Lars Guignard's Blog, page 15
May 20, 2014
Win an Audiobook of Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple
The audiobook of Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple is currently on tour. (check it out here). As part of that tour, we are holding a giveaway where 2 winners will be chosen to receive their very own audiobook. Enter below!
Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple Audiobook Tour
Please check out what these bloggers have to say about the audiobook of Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple narrated by Sonja Field.You can also enter the raffle for a copy of the audiobook here.
TOUR SCHEDULE:
5/19/14:
“Zoe and Zak’s adventures are so entertaining I love listening to them. . . . Like his other books Guignard does a wonderful job of interspersing the adventure with a lot of interesting history and facts, and he does it in a way that does not seem like learning. I think this is a great series and continue to love that it is set in India, which allows for an explosion of cultural information and history to be provided to young readers.” – Cover2Cover Blog
5/20/14:
“In this third installment of the series there is a depressed magic carpet, a new rich kid with maids and trunks galore, a science fair, & a massive downhill bike ride and some serious rides through the mountain hills. Surly, one cannot be sure what will be had when you enter into a Zoe & Zak adventure. Anything goes with the magical hills of India With that being so there were chuckles and laughs in between the inner shouts for them to watch out for what is lurking under the water.” – MadSteam
5/21
DJ’s Book Corner
5/22
The Cozy Corner
5/23
Gin’s Book Notes
5/25
Brooke Blogs
5/26
Spiced Latte Reads
5/27
Alwaysjoart
5/28
Buried in Books
5/29
MHZ Book Reviews & Giveaways
5/30
Candace’s Book Blog
The audiobook of Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple is available at audible and iTunes.
May 12, 2014
2014 Children’s Book Week Kid Lit Giveaway Hop
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Children’s Book Week Kid Lit Giveaway Hop, hosted by Youth Literature Reviews and Mother Daughter Book Reviews.
I am proud to be a part of this year’s Kid Lit Giveaway with the audiobook of Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard written by me and narrated by Bailey Carlson.
Giveaway Details
Prize: two winners will receive an audiobook of Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard
Contest ends: May 18th, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: USA and Canada
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored, hosted, and managed by Fantastic Press.
If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to fantasticpress (at)gmail(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 30, 2014
April 29, 2014
Interview with Russell Jonas, Audiobook Narrator of Blown Circuit
Blown Circuit is now an audiobook narrated by the talented Russell Jonas.
Q: Why did you become an actor?
Russell: I have a passion for telling stories, and I like to help people have new experiences. When we read a book or see a play, a TV show, film, etc., we either say, “That’s like me!” or “That’s not like me.” We are forced to relate to the characters. In doing so, we grow in our understanding of ourselves and others. The ancient Greeks believed this way of understanding others through theatre was crucial to a healthy democracy. I like being part of that tradition.
Q: Where did you grow up?
Russell: My roots and my family are in Dallas, TX. I’ve also lived in New York City, Washington, DC, and Atlanta, GA.
Q: How did you get into narrating audiobooks?
Russell: I’ve been acting in theatre and on-camera since I was a kid. Audiobook narration is another medium, but it’s still acting. Malcolm Hillgartner, a voice actor friend of mine, helped me get started by making me read a bunch of dialogue-heavy samples from novels and helping me understand how to differentiate characters. Voice actor Brandon Potter taught me how to record and edit.
Q: How is narrating an audiobook different from performing in front of an audience?
Russell: I play all the parts in an audiobook. On stage I usually only play one character, although I have played up to 6 characters in a single play.
Q: Describe your recording space.
Russell: I open up a secret door in a bookcase in my living room and enter into a soundproof 4’ x 4’ vocal booth. It’s lined with acoustic foam. There’s a chair, a table, a mic, and an LED monitor.
Q: What is your process when you are recording an audio book?
Russell: I first read the book to know the story and characters. Then I develop a test recording of character voices and get the publisher or author’s approval for them. Then I start press record and start reading from page one. I re-read sentences or entire passages as needed. By the time I finish recording I’ve read most of the book out loud several times.
Q: Describe a typical recording session. How long do you read? Do you take a lot of breaks? What do you drink?
Russell: I usually record for 4 hours at a time. After that my voice starts to get tired. I take a five minute break after I read an entire chapter. I keep water and apples on hand. Apples help reduce mouth noise.
Q: Blown Circuit has a lot of different accents as well as a lot of Turkish words. How did you prepare for reading that?
Russell: While in graduate school at Southern Methodist University I studied the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and the Paul Meier method for acting with an accent. Fantastic Press gave me the recorded pronunciations of Turkish words. I transcribed them into IPA symbols that I could refer to as needed. I also know a Turkish actress. I did my best to channel her into the character of Miriam.
