I adore
audiobooks, so naturally I want other audiobook lovers to be able to listen to
my stories. This summer I teamed up with veteran television reporter and
co-anchor Terry Murphy to bring my short story Ino’s Love to life. Terry is best known for her nine years (1990–1998)
anchoring the tabloid show Hard Copy
and, since 2003, reporting for the entertainment show Extra. She has done a
fantastic job with Ino's Love and I
can't wait to hear what readers have to say. (Read on for my interview with
Terry.)
Why turn a short story into a 28-minute audiobook?
Short stories are enjoying a
resurgence these days as more and more people have instant access to books, including
audiobooks, on their smart phones. Shorter reads are easier to digest; a reader
can finish a story and experience a sense of resolution in a matter of minutes.
And audiobooks make this even more convenient because they’re hands-free. I
love listening to a great audiobook while I’m driving, cooking, and cleaning
house, even when I’m lounging in the pool. Others do too. So making all of my
books and stories into audiobooks is part of my marketing plan.
Of all of the stories I’ve written, Ino’s Love is one of my favorites. I
absolutely loved writing it. I don’t remember what inspired me to create the
characters of Ino and Ruby, but it must have been work-related because I was
working as a hospital case manager at the time. My days were filled with
helping patients (and their families) find ways to remain comfortable and cared
for at home when faced with long-term illness or disability.
This story displays the love that
can exist between caregiver and client. There may be a few questionable actions
on the part of Ino and Ruby (no spoilers!), but it’s the love between them that
stays with the reader.
Ino’s Love was originally published in Kaleidoscope magazine, 2009. You can listen to a sample of the audiobook here.
Synopsis
Ino prepares a Christmas feast for
her successful CEO son, but when he's too busy to spend the holiday with his
mother, she shares her dinner and gifts with her home health aide. Sometimes,
the people who love us best are not family.
Interview with narrator/producer Terry Murphy
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| photo provided by Terry Murphy |
What is it about Ino’s Love that motivated you to audition for the role
of producer/narrator?
“Ino’s Love really touched my heart.
Sadly today, so many adults either ignore or forget about their parents. And as
I’ve gotten older, I realize it’s the little things from my sons that make me
the happiest now. Ino also beautifully illustrates how simple gestures from a
stranger can bring such joy to a senior citizen’s life.”
Were there any challenges to preparing for or performing this role?
“The biggest challenge for me was
trying to capture Ino’s personality in my voice. And it was equally difficult
alternating between Ruby and Ino’s ages. Ino’s
Love was my first fiction recording, and I am very proud of my
collaboration with you.”
Thank you, Terry. I'm pleased to be working with someone with such a highly visible and respected position in television. Please tell us about your background.
“My career in television news began
at WKRC in Cincinnati, first as a reporter and then as one of the first anchor
women in Ohio. After anchor positions in Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles, I
was selected to in 1989 to co-anchor Hard
Copy, Paramount Studio’s nationally syndicated and very successful tabloid
show. Before my retirement last year, I worked as Senior Producer on Warner
Brothers nationally syndicated entertainment show, EXTRA, starring Mario Lopez. I was blessed with a national daytime
Emmy Award for my work in 2014.”
How did you get started in audiobook production/narration?
“When I retired from the entertainment
business and moved back from Los Angeles to my hometown of Columbus Ohio, I
realized I still had something to offer, namely my voice! So my husband built me an audio booth in our
basement, I invested in some high end equipment, and began working with a voice
coach to add more variety to my tone. He suggested auditioning for audiobooks,
and the rest is history.”
What other books have you narrated?
“All of the other books I’ve
narrated are non-fiction works, including one on how to control mood swings,
and another on the burgeoning marijuana dispensary business across the country.”
How has the market for audiobooks changed over the course of your media
career?
“The market for audiobooks is
growing by leaps and bounds. More people
are traveling further distances to and from work, and desire to listen to
something more engaging than a top forty or all-news radio station.”
If you could produce/narrate any book in or out of print which would it
be?
“The Magnificent Ambersons is one of my all-time favorite books, and
is at the top of my list.”
What advice do you have for authors who would like to market their books
in audio?
“My advice to authors is, if you
don’t have a broadcast quality voice, put your ego aside and hire a
professional.”
What would you tell those who are embarking or wish to embark on a career
as a producer/narrator for audiobooks?
“To all aspiring narrators I would
remind them to be prepared to spend many long hours recording and editing, but
the end result is a very rewarding career.
Also, begin listening to voice actors on television and radio, spend
money for the best equipment, and invest in a professional coach. And most
importantly, don’t take rejection personally. You may not be right for one
project, but perfect for another!”
What was the best job you ever had?
“Definitely Hard Copy was my favorite job.
It thrust me into the national spotlight, and we covered several major
stories, including the trials of Michael Jackson and O.J. Simpson.”
Reviews
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| over design by Jorge Vidals |
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Since its publication
as an ebook on Kindle in December 2013, Ino’s
Love has been steadily gaining great reviews and is rated 4.9 stars on
Amazon. Here’s what a few readers had to say:
“The author packs so much into so little space. This is what a short
story should be.”
“Such a tender story of love...giving love, receiving love; reminding us
again that it's not the "things" in our lives that are important, but
the relationships.”
“A great writer can make you fall in love with a character quickly. Ms.
Sciucco proves to be such a writer with this short story.”
“All I had left when the tale ended was the question: ‘Why isn't this
included in the full disclosure for new home health aides?’ Because it is such
a delightful short read, and yet it depicts just how important these people are
to the patients they serve.”
Purchase Ino’s Love
Connect with Marianne Sciucco
I must admit it took me a very long time to write this story, which consumes all of 49 pages. Many obstacles got in my way: My chronic repetitive strain issues which prohibit writing on a regular schedule, and caregiving for my mother and stepfather, which came to its own natural end. Perfectionism also held me up because I wanted this story to be as special as "Blue Hydrangeas," to be "beautiful," as so many readers said it was. I hope I have succeeded.
