Ruby
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Allure/e/B00M9Y4GAA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1447793190&sr=8-1
Ruby Allure's Books
Ruby Allure's Books
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Need some motivation?
Ruby
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Allure/e/B00M9Y4GAA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1447793190&sr=8-1
Monday, 16 November 2015
An Interview with Erin Lillis - Voice Artist and Audio Producer
Over the last eight months I have had the pleasure to work with a number of wonderful audio producers. Eight of my nine books have been transformed from words into audible reality. Each of the producers has been professional, insightful and really hard working. For all of the authors out there who are thinking about releasing audio books these interviews will provide and insight into what producers are looking for. What's more, audio producers are friendly and are always looking for great books to bring to life. So this week I intend to post a couple of interviews with some of the wonderful people I have been fortunate to work with. I am so grateful that they dedicated their precious hours into bringing my books to life. The first in a series of interview is with Erin Lillis.
How did you get into producing audio books?
It was the next logical step in my voice over journey towards being a voice heard at an amusement park! :)
This is true. One day I had the idea that I’d like to be the voice you heard announcing the fireworks or the parade at Disneyland. It’s something simple and informative yet those voices have the power to stick with a person and bring back wonderful sense memories when heard years later.
It was that plus people telling me I should do voices and my secondary love for sound design and recording that I’d picked up when working on projects in film school.
In recent years I’ve been working on a slow but steady path towards doing work in the voice over industry. I'm building up to putting together a professional demo. I started by doing voicemail gigs on a freelance site and when I felt I’d finally figured out the timing and quality aspects I moved up to short voiceovers. I discovered ACX (the Audiobooks Creators Exchange) in a conversation with another person on a similar path and signed up. At the same time I also began writing, producing and recording my own podcast (SubverCity Transmit subvercitytransmit.com) to get more practice in the art of reading fiction.
What do you look for when choosing to work on an audio book?
Since my projects with ACX are done via a profit share model, my first book was done on a gamble. I picked and auditioned for titles that seemed like they’d be a good bet for a steady stream of residuals. My audition was approved and I produced my first book. When I did that I discovered that the process of recording and producing a complete (albeit a very short ebook) was very time intensive and an arduous process.
I took a break after that experience but after I saw that the title was earning me some passive income I decided to dive in again. This time, however, I decided that I would only audition for titles and topics that thoroughly interested me since I knew I would be spending a lot of time with the product.
What are some of your funniest/ weirdest and most awkward experiences within audio production?
As far as awkward goes, after a process of moving around my apartment to find the best location for sound recording (which originally included the kitchen and having to turn off and remembering to turn back ON the refrigerator), I finally managed to make a makeshift sound booth in my hallway closet. My first time recording in there I was noticing that I was getting breathier and breathier until suddenly the room was spinning and I nearly fainted. I quickly learned that there is no air in the closet and I was essentially poisoning myself the more I talked! Awkward and dangerous! I learned a life lesson there (the lesson being “keep the door open”).
What was it about A Short Course in Creative Writing that appealed?
As I mentioned earlier, I decided to only audition for titles that were going to be of interest to me. At the time that I started the audiobook I was also attending a “bootcamp” for creative writing and prepping for a writer’s retreat. The audiobook project was a way for me to keep the lessons alive and active. What I ultimately liked best about the book was the lists of questions that I (and other readers) could use to beef up my characters, scenes and settings.
What are your favourite bits of A Short Course In Creative writing that the readers should listen out for?
Personally the little tid bits I enjoyed were reading some obviously British words and phrases like “mum” and “she fancied him” in my very American accent. It made me smile each time.
As for content, I enjoyed the section on "Defining Moments in Character." I'm, at the time of this interview, attempting the NaNoWriMo challenge (which is a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in the month of November). My intention was to do a bunch of plot outlines and character backstories in October so come November 1st I could hit the ground running but that didn't happen as planned. Instead I'm using my November to do all of this pre-work and I'm spending a great deal of time now working on my characters' backstories and THEIR defining moments in character. I'm actually working through the audiobook instead of just narrating it!
