faulty. It takes place long ago, but not in a place you’ll find in an atlas. Some may be disappointed in the absence of wizards and dragons.

Girls are welcome to listen, but they should be forewarned. Horses are mentioned, but no person develops any meaningful friendship with one. Talking animals, while interesting, do not figure in any way (unless one considers boys between the ages of ten and fourteen to be talking animals). There is absolutely no kissing of any kind.

With those cautions in mind, I invite you to listen to The Round Red Stone.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1217008443;}i:10;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:49:"Spend an hour on YouTube with 3 podiobook authors";s:4:"link";s:92:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/spend-an-hour-on-youtube-with-3-podiobook-authors/";s:8:"comments";s:101:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/spend-an-hour-on-youtube-with-3-podiobook-authors/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:10:08 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:11:"Author News";s:4:"guid";s:92:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/spend-an-hour-on-youtube-with-3-podiobook-authors/";s:11:"description";s:359:"Stacey Cochrane, author of The Colorado Sequence and Amber Page, has more than just new media chops. He also hosts his own television show (The Artist’s Craft). Coming back full circle, Stacey has been putting up some long-form videos up on YouTube for a bit more “sticking” power. Recently he captured P.G. Holyfield (Murder at Avedon [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2119:"

Stacey Cochrane, author of The Colorado Sequence and Amber Page, has more than just new media chops. He also hosts his own television show (The Artist’s Craft). Coming back full circle, Stacey has been putting up some long-form videos up on YouTube for a bit more “sticking” power.

Recently he captured P.G. Holyfield (Murder at Avedon Hill) and Mur Lafferty (just search for her) for a conversation entitled “Podcast Novel, Podiobooks, Online Community for Writers“. If you find the subject interesting and have nearly an hour to kill (Note: when did YouTube start allowing files of that length?), give it a listen to hear someone other than me to get up on the soapbox.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:97:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/25/spend-an-hour-on-youtube-with-3-podiobook-authors/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:185:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F25%2Fspend-an-hour-on-youtube-with-3-podiobook-authors%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:359:"Stacey Cochrane, author of The Colorado Sequence and Amber Page, has more than just new media chops. He also hosts his own television show (The Artist’s Craft). Coming back full circle, Stacey has been putting up some long-form videos up on YouTube for a bit more “sticking” power. Recently he captured P.G. Holyfield (Murder at Avedon [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2119:"

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216995008;}i:11;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:25:"Dunkin the Vampire Slayer";s:4:"link";s:68:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/23/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer/";s:8:"comments";s:77:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/23/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:42:49 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:68:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/23/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer/";s:11:"description";s:376:"Greg Crites today launches his third book on the site, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. The author has requested this be listed as an Adults-Only title, so consider yourselves warned: What could possibly bring together a 450 pound vampire slayer, a drunken, acid-tongued detective, a good natured carpenter, bureaucratic vampires, giant anacondas, mutant vampire bats, Ho Hos, [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2540:"

Greg Crites today launches his third book on the site, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. The author has requested this be listed as an Adults-Only title, so consider yourselves warned:

What could possibly bring together a 450 pound vampire slayer, a drunken, acid-tongued detective, a good natured carpenter, bureaucratic vampires, giant anacondas, mutant vampire bats, Ho Hos, Twinkies and more one-liners than a night at the comedy club? Dunkin, the Vampire Slayer blends all this discordance and more into a hilarious adventure that moves from the muggy heat of Florida to the muggier heat of the Amazon. ….If Carl Hiaasson, Tim Dorsey and Dave Barry collaborated on a vampire story, it may have turned out like this absurd romp…. This is part one of a trilogy.

Hey! This is book one and the introduction of Devlin, hero of three other novels I have perpetrated on an unsuspecting public. Book two, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer: Death Rides A Pale, Pink, Porcine Horse is available at www.veinarmor.com. Book three, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer: It Ain’t Over Til the Fat Man Stings is currently undergoing final hackery by me–The Hack!