Q: What did you like most about narrating Blown Circuit?
Russell: I loved Lars Guignard’s imagery. The exotic locales like Cleopatra’s beach, inside the ancient Roman cistern, and atop the crane at Bodrum Castle are vivid and fun to imagine.
Q: What was the most challenging part of the process for you?
Russell: I love reading and acting, but I find editing to the most tedious part.
Q: Which of the characters did you feel the strongest personal connection with?
Russell: I connected with the hero, Michael Chase. I spent the most time with him because it’s his story. Personally I enjoy adventurous activities such as skydiving and paragliding, so I had fun imagining that I was doing all those action sequences Michael experiences.
Q: Who is your favorite character?
Russell: Kate is my favorite character. She is mysterious, sexy, and smart. She’s dangerous, but she also has a heart. She’s a complex character and is full of surprises.
Q: What was the hardest voice for you?
Russell: Faruk was the hardest. I’m not sure why. I think it’s because my opinion of him changed as I progressed through the story.
Q: Which part of the story was the most fun to narrate?
Russell: I had fun from page one, but the most fun part to narrate was the action sequence on the crane. It’s the climax of an action packed book.
Q: Why is this a good story to listen to?
Russell: It’s exciting. It might make your heart beat a little faster and say, “Wow! That is an action-packed story!”
Q: Who would enjoy this story?
Russell: People who love spy stories. I plan on giving a copy to my dad so he can listen to it while he’s driving.
The audiobook of Blown Circuit is available at audible and " target="_blank">iTunes.
Lethal Circuit (Book #1 in the series) is also available as an audiobook at audible, and " target="_blank">iTunes.
Blown Circuit Audiobook Tour
Please check out what these bloggers have to say about the audiobook of Blown Circuit narrated by Russell Jonas. And please leave your comments!
TOUR SCHEDULE:
4/28/14:
“The strongest aspect of this book is the action scenes. They ROCK. As I was listening, I felt like I was in a movie theater watching a Jason Statham or Bruce Willis movie.”- Camille Picott
“Spy thrillers are generally not my thing, but with this series, the combination of excellent writing and skilled narration is proving to be quite irresistible.“- The Nocturnal Library
“Once again Guignard completely transported me to another country, and I was as much in awe of the sights and sounds of Istanbul as I was with the non-stop action and intrigue. And the action is definitely non-stop this time around—the book begins with a bang and never really lets up.”- Alice Marvels
4/29/14:
“What surprised me most (besides the action) was what I learned about the setting. Turkey is not a country I have been to or learned much about. I enjoyed being immersed in another culture, the strong Turkish coffee, the ancient civilization, Turkish baths, the henna at the engagement party, the calls to prayer and even the difference in the treatment of women.”- Mom’s Small Victories
“This is a fun spy thriller that keeps you guessing through twists and turns.” – Jen’s Round Corner of the Blogosphere
4/30/14:
“Wow. Lars definitely did it again! I absolutely loved the first book in Michael Chase series but find Blown Circuit to be his best work yet … Amazing performance by Russell Jonas! I could not have picked a more perfect narrator for Michael Chase story and definitely think that he brings a lot to the table with his voice.” – Spiced Latte Reads
“This is an exciting scavenger hunt and a race to find the pieces to the Tesla device before the bad guys do. The race is heart pounding, the clues mysterious and Michael has no idea who to trust. It’s an enjoyable thrilling ride.” – I’m a Voracious Reader
5/1/14:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the first, Lethal Circuit, and couldn’t wait to continue Michael’s story in Blown Circuit. Lars Guignard has written another fantastic spy thriller. The action and adventure never stop!” – Brooke Blogs
“As with the previous novel there was a lot of action in this book and that along with the quick paced, well-flowing story line I found myself listening to hours of this at a time but it only feeling like a few minutes had gone by. ” – Exploring All Genres
5/2/14
“… I don’t think I’ve listened to a more involved narrator. The excitement and energy that the narrator brought made the story that much more harrowing. It’s obvious that the narrator got sucked into the story and the enthusiasm that he brought to the production was incredible.” – Workaday Reads
“The book is full of twists and turns. Some are more predictable, but for the most part I felt like I was on a wild ride that I had no clue where it would take me. And it was fun!” – Candace’s Book Blog
Happening Now: Blown Circuit Audiobook Tour
Please check out what these bloggers have to say about the audiobook of Blown Circuit narrated by Russell Jonas. And please leave your comments!
