Tall Tales

Another kind of podcast I enjoy is the story podcast, that is to say someone, usually the author, reads a short story or novel. If you like audio books, then you’ll love this type of media.


Of course, podcasting a story has the same pitfalls as the audio book, and that, as I mentioned earlier, is Da Voice. Not everyone can read aloud and make it sound interesting. Again, having previous voice talent experience is a bonus. I remember listening to Steven King read one of his earlier books and I couldn't get past chapter one. Luckily, he's gotten better, so that, Bag of Bones was enjoyable.


Podiobooks.com is an excellent resource for free novels to enjoy. Keep in mind that the majority are self-published and just another way for the writer to get his worked out there. In some cases, the work is self-published for the obvious reasons, but then there a guys like J.C. Hutchins and Scott Sigler who have embraced the medium, and offer excellent readings.

Podcasting is also a way to keep older books alive while promoting yourself at the same time. Tee Morris has given his Morevi book a longer lifespan than the average small press book, and Tracy Hickman had brought back one his older books.

It’s also fun to listen to the one-upmanship as each author raises the bar through production, guest voices, sound effects, etc.

If you prefer short stories, try Escapepod, Psuedopod and Podcastle, where you will find genre stories from writers both established and new.

If you commute into work, and want something better than the local radio morning show, then give podiostories a try. You won’t be dissappointed.

Mike