A history of audiobooks, from entertainment & rehabilitation for blinded World War I soldiers to a twenty-first-century competitive industry. Histories of the book often move straight from the codex to the digital screen. Left out of that familiar account are nearly 150 years of audio recordings. Recounting the fascinating history of audio-recorded literature, Matthew Rubery traces the path of innovation from Edison’s recitation of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” for his tinfoil phonograph in 1877, to the first novel-length talking books made for blinded World War I veterans, to today’s billion-dollar audiobook industry. The Untold Story of the Talking Book focuses on the social impact of audiobooks, not just the technological history, in telling a story of surprising and impassioned conflicts: from controversies over which books the Library of Congress selected to become talking books—yes to Kipling, no to Flaubert—to debates about what defines a reader. Delving into the vexed relationship between spoken and printed texts, Rubery argues that storytelling can be just as engaging with the ears as with the eyes, and that audiobooks deserve to be taken seriously. They are not mere derivatives of printed books but their own form of entertainment. We have come a long way from the era of sound recorded on wax cylinders, when people imagined one day hearing entire novels on mini-phonographs tucked inside their hats. Rubery tells the untold story of this incredible evolution and, in doing so, breaks from convention by treating audiobooks as a distinctively modern art form that has profoundly influenced the way we read. Praise for The Untold Story of the Talking Book “If audiobooks are relatively new to your world, you might wonder where they came from and where they’re going. And for general fans of the intersection of culture and technology, The Untold Story of the Talking Book is a fascinating read.” —Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun-Times “[Rubery] explores 150 years of the audio format with an imminently accessible style, touching upon a wide range of interconnected topics . . . Through careful investigation of the co-development of formats within the publishing industry, Rubery shines a light on overlooked pioneers of audio . . . Rubery’s work succeeds in providing evidence to ‘move beyond the reductive debate’ on whether audiobooks really count as reading, and establishes the format’s rightful place in the literary family.” —Mary Burkey, Booklist (starred review)

Talking Books sets out to show how some of the leading children's authors of the day respond to these and other similar questions. The authors featured are Neil Ardley, Ian Beck, Helen Cresswell, Gillian Cross, Terry Deary, Berlie Doherty, Alan Durant, Brian Moses, Philip Pullman, Celia Rees, Norman Silver, Jacqueline Wilson, and Benjamin Zephaniah. They discuss with great enthusiasm: *their childhood reading habits *how they came to be published *how they write on a daily basis *how a particular book came together *a type of writing that they are especially known for. Through in-depth interviews, they each reveal their approach to their craft. Much is know and spoken of the product that is the children's book, but it is rare that writers are given the opportunity to talk at length about the process of writing for children. Talking Books redresses the balance by presenting a wide selection of authors (of fiction, non-fiction and poetry) reflecting upon the joys and challenges of the craft, creativity and process of writing for children.

Prime suspect: The most annoying man in Sherman, Wyoming That’s right, Thurston Fine, the egotistical anchor at KWMT-TV is the first person deputies want to talk to when his self-described biggest fan is found dead. What’s Elizabeth Margaret Danniher to do? The station’s in an uproar, heading for a train wreck, and desperately needs her experience and leadership. At the same time, here’s an intriguing puzzle right in front of her … which might free or condemn her greatest enemy. In TV news, cross talk between the anchor and reporter is supposed to elicit new and interesting information. But Thurston’s version twists the tale into a corkscrew. And his simmering resentment could bring danger to Elizabeth. Facing a true test of their resilience, Elizabeth’s crew – Diana, Jennifer, Mike, and Tom – must resolve mysteries swirling around KWMT-TV for years. But will that reveal what’s behind the death of Thurston’s biggest – only? – fan? Even amid the mayhem, the complex yearnings among the trio of more-than-friends take important steps toward resolution. The stage is nearly set. Family, friends, enemies mix together with a dose of a historical scam in a case of Cross Talk. Sleuth along with Elizabeth in the fan favorite Caught Dead in Wyoming series of smart, surprising, fast-paced, cozy mysteries with humor. If you like quirky characters, hints of romance, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s page-turner. Get Cross Talk today! Don't miss any of Elizabeth Danniher's Caught Dead in Wyoming adventures: Sign Off Left Hanging Shoot First Last Ditch Look Live Back Story Cold Open Hot Roll Reaction Shot Body Brace Cross Talk Air Ready Cue Up "While the mystery itself is twisty-turny and thoroughly engaging, it's the smart and witty writing that I loved the best." – Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author "Colorful characters, intriguing, intelligent mystery, plus the state of Wyoming leaping off every page." -- Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author What Google Play readers are saying about the Caught Dead in Wyoming series: “The twist and turns in the story kept me unable to put it down. But when I did, as soon as possible I was reading it again. Great series.” "Kept the suspense going to the end. I have read all the previous books in the series and loved every one of them. …Can't wait to read the next book.” “Another great story... So good, I am ready for the next.” “I am so loving this series…. I love her main character, Elizabeth (E.M. Danniher) and all the surrounding characters as well. Makes you want to start the next story immediately.” AUTHOR’S NOTE Oops. Some reviewers are concerned that the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series is ending. Not yet! In fact, it will continue past Air Ready (Book 12), which will answer the Tom or Mike/Mike or Tom question. I’ve always said there would be at least 12 books. Beyond that it depends on people dying in mysterious circumstances in Cottonwood County, Wyoming, Elizabeth & Company’s penchant for investigating, and you all – the readers! More mystery from Patricia McLinn Secret Sleuth series Death on the Diversion Death on Torrid Avenue Death on Beguiling Way Death on Covert Circle Death on Shady Bridge Death on Carrion Lane Death on ZigZag Trail Death on Puzzle Place The Innocence Trilogy Proof of Innocence Price of Innocence Premise of Innocence Ride the River: Rodeo Knights (includes Caught Dead in Wyoming characters) Cozies mysteries women sleuths humorous, rescue dog Amateur Sleuth Suspense Thrillers Small Town murder crime strong female protagonist Crime fiction detective Wyoming cops TV reporter investigator broadcast anchor

“One of the most powerful professional speakers in America . . . reveals how he’s earned millions onstage, on camera and in business” (Steve Siebold, CSP, past chairman of The National Speakers Association’s Million Dollar Speakers Group). If you look at the trends of over thirty years ago in fashion, technology, architecture, and any other industry, what was cutting edge back then has become cliché and grossly out of date now. But in the speaking industry, most people get up and still walk, talk, and sound like the 1980s motivational speakers of yesteryear. The Book on Public Speaking takes a head-on approach and challenges the status quo for business leaders that speak in front of their staff, board of directors, and the public. After reading this book you will be privy to the most current methods for speaking to an audience for maximum impact in today’s more sophisticated and skeptical culture. If you are the type of business leader who has achieved a level of success in life and feel compelled to share your story with the world, don’t lessen that impact by imitating outdated speaking techniques. Instead, break the mold of the speaker cliché and tap into a speaking style that is authentic, packs a punch, and leaves the audience wanting more. “I learned some amazing presentation techniques from Topher. I’m using them right now. They’re awesome. You can’t tell because you’re reading this.” —John Heffron, winner of The Last Comic Standing “Morrison is crazy good at training you how to communicate on-camera so that your business gets more attention.” —James Lavers, professional speaker, founder, “Selling from the Screen”