Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Listen to THIS!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: So remember a few weeks ago were talking about podcasts, and it became clear that some of us (ahem, me) were not big podcast listeners. (I mean—I listened to Serial, and then, um, well, I adore Writers Bone, and Authors on the Air, and PDI and Suspense Magazine and Dark and Stormy and several more (oh, I have a cold so my brain is not working. So do remind me what I missed!), but those are writer-nichey and  it also became clear that I was obviously missing out.

And I knew just where to turn. The fab Vanessa Lillie (You know her right?) is totally turned in to podcasts. She listens on the podcast app and on her computer—easy peasy, just click and make sure your volume is up—and I asked her to give us the scoop on some of her faves.


Tis the Season for Writing Podcasts
by Vanessa Lillie

Shoveling snow? Podcast.
Baking cookies? Podcast.
Driving to in-laws house? Podcast.
Avoiding in-laws? Podcast.

That’s right, we’re in the thick of podcast season. With some headphones or your choice of what’s playing in the car, you can plug into the writing community whenever you need them.

I love the feeling of going to a book event. That charge of inspiration when I hear an author talk about craft. Learning the fascinating backstory for a book I love. The connection to book people (the best people!). I listen to podcasts nearly every day because they provide a similar experience and connection.  And, I’ve even been lucky enough to have been on a few for my debut thriller, Little Voices.

If this sounds appealing, here are my recommendations to find a writing podcast for you.

For the conversationalistWriter’s Bone
No book tour is complete without an author chatting with this podcast out of Boston, led by author Daniel Ford. The interviews are not only about an author’s new book, but also the craft of writing it and what’s on their nightstand at home. Search the backlist for interviews with your favorite authors to get the scoop on books you love.

For the busy mom Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books with Zibby Owens
This new podcast has taken the publishing world by storm, and it’s no surprise to me after listening to this podcast from the very beginning. Zibby interviews authors of books she loves, wearing the hats of busy mother, wife, avid reader and writer herself. She’s introduced me to so many truly amazing authors I would have missed without her show.   



For the next generation – Write or Die with Claribel Ortega & Kat Cho 
Both Claribel and Kat are debut authors, women of color and leaders in the YA and MG communities where they write. Their podcast was created to give real advice to aspiring (and published) authors. As hosts, their support of each other (and other authors) really shines. I appreciate their honesty about the challenges and privilege in publishing. Each episode is like being waved over to the cool and smart table in the podcast cafeteria.


For the anxious writer – The Worried Writer with Sarah Painter
Anxious writers (like me) rejoice! There’s a wonderful podcast where authors can chat about their books as well as the ups and downs of publishing them. Sarah is an author herself, and she’s a caring and empathetic host.   

For writers trying to level upThe Taylor Stevens Show with Steve Campbell
Taylor Stevens is an internationally bestselling thriller author, and she also takes craft very seriously. She and co-host Steve Campbell do a great job of talking all things writing craft. They have episodes, called Hack the Craft, where they dissect scenes and discuss what’s not working and why. I learn something new and valuable to my craft every episode.

For the NYT Book Review fanNovel Class Podcast with Dave Pezza
Have you ever finished a book and just wanted to talk about it right away? This podcast comes close. It’s a fresh and insightful take on book reviews with in-depth analysis of what worked and what didn’t. Host Dave is joined by a different writer or author each episode, and it’s a fascinating deep dive into books everyone is talking about.  




For the coolest gal you knowUnlikable Female Characters with Layne Fargo, Wendy Heard, and Kristen Leponika
Three female thriller authors start a podcast and do not hold back on feminism, advocacy or support of other women writers. They have talented and diverse guests, dive into hot topics and discuss important issues around diversity, inclusion and representation in the genre.

For telling it like it isHonest Authors with Gillian McAllister and Holly Seddon
Two British suspense authors got together and generously decided to share all the ups and downs of writing and publishing their first (and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) books. Each season has fantastic interviews, and I love their chit chat about writing and their lives. Don’t miss the latest season with lots of interviews featuring industry professionals from publicists to editors to foreign rights experts.

