Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Meryton Press Presents...

I am ecstatic to announce that Meryton Press has published its first audiobook. It has been an exciting few months of listening and getting everything ready for the audiobook release. My guest today is here to talk a little about the process and the selection of the narrator for the audio version of her book. Please welcome Jan Hahn.

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I’m delighted that Meryton Press commissioned an audiobook release of my latest work, The Child. Thank you, Janet Taylor, for allowing me to announce it on your blog. I’m also grateful for Janet’s efforts to successfully guide me through the process of making an audiobook. I could not have done it without her. Together, we auditioned several engaging narrators from which she and I chose the perfect voice for my novel.


Neil Roy McFarlane lives in Wales, but he can read in various voices and dialects, even that of a toddler―essential for a book entitled The Child. I love the way he makes my Mr. Darcy come alive with a pleasing voice and a lovely accent. Here is a sample of The Child.

Besides narrating books for adults, Neil is a published writer of children’s literature and has released at least one children’s song of which I’m aware. If you feel like smiling, listen to "Boogie Woogie Monkey." I found him easy to work with and willing to spend extra time to produce an audiobook that makes me proud. Neil has a great sense of humor, evidenced by how he can laugh at himself. He made a short blooper reel from The Child for us to enjoy. He calls the first one Romance Allergy and the last one is just Gaaaaaah!

When editing a book that I’m writing, part of the process involves reading it aloud to check the flow of words and phrases. I may be caught up in a deeply romantic mood while writing the words Darcy speaks to Elizabeth―picturing Colin Firth or Matthew MacFadyen, of course―and then I open my mouth to read and out comes this Texas twang. Bo-i-i-i-ng! Talk about shattering a mood. For a born and bred Texan, you can’t imagine the thrill I receive when I hear my words spoken in a British accent! Finally, my book sounds right―like I heard it in my head all along.

Currently, I’m working with the talented Leena Emsley on my next audiobook, The Journey. I can’t wait for you to hear her version of Nate Morgan, the handsome but dangerous highwayman who abducts Elizabeth and Darcy.

Now, how about you? Do you enjoy listening to books? When do you find the time? While driving? Doing housework? Ironing (heaven forbid!)? Or just sitting down with a nice cup of tea? Please share your thoughts on audiobooks and your favorite way of listening to a story. In return, you’ll have a chance to win a free audio version of The Child.


Blurb: 

Will Darcy ever grow to love a child he never wanted?

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth Bennet at Hunsford is disastrous. In Jan Hahn’s The Child, Darcy flees England soon afterward, striving to overcome his longing for her. Upon his return two years later―while standing on the steps of St. George’s Church in Hanover Square―he spies the very woman he has vowed to forget. But who is the child holding her hand?

Darcy soon discovers that Elizabeth and her family are suffering the effects of a devastating scandal. His efforts to help the woman he still loves only worsen her family’s plight. His misguided pride entangles him in a web of falsehood, fateful alliances, and danger.

Will Elizabeth be able to forgive Darcy for his good intentions gone awry? And what effect will the child have on Darcy’s hopes to win Elizabeth’s love?

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Thank you for stopping by and sharing our news. It has been such fun preparing for today. The audiobook of The Child is available at Audible.com. Don't forget that the audiobook of Jan Hahn's The Journey, will be released in the near future. At the time of release there will be an announcement on the Meryton Press Facebook page, as well as other social media. Other audiobooks, some future releases and some older, will be in the works in the coming months. Keep watching! :)

As Jan mentioned, Meryton Press is giving away one audiobook of The Child by Jan Hahn and narrated by Neil Roy McFarlane. Jan asked some great questions above and we would love to hear your response to them. Please leave those thoughts in the comments, and don't forget your contact information if I don't already have it. Good luck to all and thank you again for helping make today even more special.

Giveaway will end at 11:59 P.M. on the 3rd of April and is international. 

33 comments:

  1. This is the BEST news. And The Journey is next. That's even better news. Congratulations Jan. I'm ready for hours of pleasurable listening.

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    1. Isn't it great news! We've been so excited! Thanks for stopping by, Joy! I knew you would be thrilled to hear about The Journey! :)

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    2. Thanks so much, Joy! You have always been such a source of encouragement. I appreciate it.

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  2. Congratulations, Jan! I know you're really excited, and you're the FIRST! And I sympathize with you on that Texas twang. I always cause my dear wife to double up in laughter when I protest, "But I don't have an accent!" (Datum point: born Amarillo, Texas and was thoroughly indoctrinated in the Republic of Texas public schools!)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Colin! Yes, that good ole' Texas twang. I'm blessed with it too. I was born in Dimmitt, Texas, and went to college at West Texas in Canyon. I've spent much time in Amarillo. I grew up in Oklahoma so I have a good mix!

      Congratulations on your new book! I'm intrigued by it!