I also enjoy the references to writing as catharsis. A reader could totally throw out the fiction/non-fiction writing aspects of the book and entirely use the workshop chapters as guidelines for journaling and self help. It's the "free gift with purchase" aspect of the book.
To hear Erin in Action:
An Interview With Erin Lillis - Voice Artist and Audio Producer (U.S.)
How did you get into producing audio books?
It was the next logical step in my voice over journey towards being a voice heard at an amusement park! :)
This is true. One day I had the idea that I’d like to be the voice you heard announcing the fireworks or the parade at Disneyland. It’s something simple and informative yet those voices have the power to stick with a person and bring back wonderful sense memories when heard years later.
It was that plus people telling me I should do voices and my secondary love for sound design and recording that I’d picked up when working on projects in film school.
In recent years I’ve been working on a slow but steady path towards doing work in the voice over industry. I'm building up to putting together a professional demo. I started by doing voicemail gigs on a freelance site and when I felt I’d finally figured out the timing and quality aspects I moved up to short voiceovers. I discovered ACX (the Audiobooks Creators Exchange) in a conversation with another person on a similar path and signed up. At the same time I also began writing, producing and recording my own podcast (SubverCity Transmit subvercitytransmit.com) to get more practice in the art of reading fiction.
What do you look for when choosing to work on an audio book?
Since my projects with ACX are done via a profit share model, my first book was done on a gamble. I picked and auditioned for titles that seemed like they’d be a good bet for a steady stream of residuals. My audition was approved and I produced my first book. When I did that I discovered that the process of recording and producing a complete (albeit a very short ebook) was very time intensive and an arduous process.
I took a break after that experience but after I saw that the title was earning me some passive income I decided to dive in again. This time, however, I decided that I would only audition for titles and topics that thoroughly interested me since I knew I would be spending a lot of time with the product.
What are some of your funniest/ weirdest and most awkward experiences within audio production?
As far as awkward goes, after a process of moving around my apartment to find the best location for sound recording (which originally included the kitchen and having to turn off and remembering to turn back ON the refrigerator), I finally managed to make a makeshift sound booth in my hallway closet. My first time recording in there I was noticing that I was getting breathier and breathier until suddenly the room was spinning and I nearly fainted. I quickly learned that there is no air in the closet and I was essentially poisoning myself the more I talked! Awkward and dangerous! I learned a life lesson there (the lesson being “keep the door open”).
What was it about A Short Course in Creative Writing that appealed?
As I mentioned earlier, I decided to only audition for titles that were going to be of interest to me. At the time that I started the audiobook I was also attending a “bootcamp” for creative writing and prepping for a writer’s retreat. The audiobook project was a way for me to keep the lessons alive and active. What I ultimately liked best about the book was the lists of questions that I (and other readers) could use to beef up my characters, scenes and settings.
What are your favourite bits of A Short Course In Creative writing that the readers should listen out for?
Personally the little tid bits I enjoyed were reading some obviously British words and phrases like “mum” and “she fancied him” in my very American accent. It made me smile each time.
As for content, I enjoyed the section on "Defining Moments in Character." I'm, at the time of this interview, attempting the NaNoWriMo challenge (which is a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in the month of November). My intention was to do a bunch of plot outlines and character backstories in October so come November 1st I could hit the ground running but that didn't happen as planned. Instead I'm using my November to do all of this pre-work and I'm spending a great deal of time now working on my characters' backstories and THEIR defining moments in character. I'm actually working through the audiobook instead of just narrating it!
I also enjoy the references to writing as catharsis. A reader could totally throw out the fiction/non-fiction writing aspects of the book and entirely use the workshop chapters as guidelines for journaling and self help. It's the "free gift with purchase" aspect of the book.
To hear Erin in Action:
LINK TO SOUNDCLOUD
LINK TO BUY ON AUDIBLE:
LINK TO PAPERBACK ON AMAZON.COM
A Short Course in Creative Writing
by Ms Ruby Allure
Link: http://amzn.com/1517234832
by Ms Ruby Allure
Link: http://amzn.com/1517234832
"Fantastic Beginner Or Refresher 4 Creative Writers"
This short, two-hour, recording is packed full of writing tips, instruction and almost everything one would need to write any type of book. This includes nonfiction or fiction and Ruby Allure breaks down each subject into helpful steps to achieve your story!