Other favorites:
The Creative Penn (Leader in indie publishing and trend / tech guru) 
First Draft with Sarah Enni (Wonderful interviews with thoughtful host)
Print Run Podcast (Two agents talking shop)



HANK: Sooo…which of those sound good? Do you listen to podcasts?  Which ones?

OR: Any questions about how to find podcasts?Vanessa will stop by and answer them!

OR: Do you do one that we should know about ! Now’s the time to let us know all about it! Tell us in the comments! (And all of the Reds will be thrilled to come visit).





Vanessa Lillie is originally from Oklahoma, but she calls Providence, Rhode Island home with her husband and dinosaur-aficionado son. Smitten with the smallest state, she enjoys organizing book events and literary happenings around town. Her debut thriller, Little Voices, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal as well as must-read lists in Real SimpleRefinery29Cosmopolitan UKBolo Books, and Bookish. The Providence Journal review said, "Aficionados of mystery, thriller and horror will savor this intricately plotted page-turner that builds to a stunning denouement." 



LITTLE VOICES

The voice in her head says he’s guilty. She knows he’s innocent.
Devon Burges is in the throes of a high-risk birth when she learns of her dear friend’s murder. The police quickly name another friend as the chief suspect, but Devon doesn’t buy it—and despite her difficult recovery, she decides to investigate.
Haunted by postpartum problems that manifest as a cruel voice in her head, Devon is barely getting by. Yet her instincts are still sharp, and she’s bent on proving her friend’s innocence.
But as Devon digs into the evidence, the voice in her head grows more insistent, the danger more intense. Each layer is darker, more disturbing, and she’s not sure she—or her baby—can survive what lies at the truth. 

Connect with Vanessa:
www.twitter.com/vanessalillie

80 comments:

  1. This is fascinating . . . I listen to the radio but I've never listened to a podcast. So, how do I go about finding one?

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    1. First, try clicking on the links in Vanessa‘s post. See where they take you! Sometimes, all you have to do is click on listen on your computer or phone.

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    2. And then more info below… There is an app called the podcast app, which you can get on your phone.

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    3. I love listening on my App on my phone through my car radio. Hope you find one you love and enjoy!

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  2. I've started listening to a couple of podcasts this year. But I am trying to balance music and audio books, and I only listen to stuff when in my car, but I can't get hooked on too many podcasts.

    I enjoyed the first season of Michael Connelly's Murder Book.

    And I'm really enjoying the podcast All Things Cozy.

    I've also started listening to The Babylon Podcast, about my favorite TV show Babylon 5. While most of the episodes are over a decade old at this point, I'm still enjoying going back and hearing interviews with the cast and crew and the host's takes on episodes.

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    1. Mark, how do you listen to podcasts? Do you click on them on your computer, or on your phone?

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    2. That sounds like a lot of good listening already, Mark! I love those that dive deep into shows or books!

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    3. I have an app on my phone. I listen to them while driving, which is when I also listen to music and audio books.

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  3. I'll have to start listening to podcasts, instead of music. One of my daughters is always recommending them, but she travels a lot and listens then. She told me about Radio Lab before it was on our PBS station, and I think Hidden Brain and This American Life are also both available in podcasts.

    It used to be easier, or harder, depending on your viewpoint, when iTunes had them available, and everyone had an iPod. Now I'm not sure how to access them. An app, maybe?

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    1. Yes, there is an app called the podcast app.

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    2. Go to the App Store on your phone, and search for it.

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    3. Yes I have an App and then you can click subscribe and they'll automatically load new episodes into your App so they're ready to go when you are ready to listen!

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  4. I’ve listened to very few podcasts and none in the last year since Julie retired. It’s been s busy plus we tend to talk to each other for hours each day.

    But today I’m going to have a look, see what I can find that both of us would enjoy. With Alexa live and well all over the house, I’m sure we would get rapidly hooked . .

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    1. No, how do you listen to podcasts on Alexa?

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    2. Oooo, that's cool you can do that on Alexa!

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    3. You just tell her what you want to listen too

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    4. I am going to try that instantly! Do you have to say enable something?

