The Writing Process

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

So today I would like to introduce the narrator behind the voice of my character, Anita. By now we are beginning to lay out our plan for the dual-narration of Apart From Love. In this process we join our imagination and our creative forces, which is quite different from writing a novel, which takes place entirely in the author's mind.

To find her I listened to numerous auditions of talented narrators and actors. But when I heard her voice, I knew instantly that I need not look any further. What set Heather Jane Hogan apart was not only her sultry voice, not only Anita's Southern twang, and not only the heartfelt interpretation of the text, but most of all, this: she did not play Anita--she WAS Anita.

So in designing the cover for the audiobook, I have already added her name in the bottom left corner of the image. Graphically, there is the 'busy factor' consideration: taken together, the book title, author name and the names of the narrators add up to a lot of text, but I wanted to avoid cluttering the image.

This is why I chose the color of the font to be very similar to the cool turquoise background behind it--just a little bit brighter, so as to separate from it in a subtle way. You will also notice that the shadow cast down from the letters is soft and fuzzy, no hard edges, which helps separate the letters from the background over which they are floating.



Here are a few quotes of what Heather says about herself:

"I work as a Voiceover. In case you’re not sure what that is, Webster’s definition of a voiceover is, “the voice of an offscreen narrator, announcer, or the like.” For me, it was an easy transition from stage and film acting to voice. I love telling a good story, so voiceover has been a great fit for me."

"In 1999, I went skydiving. I’ll never forget it. It wasn’t what I expected. I thought it would be exhilarating; that I would land and shout something like, “WOO HOO!!”… but… at least for me, it was more of an overwhelming experience. Afterwards, I just wanted to sit and contemplate my belly button."

"In 2003 and 2004 I won the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), hosted by http://www.nanowrimo.org. They host a challenge every year during the month of November for you to write a novel. It doesn’t have to be good, no one reads it for proof (the contest is honor-based) – but you have to write 50,000 words in one month (the definition of a novel). It’s a great and challenging exercise, even if you’re not a writer."

"I sing in the car. Loudly. I’m that woman you see on the highway, belting out tunes as if she were on stage somewhere and blissfully unconcerned that other people on the highway can see me."
"I love roller coasters. The more twisty-turny-upside-down-back-and-forth-hair-raising, the better."

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Cameron Datzker, a veteran of sports talk radio for over 20 years, asked me to come on his show, Sports and Life on LA Talk Radio, for the third time! My segment starts after 15 first minutes. I had a special surprise--the original voice audition for Anita's role, for the audiobook production of my novel, Apart From Love

http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/02/ra...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Drum roll please...:
Here is my announcement of the day:
A second one of my books is going into audio production! Here is a detail of the cover:



And here is the title:

http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/02/dr...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Thank you Angela! You can even hear the title, with thematic background music, in this link...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Today I would like to introduce the narrator behind the voice of my character, Ben. I first heard his voice narrating a wonderful book titled The Man and His God, which I had read and reviewed on Amazon. Listening to his voice, you feel like cuddling in bed with the book, or perhaps with the character he plays. Which is why I thought that his name was misspelled: David Kudler. So I was pleasantly surprised when he approached me and offered his audition for Apart From Love.



And then, when I heard his voice, I knew I found the right voice. David is lyrical, intelligent, literate, and a real voice actor, capable of multiple accents and ages for the characters. So in my novel, he will become not only Ben (at the age of twenty-seven and at the age of twelve) but also his father Lenny, the bumbling lawyer, Mr. Bliss, and aunt Hadassa as well!

David has been a voice and stage actor (AEA, SAG-AFTRA), a writer, and a book editor for over twenty years. Since 1999, he has been in charge of publications for the Joseph Campbell Foundation. Based on this experience, he added the titles of ebook designer and audio producer to his shingle. As a narrator, he has a warm, versatile voice, and a great ear for character and dialect. He loves bringing multiple characters to life at the same time. Here is what he says about himself:

"Though I'd done plenty of voice-over work, it wasn't until I was creating an ebook of my own children's story The Seven Gods of Luck and was producing a read-aloud track that it occurred to me: I've got all of the skills and facilities to create professional, high-quality audiobooks."