I found myself marking each section so that I could go back and reference it as needed.
Though I doubt I have the discipline to ever write anything, I found that this would be an excellent resource should I ever try. Ruby Allure, it is excellent, thank you.
Erin B. Lillis narrates this text in an engaging and clear tone. Excellent and easy to understand.
*I received this book in exchange for my review. However, I am going to keep this very handy to me and would recommend it for anyone who is contemplating writing in all categories.
I NEVER really know what to expect when agreeing to these "listen in exchange for review" relationships. Lately, they have been one home run after another! This is no exception. A short course in creative writing: a compilation of lessons may not be for everyone (those who don't ever plan on writing a book) but for everyone who has ever considered it, this is a fantastic resource, four stars!
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. If you found it helpful in your decision to purchase (or not), would you take a moment and select yes directly beneath this text? Thank you.
"Short & Sweet Writing Course"
I found myself marking each section so that I could go back and reference it as needed.
Though I doubt I have the discipline to ever write anything, I found that this would be an excellent resource should I ever try. Ruby Allure, it is excellent, thank you.
Erin B. Lillis narrates this text in an engaging and clear tone. Excellent and easy to understand.
*I received this book in exchange for my review. However, I am going to keep this very handy to me and would recommend it for anyone who is contemplating writing in all categories.
I NEVER really know what to expect when agreeing to these "listen in exchange for review" relationships. Lately, they have been one home run after another! This is no exception. A short course in creative writing: a compilation of lessons may not be for everyone (those who don't ever plan on writing a book) but for everyone who has ever considered it, this is a fantastic resource, four stars!
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. If you found it helpful in your decision to purchase (or not), would you take a moment and select yes directly beneath this text? Thank you.
"Short & Sweet Writing Course"
Any additional comments?
While the book was short at 2 hours, it took me much longer to get through it. It is packed full of lessons and idea prompts to make you think. Everything is covered from making a mind map to get your ideas down, should you use 1st or 3rd person and the differences between them, to which POV to use.
The ideas here are very practical and give you ideas on how to tame the mass of ideas floating around in your head(I'm guilty of this) and bringing one down to Earth to start your story.
She covers uses the senses, and even trying to think from some one else perspective, like a friend, or someone you know. Good exercises to help you find your characters voice.
There are so many tips to help you get going if you don't know where to start. And enough practical advice for those that do but still need a bit of guidance. I have many books on writing, but having this in audio format is almost like having a teacher right there with you. It leaves your hands free to write and explore the ideas put down to make you think, and to help get your story down on paper. I myself will be using it to help with my own writing.
*I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com".
The ideas here are very practical and give you ideas on how to tame the mass of ideas floating around in your head(I'm guilty of this) and bringing one down to Earth to start your story.
She covers uses the senses, and even trying to think from some one else perspective, like a friend, or someone you know. Good exercises to help you find your characters voice.
There are so many tips to help you get going if you don't know where to start. And enough practical advice for those that do but still need a bit of guidance. I have many books on writing, but having this in audio format is almost like having a teacher right there with you. It leaves your hands free to write and explore the ideas put down to make you think, and to help get your story down on paper. I myself will be using it to help with my own writing.
*I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com".
Sunday, 15 November 2015
If it is Free then...
Why give it away for Free?
If you give something for free then why would someone want to pay for that same item at another time?
In terms of 'free samples', you don't know about a product and you might want to test it before you buy. There are many drinks and confectionary companies who have employed this technique to generate custom and in many cases it works. Yet I have been looking at the concept of 'free books' and how so many authors are now offering their books for free just so that they are read. One author released a free book in hope that her other ten books may appeal to the audience. The thing is once something is free then why would people want to pay for it?
So back to the concept of free. How do you feel about getting something for nothing? I generally feel quite smug. Yet how much do I want to give something for nothing - honestly - I resent it. I don't want to give my valuable time for no return in business so why should I do that with my books? I spend literally hours writing them, I do huge amounts of research - so after all of that - I give it away to someone who probably does not appreciate it... Hmmm. The thing is the more people get used to getting things for free then the more they expect more free things. What's more, free books are de-valuing those that are fully priced. So what can we do about this?