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  5. Here are the book-related podcasts I listen to: All the Books, Amazon Book Review Podcast, The Book Review (NYTimes), Book Riot, Booklist's Shelf Care, From the Front Porch, Fully Booked (Kirkus), Get Booked, He Read She Read, Kidlit These Days, The Library Love Fest Podcast, Literary Disco, Novel Suspects, One Great Book, Read or Dead, Remember Reading Podcast, SFF Yeah!, So Many Damn Books, This is the Author, and What Should I Read Next. Sounds like a lot, but I can listen at my own pace. Maybe one or more will appeal to you!

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    1. Oh, what a fabulous list! How do you listen to them?

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    2. Through iTunes - each morning I delete the ones I've listened to and see what new has shown up. And when the going gets slow, I can always go to the Apple Store and download a new podcast - no cost! Like others, I listen when doing household chores, running errands, and sometimes when sleep evades me. They're a wonderful invention, and there's something for everyone. I also listen to quite a few genealogy podcasts and a scattering of other subjects - just started one called "The French History Podcast" - right now we're looking at the ascent of Rome. Fun stuff!

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    3. Oh! I will try that… Thank you thank you thank you!

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  6. I used to listen to a bunch of podcasts related to science fiction shows I watched. Most of them have stopped producing new episodes but I listened:

    The Signal - A Firefly podcast that ran for 10 years.
    Firefly Talk - Another Firefly podcast
    The Babylon Podcast - A Babylon 5 podcast

    I tried some other podcasts for shows but none of those really stuck with me.

    The one podcast I still check out is Tuning Into Sci-Fi TV, which covers all of the various genre shows on a mostly weekly show.

    I also listen to a couple of Celtic music podcasts by Marc Gunn. There's the Irish and Celtic Music podcast which is self-explanatory. He also does a show called The Pub Songs podcast which has a similar theme but as he also does a lot of sci-fi genre songs (he's released two CDs featuring songs inspired by Firefly), this particular podcast is more personal for him.

    These days I don't really have a lot of time to listen to more podcasts these days.

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    1. Do you listen to them on your phone? Or on your computer? I am fascinated by this!

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    2. Those sounds great, Jay. I love having my favorites loaded onto my phone for quiet moments (or when I need to clean!).

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  7. I love podcasts but I confess, I rarely listen to them. Earbuds won't stay in my ears. Is that weird? So annoying, but there you are.

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    1. I have the same problem, Hallie! I've discovered earbuds with hoops that hook over my ears and hold them in place! My favorite low-tech techie invention!

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    2. Going to check them out now... Thanks, Annette!

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  8. I confess, I rarely listen to podcasts but these sound interesting. I may click on some of those links and check them out! (One more distraction from finishing the darned book...)

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    1. Sometimes I feel inspired to get writing, too (but definitely also procrastinate!). Hope you find some to enjoy, Annette!

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  9. Great post, Vanessa. (I am currently at a friend's house in Providence!) Another author podcast is Alexia Gordon's the Cozy corner, where she interviews mystery authors from cozy to traditional. I also listen to wait wait don't tell me and The moth Radio hour when I don't catch them live.

    My 30-something son and his wife however listen to lots of podcasts as they go about their lives. It's definitely the way to reach younger people, I think.

    Hallie, earbuds also don't stay in my ears! I tend to listen on a speaker while puttering in my kitchen.

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    1. I do too! It’s a good thing to do while washing dishes!

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    2. Thanks, Edith! I love listening on speakers in the kitchen, too, or speakers in my car.

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  10. Earbuds don’t stay in my ears, either! One problem I discovered, ridiculously, is that there is a designated right and left for some of them. I had no idea! But that makes a difference, duh. But even the ones that are the same pop out all the time. I wonder why…

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  11. I love the radio and love podcasts. There is always one or the other playing in our house. So many excellent shows to choose from that it’s a lack of time I face, not a lack of choice.

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    1. I hear you, Amanda! I'm drawn to certain podcasts at certain times (just like books!).

