Audiobook Connection - Behind the Scenes with the Creative Teams

Join host Becky Parker Geist for a behind-the-scenes look at creating a cinematic, full-cast audiobook. This episode explores the journey from pre-production planning and casting to coordinating actors, recording dynamic performances, and shaping the final sound.

You’ll learn how character development, audition strategy, and script preparation lay the groundwork, and how editing, direction, and immersive sound design—including musi...

This episode offers a preview of the upcoming AMPlify Audiobooks platform, designed to transform the audiobook experience for publishers, authors, and narrators. Learn how the platform addresses industry challenges like low royalties, lack of pricing control, and limited audience access—while introducing a more collaborative, community-driven model. Discover how AMPlify Audiobooks empowers rights holders with higher royalties, full...

In this episode, Becky explores the kinds of stories that benefit most from a full cast production, including adventure-type stories, and how to determine if your manuscript is a good fit. Learn about the balance between narrative text and dialogue, the impact of multiple characters in a scene, and the different options for point-of-view narration. Discover the benefits of full cast audiobooks, including the immersive experience an...

In this episode, we break down the real strategies for turning your audiobook from “invisible” to discoverable—and actually getting people to listen, connect, and buy. If you’ve ever felt stuck after hitting publish, this conversation will give you clarity and direction.

We explore why the “publish and pray” method doesn’t work, how to leverage your existing readers into loyal liste...

This episode previews the new Amplify Audiobooks platform, designed to revolutionize the audiobook experience for narrators and authors. Learn how this platform fosters community, offers higher royalties, and provides unique marketing tools. Discover how narrators can engage with listeners, connect with authors, and leverage innovative features like real-time conversations and rich media integration.

Becky Parker Geist and her team...

AMPlify Audiobooks is introducing a new audiobook platform that prioritizes community and empowers authors with fair royalties and control. This innovative platform offers authors tools to build community around their audiobooks, podcasts, and eBooks. Key features include direct engagement with listeners through reflections, options for hosting events and book clubs, and marketing tools, such as rich media integration and discount ...

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author Rory Surtain to explore the creative journey behind his urban fantasy novel Saintsville and its immersive full-cast audiobook production.

Rory shares how he made a bold career shift from decades in high tech to becoming a full-time novelist, writing across paranormal fantasy, science fantasy, and dystopian worlds. He talks candidly about finding ...

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, Becky Parker Geist discusses the importance of committing to your audiobook project and making informed decisions to achieve your publishing goals. Learn why quality production is key and how to avoid common pitfalls such as AI narration. Becky shares insights on selecting the right narrator, pre-production planning, and strategic marketing, including press releases, social media, and awards...

Dive behind the scenes of the multi-award-winning audiobook, The Legend of Valentine, as Becky sits down with author Sheldon Collins and sound designer Daryl Bolicek. Discover the intricate creative process, from weaving historical fact with mythic storytelling to crafting an immersive soundscape with a cast of 20 narrators. Explore the challenges of sound design, the art of collaboration, and the meticulous work that led to winnin...

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author and retired educator Lenore Hirsch to discuss her book Schooled: Confessions of a Rookie Vice Principal. Becky guides a candid conversation that explores both the story behind the book and the real-world experiences that inspired it.

Lenore shares her journey from the classroom to authorship, reflecting on her background, early interest in writin...

Host Becky Parker Geist interviews author Allynn Riggs, the creative mind behind the Stone´s Blade series, an epic science fiction-fantasy saga. She delves into her creative process, the experience of selecting narrators for the audiobook, and the challenges of preserving character voices across the series. Allynn also shares how her love of music influenced her storytelling and why this project is so personally meaningful. Whether...

In this episode, host Becky welcomes Dr. Susan Agbenoto, author of New Wine: A Journey into Refueling Your Life in the Spirit and Restore Me! But Privately, Please (The People Cannot Know).

Dr. Agbenoto shares her personal and professional journey with the audience. She reflects on key lessons she learned from her upbringing, and how her work as a speaker, lay pastor, and investment performance professional informs her faith-center...

In this powerful episode of the Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist welcomes Pamela Blair, author of The Reluctant Womb.

A former Broadway dancer, social worker, solo traveler through Africa and the Middle East, single mother, and psychologist, Pamela has now turned to writing in post-retirement. Together, Becky and Pamela explore how this rich life experience shaped a book that tackles deeply personal and socially releva...

In this episode Becky welcomes Edward L. James, author of The Duras Kingdom.

Edward shares his personal journey as a writer, reflecting on his background, early influences, and what ultimately led him to create The Duras Kingdom. He discusses the deeper themes and conflicts at the heart of the story, why those issues matter to him, and the impact he hopes the book will have on readers.

The conversation also dives into the audiobook...

Becky and Pro Audio Voices would like to welcome you to the new year with a reminder about the importance of communication, and how you will be impacted when communication intersects with community and audiobooks. As certain aspects of media and technology continue to promote divisive content, let's all focus on coming together to try to understand each other without pre-judging, which will help build our communities and pave the w...

In this short holiday episode of Audiobook Connection: Behind the Scenes with the Creative Teams, I pause to give thanks to the incredible authors, publishers, narrators, engineers, and creative professionals I have the privilege of working with, as well as to you—the listeners who support and sustain this work.

Inspired by the winter solstice, I reflect on the balance between darkness and light, and how our choices, our creativity...

In this episode, Becky welcomes Mike Mirabella, author and songwriter of the Carla Stories series—including Sister Butterfly, I Used to Be Shy, and Special People—as well as On the Luck of an Irish Sailor.

Mike shares his personal journey into writing and the life experiences that inspired him to create stories centered on compassion, understanding, and inclusion. He discusses the motivations behind his books, the meaning behind th...

In this episode, Becky sits down with Patrick McLaughlin, award-winning author of Cheerful Obedience: A Novel, U.S. Army veteran, Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, and retired fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Patrick shares how his early life, military service, and career in law shaped his perspective as a storyteller. He reveals the inspirations behind his debut novel, how he chose the striking title Cheerful Ob...

In today's episode, Becky discusses the topic of control - as it relates to audiobooks, and beyond. She reveals some ways (you may or may not know) that companies, such as Amazon, have their hands in EVERYTHING - from audiobook publishing to data storage - and why this is an issue. She breaks down how this can affect you personally, and in the bigger picture, the community. She also highlights some ways that authors and listeners c...