With all the above in mind, I was researching the average author earnings the other day and that was started the issue with 'free'... You see most indie authors are lucky if they earn $500 / £350 per year from book sales - I know - I was shocked. Of all the authors, both indie and professional, only 10% made over $100K or £60K and 2.5% make over $250K £150K per year. The average professional author earns ... and wait for this - it is horrifying $3000 - $5000 dollars (Digital Book World Survey). So this then begs the question if the earnings are so low then why bother? Also why give that hard earned creation away for free? For me I write because it relaxes me, I love writing and I often write about what I want to learn about. So there is a sense of growth through creation for me. I love to craft words and find a great deal of pleasure laughing at my own jokes on screen. I know... A bit strange. Still I love it.
So I go through a period of literary growth and then I share. I write so that I can reach people, share knowledge and hopefully inspire others. I have a career so I am not reliant on writing. Yet there are so many chasing a dream of becoming the next J.K Rowling or Amanda Hocking. The thing is there are so many authors out there now who are not writing at a professional level and the quality is diminishing... Is bad quality justification enough for something to be given away for free? Obviously this is a complex discussion. How do people find out about books unless they have samples? How do they find out about authors unless they can test the work?
Final question: if everyone gives everything away for free then how does a new way of exchange begin? What do you think about Free? What do you give away for free? What do you think about Free books? If you were really talented at something or are talented at something then are you willing to give it away for free?
RUBY ALLURE - A COUPLE OF VERY POPULAR BOOKS:)
AUDIBLE LINK FOR A SHORT COURSE IN CREATIVE WRITING: http://amzn.com/B01390THLK
21/08/15
"An Unexpected Gem"
***I was provided a copy of this audio book for the purpose of a review ***
With the required disclaimer out of the way, let me be brutally honest, I had not expected this little gem. In fact, I had expected my listening would be a bit rough and was fortified by it being less than 2 hours.
The synopsis says the author wrote the book as a takeaway from her evening classes on creative writing. My mental context was ... Community Ed evening classes ...and expected a well intended but kind of amateur product. However, I am interested in adult education, and batter my own nerd head against a giant personal creativity brick wall.
So you have an idea of my mind set... low expectations along with high interest.
Amateur hour it was NOT.
I don't know where the author teaches her class, but Sign Me Up! And bring the narrator. Wow. Two hours of unadulterated, straight up, right on, good learning material delivered by a close friend just sharing the material. The narrator's voice was warm, sincere without any artifact or pompous patronising, and well modulated throughout. The material was mind opening for me, with the right mix of the mechanics of writing exercises, sufficient context that using prompts now makes sense to me, and a sprinkling of the inner heart work of creativity through written material.
This was just what I didn't dare hope for in a how to creative writing listen.
Truly an unexpected gem and a learning and growing experience for me.
A keeper and one I will return to many times as I deconstruct my own wall, one block at a time.
Thank You, Ruby and Thank You, Erin.
With the required disclaimer out of the way, let me be brutally honest, I had not expected this little gem. In fact, I had expected my listening would be a bit rough and was fortified by it being less than 2 hours.
The synopsis says the author wrote the book as a takeaway from her evening classes on creative writing. My mental context was ... Community Ed evening classes ...and expected a well intended but kind of amateur product. However, I am interested in adult education, and batter my own nerd head against a giant personal creativity brick wall.
So you have an idea of my mind set... low expectations along with high interest.
Amateur hour it was NOT.
I don't know where the author teaches her class, but Sign Me Up! And bring the narrator. Wow. Two hours of unadulterated, straight up, right on, good learning material delivered by a close friend just sharing the material. The narrator's voice was warm, sincere without any artifact or pompous patronising, and well modulated throughout. The material was mind opening for me, with the right mix of the mechanics of writing exercises, sufficient context that using prompts now makes sense to me, and a sprinkling of the inner heart work of creativity through written material.