So in designing the cover for the audiobook, I have already added his name in the bottom right corner of the image. I chose the color of the font to be very similar to the hot red fabric in the background behind it--just a little bit brighter, so as to separate from it in a subtle way.

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

When you create a piece of art, and especially when the process takes several months, an intimate relationship develops between you and the clay. So much so that the piece starts having a voice. This is what happened with this piece, my bronze sculpture (half life-size) called From Dust. The poem I wrote--which can be read as a duet between the two characters--comes directly from their lips.



Here is the first verse. He said:

From dust you gather me
I beg you on my knee
Look away—imagine me,
The way I used to be
Now shadows spread upon me
Stain by stain
I shiver. Touch me, heal me
Make me whole again

(to read the entire poem, click http://uviart.com/fcanwe.html )

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Ah! I'll do better than that--here is a short story I wrote from the point of view of the female in this sculpture. Since it is such a strange story, I am fairly sure you might like it:

http://www.uviart.com/fwoman.html

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Angela wrote: "Like it? Are you serious? This, Uvi, is just amazing. wow! too many things to quote here, this is outstanding."

So glad, Angela, that you enjoyed it. Many people don't get it, but this truly reflects the relationship between me and the characters in clay, and also how hard it is to leave them out there in the foundry... The end, in particular, is symbolic of death and rebirth (in an odd way, this connects to the animation of Now I Am Paper, which is also a story of death and rebirth.)

[[deleted user]]

I think the writing process as something very personal and unexpected. For example the feelings to write the poem I posted here "were born" in a night with my friends....

Regards

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Rui wrote: "I think the writing process as something very personal and unexpected. For example the feelings to write the poem I posted here "were born" in a night with my friends....

Regards"

Thank you Rui! Indeed, poetry is very personal and unexpected, which makes for a fresh expression. You are welcome to express yourself here anytime, and post brief poems of your own.

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Apart From Love is now in production to become an audiobook. So, in the design of the cover image for it, I start with an attractive underlying image (in this case, my oil painting called Untangled.) Then, for the text: I select the color black, and type the title. Before I commit it to the paper, I make it 'fuzzy'--by applying a 'blur' function. This way I get a 'soft' shadow. Then I select a gold color, type the title, and position it above the shadow I have created. This time I do not blur it, so the edges of each glyph are sharply defined. Then I repeat the process with the author name.

There is a relationship between the title and the author name. The title is more pronounced, both because of its larger font size, and because its color is a brighter gold against the background color. It glitters... In addition, the gap between the title and its shadow is larger than the author name and its shadow, as if it floats closer to us. You can almost brush your finger behind the title, in that gap.

[[deleted user]]

Nice :)

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Rui wrote: "Nice :)"

Thank you, Rui!

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

"I could feel Lenny—whose name I didn’t know yet—like, staring at me. It made me hot all over. For a minute there, I could swear he was gonna to ask me how old I was—but he didn’t."

To listen to the voice of Anita (from the audition for Apart From Love) click:
http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/02/it...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

With 46 reviews for Apart From Love, 12 reviews for A Favorite Son, and 11 reviews for Home, mostly all of which are ★★★★★, the question is not how many, but what is it that they describe. I think they describe this: ♥♥♥♥♥... So I invite you to go to the Amazon page of each book and read the beautiful, eloquent customer reviews...

http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/03/al...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Don’t miss out! Download your copy of Apart From Love--FREE only today!
★★★★★ review says: "As I read Apart from Love, I was drawn into a masterfully created piece of artwork. This is no ordinary novel..."
http://tinyurl.com/apartfromlove-e

[A.R.]

