In today’s episode, host Becky Parker Geist welcomes Mary Berelson, author of Bicentennial Summer, for an inspiring conversation on creativity, memory, and storytelling.
Mary reflects on her childhood, the spark that led her to write, and the moment when a personal cross-country memory transformed into a fully realized work of fiction. She explores the timeless themes her novel addresses—identity, freedom, and the search for meaning—and shares why these ideas still resonate today.
Listeners will also enjoy hearing about how Mary overcame initial concerns about capturing those varied voices.
Whether you’re drawn to richly layered coming-of-age tales, curious about turning memories into novels, or eager to peek inside the audiobook creation process, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights.
The audiobook will be available soon! You pre-order your copy now: Bicentennial Summer on AMPlify Audiobooks
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In part three of our deep-dive series on mastering your audiobook launch, Becky explores how to transform a simple release into a deep, transformative experience for your listeners. Moving beyond the basics, we discuss how to leverage bonus content and strategic partnerships to build credibility and drive sales.
In this episode, you will learn about:
- Listener-First Bonus Content: How to use "deleted scenes," author notes, discussion guides, and even curated playlists to create a more immersive experience through platforms like AMPlify Audiobooks.
- The Power of Reviews: Why human-written reviews provide essential social proof and how to effectively use snippets from professional organizations to build your credibility.
- Podcast Guesting & Influencer Outreach: Strategies for identifying the right podcasts (even those outside the book niche!), how to prepare as a guest, and the importance of offering value—like exclusive coupon codes—rather than just a sales pitch.
- Creating Short-Form Content: How to repurpose podcast appearances and behind-the-scenes studio moments into engaging social media clips to maintain momentum.
Whether you are a fiction author looking to escape into a new reality or a non-fiction expert aiming to solve real-world problems, this episode provides the tactical roadmap to ensure your audiobook isn't just heard, but remembered.
AMPlify Audiobooks: https://www.amplifyaudiobooks.com
Pro Audio Voices: https://www.proaudiovoices.com
Audiobook Connection: https://audiobookconnection.com
#audiobookproduction #indieauthors #audiobooklaunch #audiobookmarketing #amplifyaudiobooks #selfpublishing #AmplifyAudiobooks
In this episode, Becky talks with Brian Brady, author of the Fog City Stories series, beginning with Oh What a Tangled Web, and Hiding in Plain Sight. As a former police officer and corporate security executive, Brian brings a lifetime of real-world experience into his gripping tales of crime, suspense, and moral complexity.
Together, they explore how Brian’s background in law enforcement shaped his storytelling approach, the real-life themes his books tackle, and what draws him to write about the darker corners of human nature. Brian opens up about the inspiration behind his characters, the social and ethical questions woven throughout his plots, and the impact he hopes to make on readers who love smart, character-driven mysteries.
The conversation also delves into the audiobook production process, including how collaboration plays a crucial role in transforming written thrillers into immersive listening experiences.
If you’re a fan of crime fiction, thrillers with depth, or the creative process behind turning novels into audiobooks, this episode delivers an insider’s look at what makes Fog City Stories both authentic and unforgettable, available at AMPlify Audiobooks and anywhere you listen to audiobooks:
Fog City Stories Book 3: Greedhttps://amplifyaudiobooks.com/book-preview?product_id=20925
https://www.goldengatetales.com/#AMPlifyAudiobooks #ProAudioVoices #BeckyParkerGeist #AuthorInterview
In this episode, Becky sits down with Nancy Regas, author and former educator, to discuss her journey from nursing and perinatal education to finding her true calling in high school counseling.
Nancy shares profound insights into the role of a school counselor—not just as a scheduler, but as the "hub of the wheel" connecting students, parents, teachers, and administrators. We dive into the essential life skills students need to navigate adulthood, the importance of building sacred, private spaces for communication, and how Nancy's passion for helping students through their most challenging years inspired her to write and narrate her book, The Art of Being a School Counselor.
Whether you are an educator, a parent, or a professional looking to improve your communication and listening skills, Nancy’s reflections on authenticity and passion offer valuable lessons for any career.
OutskirtsPress.com/TheArtofBeingaSchoolCounselor
Watch the video interview on YouTube
#Audiobooks #SchoolCounseling #AuthorInterview #Podcast #Education #Storytelling #SelfNarration #ProfessionalDevelopment #AudiobookProduction