TOUR SCHEDULE:
4/28/14:
“The strongest aspect of this book is the action scenes. They ROCK. As I was listening, I felt like I was in a movie theater watching a Jason Statham or Bruce Willis movie.”- Camille Picott
“Spy thrillers are generally not my thing, but with this series, the combination of excellent writing and skilled narration is proving to be quite irresistible.“- The Nocturnal Library
“Once again Guignard completely transported me to another country, and I was as much in awe of the sights and sounds of Istanbul as I was with the non-stop action and intrigue. And the action is definitely non-stop this time around—the book begins with a bang and never really lets up.”- Alice Marvels
4/29/14:
“What surprised me most (besides the action) was what I learned about the setting. Turkey is not a country I have been to or learned much about. I enjoyed being immersed in another culture, the strong Turkish coffee, the ancient civilization, Turkish baths, the henna at the engagement party, the calls to prayer and even the difference in the treatment of women.”- Mom’s Small Victories
“This is a fun spy thriller that keeps you guessing through twists and turns.” – Jen’s Round Corner of the Blogosphere
4/30/14
Spiced Latte Reads
I’m a Voracious Reader
5/1/14
Brooke Blogs
Exploring All Genres
5/2/14
Workaday Reads
Candace’s Book Blog
March 2, 2014
Q&A with Lars Guignard: Blown Circuit
Q: How is Blown Circuit different from Lethal Circuit?
Lars: For one thing it’s written from the first person perspective. That lets us see more of Michael Chase, the main character. Who is he? What does he want? Why is he on the journey? Not only does the first person provide the reader with more insight into Michael’s character, it lets him speak in his own words. I think that gives the story more depth. Same lightning fast pace, same adventure, but more of a connection to Michael and the journey he’s on, and even more important, how he’s changing as a result of it.
Q: So are you saying the Michael Chase character is evolving? How so?
Lars: For one thing, Michael is getting smarter, better at what he’s doing. As the old saying goes, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. I can’t guarantee that Michael Chase won’t be fooled twice, but I doubt you’d be able to pull the wool over his eyes for a third time. He’s a fast learner. You have to remember, Michael isn’t just out there finding his father and completing his mission. He’s finding his place in the world. That’s what makes him different from some characters in the genre. He’s not world weary yet. He’s still discovering who he is.
Q: That’s all well and good, but there are still those who say that your writing is comic-bookish. What do you have to say for yourself?
Lars: I love comic books.
Q: Is that it?
Lars: I really love comic books? Look, this isn’t Dostoyevsky. This is spy thriller. An action-adventure story. There’s a guy and girl. Bad and good. Shaken not stirred. That kind of thing. If you don’t like this type of book, nothing I can say will ever make you like it, nor should it. But if you’re in the mood for a ripping good yarn, pick it up.
Q: So you’re saying you expect the reader to check their brain at the door?
Lars: I never said that. Since when are a rollicking good story and cognitive functioning mutually exclusive? But since this point obviously deserves further attention, this is where I think the disconnect lies. As I’ve said before, I’m influenced by the movies. I worked in Hollywood. I wrote for television and film. I was a fellow at the American Film Institute. And having done those things, a question often occurs to me — why is it that what is readily believable in one medium is questioned in another? For example, why can the average viewer suspend disbelief and enjoy watching a character leap eighty feet into a watery pool on film, but cry foul if it’s down in a book?
Think about it. It’s not that big a stunt. You’ve seen it in countless action-adventure TV shows, not to mention the movies. Butch and Sundance did it. Johnny Deep does it in Pirates. James Bond takes a hell of a leap in Skyfall. People leap from tall places into tiny bodies of water all the time. So why is that acceptable in a movie, but not on the page?
The short answer is that people find it easier to suspend disbelief in a movie — after all, you’re actually seeing the character do it. Possible or not, it’s happening right before your eyes. Never mind the fact that you know in the back of your head that there are stunt coordinators and wires and green screen and about sixty other visual effects being used to make what you see appear real.
Now in a book, you don’t have all of that offscreen help. If the reader isn’t in the mood, or the material isn’t quite their cup of tea, it’s easier for something to interfere with their suspension of disbelief. At that point they’re not on the ride. And they’re not happy. So, long story short, action-adventure stories require a sort of agreement between the reader and writer — an understanding. You suspend disbelief and I’ll bring you on one glorious ride. Now, I’ll do my best not to abuse your goodwill. I’ll do my research. I’ll try to make things as believable as possible. And in return for a little latitude, I promise to make the story exciting. But it needs to be a ride that you want to take in the first place. So, if you enjoy death defying stunts and fast furious fun, all aboard. If that’s not your thing, then maybe Michael Chase just isn’t for you.
Q: So one last question — where do you think the series is going from here?
Lars: I’m pretty excited about that. I have a really good idea of what’s happening next since I’m working on the third book right now. Basically things are going to get wound up. There are a lot of threads woven into the story that are going to be dealt with. Elements from book one and two will finally fall into place. Will new questions present themselves? Sure. But a lot of lingering questions will be answered as well. Character-wise, the big thing is that Michael really is going to begin to get comfortable in his own skin. Read the book. You’ll see what I mean.