Since I'm new to this group, I haven't had a chance to read all the comments as of yet, but here I am sharing one of my experiences:
The first book I finished about ten years ago (working title 'Rendezvous Hill,' needs some work before I even consider publishing.) The process was one I never expected, yet thoroughly enjoyed.
The idea began when a friend suggested writing a story about some Rendezvous, fighting some bikers and asked if I wanted to write a story with the bases of his idea in mind.
When I started the story, I had not planned a beginning, a middle, nor an ending for the book. When I started the first line of the book, "A glimmer of light penetrated his squinting green eyes, as a feeling of euphoria accompanied by a sharp, throbbing headache filled his head," all I knew was that the character was awaken without a knowledge of his whereabouts. From there, strangely yet amazingly the characters took over and told the story for me. It was journey that I was experiencing as if I was not the author of it, but just an active reader in an interactive book.
I must admit it was an amazing feeling that I wish every author gets to experience. Of course due to the lack of planning, the story took some crazy turns and became nothing of the original simple idea. And it became a bit (actually a lot) convoluted, hence some major editing, fixing of holes and character developments needed before I consider publishing this work.
Later I will share my experience of working with a co-author on our published work 'Rise of the Destroyer,' if anyone is interested.

[A.R.]

Uvi wrote: "Double, double misfortune, trouble
Burning coal and blackening rubble
Let the blood in my caldron come to a boil
Let me feed the flames; oh, such a toil!
Don't you dare fear me, come over here
Eve..."

Hi Uvi, I downloaded your book and added it to my list to be read.

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Great, A.R., to hear about being 'in the zone'--I find that like you, I take dictation from the characters. It is a much more natural, flowing way to create, when your mind becomes a vessel for them...

And by all means, please share the experience of writing with a co-author!

It's awesome that you got my book! Would love to hear what you thing once you finish reading (no rush, no pressure...)

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Hi everyone! So until Monday March 18 I will be engaging in conversation with readers on Goodreads, here:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

I invite you here to join in with questions, and on Monday night, March the 18th I will announce two winners (chosen out of a hat) from those of you who come in and engage me with more great questions! The prize? Your choice of a complementary ebook edition any one of my three books, in .mobi, .epub or .pdf format.

☻♥ ☻ (●̮̮̃•̃)●̮̮̮̮̃̃•̃̃) ♥☻ ◠‿◠)
/♥\./♥\ /█\ /█\ /♥\
✰¸.•*¨`*•.. .||. .||. ||_ ||_.||. ¸.•*¨`*•..

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Angela wrote: "Uvi! How do you make those little shapes? Lol. Well, since I run my mouth on here frequently, and have all 3 of your books........Since you've already signed Apart From Love, maybe I could get you ..."

With pleasure, Angela!
The little shapes? They are several lines of characters... I just copy interesting characters and from time to time compose them into groups...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Hey Angela--it is in the book (one of the first pages)! I will also message it to you.

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

:)

[Eleonore]

Uvi wrote: "This thread is about the writing process. Your writing process. It does not matter what genre, please share reflections about how you put pen to paper; how you express yourself. Feel free to post a..."

I have just posted a short story on my Goodreads profile page under writings. It is a short story I wrote sometime ago but I'd thought I'd share it here on Goodreads. It's a twist on an old tale. It's a tragic love story but as usual has a happy ending albeit sad. Please read it and tell me what you think of it. Thank you.

[Eleonore]

Uvi wrote: ":)"

Uvi, hi, are you there?

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Hi Eleonore, I am visiting family out of town, will read it! Thank you for sharing the story, just came back from reading it! I think there is a lot of meaning hidden under the innocent disguise of your interpretation of the old fairytale... "Jill found Jack and fell in love but was not allowed to live again to be with him"==reminds me a bit of Greek mythology where the poet was allowed to descend to the underworlds to rescue his girl, but then had to leave her there...

Lovely story Eleonore!

[Eleonore]

Uvi wrote: "Hi Eleonore, I am visiting family out of town, will read it! Thank you for sharing the story, just came back from reading it! I think there is a lot of meaning hidden under the innocent disguise o..."

Thank you, glad you liked it.

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Eleonore wrote: "Thank you, glad you liked it."

Sure did... And in a way, that's what fables are for: to allow us to talk about hidden meanings in a safe way... I do something of the sort with A Favorite Son.

