It’s the same way that a movie script can translate into a great movie with the right actor in the role. And I knew why - it was the inflection, the dramatic pauses, the extra weight and nuances that Shamaan expertly placed upon my prose that breathe life into it. I’d written the words that were spoken, but somehow my writing just sounded better.

Here was James Hayden, full of swagger, larger-than-life, debating with a gruff William. When I listened to him read a sample of 43 Seconds, I couldn’t help but smile. Shamaan Casey is a professional narrator who approached me with a pitch for 43 Seconds. It was one of those happy coincidences where the timing is right and everything falls into place.

Just as I began searching for a narrator, a narrator found me. In November of 2020 I began researching how to publish an audiobook. It had a whole new life of its own in those spoken words. I loved the book, but when I heard it narrated it was like watching the first Harry Potter movie after having read the book. All of that changed when I listened to Wil Wheaton’s narration of Ready Player One. Indeed, I was a late adapter to ebooks for the same reason (which is ironic because I now primarily publish in ebook format). I love the appearance of the typeface and the slippery touch of a book jacket. I enjoy the feel of book paper as I turn the page. I think the reason I didn’t consider audiobooks is because I’ve always been a physical book fan. My second ahah was so obvious that I wondered how I hadn’t thought of it during all those years of driving: I could listen to audiobooks. My first ahah came when I realized I could listen to podcasts and actually learn something during my ride. Each morning I got in my car, drove thirty-five miles to work, then drove back.

Acx for audible