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  12. I remembered the app my daughter recommended. It's called Stitcher, and is available in all the app stores.

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  13. Having never listened to a podcast and not knowing how to do this, I'm curious to investigate.
    But between everything else , I really don't wish to had time on internet or on the phone.

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    1. I get that, Danielle. I think for me, it's more like a radio experience and also helps me feel connected to writers and readers (vs. scrolling on Facebook).

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  14. I don't do earbuds, and when I'm walking the dogs or doing yardwork, I let my mind wander or practice dialogue. Nevertheless, it's time. When I submitted my annual Kings River Life short story, editor Lorie Lewis Ham asked me to revise it for a podcast. Dialogue became paramount, with the setting established by broad strokes and careful details. "Busted at the Book Sale" will be out Spring 2020.
    A Donna Andrews short story is up now.
    https://mysteryratsmaze.podbean.com/e/a-christmas-trifle-by-donna-andrews/

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  15. So much better sound and use than earbuds:
    https://www.amazon.com/AfterShokz-Titanium-Conduction-Bluetooth-Headphones/dp/B07DVVT926/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=118OZ03AE0BDA&keywords=bone+conduction+headphones+bluetooth&qid=1575470649&s=wireless&sprefix=bone+condu%2Caps%2C163&sr=1-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFSSlk3S0c0SENKOUwmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0MDU4MzIzMllFVVBSUUpYNFlOJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwODE1ODAyT0hMWkc4VzdSRkZPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
    And the best part is that you can hear stuff going on around you, like horns honking and the doorbell ringing and the dog woofing to go out.

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    1. Yikes, what an inconvenient link. What they are is bone conduction bluetooth headphones, work with your phone for music, podcasts, whatever. Light and comfortable to wear. Have a look.

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    2. No. They are on a head band thing is but instead of going into your ears, the ends are on your head, which is bone. The bone conduction makes for great listening but because there’s nothing in you ears, you can hear ambient noise. Google AfterShokz

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    3. Here's a shorter link: https://www.amazon.com/AfterShokz-Titanium-Conduction-Bluetooth-Headphones/dp/B07DVVT926/

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  16. Vanessa, welcome to Jungle Reds! Congratulations on your new book!

    Hank, sorry, I never listen to podcasts. However, I do watch YouTube. A great source for finding out more about podcasts is Instagram. Often I see links to podcasts by some bookstagrammers.

    Diana

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    1. Thank you so much, Bibliophile! I love instagram, too! I need to search for podcasts on there -- great idea!

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  17. Hey Hank,
    Thanks so much for Twitter-Taggin' me on this blog post. Looks like we need to step up our game at Public Display of Imagination when it comes to building a broader audience. I love the opportunity to explore the minds of creative storytellers and have been so fortunate to have a few of the Jungle Reds join me to talk about their latest release.
    I have a handful of podcasts I listen to while driving or doing yardwork/housework projects. Love them and, as a host, I have developed a deep appreciation of the work that the hosts put into producing new episodes. If you've got a favorite podcast, let the host know that you listen, give them a rating and a review. It's really nice when you hear a soft echo from somewhere deep in the void.
    Mark @PDI_Podcast2016

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    1. Oh., Mark, your podcast is great--you are one of the best interviewers I have ever met!

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    2. So sweet... Kathy and I were disappointed that we didn't get a chance to meet you at ThrillerFest in July. Hopefully the stars will properly align this coming year. I'll be re-posting our "Trust Me" conversation soon and will be in touch later this spring to look at dates to talk with you about your most recent release.

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    3. Fabulous! Thank you so much! Perfect in every way… Talk soon, and yes, we will make it happen! tell Kathy hi!

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    4. You podcast is new to me, Mark, but I'll be checking it out! I have such admiration for podcast hosts -- it take SO much time and effort -- so huge thank you!

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    5. Vanessa, I'm just now finding my way back to some of the comments here and apologize for not responding to yours when it posted. Hope you found your way over to the Public Display of Imagination web home

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  18. I always say I'm going to try podcasts, but I never get around to it.

    These sound interesting. I'll have to check them out. I love listening to authors talk about their books, the writing process, etc.