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Ah! Suh a sensual quote... But it is from my next novel, David, as he is looking at Bathsheba...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

"I imagine my father standing right here, in my place at the foot of the bed. I step back and in my mind, picture him taking a step forward, lifting the edge of the blanket, which is still settling over her.
His hands go in, searching playfully for her feet, touching the creamy skin, fondling her toes, rolling each one of them ever so slightly between his fingers; which makes her arch her back, stretch out her arms, and twist her body around until she is turned over, on her back. She points her toes towards him with a cry of pleasure.
Anita utters a groan as he applies gentle pressure to the soles of her feet, caresses the arches, the heels, the ankles. Her knees spread open and fall apart, until she takes control of herself and brings them together—only to have them spread open again.
I close my eyes because this way, I can see with greater clarity. The entire blanket is coming alive, folding and unfolding, stirring with their passionate tangle. From time to time the ripples rise to mark the line of his back, or the curve of her embrace."

Ben in Apart From Love

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Get the print edition of this highly acclaimed book, Apart From Love (46 reviews, ★★★★★) just in time for Easter! Audiobook coming soon...

Here is a timely excerpt, especially for Passover, a flashback to Passovers past:

"If I were to focus strictly on my parents, ignore the entire background of this place, and let the clutter and the smell of it just fall away, this could take me back to a different time, a time in my childhood, when our kitchen table was set for the Passover meal. What comes back to me first is the tinkle, as my father finished blessing the wine, and clinked his glass against hers, against mine.
I remember: the table was draped, all the way down to the floor, with mom’s best, rarely used tablecloth, made of the smoothest ivory satin you ever touched. Dad sat at the head of the table, mom to his right, I opposite her.
All day long she had been cooking, which infused the air with a wonderful aroma. In it you could detect a sharp whiff of horseradish and of gefilte fish and sweet brisket and red cabbage and roasted potatoes, all of which made my stomach growl. It went on growling until he finished reading the long, archaic text in the Hagadda, which meant little to me, except a vague notion of the utter futility of patience.
I remember: my mother ladled the clear, golden chicken soup and set it here, steaming before my eyes, with three matzo balls floating inside, which was her way of giving. “It’s hot,” she said. “Make sure to blow on it first.” Yes, the smell of her cooking was good, but then, the taste! Just wait till you took the first bite—"

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

No prob!

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

"And as soon as I hear me say, Don’t be stupid, I remember being six years old. I remember having the same sense of panic, and trying to calm myself in the exact same way, when mom went to the hospital, saying, “Be a good boy for daddy, and how would you like me to bring you something, a little surprise?” I remember then, that she came back empty-handed. I was careful—very careful—not to ask her where my surprise was, because I could tell that she had no answers. Mom laid in bed many days, with eyes red and swollen with tears. And later—when she finally got up, and by accident she saw the baby carriage, my old, crooked baby carriage which dad had fixed up and cleaned and polished, and from which he had removed all the rusty spots—then a shudder passed through her. And she turned away and went back to her bedroom. It was there, through the keyhole that I saw her, folded up on the bed, as if there was a great pain in her."

Ben in Apart From Love

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

"After a while I whispered, like, 'Just say something to me. Anything.' And I thought, Any other word apart from love, ‘cause that word is diluted, and no one knows what it really means, anyway. Then he kissed me—even without the ice cream—and said my name, like, he tasted it in his mouth, and rolled it on his tongue, which made me awful happy. And we started our dance again..."

Anita in Apart From Love

To hear these words breathed out in her voice, click here: http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/03/an...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

What is the working title of your story?
The title of my story is A Favorite Son. Sounds familiar? Maybe because its Kindle edition has been published a couple of months ago. To my surprise, the story was received with great acclaim. So now there are two great developments which I would like to share with you: first, the story just about to come out as a paperback book! And the second--even better!--it is just about to come out as an audiobook!

Where did the idea come from for the story?
I have long been fascinated with the story of Jacob and Esav, which to me, captures several layers of emotions which we all go through in our families: a rivalry between brothers, the way a mother’s love, unevenly divided, can spur them to action, to crime, even; and how in time, even in the absence of regret, a punishment eventually ripens.

