Jessica Haight's Blog, page 129

The DMS Wants to Know!

Did you hear? Monday's Riddle was mixed up with Lizzy's review of the audio book for The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba. Thursday, we told you about our favorite person to listen to on Top of the Heap , and Friday, we were excited for the chance to hear from  Jimm Singer , the narrator for The Deliverers audio book . Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: Who is your favorite storyteller to listen to? 

We told you ours. Now, let's hear yours!





☞ There's still time to enter the book giveaway and win a copy of The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel. Stop by the post to listen to an excerpt of the book : ) Giveaway ends Sunday, April 7th. 

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Narrator Interview with Jimm Singer

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Jimm Singer , narrator of the audio book The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba. We are excited to find out just what it takes to narrate a book. So, without further ado... take it away, Jimm! 


What did you do to prepare creating the audio version of The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel?

Before I answer that, I’d like to say thank you to you and your readers as well as the loyal fans of The Deliverers and Gregory Slomba for the opportunity to talk about the audiobook! I’m so proud of this project and hope that everyone enjoys listening to the book as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing these beloved characters and story to life. 
So to prepare for recording, I first studied the characters and their backstories. Gregory provided me with a list of all the characters with insights on their personalities, history and physical characteristics. After that, I read the book and paid close attention to the language each character used and how they interacted with the other characters.
Then it was play time, I put on the characters imaginary hats and just listened for the sounds that came out. My 9 year old son really loved this part; finding the characters voice can be a really fun, and funny, process! 
How long did it take you to record The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel?
The book took a little over 3 months to record including all the editing. I had other projects going at the same time so when I did have time to work on the book, I devoted many hours at a time. There were some weeks when I didn’t have any free time during the week to devote to the audiobook and only had weekends available. I had several marathon weekends where all my time was devoted to recording. It was both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time…I loved it! Another contributing factor to the length of time had to do with editing; when I would get into character I would sometimes make up my own lines or misread the words…some were really funny…audio bloopers, if-you-will. 
Which character’s voice was the easiest to do? The hardest?
The easiest character to voice was probably Eric but I really love Stig, Sharky and Mr. Marrow...not that Sharky and Mr. Marrow are at all lovable…lol, but they were really easy and fun to voice. Mr. Marrow came quite easy to me and I noticed that the more I voiced Mr. Marrow, the more his voice evolved, quite a bit more than any of the other characters. Towards the end of the book, I really liked the evolution of Mr. Marrow so much, I went back and re-recorded his lines. He’s unlike any other character in the story and, I think, really interesting to hear. Bad guys are so much fun to play!   
I would say the hardest character to voice was probably Hallo and some of the other Dwarfs; sometimes the Scottish slang used was difficult for me to get out.  
What are some of your favorite books from childhood?
Hmmm, that’s a tough one; there are so many. I’m a child of the 60’s and the classics have always been near-and-dear to my heart. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was probably my favorite.  The Wizard of OZ was a close second followed by Dr. Doolittle . Like I said…I’m a sucker for the classics.   
How long have you been creating audio books and how did you become involved in narrating books?
I’ve been a voice talent for about 16 years now doing many different types of projects but this is actually my first full length audiobook! I’ve done e-books for children but they were very short and I wasn’t involved in the production process like I was in The Deliverers. 
A fellow voice talent and I were talking about audiobooks one day and he suggested that I look into ACX, a division of Amazon, to look for titles to record. I registered and submitted my demos and began looking for titles. A few months later I received an invitation from Gregory Slomba to submit an audition for The Deliverers. Gregory had listened to my demo tape that displayed many of my characters and he thought I would be a good match. The rest is, as-they-say, history.
Where do you narrate the books and record them?
I have a studio in my home where I do much of my recording. There are some projects that still require me to be in a recording studio, but that’s only necessary a fraction of the time these days. 
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
Either Aptos, California or Maui. I’ve been to Maui two times and fell in love with the water, weather and lifestyle. I lived in Aptos California, which is near Monterey and Carmel, for nearly 25 years and I will move back there eventually to retire because I still have a house there. The ocean replenishes my spirit. 
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
Yes that Gregory Slomba is writing a sequel to The Deliverers that I will be voicing as well. Gregory is an amazingly talented writer, and I can’t wait to be reunited with my old friends and meet new ones on this next journey! 
I would like also like to say that while I love audiobooks and think they are fantastic, I want to encourage grownups everywhere to read to children, any child…whether it’s your own children, your nieces and nephews, grandchildren or just volunteering to read at your local library! Children absolutely love it and it encourages them to read! 
Where can we purchase your audio books or other projects you have ☞ Amazon.com ☞ Audio Book ☞ Barnes and Noble ☞ Author website  
★ After you’ve listened to the book, please let everyone know your thoughts about the audiobook in the customer review area. Thank you!  

