24 Jan

Audible Update Jan. 24, 2024

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Greetings.

I finished recording another story for the Audible version of ‘Strange Stories, Twisted Tales‘ this evening.  The tracks have been improving significantly since my decision to add various sound effects and music.  This could just be the natural result of learning, or perhaps I have developed a higher standard for what I wish to present as a finished work.  Either way, I am hopeful the result will be a pleasing one.

It has been hectic since my last update.  I have moved on from my previous job, and start a new position in a little over eight hours.  It is the beginning of a new chapter, one I hope will lead to more positive changes in the future.  I have a great many projects on the horizon, things I want to announce, but will hold off until I have something concrete to show.  In the meantime, keep checking back for more updates.

Until Next Time,

~Namaste

14 Jan

Audible Update & Other News

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Greetings,

In the course of attempting to raise the standard for my recordings, it has become necessary to redo some of my previous work, both in order to add the accompanying title and transition effects, but for an overall consistent tone in terms of recording levels, which can vary depending on a number of factors.  This has not been a disappointment – I rarely see things that way any more – but as an opportunity to improve my craft, one which I have been embracing with enthusiasm.

Speaking of opportunities, it has been evident for some time that I need to make certain changes in my life in order to continue the healing process from the decade of abuse I suffered at the hands of the court system and my ex (a process which infuriates her kind to where they continue to attempt to wound regardless of success).  One of these opportunities has arisen, and it looks like certain aspects of my life will indeed improve.  Of course, this means I have to have some energy and drive to get through the transition, but it is nothing I haven’t done before.  I have given, and continue to give, considerable thought to this process, and have decided to keep my recording schedule as uninterrupted as possible.  This decision was made in no small part because I plan on publishing at least one book this year – two if I can help it.

I’ll give more details in coming updates.

Until next time,

~ Namaste

4 Jan

A New Year, A New Audible Update

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Greetings,

It has been a whirlwind these last few weeks, and I do not see them slowing down any time soon,  In fact, I expect the pace to increase significantly over the coming months.  I am not sure how things will play out – it is a turbulent time as the world stands on the brink, and I have a feeling the coming year will reach critical mass.  I am fully aware of how little control I have over such matters, and can only control what I can do.  I have to press on, and do the best to improve myself, both as an author, and as a human being.  I have more upcoming projects than time, and it will take a great deal of fortitude to keep things on schedule.  I will write more about this in a future update.

Speaking of schedule, I have finished re-recording ‘Boo!’ as well as ‘Groovin’ to the Zombie Apocalypse’, complete with title and chapter audio transitions, and will divide my recording time between the remaining stories, and those I have previously recorded.

I have some book news as well, but that will have to wait until another entry.  So many projects, so little time.

Until next time,

~Namaste

1 Jan

New Year’s Nostalgia

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Greetings,

I find myself with a few more free moments than usual, so I thought I’d write a few thoughts that have found their way into my head during this passage into the New Year.

I cannot help but think of all the people I have known and met over the years during this time of year, and with all the warm feelings brought by the memories of all those who have helped me over time, there also naturally comes the flip side of the coin, and the thoughts of those I will never see again.

In my last post, I mentioned how I had rediscovered my love of playing music, after being gifted a copy of Rocksmith 2014 by my daughters last year.  My uncle Ken had given me his bass, a 1987 Fender Precision Lyte, a year or two before he passed away.  My uncle was the youngest brother of my mother, and only fourteen years older than me.  I think of him whenever I play the game, which is more a training course on playing an instrument than an actual game, and I find myself each time wondering how he would react to the development of technology in relation to learning instruments, having taught himself to play seven of them, and my love of the instrument he gave me.

It was uncle that inspired me to draw and paint, and though I never made this a secret, I do not think he ever understood the impact he had upon my life, and that is something I will always regret.  Whenever I play the bass, I think of how things may have been if I had tried to connect harder with a man who was forced to live much as I do now, and went through many similar experiences.  Perhaps if I had, he would still be around today.