What genre does your story fall under?
The best definition I can offer for a genre is this: it is a new-age-biblical-twist genre, set in the twenty-first century, in a primitive camp of tents at the frontier of the desert in Canaan, in what seems, at first, to be an innocent fable.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I am going to change the question... Why, you ask? Because when your book is picked up for a major movie deal, this success--incredible as it may be--usually comes with a caveat: your work will be used by the screen writers merely as a suggestion, so it remains to be seen how much of the original text is retained in the final cut... However, when your book is picked up for narration, every sentence, every turn-of-a-phrase, every breath and pause in the original text is not only retained, but comes to life in the voice of the narrator.

So let me rephrase the question as follows: which actors would you choose to play your characters in a narrated rendition? Ah! What a great question! I would choose an actor with a great literary skill, one that can interpret the layers of meanings in my story, and one that has versatile voices in him. In short: David Kudler, and I had my heart set on him the moment I heard his audition.

David has been a voice and stage actor, a writer, and a book editor for over twenty years. Since 1999, he has been in charge of publications for the Joseph Campbell Foundation. As you can see, he is a man for all seasons... As a narrator, he has a warm, versatile voice, and a great ear for character and dialect. For A Favorite Son, he plays Yankle, Esav (Yankle’s brother), Isaac (Yankle’s father), Becky (Yankle’s mother) and Eliezer (Becky’s butler.) For each one of these characters, there is a distinct voice!

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your story?
This is a present-day twist on the biblical story of Jacob and his mother Rebecca plotting together against the elderly father Isaac, who is lying on his deathbed, in order to get their hands on the inheritance, and on the power in the family.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My book--in its paperback and ebook editions--will be self-published. I enjoy every aspect of the publishing process: the cover design most of all, as well as the interior design. Once my book is written and edited, I have an quick turnaround time to having it published--usually within a week. The audiobook edition, obviously, takes longer, because it involves a creative exchange of ideas between the narrator and me.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Start to finish, this book took me six weeks. But it had been brewing in me for several years before that. Being an artist, I expressed it through sculpture. So here you can see Yankle and his mother Becky, plotting to cheat the father, and unable to look each other in the eye as they are doing so.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
The Red Tent.

Who or What inspired you to write this story?
When I read the biblial story, the characters presented themselves before me. But beware: when reading my story, do not seek clear distinction between heroes and villains: no one is wholly sacred, because--like Yankle, the main character here--we are all made of lights and shadows, and most of all, doubt.

What else about your story might pique the reader’s interest?
Perhaps, an excerpt? Here is Yankle’s description of the last moments he has with Becky, his mother, which they spend plotting how to deceive Isaac, his father.

“By and by, a perfect calm comes upon me. I have no thought in my head, no clue that this is to be the last sunrise, the last morning that I spend with my mother; no premonition that our time together is running out, and that I should kiss her, and hug her, and bid her farewell.
Yet for some reason, glancing around me, I commit to memory every aspect of this scene, every detail: The vivid pattern of the rug, spread across the dirt floor. The embroidered silk pillows, leaning against the woven headrest. The little blemish, barely visible in the corner of the blanket. The silver thread coming apart, at one point, at the bottom of the canvas. The jug of water, half hidden behind the curved leg of the bed...
This hour is so intimate; so sweet, and it is fast coming to its bitter conclusion.
And the only thing that disturbs me, the only thing that stands here between us, is not being able to look each other in the eyes, during the last moments that remain to us.”

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

"I imagine my father standing right here, in my place at the foot of the bed. I step back and in my mind, picture him taking a step forward, lifting the edge of the blanket, which is still settling over her.
His hands go in, searching playfully for her feet, touching the creamy skin, fondling her toes, rolling each one of them ever so slightly between his fingers; which makes her arch her back, stretch out her arms, and twist her body around until she is turned over, on her back. She points her toes towards him with a cry of pleasure.
Anita utters a groan as he applies gentle pressure to the soles of her feet, caresses the arches, the heels, the ankles. Her knees spread open and fall apart, until she takes control of herself and brings them together—only to have them spread open again.
I close my eyes because this way, I can see with greater clarity. The entire blanket is coming alive, folding and unfolding, stirring with their passionate tangle. From time to time the ripples rise to mark the line of his back, or the curve of her embrace."

