Write To Write » Table Rappers http://writetowrite.com A writing journal from a fledgeling author Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:45:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 The good, the bad, and the audio http://writetowrite.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-audio/ http://writetowrite.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-audio/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:58:37 +0000 neil http://writetowrite.com/?p=58 Just over a year ago and with a very rough, hand written first draft, I decided to start writing and producing a regular audio book series of my first novel, Persistent Spirit. Now that I have struggled through a year of working this way, is it something I would repeat?

There are pros and cons to this method as you might imagine. As the Persistent Spirit story begins to enter its final phase and the end of the book is on the horizon, I find myself contemplating whether I might undergo the same process for the second book, A Shot in Time.

The cons

Time: writing and recording an episode consumes 15-20 hours of effort. Maintaining that each week with an increasingly demanding and unpredictable day-job has been, frankly, stressful.

Structure: episodes have a completely different structure to a novel, requiring continuing momentum, restructured scenes, and some point of tension at the end of each one. Unedited, this brings the novel a strange, pulse-like pace which now needs a further re-write.

The pros

Progress: episodes promoted regular writing. I believe I am further along in the story than I would have been without to self imposed demands of a regular episodic production.

Story momentum: despite the structure issue mentioned above, the story has a pace and continues to move along ithout getting bogged down and sluggish. Once the “episodic pulse” is edited out I think the novel will have an enhanced page-turning pace.

Feedback: reaching out with even an unpolished story to potential audience around the globe has generated feedback that has helped both encourage the work and help shape it.

What’s in store for 2009?

Not another audio book, that’s for sure. The pros most certainly outweigh the cons, so the audio book of the second Table Rappers book must correct some of the negatives of this years’ experience. Most importantly is the frustration from being unable to produce regular, weekly episodes. Book two (titled A Shot in Time) will not be released as serialised audio until it has completed the second draft.

That does not mean there will be nothing from the Table Rappers in 2009, however. I’m planning some short story dramatised episodes, including a cast of actors, full sound effects, etc. Doesn’t that mean even more work? Yes, but the work flow can be controlled around the production, and such a project is free from an ongoing, weekly deadline.

2009 is already promising to be a challenging year on both personal and professional fronts, so careful planning will be essential to achievement of my goals. I’m thoroughly looking forward to what might prove to be a formative year for the future!

]]> http://writetowrite.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-audio/feed/ 0 Looking forward, way into the distance http://writetowrite.com/looking-forward-way-into-the-distance/ http://writetowrite.com/looking-forward-way-into-the-distance/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:01:41 +0000 neil http://writetowrite.com/?p=45 The history of TableRappers is one of planning. Like nothing I had tackled previously, the concept grew from simple ideas into an expanding universe of possibilities. Even after several years, the expansion continues.

I posted on the TableRappers site yesterday an announcement about the fifth book in the series. The concept I have had hanging around for a while, but the title escaped me until quite recently.

I find titles vital in the early stages of a creative project. They help to create focus, to solidify the idea beyond simply vague concepts. From a practical viewpoint, they create opportunities to organise and schedule.

As a graphic designer, one of the first tasks for a new project is always to create a brand, develop a logo, construct a visual representation of the idea. This process transforms the idea from little more than a spark of inspiration, into tangible potential.

Planning that far ahead?

I have always had in the back of my mind to write a minumum of six TableRappers books. But for now, the premise for book six is little more than a vague notion regarding the story arcs of the main protagonists – the ‘big picture’ stuff – and with book one still being written, I have enough to concentrate on for the next two to three years.

In a recent interview published in Writer’s magazine, Iain Banks, when asked whether he works on future books while writing the current one, responded with “Good god, no”.

I simply could not work exclusively on just one project. Sure, the primary project gets 95% of my energy, but I’m always looking ahead, planning the future development, and setting my sights on ever expanding horizons. For me, if I am planning on writing full time (eventually), then I better have enough ideas up my sleeve to keep me occupied!