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:73:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/23/dunkin-the-vampire-slayer/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:161:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F23%2Fdunkin-the-vampire-slayer%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:376:"Greg Crites today launches his third book on the site, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. The author has requested this be listed as an Adults-Only title, so consider yourselves warned: What could possibly bring together a 450 pound vampire slayer, a drunken, acid-tongued detective, a good natured carpenter, bureaucratic vampires, giant anacondas, mutant vampire bats, Ho Hos, [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2540:"

Greg Crites today launches his third book on the site, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer. The author has requested this be listed as an Adults-Only title, so consider yourselves warned:

What could possibly bring together a 450 pound vampire slayer, a drunken, acid-tongued detective, a good natured carpenter, bureaucratic vampires, giant anacondas, mutant vampire bats, Ho Hos, Twinkies and more one-liners than a night at the comedy club? Dunkin, the Vampire Slayer blends all this discordance and more into a hilarious adventure that moves from the muggy heat of Florida to the muggier heat of the Amazon. ….If Carl Hiaasson, Tim Dorsey and Dave Barry collaborated on a vampire story, it may have turned out like this absurd romp…. This is part one of a trilogy.

Hey! This is book one and the introduction of Devlin, hero of three other novels I have perpetrated on an unsuspecting public. Book two, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer: Death Rides A Pale, Pink, Porcine Horse is available at www.veinarmor.com. Book three, Dunkin the Vampire Slayer: It Ain’t Over Til the Fat Man Stings is currently undergoing final hackery by me–The Hack!

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216856569;}i:12;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:29:"Plugging for Geek Radio Daily";s:4:"link";s:72:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/22/plugging-for-geek-radio-daily/";s:8:"comments";s:81:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/22/plugging-for-geek-radio-daily/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:33:39 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:7:"General";s:4:"guid";s:72:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/22/plugging-for-geek-radio-daily/";s:11:"description";s:368:"In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s getting a little crowded around here. Well over 200 books, with plenty more in the works. Some of you have been around here from the beginning, and a handful might have actually listened to everything we’ve made available. You’re crazy, but that’s beside the point. But for the overwhelming majority [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2741:"

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s getting a little crowded around here. Well over 200 books, with plenty more in the works. Some of you have been around here from the beginning, and a handful might have actually listened to everything we’ve made available. You’re crazy, but that’s beside the point.

But for the overwhelming majority of you, you probably could use some help in figuring out a good book that fits your tastes. I’d like to draw your attention today to one of those sources, Geek Radio Daily.

Geek Radio Daily is a 15-minute daily podcast (because the founders are clinically insane), focusing on a different topic every day of the week. Monday is box office results, Tuesday is new DVDs, Wednesday is new comics… but Thursday is the day you need to pay attention to. Every Thursday, the hosts of the show cover podcast fiction, much of which you can find right here at Podiobooks.com. Oh, and Friday is new movies.

So the next time you need a podiobook fix and aren’t sure where to turn, check out my friend The Vicar and his buddy Billy Flynn and see what they think on Geek Radio Daily. It’s 15 minutes of your life you’ll never get back, but you may find something fun to listen to. At least on Thursdays.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:77:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/22/plugging-for-geek-radio-daily/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:165:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F22%2Fplugging-for-geek-radio-daily%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:368:"In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s getting a little crowded around here. Well over 200 books, with plenty more in the works. Some of you have been around here from the beginning, and a handful might have actually listened to everything we’ve made available. You’re crazy, but that’s beside the point. But for the overwhelming majority [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2741:"

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216766019;}i:13;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:34:"Movie planning for Forever Fifteen";s:4:"link";s:77:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/movie-planning-for-forever-fifteen/";s:8:"comments";s:86:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/movie-planning-for-forever-fifteen/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:57:11 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:11:"Author News";s:4:"guid";s:77:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/movie-planning-for-forever-fifteen/";s:11:"description";s:325:"It seems like more and more media producers are seeing our growing stable of authors as an important talent pool. Kimberly Steele, the author of Forever Fifteen writes to tell me: … a wonderful director in Canada, Eva Madden, plans to adapt [Forever Fifteen] to script and within a few years, my book may become a [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1819:"

It seems like more and more media producers are seeing our growing stable of authors as an important talent pool. Kimberly Steele, the author of Forever Fifteen writes to tell me:

… a wonderful director in Canada, Eva Madden, plans to adapt [Forever Fifteen] to script and within a few years, my book may become a movie! She’s worked on the sets of many famous films and TV shows and has won awards for her own films. She’s also very sweet and kind.