Ben in Apart From Love

Get the print edition of this highly-praised novel, in time for Easter!
46 Amazon reviews, ★★★★★
http://www.amazon.com/Apart-Love-Uvi-...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

“Are you jealous?” I tease him. “I can’t believe it!”
To which he roars, “You do nothing, you! You cook, you hide. Coward! Aha, coward you!”
He takes one step forward; I take two back. The arrows slung over his shoulder clink against each other. It is a steely, menacing sound. With one blow of his hand, he smacks down the canvas; and, on the double, the entire tent is flattened into a lopsided mess, collapsing upon itself; its pegs flying clear out, bouncing over and over, over the soft sand.
He gets in my face; we are standing nose to nose. The moment I have dreaded all my life is suddenly upon me, and there is no way to withdraw. I have to face him, which forces me to examine him closely...

This excerpt, in Yankle's voice, captures the beginning of a dialog between him and his twin brother Esav, who is coming back from a day of hunt utterly famished, and tested to the limit of his wits by the smell of the lentil stew. Here is this snippet in audio:

To listen to this audio excerpt, click the link
http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/03/ar...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Angela wrote: "I didn't realize that David Kudler did all of those voices for A Favorite Son! How talented he must be! Can't wait to hear it!"

He is a man of a thousand voices... His wife must be very confused every time she calls him...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Wow! Just got this email about my audiobook coming out:

"Congratulations, A Favorite Son is now on sale at audible.com. And we plan to make it available on iTunes and Amazon.com within the next few days."

A Favorite Son

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Now that the first of my books is out as an audiobook--doing the happy dance!--I'm wondering if anyone here is a member of audible.com?

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

In addition to the Writing Contest in my launch event I am announcing a new fun activity. If you have partied in my previous events, you have seen such activities: The Quilt of Memories, Our Family Tree, And Figures on the Battlefield.

So what will it be this time, you ask? Well, because now we are talking a lot about sound and voice, here is the new activity:

http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/04/jo...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Rob Wilson, the author ofFear Is My Friend,makes you realize the fact the the second you accept that one thing in life and learn from it, you heal. He is also the host ofCowboy Wisdom NLI Radio, and I am truly honored that he invited me on the show tonight.

Listen to my interview, which ends on a high note--playing the music from my new audiobook, A Favorite Son:

http://uviart.blogspot.com/2013/04/li...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

As part of the launch event for my new audiobook edition of A Favorite Son, a poll has been posted!
Cast your vote for your favorite entry in the Writing Contest.
And by all means, share this link so your friends and followers get to read the entries and vote, too!
http://uviart.blogspot.com/p/contest_...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

The Launch event The Voice Is Jacob's Voice will come to its height Friday, April 9th between 9:00 am to noon PST. Come check it out--you won't want to miss this!

https://www.facebook.com/events/31888...

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Celebrate Love with me! My highly-acclaimed ★★★★★ novel ♥ Apart From Love ♥ is coming out in an amazing audiobook edition. Take part in a new Writing Contest. Expect fun, action, and above all--the unexpected!

To join, go here: ♥ Love ♥

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

Ode to the Great Kudler

Springing out of my mind, out of this cage
His words but a whisper, right here on this page
Jacob trembles in shame--not because of his sin
But because he wears nothing but a sleeve of goatskin

Lonely and naked, how can he rejoice
Wishing to be wrapped by the warmth of voice
While back in the camp, Eliezer the butler
Croaks out of the throat of the Great Kuddler

Oh please, trust me now, this is no spelling mistake
For his voice can cuddle--but it can also shake
Yes, Kuddler lets you hear the subtle clipclop
Of a camel approaching, Becky perched at the top

And so at long last, by hook and by crook
Jacob speaks loud and clear in this audiobook



The gifted narrator of my audiobook, David Kudler is an author, editor and performer. Since 1999, he has overseen the publications program of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, where he has served as the managing editor of the Collected Works of Joseph Campbell series. He lives in Mill Valley, California (the next town north from Sausalito) with his wife, teacher and author Maura Vaughn, their two author-to-be daughters, and their non-literary cat.