]]> http://writetowrite.com/looking-forward-way-into-the-distance/feed/ 1 Persistent Spirit Chapter 25 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-25/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-25/#comments Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:38:59 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/?p=978 TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT

CHAPTER 25

Keynes finds himself face to face with the threat of Nathaniel at the seance. The following day, Merrick is looking for a confrontation.

Story running time 19 minutes

Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-121854-08-10-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-25/feed/ 0 Persistent Spirit Chapter 24 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-24/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-24/#comments Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:57:23 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/?p=884 TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT —- A posting from neildixon.com

CHAPTER 24

The guests are gathering for Martha Benson’s public seance, but one guest is far more concerned about what might be discovered behind the scenes.

Story running time: 22 minutes

Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-118619-07-13-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

Tags: audiobook, edwardian, Persistent Spirit, seance, Table Rappers

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]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-24/feed/ 0 Persistent Spirit Chapter 23 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-23/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-23/#comments Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:17:06 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/?p=875 TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT

CHAPTER 23

When Keynes learns from Merrick how long he has been missing, his fears rise to the surface and he reaches out to an old friend for help.

Story running time: 22 minutes
Total running time: 28 minutes

Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-117823-07-06-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

PLEASE VOTE FOR PERSISTENT SPIRIT in the European Podcast Awards!

Tags: audiobook, Persistent Spirit, Table Rappers

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]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-23/feed/ 0 Persistent Spirit Chapter 22 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-22/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-22/#comments Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:54:26 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/?p=860 TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT

CHAPTER 22

Keynes wakes with confused sensations and in a very strange place. Heading to recover from his ordeal, he is questioned on his whereabouts.

Story running time: 22 minutes

Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-116406-06-22-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

Tags: audiobook, conspiracies, Persistent Spirit, Table Rappers

Related posts

]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-22/feed/ 0 Persistent Spirit Chapter 21 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-21/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-21/#comments Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:29:06 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/2008/06/15/persistent-spirit-chapter-21/ TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT

CHAPTER 21

At Martha’s request, Chief Inspector Rickard requests the help of others to deal with someone who may cause trouble, and gets more than he bargained for. Featuring the guest voice of Martin Devaughan (aka Green Dragon of BiteSizeBonus) as Admiral Alasdair Strayhorn.

Total running time: 23 minutes
Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-115729-06-15-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

Tags: audiobook, Persistent Spirit, Table Rappers

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]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-21/feed/ 0 Persistent Spirit Chapter 20 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-20/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-20/#comments Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:39:41 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/2008/06/08/persistent-spirit-chapter-20/ TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT

CHAPTER 20

Martha faces a further test of her will in the bowels of Municipal Holdings Ltd., while Lady Katherine and Merrick head to the less desirable parts of London to seek out Keynes

Story running time: 22 minutes
Total running time: 28 minutes

Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-115001-06-08-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

Tags: audiobook, Persistent Spirit, Table Rappers

Related posts

]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-20/feed/ 0 Persistent Spirit Chapter 19 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-19/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-19/#comments Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:50:28 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/2008/06/01/persistent-spirit-chapter-19/ TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT

CHAPTER 19

Martha discovers who has summoned her to the headquarters of Municipal Holdings Ltd., a company with a secret identity. Contains graphic descriptions of violence – listener discretion advised.
Total running time: 21 minutes

Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-114220-06-01-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-19/feed/ 0 Persistent Spirit Chapter 18 http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-18/ http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-18/#comments Sun, 25 May 2008 21:18:22 +0000 neil http://neildixon.com/2008/05/25/persistent-spirit-chapter-18/ —- A posting from neildixon.com

TABLE RAPPERS – PERSISTENT SPIRIT

CHAPTER 18

Martha Benson begins her journey to rid herself of the latent threat posed by Keynes. All does not go well, but she will let nothing stand in her way.

Story running time: 21 minutes
Total running time: 30 minutes

Available from TableRappers.com or here:

Download audio file (persistentspirit-113595-05-25-2008.mp3)

If you have a podcast or a website, please play the audio promo and promote Persistent Spirit. Send me your promo and I will play it in return. TableRappers audio promos

Tags: audiobook, Persistent Spirit, Table Rappers

Related posts

]]> http://writetowrite.com/persistent-spirit-chapter-18/feed/ 0