Listen to an excerpt of the audio book
Read our review of the book
Check out an interview with Gregory Slomba
Enter to win The Deliverers: Sharky and the JewelGiveaway ends Sunday, April 7th 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

We mixed up Monday's Riddle for April Fool's Day, and Lizzy chimed in to give you a clue for our theme this week with her review of the audio book The Deliverers: Sharky and Jewel by Gregory Slomba. Friday,  Jimm Singer , the narrator of this middle grade adventure will be stopping by to tell us about his experience being a storyteller, and Saturday, we can't wait to hear from you on The DMS Wants to Know . Today, we thought would be the perfect opportunity to tell you about our favorite person to listen to...
This week's top of the heap: Awesome audio book narrators!
Fairday & Lizzy: It doesn't get much better than Jim Dale reading Harry Potter. If you have not experienced this aspect of the Potter series, you are missing out! 
Jim Dale does an amazing job reading, keeping over 100 character voices consistent and colorful throughout the story. We have listened to each book too many times to count, and every time it's excellent!

So, if you've read the books, seen the movies, played the games, and still want more... listen to Harry Potter read by Jim Dale. It's a bonus HP experience that will bring you right into the magical world of Harry Potter again and again!
* Warning! Jim Dale does such an extraordinary job, you will become an extremely picky audio listener- lol! (We are! : ) 



Play the Guess the Character Game at Random House!
Listen to Jim Dale read an excerpt from Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! Listen Here!

Excellent guessing Riddlers! We welcomed in spring with a little mischief and mixed up the week for April Fool's Day. Lizzy took over the riddle with an interesting review of the audio book for The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.  Stop by the post for a chance to win a copy of this new adventure! Giveaway ends Sunday, April 7th. Thursday on Top of the Heap , we plan on telling you about someone else who we like to listen to, and Friday, Jimm Singer, the narrator of the The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel, will be stopping by to chat with us about his experience being a storyteller. Saturday, we love to hear your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . This week, it's all about listening to the world around you, and when you do, you'll be amazed by what you hear! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

Quiet your mind and settle down- there's plenty of talk going 'round. Do you hear what you see? Are you lost in what may be? Thinking, thinking; more and more- when you stop, it's less a chore. Words depend on their story- when you're silent they reveal their glory. Live not through the thoughts you muddle through, it's all in the _________ that you do.

Fill in the missing word. Can you guess the theme? Answer: Listening!




Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations  


Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Available in all e-book formats
Download for only .99¢ on Smashwords




The 2nd  Character Book Club : 
Friday, April 19th- Millie's Blog!
The DMS is excited to visit Millie's blog, and from what Nate told us at the last meeting, we are in for something really spectacular. There is still time to enter the Nate Rocks the School Fan Art Challenge! Stop by the post for more details and the chance to win a signed copy of Nate Rocks the School by Karen Pokras Toz . The winner will be announced at the next Character Book Club, so be sure to stop by! 

Don't miss out on the latest book buzz! Sign up for our monthly newsletter, and follow along with the DMS! 
☞ Sign up:  DMS Monthly News & Highlights



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Did you hear? Monday's Riddle is on Tuesday!

Hello Riddlers! We tricked you for April Fool's Day!  Lizzy's review of the audio book The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba was a fun part of  Marvelous Middle Grade Monday hosted by Books, Ramblings, and Plenty of Shenanigans. We kicked off the week with a clue, so here's the riddle! You can put away your thinking cap today. It's another type of brain cap that you will need for this puzzle. ; ) ~ F

Quiet your mind and settle down- there's plenty of talk going 'round. Do you hear what you see? Are you lost in what may be? Thinking, thinking; more and more- when you stop, it's less a chore. Words depend on their story- when you're silent they reveal their glory. Live not through the thoughts you muddle through, it's all in the _________ that you do.

Fill in the missing word. Can you guess the theme?

I gave you a clue!
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

For Your Listening Pleasure!

Are you ready for Fairday’s Riddle this week? April Fool’s! Just to mix things up on this mischievous day, we are sharing  Lizzy's Book Review of a great middle grade read. Stop back tomorrow for Fairday’s Riddle. Just think- you will already have a clue to the theme for the week! 