Kudos to you, Kimberly! Eva seems like one who has worked her way up through the ranks of production to writer and director status. Well done!

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:82:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/movie-planning-for-forever-fifteen/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:170:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F21%2Fmovie-planning-for-forever-fifteen%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:325:"It seems like more and more media producers are seeing our growing stable of authors as an important talent pool. Kimberly Steele, the author of Forever Fifteen writes to tell me: … a wonderful director in Canada, Eva Madden, plans to adapt [Forever Fifteen] to script and within a few years, my book may become a [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:1819:"

It seems like more and more media producers are seeing our growing stable of authors as an important talent pool. Kimberly Steele, the author of Forever Fifteen writes to tell me:

… a wonderful director in Canada, Eva Madden, plans to adapt [Forever Fifteen] to script and within a few years, my book may become a movie! She’s worked on the sets of many famous films and TV shows and has won awards for her own films. She’s also very sweet and kind.

Kudos to you, Kimberly! Eva seems like one who has worked her way up through the ranks of production to writer and director status. Well done!

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216681031;}i:14;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:25:"Salavandra: A Coffee Tale";s:4:"link";s:67:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/salavandra-a-coffee-tale/";s:8:"comments";s:76:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/salavandra-a-coffee-tale/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:29:23 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:67:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/salavandra-a-coffee-tale/";s:11:"description";s:385:"Theodore Isaac Erski starts us off on a good note this week, providing you with all 11 episodes of his audiobook, Salavandra: A Coffee Tale: Salavandra is an isolated Caribbean island. Its products-coffee, lumber and flowers-are controlled by Penkava Inc., a New York based multinational commodity corporation. After discovering that Penkava is responsible for his father’s [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2037:"

Theodore Isaac Erski starts us off on a good note this week, providing you with all 11 episodes of his audiobook, Salavandra: A Coffee Tale:

Salavandra is an isolated Caribbean island. Its products-coffee, lumber and flowers-are controlled by Penkava Inc., a New York based multinational commodity corporation. After discovering that Penkava is responsible for his father’s death, as well as the abysmal working conditions on the island, coffee farmer Antonio Richards ignites a revolution in the midst of a harvest season. Branding his infant insurgency The United Front for the Liberation of Salavandra (UFLS), he begins fighting the unbridled capitalistic forces controlling his country.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:72:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/21/salavandra-a-coffee-tale/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:160:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F21%2Fsalavandra-a-coffee-tale%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:385:"Theodore Isaac Erski starts us off on a good note this week, providing you with all 11 episodes of his audiobook, Salavandra: A Coffee Tale: Salavandra is an isolated Caribbean island. Its products-coffee, lumber and flowers-are controlled by Penkava Inc., a New York based multinational commodity corporation. After discovering that Penkava is responsible for his father’s [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2037:"

Theodore Isaac Erski starts us off on a good note this week, providing you with all 11 episodes of his audiobook, Salavandra: A Coffee Tale:

Salavandra is an isolated Caribbean island. Its products-coffee, lumber and flowers-are controlled by Penkava Inc., a New York based multinational commodity corporation. After discovering that Penkava is responsible for his father’s death, as well as the abysmal working conditions on the island, coffee farmer Antonio Richards ignites a revolution in the midst of a harvest season. Branding his infant insurgency The United Front for the Liberation of Salavandra (UFLS), he begins fighting the unbridled capitalistic forces controlling his country.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216664963;}i:15;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:44:"Podiobook authors up for Podcast Peer Awards";s:4:"link";s:87:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/20/podiobook-authors-up-for-podcast-peer-awards/";s:8:"comments";s:96:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/20/podiobook-authors-up-for-podcast-peer-awards/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:21:20 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:17:"Author NewsPraise";s:4:"guid";s:87:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/20/podiobook-authors-up-for-podcast-peer-awards/";s:11:"description";s:354:"The nominations for the Fall ‘08 Podcast Peer Awards have been announced, and Podiobooks.com authors make their strongest showing yet. OK, so the deck is sorta stacked in our favor. Since their second program, they’ve had a category just for those doing long-form podcast fiction. But this time around is special. A new category — [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2892:"