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    2. Thank you, Colin! Yes, I'm the first, but not the last. Meryton Press has good writers, and I look forward to hearing more audiobooks from my fellow authors. And this accent we share - sigh - it's one we can't escape. Janet and I went on a JA tour in England several years ago, and the first thing we had to do was introduce ourselves to the group and tell where we lived. All Janet and I had to do was say our names. Everyone could tell we were from Texas.

      I'm so excited about your new book! So many questions.

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  3. So glad to hear that. My schedule is crazy so I love audio books. Looking forward to listening to this one.

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    1. I'm glad to hear you love them Debbie. Thanks for stopping by and good luck.

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    2. I'm happy to know you love audio books. Thanks for your comments, Deborah.

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  4. I'm so happy to hear this news. I didn't like audiobooks at first but I discovered it really helps with my long commute by making the time go faster and helps to keep me relaxed so I don't feel so much road rage towards all the crazy drivers around me.

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    1. Isn't this wonderful news. I can imagine that an audiobook would be awesome for commuting. If it helps with relaxation and stress, then that is even better. Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. I am so delighted that this beautiful book is now in audio! Neil has a voice I could drool over, and the audio sample is stunning. Congratulations, and I cannot wait to hear the velvety Leena Emsley narrating The Journey!

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    1. I've drooled over Neil's voice often. It is so easy to listen to. Leena is doing a fabulous job on The Journey, as you knew she would! She did such an awesome job on your book.

      Thank you for all your invaluable help during the process. It was awesome having you as my "go to" friend.

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    2. Thank you, Nicole! I love Neil's voice, too, and Leena is a dream to listen to. Thanks for recommending her to Janet and for answering all her questions about the process. Working with Audible is a bit daunting to first-timers, and you were a great help to get us going.

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  6. I love "The Child" and love "The Journey" even more, so I'm super excited to see Jan's books as the first Meryton Press audiobooks. There's a strong audience of audiobook listeners out there who will be more pleased than even me! Congrats to Jan and thanks to Janet, who facilitates so many great marketing activities for us.

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    1. Thank you, Suzan. You were instrumental in Jan's being the first Meryton Press audiobooks. I'll be eager to hear your new one as an audiobook in the future.

      Thank you, Suzan, for your comment. I appreciate you stopping by.

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    2. Great news The Child is out in audio, very exciting. I am an avid listener myself. I am always wired up to an audiobook when washing dishes, out walking, or driving my 50 mile morning round trip to take my daughter to college! Then it is into my recording studio (aka cupboard!) to work, where I am currently totally absorbed in Jan's wonderful The Journey. Coming soon!

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    3. Thank you, Leena Emsley. I'm so happy you were able to comment. Thanks for stopping by. We are super excited about The Journey coming soon too! It's awesome!

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    4. Thanks, Suzan! I'm so excited to know you have an audiobook coming out, too.

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    5. Leena, I'm super excited to read your comments. Thank you so much!

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  7. Thanks for the kind comments about my voice. I really enjoyed narrating Jan's book. Her integrity and skill as a writer and her respect and affection for Jane Austen were all very apparent, and Janet was a pleasure to work with. (And personally, I think a Texan twang is very nice : )

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    1. Hi Neil. It's great having you stop by! Your thoughts on Jan are spot on!

      You were a pleasure to work with as well. Thank you for all you did. I LOVE that you think a Texas twang is nice!

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    2. Oh, Neil, you're so kind. Thank you for your comments. I loved working with you. You make such a great Darcy!

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  8. Best of luck with your new audiobook,Jan.
    Thank you,Janet,for bringing this to our attention.
    Please don't enter me in the giveaway. Thank you.

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    1. Thanks, Mary. I'm so happy you stopped by. I will not enter you in the giveaway!

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  9. Congratulations! So exciting! I listen to audio during house projects or the sauna. Would love to listen to The Child.

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    1. Hi Becky. Thanks for letting us know how you listen to audio! Good luck in the giveaway.

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  10. I get a lot more house work and other projects done now that I've discovered audible books! I loved The Child and look forward to listening to it being read to me!

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    1. That's good to know, Laurie. I loved The Child too. It is an awesome audiobook too. I like how you said that..."listening to it being read to me!" :)

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  11. How cool! I love that Jan's book started the ball rolling for a train of fab stories on audio. Neil sounds like a great match and that is amazing he can do a toddler well.
    I was late to the audio game, but I do love my exercise and chore times better now. :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Sophia Rose. It's amazing how time can fly when you are listening to a good book, isn't it! Neil is good!

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  12. This is great news! I love audiobooks and I love Jan Hahn's writing. I look forward to listening to this book.

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    1. I'm happy to hear you think so. I love audiobooks and Jan Hahn's writing too. This is a win/win! Good luck and thanks for stopping by.

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