In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author Rory Surtain to explore the creative journey behind his urban fantasy novel Saintsville and its immersive full-cast audiobook production.

Rory shares how he made a bold career shift from decades in high tech to becoming a full-time novelist, writing across paranormal fantasy, science fantasy, and dystopian worlds. He talks candidly about finding his writing voice, developing story themes organically, and why emotional truth—not just world-building—is the thread that holds a story together.

The conversation dives deep into Rory’s writing process, including writing “by the seat of his pants,” rediscovering story momentum through revision, and letting inspiration strike when it’s least expected. Rory also unpacks the central themes of Saintsville, including identity, trauma, healing, and found family, all woven seamlessly into a dark yet deeply human urban fantasy set in a magical version of New Orleans.

Access the Saintsville audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks:

https://proaudiovoices.com/audiobooks/

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, Becky Parker Geist discusses the importance of committing to your audiobook project and making informed decisions to achieve your publishing goals. Learn why quality production is key and how to avoid common pitfalls such as AI narration. Becky shares insights on selecting the right narrator, pre-production planning, and strategic marketing, including press releases, social media, and awards.

Discover how to leverage platforms like AMPlify Audiobooks for higher royalties and greater control over your audiobook sales. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming features and community-building tools. Tune in for valuable tips on connecting with your audience, promoting your audiobook, and staying motivated throughout the process.

Dive behind the scenes of the multi-award-winning audiobook, The Legend of Valentine, as Becky sits down with author Sheldon Collins and sound designer Daryl Bolicek. Discover the intricate creative process, from weaving historical fact with mythic storytelling to crafting an immersive soundscape with a cast of 20 narrators. Explore the challenges of sound design, the art of collaboration, and the meticulous work that led to winning Best Audiobook Production and Best Sound Design by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS). Plus, get a sneak peek with a sample from the audiobook! 

Access The Legend of Valentine audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks:

https://proaudiovoices.com/product/the-legend-of-valentine/

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author and retired educator Lenore Hirsch to discuss her book Schooled: Confessions of a Rookie Vice Principal. Becky guides a candid conversation that explores both the story behind the book and the real-world experiences that inspired it.

Lenore shares her journey from the classroom to authorship, reflecting on her background, early interest in writing, and what led her to tell this powerful story. The discussion dives into the book’s central themes, including leadership, gender dynamics in school administration, and the challenges women face when navigating authority in male-dominated environments. Listeners will also learn more about the protagonist, the origins of key characters, and the deeper message Lenore hopes readers take away.

Whether you’re an educator, author, audiobook enthusiast, or simply curious about the creative process, this episode offers thoughtful insights, honest reflections, and inspiration.

Access Lenore’s audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks. https://proaudiovoices.com/audiobooks/

Host Becky Parker Geist interviews author Allynn Riggs, the creative mind behind the Stone´s Blade series, an epic science fiction-fantasy saga. She delves into her creative process, the experience of selecting narrators for the audiobook, and the challenges of preserving character voices across the series. Allynn also shares how her love of music influenced her storytelling and why this project is so personally meaningful. Whether you're a fan of space operas, writing, or audiobook production, this episode provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the creation of an ambitious and imaginative series.

In this episode, host Becky welcomes Dr. Susan Agbenoto, author of New Wine: A Journey into Refueling Your Life in the Spirit and Restore Me! But Privately, Please (The People Cannot Know).

Dr. Agbenoto shares her personal and professional journey with the audience. She reflects on key lessons she learned from her upbringing, and how her work as a speaker, lay pastor, and investment performance professional informs her faith-centered message. She discusses the spiritual and emotional challenges her books address, why those issues are deeply important to her, and the transformation she hopes her listeners will experience.

Dr. Susan Agbenoto’s audiobooks will be available soon on AMPlify Audiobooks, where listeners can support authors and engage more deeply with transformative stories and messages.

In this powerful episode of the Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist welcomes Pamela Blair, author of The Reluctant Womb.

A former Broadway dancer, social worker, solo traveler through Africa and the Middle East, single mother, and psychologist, Pamela has now turned to writing in post-retirement. Together, Becky and Pamela explore how this rich life experience shaped a book that tackles deeply personal and socially relevant issues surrounding pregnancy, choice, and women’s autonomy.

Pamela shares how the provocative title The Reluctant Womb came to her, what inspired the book, and how real-life letters became an integral part of the narrative. The discussion addresses the cultural and political context surrounding the book, including how its themes resonate in a post–Roe v. Wade world, and what impact Pamela hopes the story will have on readers, especially young women facing life-altering decisions.

🎧 The Reluctant Womb audiobook will be available soon on AMPlify Audiobooks, where listeners can support authors and engage more deeply with meaningful stories.

In this episode Becky welcomes Edward L. James, author of The Duras Kingdom.

Edward shares his personal journey as a writer, reflecting on his background, early influences, and what ultimately led him to create The Duras Kingdom. He discusses the deeper themes and conflicts at the heart of the story, why those issues matter to him, and the impact he hopes the book will have on readers.

The conversation also dives into the audiobook production process, with Edward explaining why he chose a full-cast audiobook.

In the closing segment, Edward talks about his aspirations for the book moving forward, how listeners can connect with him and his work, and why platforms like AMPlify Audiobooks play an important role in helping authors expand their reach and impact.

Whether you’re an author considering audio, a producer curious about full-cast productions, or a listener who loves immersive storytelling, this episode offers valuable insight into the creative and collaborative process behind a standout audiobook.

Becky and Pro Audio Voices would like to welcome you to the new year with a reminder about the importance of communication, and how you will be impacted when communication intersects with community and audiobooks. As certain aspects of media and technology continue to promote divisive content, let's all focus on coming together to try to understand each other without pre-judging, which will help build our communities and pave the way for our younger generation to develop the beneficial skills of effective communication.

In this short holiday episode of Audiobook Connection: Behind the Scenes with the Creative Teams, I pause to give thanks to the incredible authors, publishers, narrators, engineers, and creative professionals I have the privilege of working with, as well as to you—the listeners who support and sustain this work.

Inspired by the winter solstice, I reflect on the balance between darkness and light, and how our choices, our creativity, and our support of independent artists and platforms help us build a more connected and humane creative economy. This episode is a simple invitation to look for the light, be the light, and share it with one another—during the holidays and beyond.