The nominations for the Fall ‘08 Podcast Peer Awards have been announced, and Podiobooks.com authors make their strongest showing yet. OK, so the deck is sorta stacked in our favor. Since their second program, they’ve had a category just for those doing long-form podcast fiction. But this time around is special. A new category — Best Production — has been added, and two of the three nominees are from our own stable of authors:

Phil Rossi’s Crescent
Murder at Avedon Hill by P.G. Holyfield

Add to that a five-out-of-six domination of the Best Podcast Novel category:

7th Son, Book Three: DESTRUCTION by J.C. Hutchins
MOREVI: Remastered by Tee Morris
Scott Sigler’s Nocturnal
Another nod to Murder at Avedon Hill by P.G. Holyfield
Playing For Keeps by Mur Lafferty

… and you’ll see that yes, it is good to be the king. Oh, and the one show that was also listed in both categories but isn’t currently available at Podiobooks.com? Metamor City. And from what I’ve heard, we’ll have it over here when complete. Hooray for us!

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:92:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/20/podiobook-authors-up-for-podcast-peer-awards/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:180:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F20%2Fpodiobook-authors-up-for-podcast-peer-awards%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:354:"The nominations for the Fall ‘08 Podcast Peer Awards have been announced, and Podiobooks.com authors make their strongest showing yet. OK, so the deck is sorta stacked in our favor. Since their second program, they’ve had a category just for those doing long-form podcast fiction. But this time around is special. A new category — [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2892:"

Phil Rossi’s Crescent
Murder at Avedon Hill by P.G. Holyfield

Add to that a five-out-of-six domination of the Best Podcast Novel category:

7th Son, Book Three: DESTRUCTION by J.C. Hutchins
MOREVI: Remastered by Tee Morris
Scott Sigler’s Nocturnal
Another nod to Murder at Avedon Hill by P.G. Holyfield
Playing For Keeps by Mur Lafferty

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216570880;}i:16;a:15:{s:5:"title";s:12:"Raven?s Gift";s:4:"link";s:54:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/18/ravens-gift/";s:8:"comments";s:63:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/18/ravens-gift/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:32:35 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:54:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/18/ravens-gift/";s:11:"description";s:353:"Tobias D. Robison joins our list of fantasy authors, today starting the release of his book, Raven’s Gift: When Raven comes to Redthwen to meet her mentor Orvannon, she encounters a vicious traveler, a hag with an extraordinary Voice of Command, and that hag’s charge, a mysterious little girl. By the time Orvannon arrives, Raven will [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:3802:"

Tobias D. Robison joins our list of fantasy authors, today starting the release of his book, Raven’s Gift:

When Raven comes to Redthwen to meet her mentor Orvannon, she encounters a vicious traveler, a hag with an extraordinary Voice of Command, and that hag’s charge, a mysterious little girl. By the time Orvannon arrives, Raven will have learned too much about these strangers, and she will have discovered a dragon with the ability to put people into a swoon.

Orvannon’s instructions start Raven off on an epic adventure. She will master the greatest bit of nose-magic in all of her native Ausland. She will face the dragon in combat. And she will have to deal with the hag while totally under control of that woman’s power. These adventures lead to more, as Raven discovers how the great city of Shelton is under attack. She must use all her persuasion to bring a powerful wizard to the city’s aid, and she will find that facing up to the attacking army is not enough.

Raven explores the magical caves created by three great wizards, eventually discovering the greatest evil of her time. Victory in the “big boss battle” is not enough. When the evil magic is destroyed, Raven and her friend must avoid starvation, and face the lightning bolts of yet another mage, to have a chance of staying alive in peace.

Raven’s Gift is set in a magical, pastoral medieval world. Raven has a strange ability that is as much a curse as a gift. Trouble follows her every step, and danger approaches at every turn. She begins her journey with only her wits and her nose, but though her past haunts her, she finds companions who help her make amends for a terrible mistake.

Raven’s Gift is a dramatic fantasy with an unusual heroine and intriguing magic. With Raven’s deep bond to nature and her pragmatic attitude toward the obstacles in her path, she manages to find her place as destiny’s unsung hero in her dangerous world.