We are so thrilled to be taking part in Marvelous Middle- Grade Madness  this week. It is a meme hosted by Shannon Messenger . Every week blogs that review MG books get together and share their links. What a wonderful way to learn about MG books. Check out the other blogs that are participating in MMGM this week ! Listening to a favorite book gives you a chance to linger over the story and think more deeply about your connections and reactions. When I first read The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba I thought it was an excellent fantasy adventure. I felt that I knew the characters and I heard their voices in my head. I enjoyed the book so much I even wrote a review of it for the blog a while back. We were over the top happy to interview Greg Slomba and find out more about where he gets his ideas from.

When I found out there was an audio version of The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel I was excited because I love to listen to books while I relax on my bed or clean my room. Jimm Singer is the narrator of the audio book and he helps the characters come alive. I wasn’t sure if his voices would match the ones I already had in my head and I have to say he did a fabulous job. I enjoyed the voices and the story! As I listened I could distinguish between Stig, the owl (awesome English accent), Eric, Kate, and of course, Sharky. There are many characters and he did each one justice. Jimm Singer did a wonderful job with his pacing and kept the story moving. I never felt that the audio was too fast or too slow, it was just right. Listening to the story I had the chance to pay extra attention to the relationships that were developing throughout the book and I picked up on a few details I missed when I read it the first time. 

I think audio books are a fun way to enjoy a story. I definitely recommend the audio version of The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba to anyone in third grade and up. The best part is that for younger readers, they can follow along with the book and learn how to read dialogue that can be a little tricky (pirates, dwarves, etc.). For anyone who is a reluctant reader, try this audio book and see if you change your mind. For those of you who haven’t listened to an audio book before, what are you waiting for? Check out the audio book sample and let the story wash over you.

The author has generously offered to giveaway a paperback copyof his book. Enter below for a chance to win The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba !  Be sure to stop back on Friday for our interview with the narrator, Jimm Singer !a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was a rhyme in a bottle, and Lizzy's review of Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage carried us adrift on a wave of mystery. We had fun reading a very old letter with you on Top of the Heap , and Friday, it was great to share a few secrets with Natalie Standiford , author of the intriguing, new middle grade book The Secret Tree . The Fairy Tale Book Giveaway Hop has cast its spell over Fairday's Blog! Stop by the post, and let the enchantment take you to the other side of the rainbow ; ) Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: 
If you found a message in a bottle, what would you want it to say? 

We'll tell you ours, if you tell us yours!


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Natalie Standiford

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Natalie Standiford , author of the middle grade novel The Secret Tree. Lizzy recently reviewed this intriguing story, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind the story. So, without further ado... take it away, Natalie! 

What inspired you to write The Secret Tree?
I wanted to write about the neighborhood where I grew up, in Catonsville, Maryland. It was full of eccentric characters, and I wanted to show that the suburbs are not as bland as some people think. Then I saw the Wong Kar-wai film IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, which is very much an adult movie but had a scene that made an impression on me. A soldier is returning from fighting in Vietnam, where he has seen terrible things in the war. On his way home he stops at the famous ruins in Angkor Wat, Cambodia. He finds a hole in a wall and whispers all his secrets into it. Then he plugs the hole with mud and straw, hoping the secrets will never escape. I loved that idea. When it was time to think about what kind of secrets my characters should have, I was inspired by POSTSECRET, an art project by Frank Warren, where he asked people to write a secret on a postcard and mail it to him anonymously.
How long did it take you to write The Secret Tree?
I mulled the idea over and made notes on it for a year before I started writing. The first draft took about six months to write, and revisions took maybe four months. So all together, about two years.

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I loved E.B. White. STUART LITTLE was my favorite of his books, but of course I loved CHARLOTTE'S WEB too. I adored Beverly Cleary and HARRIET THE SPY , and LITTLE BEAR by Else Holmelund Minarik. There was a book called WHAT DO YOU SAY, DEAR? by Sesyle Joslin (and illustrated, like LITTLE BEAR, by Maurice Sendak ) that I read over and over. It was a book of manners, but I thought it was hilarious. And GO DOG, GO! by P.D. Eastman .
Where did you come up with the characters Minty and Raymond?
Minty is kind of based on me, I suppose. Raymond was inspired by a strange boy I used to see on my school bus when I was in first and second grades. I didn't know him but I felt a distant affection for him for some reason. He seemed to have a good heart.

If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
It's funny but I've never thought of asking myself this question before. I've been so intensely involved with my characters that it feels as if they're already friends. But if I had to choose one to be friends with in real life, I guess I'd choose Minty. She's fun and sensible and loyal and good-hearted. Though Lennie Calderon and Jane from CONFESSIONS OF THE SULLIVAN SISTERS would be fun to hang out with, because they're so evil-minded. And I have a soft spot for Beatrice from HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT .
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I write in a tiny office in my apartment. I can't listen to music while I'm writing, especially music with lyrics, because I need to hear the words in my head as I write. That's one reason I can't write in cafes (the other is I get distracted by eavesdropping and people-watching). But I wish I could write to music—it would make the work more fun.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I live in New York because I'm happiest here. I've wanted to live here since I was thirteen. I'd like to try living in France or Italy or California for a while but I'd always come back to New York. There's a great sense of possibility here, as if anything could happen. Plus, most of my friends live here.