This was just what I didn't dare hope for in a how to creative writing listen.
Truly an unexpected gem and a learning and growing experience for me.
A keeper and one I will return to many times as I deconstruct my own wall, one block at a time.
Thank You, Ruby and Thank You, Erin.
TO BUY MONEY FARM ON AMAZON.com http://amzn.com/B010F04W9O
· Frode
06/08/15
5 STAR
"M.O.N.E.Y. is bad? This book is not!"
So Money Farm by Ruby Allure was a surprise! When I REALLY did not read things about this book I review for Audiobook Blast, I sometimes get books I don't know something about. BTW: I read 99% about the books I want to review, but this book I can't remember I did that for. Anyways: This was a nice surprise, and I think it is one of those books that is better the second time you read it. No joke! I listen to this twice before I made this! Money Farm makes you thin, and who does not like to hear a book that makes you think? It is an awesome book, that I will recommend to all that likes audiobooks, and really to people that does not!
Helen Lloyd English accent its the topic like a glow and a hand! Her "lady like" voice is so cold, and clear I feel that the author made this book thinking that Helen Lloyd would read it out loud! That is how I feel those two fits together! The 2 times 14 hrs and 6 mins I spend with her never feels boring or uninteresting! I would love to spend it again, and I will because this book I will hear again, and again, even when it is 14 hrs and 6 mins long! That is saying something!
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com
Helen Lloyd English accent its the topic like a glow and a hand! Her "lady like" voice is so cold, and clear I feel that the author made this book thinking that Helen Lloyd would read it out loud! That is how I feel those two fits together! The 2 times 14 hrs and 6 mins I spend with her never feels boring or uninteresting! I would love to spend it again, and I will because this book I will hear again, and again, even when it is 14 hrs and 6 mins long! That is saying something!
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com
MONEY FARM
What did you like most about Money Farm?
It was an eye opener.
What did you like best about this story?
I like the way it made you think about the way normal everyday life is here and now, and the future...
Have you listened to any of Helen Lloyd’s other performances? How does this one compare?
Helen Lloyd narrated this fairly long audiobook brilliantly. Although the story content was very intense and thought provoking, her lovely smooth voice was very easy to listen to and I thought it was just perfect, a fascinating book wonderfully narrated.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes it was, although it is too long to do so.
It's Your Last Chance - Day 7 of 7 for Love Hunt 2 posts.
To Listen on audio:
Dear Eva,
Love Hunt 2 - The Love Game Day 7 of 7
Dear Eva,
Eva – really!!!
There you are bouncing your bust around the fat arsed brigade and you are
telling me to be kind! On a daily basis you are showing them how unsexy they
are. That is also unkind. I also agree with what you say about our differences.
That is what intrigues me about you. I really have no clue what goes on in your
head in comparison to mine. I could never flaunt my ‘wares’ so obviously. That
is why I find you fascinating – you really enjoy using your assets to piss
women off. I find that hysterical!
Anyway, I
couldn’t say anything to the ghost of diet hell past. For a start I had
chocolate in my hand. Being caught with chocolate in the hand by those who have
done diet hell past is a crime punishable by public facial waxing! Eating sugar
shows weakness! No matter how small the piece of chocolate is there will be a
tutt or a ‘I see your weakness’ look and you will feel fat emerging from every
pore as you balloon in public. That is how it is... the brain washing. Weakness
is chocolate – strength is celery... I hate bloody celery too! The choco-krypto-nite.
Anyway let’s
talk about other nicer things. I feel bad enough. I saw her walking along the
corridor and her trousers look like they have a skid-mark travelling towards
her knee. Why does no-one tell her? Probably for the same reason that I did not
run up to her and say hi – it looks like you have a skid-mark on your
trousers... Oh this is so immature! I am a professional woman discussing
skid-marks! Where is the class in that? There is only arse in that! There is only
posterial postulation in that. See how one can evolve crassity (this is not a
real word) into enlightened thought of marking of brown substance at
exaggerated speed.