Not a comfortable thought.

The best I can do now, is honor his memory by trying to be the best I can, and to keep it alive through playing the wonderful instrument he bestowed upon me.

I miss you, man. I wish you were still here.  I’m sure we would have grown much closer with time, had we only been given the chance.

I don’t mean this to be a dark post.  We get all caught up in making resolutions, and looking forward to the coming year, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I think we should take some time to look over our past, and learn from it, as well as giving some time to remember those left behind.  You never know how you might improve your own or another’s future.

Just some random thoughts.

Until next time,

~Namaste

 

28 Dec

Audible Update: 12-28-23

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Greetings,

Another year is drawing to a close, but my artistic efforts have no signs of slowing,  I work on one or more projects just about every day, barring my daughter’s visits (although I do sometimes find the occasional opportunity in the wee hours), and on those days, I follow pretty much the same routine.  After work, I eat dinner and perform any errands that need completing before spending about an hour or so with my newfound love: my 1987 Fender Precision Lyte Bass, given to me by my uncle before he passed away. This takes the form of playing Rocksmith 2014, which was a gift to me from my daughters, and an excellent way to learn to play an instrument.  Once I’m finished with my musical release therapy (kidding…maybe), I then sit down to a good 2-4 hours of recording time.

Currently, I am working on part 3 of BOO! from ‘Strange Stories, Twisted Tales‘, the longest novella in the volume, and likely my third favorite.  The story is a little over a hundred pages long, and translates to a bit over 3 1/2 hours.  I’ve been learning more as I go, and apply whatever I learn to the next project, such as adding sound effect transitions and title music to the tracks.  I felt this was a definite positive step, but I do wish I had decided upon that course of action before I had recorded half the book.  Once I am done with the current story, I will have to go back and add these effects to the previous stories.  Not a daunting task, but one which will take a bit of time.  I do feel the result will be worth the effort, however, and look forward to being able to release this book in the Audible format in the new year.

Until we meet again,

~Namaste

14 Dec

Audible Update 12-13-23

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Greetings,

As promised, I am making an attempt to provide more updates on both my writing and art sites.  I have just finished my recording session for the night, in  my second attempt to bring my second work, ‘Strange Stories, Twisted Tales’, to Audible.  On most nights, I follow pretty much the same routine.  Once home from my day job, I take care of dinner and other tasks, perhaps enjoy a bit of bass practice, before spending two or three hours on front of a microphone, and using an audio editor to process the recording.  As I may have mentioned earlier, I am adding sound transitions (and perhaps some opening and closing theme music) to my second attempt,  The upside to this is that it has steepened the learning curve, allowing me to hopefully bring a more rich experience to the listener.  The downside, is the fact I had this idea halfway through the book, and will now have to go back and add them to at least two of the stories I have previously recorded, if not more.  I don’t mind this, actually, if the final product ends being one of which I can be proud to have created.

Well, that’s about all the time I have for tonight.  I must rest in order to attack another day of relentless labor with something approaching competence, if not enthusiasm.

Until Next Time,

~Namaste

4 Dec

Audible Update 12-4-23

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Greetings.

My goodness, time goes fast.  I am making an effort to update my blog on a more regular basis, but even so, the days seem to slip past me, and before I know it – boom – it’s December.

Anywho, I’ve been putting in as much time as possible in my effort to record ‘Strange Stories, Twisted Tales’ for Audible.  I just wrapped up doing some post-recording and effects work for ‘Message in an Electromagnetic Bubble‘.  This story required a bit more effects work than most, as it is my first (and rare) attempt at sci-fi, and I felt it needed a bit more.  To this end, i have enlisted the Amazing Danika to assist with a few lines of dialogue, and will add them to the project when she is available.

