Our First Audio Book!
From the very first page of Lyndsey Ellis’ debut novel, Bone Broth, I was in love. After publishing the book in print, I dreamed of the audio. And I knew exactly who I wanted as the reader.
From the Publisher
Throughout my life, I have witnessed the same thing again and again: toss a wish out to the Universe and witness the magic as it unfolds. More often than not, that wish barely touches what the Universe has in mind.
Years ago when I started a blog, I dreamt of running a writing contests and eventually publishing winning stories as guest posts. Silly, since I barely had any writing experience, zero followers on the blog, and only a hint of writers in my contact list. Ten years later, here I am, publisher of a tiny press with five new books in the catalogue since I took over in 2019. I don’t say that to brag, only to say, Dream Big. You just never know.
After I published Lyndsey Ellis’ debut novel, Bone Broth, in print, I did exactly that — started dreaming, this time of how I might publish her story as an audio book. I had already met the woman I knew would be the perfect voice for Justine Holmes, Dasha Kelly Hamilton. But at the time, I didn’t have the funds, and I didn’t have a studio. I brainstormed ideas with Lyndsey. We considered publishing the audio as a series of releases. I thought maybe I could learn to edit sound files quick (Ha!). Off and on I thought about this audio book, with little movement forward. But now, after a long wait and several false starts, the audio version of Bone Broth is on the cusp of release.
The magic? A chance meeting with John White, of Tymeless Studios in Milwaukee, where they typically work with musicians but, Cool, they’d be interesting in working with a publisher. And an email to Dasha Kelly Hamilton, who had read Bone Broth and loved it and happened to be traveling this way and, Yes, she had time — and plenty of excitement — to record. You see? The Universe is listening. Always. So, dream big, wait for the magic to unfold.
From the Author, Lyndsey Ellis
Bone Broth reached its 3-year birthday in June, and I couldn’t be more thankful for its existence and acceptance among readers from all walks of life. Months later, I’m excited to give a breakthrough update: Bone Broth will now be available as an audio book, narrated by Dasha Kelly Hamilton!
Known as a literary powerhouse for her poetry and appointment as the first Black Poet Laureate of Wisconsin, I’m eternally grateful for Kelly Hamilton’s willingness to lend her voice to this book and help it reach new audiences.
More importantly, release of this audio book on Friday, August 9th, comes at a time when American democracy is at its most vulnerable point, and the value of intergenerational resiliency remains at the forefront of national discourse. This Friday is also the 10th-year anniversary of Michael Brown’s tragic killing and the concurrent rise of unrest in Ferguson, Missouri that sent global shock waves in 2014. I pray the audio release of Bone Broth will sow more seeds of compassion, intentionality and strategic action. We deserve to heal so more stores can be born, shared and cherished.
Bone Broth, the audio book, will be available through many of your favorite platforms, like Libro.FM, Spotify, and Audible. From Aug. 9-16th, order your copy at a special celebratory launch price!