New! Print edition of A Favorite Son

New! audiobook of A Favorite Son

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

If you are new to my launch events, you may assume the happening is limited to the event date. If so, you are quite mistaken! I roll out the action over the weeks leading up to that date, much like an old-fashioned wedding celebration with wine and delectable treats served every night up to the ceremony!

Don't miss out! Join ♥ Love ♥ and here are a few hints of what to expect:

♥ In the week starting April 21, I will announce a Writing Contest centered on a topic related to my book, Apart From Love,. It will be open to all members of the event.
♥ In the week starting April 28, I will come up with a Composition Project open to all members of the event. You may ask, What is that? A Composition project? It is something for which we all contribute images and collaborate, to create something with shared experiences, around the central subject of the event. For example, during the launch of my poetry book, Home, we created this Quilt of Memories together.
♥ I will let you take a peek behind-the-scenes at the production of the audiobook, share voice clips, do a cover reveal, offer surprises, and more! So please, invite your friends to join too, and stay tuned--it's going to be exciting!







The Quilt of Memories

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

I awoke to the new rave only three months ago, and then wondered why I had ignored it for such a long time. Audiobooks! The new way to read books--which is also the oldest way: to listen to a story.

But while our ancestors gathered around the fire and listened in fascination to the shaman, we do it in a variety of different ways nowadays. Some of us use it as a cure for the boring commute. Spending 7-10 hours a week on the road, which is fairly routine for many of us, can easily be transformed to an entertaining time: a time when a gifted voice actor is conjured out of thin air--or rather, out of your smart phone or your iPod. And now, that voice breathes life into enchanting characters, who come to keep you company while you are driving!

The same can be said about listening while exercising on fitness machines, or walking. Time flies by as you are transported, magically, to a different place and time. And this does not have to be a solitary practice. Unlike reading a book, you can listen together with your loved one, in bed or at the breakfast table, and laugh and cry together. You get to experience a great performance, just like in the theatre, in the intimacy of your own home.

Audible (an Amazon-related company specializing in audiobooks) now offers something called WhisperSync tehnology, which lets you switch seamlessly between reading an ebook and listening to its audiobook. You can learn more about it here. Also, Audible offers this to you: Get A Free Trial of Audible – Free AudioBook Download – To get your free audiobook sign up for the free trial. If Audible isn’t for you feel free to cancel within 14 days and the audiobook is yours to keep. They will gladly help you--24 hours a day, 7 days a week--to download the audiobook to your preferred device. Here is their help line: 1-888-283-5051 (US & Canada) or 1-973-820-0400 (international.)

The audiobook of A Favorite Son is already here, take a listen to a voice clip:



And the audiobook of Apart From Love is in the works!
It will be out just in time to be your Mother's Day gift!
So please, stay tuned.

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

So, here is the cover for the audio edition of Apart From Love!

My purpose is to display the title, author, and narrator names in a way that complements the underlying image. So I had to adjust the brightness of the text, so that the name "Heather Jane Hogan" stands out, blue on blue, by the same degree as "David Kudler" stands out, red on red. It is all a question of balance...

I chose the Golden color of the title so it stands out the most over the image. Under it, the author name is displayed in a peachy flesh color, same as the figure. I wanted to impart the feeling that light comes from above, and it is caught by the text, more so at the top--Apart From Love--and less and less as it trickles farther and farther down.



Audiobook coming soon!

[Uvi, Author, Poet and Artist]

As part of the launch event ♥ Love ♥ for the audiobook edition of Apart From Love, I am announcing a Writing Contest for all who take part in the celebration. Would love it if you join!