During the recording of this story, I was also forced to reconsider how to translate transitions for an Audible project, as a line of asterisks does not translate into audio.  I decided to use some sound effect transitions for these, and may add an opening theme.  As i have often said, I am new to this type of creative endeavor, and am striving to bring the most interesting version of my work to that format as I can.  Only the future, and whatever feedback I receive, will tell if I am successful in that regard.

Next up on the recording schedule is ‘BOO!’, a hundred-page novella inspired by a story that has floated in my brain since I first began reading comics, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.  It was during the recording of this story – about a cursed castle in the mountains of New York – that my hard drive failed.  Coincidence?  I sure hope so…I can’t afford to replace yet another computer.

That’s pretty much the news for now, although there is plenty more coming, believe me.  In the meantime, a quick reminder (and shameless plug) my first novel, ‘Highway Hypnosis’ is available on Audible.

Until Next Time,

~Namaste

22 Nov

Update: 11-21-2023

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Greetings,

Now that my new computer has been set up successfully, I will be making a greater effort to post more in the future.

There is much going on, and so many things to cover… Time will not allow for me to cover them all at this point, but I will be posting these developments soon.

I am continuing my efforts to record my second book, ‘Strange Stories, Twisted Tales’, for Audible, and am almost at the point where my former computer died (RIP Asmodeus). Well, I will be after I complete the story following the one I am processing now.  I am continuing to learn the trade, and hone my narration and recording skills,  and it is my desire to bring the best effort I can to the table.

Although the recording is now my Main Project, there are many other creative projects on my slate in the upcoming year.  Two more books, minimum, are just the beginning.  I have also determined to renew my other art site, Reincarnations.com, and produce another slate of painted furniture.  As usual, I find myself wishing I could devote myself to my sites and creative work as my main profession, but all good things in time.

I will have more news coming soon.

Until Next time,

~Namaste

8 Nov

Audible Update – 11-8-23

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Greetings,

As you may know from my previous post, my computer’s hard drive bit the Big One, and died a horrible death, a fate fitting of that of a horror writer, perhaps.  Undeterred, I managed to get a good deal on a new system, and have been working to restore my programs.  This meant I had to begin anew on my production of the Audible version of my second book, ‘Strange Stories, Twisted Tales’.  I have just finished the sixth entry, ‘Easy Prey‘ (one of my favorites) and have begun recording ‘Message in an Electromagnetic Bottle’, (which is not, but a decent effort nonetheless).  I cannot as yet give an estimation of when the Audible version of this work will be available, due to the demands of my job and other factors, but I am moving forward in the effort to deliver the highest quality recording of which I am capable – something which is sure to improve as I continue to learn and hone whatever talent I may possess.

I will continue also to provide updates whenever time and energy allows, and will have more news on my next entry.

Until then,

~Namaste

29 Sep

The Great Disk Disaster of 2023

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Greetings.

Well, it was only a matter of time.  Despite my best attempts at maintenance, the hard drive on my computer decided it was time to give up the ghost.  This resulted in the loss of a decade of photos, including those of my little one, as well as my manuscripts and Audible recordings for my second book, which was about 2/3 completed.  I believe it is possible to recover that data in time, but it will cost hundreds, if not several thousand, dollars to retrieve, and so will have to wait.  I did manage to rebuild the system, having a decade old backup drive, but windows 7 and my recording software did not agree, and I was forced to begin over with a new system.  This came about at around the same time my phone decided to self-destruct, so it has been a stressful couple of weeks.  I am currently back on track, however, and have begun to re-record ‘Strange Stories, Twisted Tales’.  It may be slow going, as I have to recover my various bookmarks and such in order to upload and so on, but at least now I needn’t worry about such an event again.

Hopefully.

The air quality at my latest domicile leaves a great deal to be desired; the air filters in this apartment complex need to be changed approximately every 2 weeks, and even then, can severely affect delicate electronics, a condition I am hoping to change – just one more item on the never-ending to-do list.

So, apologies for the lack of posts.  With any luck, it will not happen again for some time to come.

Until Next time,

~Namaste