One reader has said that Raven’s Gift is like South Park mets James Bond meets Dungeons and Dragons. Although there’s combat and even a military campaign in this novel, much of the action occurs in lively conversations. Even today, at the beginning of the 21st century, it is impossible to imagine making Raven’s Gift into a movie — for an unusual reason — but if such a movie could be made, some parts of it might earn an R rating for being a bit earthy.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:59:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/18/ravens-gift/feed/";}s:6:"itunes";a:7:{s:8:"duration";s:4:"1:32";s:8:"subtitle";s:152:"Tobias D. Robison joins our list of fantasy authors, today starting the release of his book, Raven's Gift: When Raven comes to Redthwen to meet her ...";s:7:"summary";s:2379:"Tobias D. Robison joins our list of fantasy authors, today starting the release of his book, Raven's Gift: When Raven comes to Redthwen to meet her mentor Orvannon, she encounters a vicious traveler, a hag with an extraordinary Voice of Command, and that hag's charge, a mysterious little girl. By the time Orvannon arrives, Raven will have learned too much about these strangers, and she will have discovered a dragon with the ability to put people into a swoon. Orvannon's instructions start Raven off on an epic adventure. She will master the greatest bit of nose-magic in all of her native Ausland. She will face the dragon in combat. And she will have to deal with the hag while totally under control of that woman's power. These adventures lead to more, as Raven discovers how the great city of Shelton is under attack. She must use all her persuasion to bring a powerful wizard to the city's aid, and she will find that facing up to the attacking army is not enough. Raven explores the magical caves created by three great wizards, eventually discovering the greatest evil of her time. Victory in the "big boss battle" is not enough. When the evil magic is destroyed, Raven and her friend must avoid starvation, and face the lightning bolts of yet another mage, to have a chance of staying alive in peace. Raven's Gift is set in a magical, pastoral medieval world. Raven has a strange ability that is as much a curse as a gift. Trouble follows her every step, and danger approaches at every turn. She begins her journey with only her wits and her nose, but though her past haunts her, she finds companions who help her make amends for a terrible mistake. Raven's Gift is a dramatic fantasy with an unusual heroine and intriguing magic. With Raven's deep bond to nature and her pragmatic attitude toward the obstacles in her path, she manages to find her place as destiny's unsung hero in her dangerous world. One reader has said that Raven's Gift is like South Park mets James Bond meets Dungeons and Dragons. Although there's combat and even a military campaign in this novel, much of the action occurs in lively conversations. Even today, at the beginning of the 21st century, it is impossible to imagine making Raven's Gift into a movie -- for an unusual reason -- but if such a movie could be made, some parts of it might earn an R rating for being a bit earthy.";s:8:"keywords";s:9:"New,Books";s:6:"author";s:14:"Podiobooks.com";s:8:"explicit";s:2:"no";s:5:"block";s:2:"No";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:147:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F18%2Fravens-gift%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:353:"Tobias D. Robison joins our list of fantasy authors, today starting the release of his book, Raven’s Gift: When Raven comes to Redthwen to meet her mentor Orvannon, she encounters a vicious traveler, a hag with an extraordinary Voice of Command, and that hag’s charge, a mysterious little girl. By the time Orvannon arrives, Raven will [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:3802:"

Tobias D. Robison joins our list of fantasy authors, today starting the release of his book, Raven’s Gift:

When Raven comes to Redthwen to meet her mentor Orvannon, she encounters a vicious traveler, a hag with an extraordinary Voice of Command, and that hag’s charge, a mysterious little girl. By the time Orvannon arrives, Raven will have learned too much about these strangers, and she will have discovered a dragon with the ability to put people into a swoon.

Orvannon’s instructions start Raven off on an epic adventure. She will master the greatest bit of nose-magic in all of her native Ausland. She will face the dragon in combat. And she will have to deal with the hag while totally under control of that woman’s power. These adventures lead to more, as Raven discovers how the great city of Shelton is under attack. She must use all her persuasion to bring a powerful wizard to the city’s aid, and she will find that facing up to the attacking army is not enough.

Raven explores the magical caves created by three great wizards, eventually discovering the greatest evil of her time. Victory in the “big boss battle” is not enough. When the evil magic is destroyed, Raven and her friend must avoid starvation, and face the lightning bolts of yet another mage, to have a chance of staying alive in peace.