The roller derby came up throughout The Secret Tree. Have you ever been in a roller derby or is there a team you cheer for?
I've never been in roller derby—I'm a terrible skater. I've only seen it in movies. But I love the tough girl-ness of it and I especially love the skaters' clever names.

Where can we purchase your books?
Anywhere! If your favorite local book shop doesn’t have what you're looking for they can order it for you. 
Amazon  ☞ Barnes and Noble 

Connect with this author:
Author Website ☞  Facebook  ☞  Twitter

Read the reviews! FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle washed out the theme this week, and Lizzy's review of Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage carried us away on a tide of mystery. The Fairy Tale Book Giveaway Hop is enchanting Fairday's Blog this month! Stop by for a spell and you may find yourself on the other side of a rainbow ; ) Friday, we will be catching a wave with Natalie Standiford and chatting about her intriguing new middle grade book The Secret Tree . Saturday, we always love to find out what you're thinking on The DMS Wants to Know ! Today, we are shouting out across the water to tell you about the oldest known message in a bottle...message received, finally! ~ F & L 
This week's top of the heap: The oldest known message in a bottle.

World's Oldest Message in a Bottle Found Off Scotland!



A Scottish fisherman has set a Guinness World Record by recovering the oldest-known message in a bottle, besting the previous record by more than five years. Sailing the vessel "Copious," skipper Andrew Leaper, 43, discovered the bottle floating east of the Shetland Islands off the northern coast of Scotland. It was set adrift more than 98 years ago in June 1914 by Capt. CH Brown of the Glasgow School of Navigation, the BBC reported. Guinness World Records has confirmed that the bottle is, in fact, the oldest ever recovered... read more.
Have you ever found a message in a bottle? What did it say? 

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Is Mo Three Times Lucky?

Miss Mosese LoBeau, better known as Mo, was found during a hurricane by the Colonel. Of course, she was only a baby drifting in a raging river then. She was lucky to be taken in by Miss Lana and the Colonel, but for as long as she can remember she has been trying to find her “Upstream Mother”. No one has any idea how a baby ended up in Tupelo Landing, NC. The details are especially fuzzy for the Colonel who suffers from amnesia. So, Mo’s life has already had its share of intrigue. Whenever one of the residents from her cozy town is traveling, Mo sends a message in a bottle for her Upstream Mother. She is hoping that one day she will get a bottle back or hear from her mom. When a member of Tupelo Landing, Mr. Jesse, is murdered and Detective Starr shows up in town things begin to change. Now Mo is starting to have doubts about the man she has loved all of her life. Why did the Colonel tell Starr a lie? Mo and her best friend, Dale, start a detective agency to find out who killed Mr. Jesse and why. They are hot on the trail of the murder weapon and the killer, and with help from friends here and there they are able to piece together quite a bit of the investigation. Who is behind Mr. Jesse’s death? Will Mo find out who her Upstream Mother is? Is it possible for Dale and Mo to crack the case and is it safe for them to get involved? Wait until you uncover the truth!

I recommend this book to kids ages 10 and up. If you like trying to figure out mysteries than this is a story you will certainly enjoy. I think Mo is a girl with a lot of spirit and voice. I found her town fascinating because everyone cares so much about each other and is involved in each other’s lives. So different from where I live! I like that Mo stands up for herself when her arch enemy tries to put her down. She is also a very creative problem solver and thinks on her feet. I think the idea of sending a message in a bottle is so exciting and I loved reading Mo’s letters. Both Dale and Mo seem like kids I would be friends with because they formed their own detective agency (awesome) and are trying to solve crimes. They are also nice and look out for others. Their strong friendship is inspiring. This is a quirky book with stand out characters that you will hear long after you turn the last page. There is a little violence in the book, but it seemed to be included in a way that wasn’t shocking or worrisome. If anything it made the book seem more realistic. I enjoyed the mystery in this book and was proud of myself for solving part of the mystery before it was revealed! If you are looking for a character who is spunky and different, then curl up with Mo and see if you can solve the case along with her!
Has anyone else read Three Times Lucky? Or another book by Sheila Turnage? We would love to hear your thoughts! 
Happy reading!
~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED