Radio Free Bliss

Podcasts from author KS Augustin

So, what is a podcast? It's a pamphlet in your ear. It's a way of getting words off the page and translated to sound. Radio Free Bliss is an MP3 file that you can listen to at this website, download to your own machine, or even store on your MP3 player for listening to later. Like POD (print on demand), which is the newest, low-cost, environmentally-friendly way to produce books, LOD (listen on demand) is a way to take your hobbies and interests with you. All you need is a player and the ability to cut and paste. Podcasts are free and made without cruelty to animals and trees.

Okay, so what's your podcast about? Radio Free Bliss is about writers and what drives them. Each podcast will come out monthly and feature one or two authors talking about her or his work, as well as any other snippets of interest that I come across.

How can I listen to a podcast? You have a choice. There are embedded audio players with each podcast, so you can listen to either the high-quality or lower-quality version directly from the website. Alternatively, I've also added options for downloading the podcast, either in OGG or MP3 format, for ultimate portability.

Why do I have to add your podcast manually if I use iTunes? Do you have something against Apple? Well, actually I do, but that's another discussion. Basically, the only way I can submit podcasts to iTunes is to have an iTunes account. And the only way to get an iTunes account is to register my personal plus credit card details with them. And the countries that iTunes accepts credit cards from does not include Singapore. No credit > no iTunes account > no podcast submission. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do except provide details on how to manually add my podcast to your iTunes viewer.

Fair enough. But, if you don't mind my asking, what the hell does "Spring the verve" mean? Ah. Yes. Well, "spring" means to release or set free. "Verve" is another way of referring to your energy or enthusiasm and -- to a lesser extent -- your imagination. So, release your energy!

So where is it, then? It's here! Have a look below! And, happy listening.

Maria Zannini

Maria Zannini Maria is an extremely talented writer as well as being a good friend. That’s the only excuse I can use to explain the delay in getting this interview online. Talk about taking advantage! We talk marriage, promotion, lions and there’s even some Linux for anyone interested. Enjoy!

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 44 minutes, 24 seconds … 42,625 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 44 minutes, 24 seconds … 21,312 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Download in ogg (quality 5/10): download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 44 minutes, 24 seconds … 26,115 KB … for open-source listeners


Maya Reynolds

Maya Reynolds Maya is an Amazon bestselling author again … now that Amazon’s “glitch” has worked out. ;) She talks about the business of writing, what she’s working on and living in Texas. It’s a very informative interview so I hope you have a listen.
NOTE: At the beginning of the podcast, I mention that my KS Augustin Sampler is about 717MB in size. Actually, it’s 717KB! Sorry about that.

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 37 minutes, 05 seconds … 35,601 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 37 minutes, 05 seconds … 17,800 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Save in ogg (quality 5/10) …
download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 37 minutes, 05 seconds … 35,676 KB … for open-source listeners


Gail Z Martin

Gail Z Martin Gail Z Martin is a dynamo, there’s no doubt about it. I’m already convinced I actually spoke to a clone because, in between her writing, her instructing positions, her promotional activities, and Life, she still managed to make some time to speak with me. We discuss the heartbeat-challenged, what writers have in common, and the value of promotion. Be sure to have a listen!

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 39 minutes, 40 seconds … 37,189 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 39 minutes, 40 seconds … 18,595 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Save in ogg (quality 5/10) …
download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 39 minutes, 40 seconds … 35,894 KB … for open-source listeners


Phoebe Wray

Phoebe Wray Phoebe Wray wowed at the Preditors & Editors Poll by coming in #9 with her novel, JEMMA7729. We tried a few times to do a proper podcast interview, but the tech deities weren’t too happy about that. I still wanted you to hear what Phoebe had to say, so we decided to do a written interview instead. Hopefully, you won’t be too disappointed.

KS Augustin: You have received great reviews for your novel Jemma7729. NeoOpsis magazine said it “beats the crap out of 75% of the stuff on the shelves” and is a “good solid action adventure novel”. And it was nominated “Best SF Novel” on the annual Preditors and Editors poll. Would you care to tell us how the novelcame about?

Phoebe Wray: How it came about? It was a grumbling rumbling thing in my heart and brain because I was so angry when President Bush invaded Iraq. I found myself back at vigils and demonstrations again, as I had been in the sixties, holding a candle against the dark. I had a “what if…” moment, thinking What If there were a government that ruled by fear and intimidation and was so tyrannical that it lumped all crimes and misdemeanors, no matter how big or small, into one category: Inappropriate Behavior. That was the original title of the book. It started as a short story and wouldn’t stay short. Of course it was years in the making, so my naked rage got some clothes on and made more sense.

Jemma actually was a Top Ten Finisher in the Preditors&Editors Readers Poll. A respectable #9! I was really pleased with that.

KSA: Before you became a writer, you were lots of interesting things. Including a stand-up comic! What was that like?

PW:Great when they laughed. Horrid when they didn’t. I wrote my own material, so there was no one to blame but myself if I bombed. That was actually great fun. I wasn’t a one-liner comic, like a lot are now. I did little sketches, as different characters. I had a whole trunk full of crazy people — a female wrestler, for instance, talking about her career and her techniques. That’s sort of funny from the get-go because I’m 5’2” and weigh 110 pounds. She was very earnest, that wrestler. Because I was shape-shifting, so to speak, it was a natural step to take acting lessons and work in legitimate theatre. I like it better than stand-up.

KSA: You began writing non-fiction before starting on fiction. Is the process involved different for you? Which do you prefer, if you can stand to make a choice? :)

PW:It’s not really different, because everything starts with an idea. You have to write a truth in both. I absolutely love getting into my character’s heads. But I also like to research, like to learn things. Back in my starving artist days I learned a great lesson: when everything is absolutely awful and you think you’ll never get a job or sell a word — learn something! Knitting, bocci ball, how to solder. It doesn’t matter what it is. It takes your mind totally off the troubles and releases creative energy. One summer I researched the crusades. Another time I studied French cooking. And yes, I learned to solder. It’s a hobby — I make goofy little sculptures out of keys… you know those keys you can’t remember what they open? Everyone has them. My friends save them for me.

KSA: The thread of teaching, of education, seems to run through all your work, from the nonprofit you set up, to various nonfiction essays, even to the work you currently do at the Boston Conservatory. You could even say that Jemma7729 is educational. Would you agree?

PW: Is Jemma educational? I dunno. What does it teach? Don’t be afraid. Stand up for what you believe in. It says those things. I believe those things.

The nonprofit was specifically educational: it was about conservation of endangered species and marine mammals, with plenty of spill over into environmental ethics and sharing the planet. I wrote all of our material: teaching guides, a multi-media stage play that was performed in schools and town halls, informational brochures and fact sheets on the issues. I loved doing that.

I teach history of the theatre and cultural history at The Boston Conservatory. I love teaching both. I have a passion for history. It’s mostly what I read.

KSA: Has this trend towards education been a conscious choice on your part?

I suppose so, but it’s organic. I never aspired to be a teacher, except in the mentoring way that is traditional in the arts. You help each other.

KSA: What have you been working on since Jemma7729? Is there a hankering to go back to that universe, or have you said what you needed to say about that vision of a future society?

PW: Oh yeah … more than a hankering. There is a sequel to Jemma’s saga. I’m not quite finished with her dystopia, although the second book is different. Jemma7729 is written as a first person narrative. The sequel, JA2 is in god voice.

And I have four other novels on my desktop. There’s a fantasy trilogy I’ve been working on for a long time. It’s not so-called “high” fantasy — no elves, wizards or warlocks, which I find boring. It’s set late Bronze Age in very high mountains. Unlike Jemma, this work is set in a kind of utopia with a very dark heart. I have a regular old fashioned stalker novel that’s in its last rewrite. And I keep writing short stories.

KSA: Do you own an ebook reader?

PW: I don’t own one. But probably will. I like holding a book. I like the smell of new books. I’m not snobby about it, just haven’t gotten around to it.

KSA: You live in Massachusetts. What do you see when you look out your window?

PW: The main street of my little town (pop.7000) runs past my house, but I’m on the outskirts, with a huge protected wetland 500 yards from my back door (I can’t see it at the moment). Right now I’m in my study, desk beside a window, and because it’s winter, I can see across the street. There’s a huge granite outcrop that makes a moderate cliff, with trees on the top. There’s a red maple tree in my front yard that I planted as a spindly twig in 1976. It’s now taller than my two-storey house. Normally, I can’t see across the street because of its marvelous foliage. It turns blazing scarlet in the fall. What I also see today are the drifts of snow from the 12 inches of white stuff we got yesterday.

KSA: What’s next for Phoebe Wray? What are you working on?

PW: I hope what’s next is the sequel to Jemma. I’m still promoting the first book, and have added another one to my knapsack, I have a maniacal spec-fic story called “Names” in “Backless, Strapless, and Slit to the Throat: A Femme Fatale Anthology.” Betty Dobson edited it for InkSpotter Publishing. It’s an eclectic collection — something for everyone.

I have three stories currently under submission. When I’m in the right mood, I’m still working on a two act comedy-mystery play. It’s fun to write.

Oddly, most of my work has been published outside of the USA. As an eleventh generation American, I find that rather strange, it can’t be something generic, can it?. Both Jemma7729 and the anthology are from Canadian publishers, and I’ve sold stories to Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine (Australia) and Farthing (UK).

KSA: If readers and listeners want to find out more about you, where can they go? Do you blog? Do you have any other online presences?

PW:I’m an indifferent blogger, although my friends tell me it’s important for writers to blog. But blogging is writing — and I’d rather be in one of my fictional universes if I’m going to spend the time. But I do have a blog on LiveJournal and I’m on Facebook. Maybe I’ll do better in future.

Thanks, Kaz!


#11 :: Melodie Bolt

Melodie Bolt Melodie Bolt sounds like a nice person but don’t be fooled. In reality, she writes dark, dark stuff. Join us as we discuss her fascination for fantasy (especially of the dark kind), her take on women’s attitudes to science-fiction (I agree completely), and what new writers need before they climb to the next level of their craft.

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 37 minutes, 36 seconds … 35,251 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 37 minutes, 36 seconds … 17,626 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Save in ogg (quality 5/10) …
download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 37 minutes, 36 seconds … 37,185 KB … for open-source listeners


#10 :: Catherine Lundoff

Catherine Lundoff It’s easier to ask what Catherine Lundoff doesn’t write! Fantasy, cyberpunk, articles, essays. She edits, holds down a full-time day job and still has time to sit down and talk to me. Join us as we chat about the importance of ice in the creative process, genre fiction and erotica, and get the Number One Writing Tip from an editor of themed anthologies.

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 43 minutes, 18 seconds … 40,595 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 43 minutes, 18 seconds … 20,298 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Save in ogg (quality 5/10) …
download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 43 minutes, 18 seconds … 41,666 KB … for open-source listeners


#9 :: Morven Westfield

Morven Westfield Morven writes dark, disturbing horror involving geeks and vampires. In our interview, we talk about Wicca, writing (of course!), nighttime, Massachusetts, lifestyle conventions. Let’s just say, we cover a lot of ground!

And a BIG HELLO to Technical Writers everywhere! Stay sane!

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 45 minutes, 30 seconds … 42,657 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 44 minutes, 30 seconds … 21,329 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Save in ogg (quality 5/10) …
download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 44 minutes, 30 seconds … 45,838 KB … for open-source listeners


#8 :: Lori Devoti

Lori Devoti Lori is an author of light contemporary romances who has diversified into urban fantasy and paranormal romances. She has a great tip on writing the dreaded synopsis, and shares her experiences of getting published.

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 24 minutes, 20 seconds … 22,826 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 24 minutes, 20 seconds … 11,413 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

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download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 24 minutes, 20 seconds … 22,113 KB … for open-source listeners


#7 :: JoSelle Vanderhooft

Joselle Vanderhooft JoSelle is another of those amazingly versatile and creative people — playwright, poet, author. We discuss her works, her struggle with depression, and the beauty of Utah.

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 44 minutes, 02 seconds … 41,279 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Play 64kps quality in mp3:
44 minutes, 02 seconds … 20,640 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’)

Save in ogg (quality 5/10) …
download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’) 44 minutes, 02 seconds … 46,050 KB … for open-source listeners


#6 :: Carol Lynne

Lee Barwood I’m talking to the queen of erotic gay romance on this podcast…Carol Lynne. What got her writing gay romance to begin with? Are there too many gay romances on the market? And is Kansas really the dustbowl I’ve always thought it to be? All these questions will be answered, so make sure you tune in and have a listen.

Play 128kps quality in mp3: 49 minutes, 46 seconds … 46,652 KB … better quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’, ~22 mins @ 31.6 KB/sec)

Play 64kps quality in mp3: 49 minutes, 46 seconds … 23,326 KB … everything still audible, but lower quality … download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’, ~12 mins @ 31.4 KB/sec)

Save in ogg (quality 5/10) …
download (right-click, ‘Save Link As…’, ~27 mins @ 31.4 KB/sec) 49 minutes, 46 seconds … 50,976 KB … for open-source listeners

  • BoingBoing: http://www.boingboing.net
  • (Yes, I know I pronounced Cory’s name differently, but I kinda like the Slavic pronunciation!)

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All works (except music) are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
Music is used under license from Shockwave Sound. No re-use or derivative works are allowed. (They do great stuff, btw!)

Watch out for future interviews with…

Gloria Oliver
Liane Spicer
Maria Zannini
Sarah Micklem
Heidi Martinuzzi
Margaret L Carter
Maya Reynolds
David Boultbee

Radio Free Bliss

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