February 28, 2014
Q&A with Lars Guignard: Lethal Circuit
Q: What’s Lethal Circuit about?
Lars: Backpackers, spies, and saving the world.
Q: Is that it?
Lars: Basically. I suppose the slightly longer answer is that it’s about a backpacker who gets caught up in a global conspiracy while searching for his missing father in China. The protagonist’s life quickly becomes muddled in the world of spies and satellites. So essentially it’s the world of backpacking meets James Bond.
Q: And by backpacking you mean what? Climbing mountains?
Lars: Well there’s some of that, but what I really mean is a college-age traveller, out touring around the world, journeying from country to country. A lot of people do round-the-world trips like that. I think it became popularized in the sixties. Now, wherever you go in the world, you can’t throw a stick without hitting a backpacker.
Q: So what’s the tone of the book?
Lars: I’d call it escapist. It’s a thrill ride. It’s exciting. But it was never meant to be a CIA training manual, or an entry into the World Fact Book. What it is, is good clean escapist fun. If that’s your thing, and you’re not inclined to overthink it, then you’ll enjoy yourself.
Q: How would you describe the pace of the book?
Lars: It’s fast. Hopefully not so fast that it doesn’t slow down long enough to let the readers catch their breath occasionally, but it’s certainly not filled with navel gazing either.
Q: What inspired Lethal Circuit?
Lars: The setting is easy. That came from my own time backpacking in China. In terms of the subject matter, however, the real inspiration is more convoluted. It came from this girl I knew in college. She was a language major and always at the top of her class. After college, she went from being this gregarious party animal to quiet and reclusive. The other thing was that suddenly she had a paycheck. While everyone else was struggling to get by financially, she had money. Rumors flew, some of them a little crazy. Had she become a call girl? A confidential informant? Nope, and I only leaned this later through an unusual series of events, but she’d joined the CIA. She couldn’t tell a soul outside of the Agency, but she was a Company girl now.
Q: Why involve MI6 in this story?
Lars: I wanted Kate, the woman Michael meets, to be familiar to Michael, but not too familiar. She needed to be just far enough outside of Michael’s comfort zone to be interesting. The United Kingdom is just across the Atlantic. Plus, let’s not forget that British women are hot.
Q: Readers have said that Lethal Circuit would make a great movie. Why do you think that is?
Lars: I would say that it’s probably because of the way I think. I attended the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. After that, I worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood. One of the things I learned at film school was how to write in sequences to move the story along. Sequences are basically those little mini-movies within the main movie that push along the story. I think in images. I’ve always been very visual when it comes to what I want to convey. So if the book reads a little like a movie, it probably has something to do with the way I was trained. Plus there are the cultural influences — the Bond movies, Mission Impossible, the Bourne movies, I love them all.
Q: Speaking of the Bond movies and Mission Impossible and the like, one criticism levied against the book is that isn’t entirely believable. How would you respond?
Lars: There are a lot of different kinds of readers out there. Some like escapist fiction. Some don’t. It’s a matter of finding a fit between the reader and the book. James Bond in any of its iterations isn’t exact believable. Neither is Mission Impossible, not even close. But a whole lot of people think they’re great action-adventure stories. And the operative word is story. Lethal Circuit is kind of like that. It’s an action-adventure story. Could every little thing in the story happen in the real world exactly as presented? Perhaps not. But if you accept that you’re reading an action-adventure story, acknowledge the genre, and just go with it, you are guaranteed to have a good time. It’s about leaning back and letting the adventure flow over you. If you like to do that, then you and the book are a good fit, if not, there are a lot of other kinds of fiction out there.
Q: You keep bringing up James Bond and Mission Impossible. Why is that? Don’t you want to be different?
Lars: Sure I do. But I don’t want to reinvent the wheel either. I’m just trying to provide points of reference. Bond is, I believe, the most popular movie franchise of all time, so why in the world would I not bring it up? If you like James Bond, Lethal Circuit should be right up your alley. The same with Jason Bourne, Mission Impossible, or any other action-adventure movie. Like I said before, if you’re willing to suspend disbelief, Michael Chase will bring you on one hell of a ride. But don’t take my word for it. Read the book. You’ll see what I’m talking about.
February 17, 2014
Goodreads Q&A
Join me and Sonja Field, the narrator of Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, at Goodreads for a Q&A on March 1, 2014. You can post your questions there from now until March 1, and we’ll do our bet to answer them!
Click on the button below to get to the Q&A group (Note: You need to be a member of Goodreads or join, it’s free!)
