Very interesting direction, although not new except in answer to the writers’ need to get their work read (or in this case, heard) and today’s technology, visit Metaxucafe member Dave Munger in his entry on podcasting his book, Small Journeys (or here).
This reminded me of a friend’s flashfiction event in which he read the piece as it was presented onscreen (text and visuals) that made a big difference in how the work is perceived. Audible voice adds interest, just as do graphics and background audio (i.e., music) to enhance and fill-in drama not covered by text alone.
To hear Dave’s reading, go here.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
Call me a Luddite, or simply cheap, but I don’t have an iPOD, don’t intend to buy one soon. Common, I can buy a tape player for $15!
I’m disappointed in publishers abandoning cassette tapes for audio books. CDs are fine for music, but you can’t always stop reading (listening) at the end of a chapter, and with a tape it’s a breeze to find your place again. In my opinion the technology only changes these days to make more money, not because we really need something new.
I’ve also been shocked for years by the price of audio books, which cost so much less to produce than paper. Now I’m supposed to buy an iPOD too? I’m afraid on my budget I’m left in technology’s dust. Hey, I’m a poor, broke writer. Okay, that’s my whining for the day. Thanks. 🙂