Raven’s Gift is set in a magical, pastoral medieval world. Raven has a strange ability that is as much a curse as a gift. Trouble follows her every step, and danger approaches at every turn. She begins her journey with only her wits and her nose, but though her past haunts her, she finds companions who help her make amends for a terrible mistake.

Raven’s Gift is a dramatic fantasy with an unusual heroine and intriguing magic. With Raven’s deep bond to nature and her pragmatic attitude toward the obstacles in her path, she manages to find her place as destiny’s unsung hero in her dangerous world.

One reader has said that Raven’s Gift is like South Park mets James Bond meets Dungeons and Dragons. Although there’s combat and even a military campaign in this novel, much of the action occurs in lively conversations. Even today, at the beginning of the 21st century, it is impossible to imagine making Raven’s Gift into a movie — for an unusual reason — but if such a movie could be made, some parts of it might earn an R rating for being a bit earthy.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216405955;}i:17;a:15:{s:5:"title";s:25:"Double Share is COMPLETE!";s:4:"link";s:67:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/double-share-is-complete/";s:8:"comments";s:76:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/double-share-is-complete/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:30:29 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:11:"Author News";s:4:"guid";s:67:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/double-share-is-complete/";s:11:"description";s:263:"Double Share, the fourth book covering the travels of young Ishmael Wong, written by the machine that is Nathan Lowell… is ALREADY complete. Holy cow. I don’t want to hear ANYONE griping about not having time to finish one episode a week. Seriously. ";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1393:"

Double Share, the fourth book covering the travels of young Ishmael Wong, written by the machine that is Nathan Lowell… is ALREADY complete.

Holy cow. I don’t want to hear ANYONE griping about not having time to finish one episode a week. Seriously.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:72:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/double-share-is-complete/feed/";}s:6:"itunes";a:7:{s:8:"duration";s:4:"1:00";s:8:"subtitle";s:158:"Double Share, the fourth book covering the travels of young Ishmael Wong, written by the machine that is Nathan Lowell... is ALREADY complete. Holy cow. ...";s:7:"summary";s:253:"Double Share, the fourth book covering the travels of young Ishmael Wong, written by the machine that is Nathan Lowell... is ALREADY complete. Holy cow. I don't want to hear ANYONE griping about not having time to finish one episode a week. Seriously.";s:8:"keywords";s:11:"Author,News";s:6:"author";s:14:"Podiobooks.com";s:8:"explicit";s:2:"no";s:5:"block";s:2:"No";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:160:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F16%2Fdouble-share-is-complete%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:263:"Double Share, the fourth book covering the travels of young Ishmael Wong, written by the machine that is Nathan Lowell… is ALREADY complete. Holy cow. I don’t want to hear ANYONE griping about not having time to finish one episode a week. Seriously. ";s:12:"atom_content";s:1393:"

Double Share, the fourth book covering the travels of young Ishmael Wong, written by the machine that is Nathan Lowell… is ALREADY complete.

Holy cow. I don’t want to hear ANYONE griping about not having time to finish one episode a week. Seriously.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216276229;}i:18;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:17:"Black Star Passes";s:4:"link";s:60:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/black-star-passes/";s:8:"comments";s:69:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/black-star-passes/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:57:41 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:9:"New Books";s:4:"guid";s:60:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/black-star-passes/";s:11:"description";s:350:"Thanks for Scott Farquhar for bringing us another work from the public domain. He’s compiled three tales by John W. Campbell into one anthology called Black Star Passes: Follow along with Arcot, Morey, and Wade as they discover a revolutionary form of propulsion, visit our neighboring planets, and go up against aliens from a rogue solar [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1846:"

Thanks for Scott Farquhar for bringing us another work from the public domain. He’s compiled three tales by John W. Campbell into one anthology called Black Star Passes:

Follow along with Arcot, Morey, and Wade as they discover a revolutionary form of propulsion, visit our neighboring planets, and go up against aliens from a rogue solar system that passes close to our own. These three stories (Piracy Preferred, Solarite, and The Black Star Passes) were originally published as a serial in Amazing Stories magazine.

