Travelling through rural towns promoting the Aussie Yarns concept, we came to the realisation that we were neglecting a possible avenue to reach people: the Audio Book category. The more we travelled, the more the idea of developing these grew. At first, I was thinking only of people with limited vision, but speaking people at presentations, a range of different categories entered the thinking. Categories such as farmers ploughing or harvesting, driving to Perth, long-haul truckdrivers, people driving on mine sites, people flying, people with afflictions that make reading difficult … The list has continued to grow.

So, a couple of weeks ago, we approached two potential sources to produce Audio Books. Having a son who is in the “voice-over” game, we asked him to investigate and he has come back with an idea and a contact in Melbourne. And, as much as it is incestuous, we think he has just the voice that we’re looking for. People in Western Australia would know him from Bowra and O’Dea and Freeview ads, not to mention Jeep (Are we there yet) and the voice of Brain on the Bond Advertisements on the web. At the same time, we approached an entity in Western Australia whom we are meeting on Thursday to begin discussions on production. Exactly where it will take us isn’t yet known, but it’s exciting to consider.

And I am now in the process of preparing a third novel for publication. As I indicated a couple of weeks ago, I have gone back to the idea of publishing “Turn on a Light”, set in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia in the mid-1970s. I have already held discussions for the cover concept, have had the product shaped into the most effective size (A5 – the same as for The WILUNA Solution) and it will shortly undergo a final proofing. The final proofing, by the way, is one thing I try not to   participate in, mainly because years of experience have taught me that I read what I think I wrote, rather that what is actually on the page.

The Government Office complex on Hannan Street - the Wardens Court, Court of Justice, Mines Department and Post and Telegraph Office - all built between 1896-1899.

The Government Office complex on Hannan Street – the Wardens Court, Court of Justice, Mines Department and Post and Telegraph Office – all built between 1896-1899.

If you’d like to see the synopsis of “Turn on a Light” you can find it under novels, along with  a few more enticing photos. The one to the right plays a crucial role in the story.

So, it’s an exciting time all round, together with more rural visits either planned or being planned.