In terms of
news from rich men, I have to admit that I have been avoiding the dating site
through the devastation of the built up hopes experienced in past dating
disasters. I am almost scared to go on there and meet another opportunist or
sex-pest. I know that all men are not the same and there are genuine ones out
there but learning how to filter them is the difficulty. I guess that is where
discernment comes in. The men on the wealthy website seem so well versed in
their spiel. I always believe it because I talk the truth. I assume that others
do that too because I never saw the point in telling lies. It is as if these
chaps have developed a ‘convince the woman into bed’ script with specific lines
that result in a toad finding a comfortable hole.
Anyway enough
of dating. No doubt it will happen again soon. Anyway since I have been back I
have noticed a few changes in the office. It seems like the office pervert has
upped his game and brought a kind of hair piece. I think he is having a bit of
a post-mid-life crisis. He keeps approaching the photocopier when the young
temps are there. He reminds me of a big bad wolf dribbling over his potential
prey. The petite little twenty-somethings scramble off as soon as he approaches
with his pervacious drooling smile. He has a new tactic too – he asks them if
they know how to unjam the photocopier, which of course involves them bending
over. Then he admires them in their newly vulnerable position. He has noticed
me watching him. He frowned earlier when he became aware of me watching whilst
touch typing simultaneously. I increased the rapid type as he repeated his hunt
on a newbie. Another time I shot him in the forehead with an elastic band and
pretended it wasn’t me. He knows I am onto him. I just don’t know how to turn
the situation around – so that the situation is reversed. I will enjoy planning
that one. I love it when the predator becomes the prey!
Another new
eventuality – we now have an office sexual fantasy for the women. He arrived
today – yippee! This chap has been transferred from a contingency department
across the hall. He is tall, has broad shoulders, pecs and large arms. He wears
tight trousers and strolls about the room with one of those smiles that melts
cheese. He reminds me of the young Elvis crossed with the body of the statue of
David, however, there appears to be plenty of package potential or that he is
warming his brie baguette in his trousers. You can’t help but notice the
additional lunch in those tight suit trousers. When he walks past women rotate
on their chairs and the intensity of typing increases. What a pleasant change
for us ladies to have something to look at. Adbi and Greg, think is disgusting
how the women giggle and are unable to construct sentences in his presence.
Anyway, the female
office hotty on this side of the room has him firmly set in her breastial
sights. When I say sights, it is as if she is rotating her female artillery in
his direction while she stands with her hands on hips. She is working on
establishing her role as alpha female. In the same way as you have defied boosooka
gravity, the breast display has been upped in the attention game. Also
Boobilesque Bertha senses the competition and seems to be moving through the
office more hurriedly of late. The increased jiggling to jug ratio has peaked.
The boys over here are happyily consumed by the hotty hypnosis. You know I
never would have thought that my days at work would result in tit-trending and
establishing mesmerisation techniques between men and women in an office. It is
below the belt baguettery versus the bumper bosom bonanza. Obviously my work is
not terribly fulfilling or challenging of late. It just seems to be numbers
noise in the form of higher management metrics and financial reporting. I guess
I have post-holiday blues. So at least I have a distraction. I think I will
have to come up with another innovation to distract me. They weren’t terribly
excited by the stress pod idea when I came up with silent booths to alleviate
stress using inflatable baseball bats and blow-up people that you can attach a
face to. Also the giant bubble wrap cubicle fell on deaf innovative ideas too.
They want all these ideas but only want ones that make money. What they have not
considered is when people become stressed they become ill and that is where
they lose money. If we had instant stress relief then there would be less
illness. Oh and the corner punch bags were considered too violent! Boo! Instead
they have invested in numerous plastic plants. How does a plastic plant relieve
stress?
Gracie.
Hello Gracie,
Can you let me into your office? I need
to see new office sexual fantasy and enter the arranged breast arena. Can you make
medal so that we can all compete? I like idea of giant bubble wrap but not
punch bags. That is too much. Women punching bags in corner. Next you will have
a ring and women hitting each other with designer handbags. Violence does not
solve anything. Right I am on my way over, I have some files that I can pretend
to bring to your desk. I will smile a lot and we will see what happens. I am
also wearing very short skirt and high heels! On my way!
Eva
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