";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:65:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/16/black-star-passes/feed/";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:9:"awareness";s:153:"http://api.feedburner.com/awareness/1.0/GetItemData?uri=podiobooks&itemurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podiobooks.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2F16%2Fblack-star-passes%2F";}s:7:"summary";s:350:"Thanks for Scott Farquhar for bringing us another work from the public domain. He’s compiled three tales by John W. Campbell into one anthology called Black Star Passes: Follow along with Arcot, Morey, and Wade as they discover a revolutionary form of propulsion, visit our neighboring planets, and go up against aliens from a rogue solar [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:1846:"

Thanks for Scott Farquhar for bringing us another work from the public domain. He’s compiled three tales by John W. Campbell into one anthology called Black Star Passes:

Follow along with Arcot, Morey, and Wade as they discover a revolutionary form of propulsion, visit our neighboring planets, and go up against aliens from a rogue solar system that passes close to our own. These three stories (Piracy Preferred, Solarite, and The Black Star Passes) were originally published as a serial in Amazing Stories magazine.

";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1216220261;}i:19;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:49:"Four reasons why the audiobook industry is broken";s:4:"link";s:92:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/15/four-reasons-why-the-audiobook-industry-is-broken/";s:8:"comments";s:101:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/15/four-reasons-why-the-audiobook-industry-is-broken/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:26:32 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:3:"Evo";}s:8:"category";s:5:"Rants";s:4:"guid";s:92:"http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/07/15/four-reasons-why-the-audiobook-industry-is-broken/";s:11:"description";s:319:"The interwebs are once again spreading the Good News of yet another company (this time an audiobook retailer) eschewing DRM in favor of .mp3 files. And once again, it seems that few of the news sources haven’t bothered to look beyond a press release and actually see if the claim holds up under scrutiny. In [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:7643:"

The interwebs are once again spreading the Good News of yet another company (this time an audiobook retailer) eschewing DRM in favor of .mp3 files. And once again, it seems that few of the news sources haven’t bothered to look beyond a press release and actually see if the claim holds up under scrutiny. In this case, it doesn’t for anyone on a Mac.

So I’m making this proclamation: The audiobook business is broken. Sure, you can point to thousands of happy customers who are unaware of just how broken it is, but that doesn’t change things. And believe me, things need to change. As I see it, there are (at least) four things wrong with the audiobook industry.

Availability
Call it “The Tyranny of the Trees” if you will, but almost any book you want is available in printed form — even those out-of-print if you look at the resellers. But only a relatively small percentage of printed books ever make it to audio form. Why? Simple. Publishers aren’t willing to make the additional investment required to turn every book into an audiobook.

Now I know it’s hard for a guy distributing well under 300 books to criticize the industry based on scale, especially when there are places boasting 40,000 available titles. Well… we’re working on that. And we don’t expect to bring about this change in thinking through our site alone. Our goal is to leverage something the other audio houses haven’t thought of or are only experimenting with — letting the authors do much of the heavy lifting. No, it doesn’t always sounds as well as paying professionals. And I have no beef with pro audiobook narrators and producers. Love ‘em to death. But faced with having no audiobook at all, author-read/produced seems an acceptable alternative, significantly lowering the cost of production.
Usability
The act of listening to an audiobook is, well, difficult. CDs are great delivery devices for a 90 minute album, but what about 20 hours worth of a single story? That’s a lot of disc-changing and not at all conducive to most peoples’ on-the-go lifestyle. Better for that are downloadable files that play on computers and portable media devices. But these are plagued by their own problems. DRM doesn’t stop illegal copying of files, but it does make it nearly impossible for legitimate users of downloads to enjoy their purchases in more than one location or on more than one device — if they can get it to play at all. True, some sites are eschewing DRM and I hope that trend continues. But I’d like to see the next advance not require special software to “manage” the download. Thanks all the same, but my computer handles downloads just fine, to the tune of thousands of files, links and images every single day.

But if you do successfully manage to navigate through the needlessly cumbersome process of a digital download, you’ll likely be disappointed in the audio quality of the product. Low bit rates are the norm in the download space, and it’s really unnecessary in a world where bandwidth and storage space are anything but scarce. Digital downloads sound like a good idea. But there’s no reason that the final product should not come with a comparable quality to that which you get with shiny plastic discs. (Of course, allowances should be made for lower-speed connections.)
Accessibility
It’s not uncommon for audiobooks to cost more than twice their hardcover counterparts and be an order of magnitude higher in price than the paperback version. To combat this, leading audiobook retailers have taken up a sort of “book of the mont