In this week’s contest, we’re all winners. Author A.J. Scudiere is offering a free download of her thriller, Vengeance, in “AudioMovie” format to BookPage readers. Click here for the free download, which is available until April 17. Just add the $19.95 “Vengeance AudioMovie” to your cart and enter “bookpage” in the coupon code field.
If you’re not the mp3 type, read on to find out more about AudioMovies, and enter to win a copy of the CD version of the Vengeance AudioMovie!
What’s an AudioMovie?
guest post by A.J. Scudiere
I hear that all the time when I’m at book festivals and conventions. Truthfully, it’s a great question, one I’m always happy to answer. So here goes . . .
In the short form, an AudioMovie is the next evolution of audiobook.
In the long form, it’s an amazing, intricate format that I’m really excited to be a part of. An AudioMovie is like being in a movie theater—if you had your eyes closed. In one way, it’s a lot like an old radio drama but the stories are definitely modern. With this structure, the book is fully dramatized . . . sound effects, a score and a different actor for every character.
Many audiobook listeners have favorite readers, and likely a few they won’t listen to again. Though some readers are fantastic, many problems can arise from the single-reader scenario. I’m really grateful that both my books—Resonance and Vengeance—are released in AudioMovie format; it brings a whole new dimension to the audiobook.
Some readers don’t do voices well across genders, and sometimes there are just too many voices. About a year ago, I listened to an audiobook in which the story had six main characters. The voices all became caricatures in order to separate them: the honey-dripping Southern drawl, the overly nasal New York accent, the dropped r’s of Boston.
Another problem that any reader has, no matter how many readers there are, is sound effects. And though it’s acceptable to read “Bam! The door slammed shut,” it doesn’t mean as much to hear the words. My theory is this: you don’t hear anything when you read, so it’s okay to see words instead of sounds. But if you are listening to the story, why not just hear the door slam? I have heard readers bark like dogs, attempt to make the sound of a gun being cocked, and try to crack like lighting striking.
Though some books have been produced with casts and sound effects in the past, Griffyn Ink and Skyboat Road Productions both worked to ensure that the AudioMovies solved all the single reader problems and that they didn’t suffer the same fate as many other dramatized books: abridging. Personally, as both a writer and a reader, the word “abridged” is the kiss of death. If you cut pieces out of my story, why would I want to listen? One big part of the “AudioMovie” title is this: it’s always unabridged. You’ll get the whole thing.
So keep your eyes peeled for AudioMovies! Skip the theater . . . everything you need is right here. And like a standard audiobook, it’s safe while driving!
{Thanks A.J.! You can find out more about A.J.’s books on her website. Leave a comment telling us why you’d like to listen to an AudioMovie, and you’ll be entered to win a CD version. One winner will be chosen from all comments left by April 15.}
I listen to CD audio books every week during my hour long drive each way to visit my terminally ill Dad. I’m always looking for new audio!
I’ve never tried audio books. An audio movie sounds intriguing! Some books have lines of dialogue that assume you can follow who is saying what. I sometimes have to go back in a book and reread to see which character actually said something. A audio movie would probably make that easier to follow.
Joan – Yes! AudioMovies completely solve that problem. As a reader, I hate when I have to count lines to figure out who said what. As I writer I try to avoid it at all costs! But I think you’ll love hearing the two sides of the conversations in the AudioMovie.
An audio/movie sounds perfect for our upcoming journey from MI to NY!
As I approach 80 and have difficulty reading, the audio movie sounds like the perfect answer to my problem.
As you mentioned, some readers on audio books do not do as well as others in giving different voices to the various characters. Since I listen to audio books EVERY day, I am definitely interested in the Audiomovie format.
I did not know about AudioMovies. Sounds like a great technology. I listen to books on CD in my car and when I am working in my home office.
When I retired I always planned on spending a lot of time reading. I want to read so many books, but eyesight gives me a problem. So I’ve turned to audio books a lot! In my car and on any other way possible.
That way I can be reading for awhile or listening for a while and have two books going at once!! JOY!!
I have tried listening to audio books in the past and have just never really been able to get into them. They just don’t seem to capture my attention enough. Reading about audio movies really makes me want to try again!
I’ve never really enjoyed audiobooks, too much like listening to a lecture? But audiomovies sound so much better – like listening to a radio play from the 30′s and 40′s! Can’t wait to try it out.
I love audio books. I’ve never tried an audio movie, but you explained it well. I’d like to try one and review it on my website.
Thank you this is great! Love audio books!!
Always enjoy hearing fresh new audio formats!
this sounds like it would be more fun than just hearing a plain audiobook.
Course I’ve never read an audiobook so how would I know.
Hope I win. Thanks.
Good Luck!
My sister and I both love listening to the AudioMovies even though we always know what’s coming next! I attribute that entirely to SkyBoat Road Productions. They did an amazing job. : )
A.J.
I cannot drive without a BOCD, regular radio chatter is BORING!!
sunds intriguing
I listen to audio books while on the treadmill. The story keeps me going on my exercise.
I will always love holding a book in my hand. But audio is good for travel & driving,
always willing to try something new and alleviate the tired eyes.very interesting! thanks!
I would love to win this contest. I think it would be great to have the cd!
This new form of movies sounds great. Unfortunately I can’t download it but I would love to see and hear 1 one day.
I have a massive work commute and have grown very protective of my “escape” time with my audiobooks. While it’s not ideal to be so happily distracted behind the wheel, listening to an audio-movie appeals to me. What a great way to breathe life into a story!
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