IWSG ~ Lah-Lah-LAH

This next Insecure Writers Support Group optional subject to discuss - basically, a question - is one that I've grown softer on over the last couple of years. 

Let's preface the discussion by saying this: Without a doubt, I am an in-the-hand, must-feel-paper, and bask-in-the-scent of a physical book kind of gal. Can't help it. It is what it is. Just like the fact that my eyes are dark blue. But unlike the fact that my eyes are blue, my need of 'feel' for physical reading can expand and grow.

Audio books can be super convenient. Like when I'm trying to do two things at once like read and walk the dogs or fold the laundry and get some reading done; listening/reading is pretty handy in the car, too. But again, that's not my preferred way to read a book. We can leave it at I've grown to appreciate the versatility audio books provide. Now saying that leads me into today's optional question:

Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?

 

Yes, my young adult book Marked Beauty was made into an audio book. I have to say that the process was absolutely fascinating to me. My publisher allowed me to search for possible voice readers from a couple huge databases. So, from an author's POV, I'd have to say that the endless list of voices I listened to began sounding the same after a while. That was the biggest challenge for me. Haha... My publisher's biggest challenge? I'm not sure. I'd have to ask them, which would probably make for an interesting article. I just might do that.

 

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A huge round of applause goes out to our April co-hosts: Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise - Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!

 

 

What about all of you? Like audio books better than physical books? Doesn't matter? And you authors out there: has one of your books been made into an audio book? 

 

Sheri~ 

Much gratitude goes out to this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group co-hosts:  Janet Alcorn, Pat Garcia, Natalie Aguirre and Shannon Lawrence! Make sure to hop over to their sites to see what they have to say!

 

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This month's IWSG (optional) question is: Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

 

Although this might seem like an easy question to answer, I really had to think about this one. I don't think I've ever been conflicted about writing a scene in a story; more like should I include such and such in a scene and if I should, when to do it. But that's part of story development, so I don't look at it like a conflict. 

 

I might categorize my current middle grade WIP as a conflict in itself, though. Most of my stories contain some level of spookiness. My current WIP is/was no exception. I say was because I haven't worked on it in months. 

 

Why? Conflict. Not within the story, but within myself. The story still cries out in all spookiness, but the thread of a faith-based theme began to weave its way through the six chapters I'd written. I tried to fight it and rewrite the chapters, but to no avail. God wants to be heard in this book. This left me conflicted because of all the spooky elements I'd already included. What's appropriate? Is there a conflict with Church doctrine? Where is the audience for such a story? 

 

I suppose I could keep the chapters and keep on truckin' forward. The spooky elements do add to tension, mood, and suspense. I'm just unsure how far to go with the spookiness mingled with ponderings about God.

 

Sorry to leave you with such a cliff hanger. Such has been my life since the vid. :) How have all you been doing? Any news you'd like to share here? I'd love to hear it!

 

Happy Writing & Reading to you all!

 

Sheri~