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  19. I’ve never listened to a podcast. I’m not sure I’d know how to go about it. With my ADD I’m not sure I could sit still to listen all the way through one!

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    1. You know, that's interesting. That's why I have to be doing something else--I don't ever know where to look when I'm listening. It's a weird thing.

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  20. Only in the car on longish trips, usually true crime stories. Next one will probably be Monster, about the Zodiac Killer.
    In my house, I listen to silence. Boring, I know, but I am a devoted single tasker.

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    1. Yes, as I get older :-) silence is so nice. xoo

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    2. Ooo, that podcast sounds fascinating, Ramona!

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  21. Shalom Reds and fans. I’ve been a great fan of podcasts for at least a decade now. I had purchased an iPod Classic even as other Apple mp3 players were becoming more popular and cheaper. iPods had originally designed to be used with a computer on which you would “sync” your library with the iTunes program. I didn’t own a computer at the time and I figured how to use a computer in the library or at a friend’s house, without leaving my files on them. I was mostly interested in music, both popular, classical and jazz. Although I don’t use it anymore and some of the features now seem quaint, I loved my iPod.

    The first podcast that I listened to regularly back then, were The Concert posted on the website of the Isabella Stewart Garner museum. It was classical chamber music recorded live at its best. The second was From the Top, which was another recorded live classical music played by children and teenagers. I had listened to the radio program for many years before it became available online as a podcast.

    I did ultimately get a computer. I installed iTunes and still used it mostly for music. I started using it for podcasts but frankly I don’t remember many of the programs that interested me at the time. I did a lot of surfing and not really “subscribing” to most. I do remember that I would still go to the library and borrow audiobooks on CDs which I could then rip them and load them onto my iTunes program as mp3 files. Soon, it became possible to use the libraries website to download both ebooks and audiobooks.

    More recently, maybe six years back now, I was convinced to buy a smartphone. I picked an Android as opposed to an iPhone. Maybe, it was because the Android was cheaper. Over time, I tried many of the mp3 platforms that were available. I tried GooglePlay. Then, Stitcher. Now I use, and very happy with it, Castbox.

    My favorite podcast is Criminal by Phoebe Judge. She is a great storyteller. I don’t listen to so many podcasts about reading or writing or books. I do listen to the New York Times Book Review podcast every Friday. I currently subscribe to 55 separate podcasts. Like my TBR list, I will never faithfully be able to listen to all these. But there is always something on tap and usually I don’t even need a good signal or wifi as they get downloaded to my phone when they are put online. Castbox also carries LibriVox, so I sometimes listen to out of copyright books which are presented there as audiobooks.

    The other selling point about podcasts, is that they are all left online. You can go back and listen to anything that interests you going back as far as you wish. Happy listening.

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    1. Wow, you are an early adapter! Impressive! I'm still trying to think about when I would listen to all these...though they sound fabulous!

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    2. This is fascinating, David. I'll be checking out Criminal -- love a great storyteller! Thanks so much for sharing your podcast journey! Happy listening to you, too!

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  22. Hi, Vanessa, and welcome to Jungle Reds! You answered my first question right off. When do you listen to podcasts, when do you find time for them? I should have realized it's just like audio books for me, in the car and in the kitchen. I feel rather behind the times, but my listening time is usually for a book, and, like Ramona, I like silence in my house a lot. Maybe I could start slow and start listening to one in the New Year. And, Vanessa, Little Voices is on my Christmas list of books to buy myself. Congratulations on its success.

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    1. SO agree--Vanessa is really tearing up the place!

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    2. Hi Kathy, thank you SO much for your comment and putting Little Voices on your Christmas List! That means so much! I really crave writing advice -- especially when I'm drafting. But I also absolutely love audiobooks, so I do have to choose regularly too with limited time. Thank you again!

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  23. Thanks for all these. I'm bookmarking this post for easy ref.

    For anyone who enjoys Golden Age Mysteries, there's Shedunnit... http://shedunnitshow.com/

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    1. Thank you for the recommendation -- happy listening to you!

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