AC-I-309 Interview with Allynn Riggs (multi-POV audiobook)

Introduction to Allynn Riggs and The Stone’s Blade Series

In an engaging episode of Audio Book Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with Allynn Riggs, the visionary author behind the epic science fiction-fantasy saga, The Stone’s Blade series. Throughout the conversation, Allynn shares her journey from childhood storytelling to crafting a multi-layered quartet of novels rich with music, telepathic connections, and profound themes of identity. For fans of space operas, audiobook narration, or creative writing, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of an ambitious series brought vividly to life in audio format.

Allynn Riggs’ Early Beginnings and Inspirations

Allynn’s storytelling roots trace back to her childhood sandbox, where she invented tales for her plastic toy horses. This early passion blossomed into writing compelling narratives, starting with a short story she penned in eighth grade that eventually evolved into the foundation of The Stone’s Blade series. Encouraged by her English teacher’s rare and insightful praise, Allynn nurtured this initial spark through high school and college, where her characters—Renlore, Ani, and her telepathic dog Kayla—grew and deepened.

“They started showing up in my dreams. I would wake up in the middle of the night and have to write something down. It was invigorating.”

Introducing Kayla: The Telepathic Dog

One of the series’ unique characters is Kayla, a telepathic dog with a snarky personality who shares a mental bond with Ani, one of the protagonists. Kayla’s role as a spy and protector offers both humor and depth, as he can understand conversations in the planet’s native language and selectively convey information to Ani. This imaginative element adds a rich layer to the story’s exploration of communication and loyalty.

The Role of Music in The Stone’s Blade

Music and singing are integral components of the narrative, particularly through the stone creatures—alien guardians who communicate telepathically using melodies and song. Allynn’s lifelong musical background deeply influences this creative choice. Raised with musical instruments around her and immersed in square dancing culture, she weaves musical motifs and themes throughout the storyline.

Allynn incorporates various genres, from classical pieces like the intense G minor work attributed to Albinoni, to country and folk tunes, which fuel her imagination and enhance her writing process. She notes how crucial the right music is, not only in her storytelling but also in her daily creative flow.

The Stone’s Blade Series: Titles and Themes

The series is structured as a quartet, each title reflecting a vital element of the overarching prophecy central to the story:

• The Blood – A search for a child whose blood is the cure for a devastating disease threatening their home planet, Reqira.
• Balance – Focuses on restoring balance through another key individual critical to the guardian stones’ wellbeing.
• Blades – Explores the discovery of other stones and “blades,” requiring the protagonists to unite forces to reconnect planets.
• The Seventh Stone – Concludes with a quest to find the final stone that will help unlock knowledge of their origins.

Central to these narratives is the theme of self-discovery and identity, as each character must confront and accept their true selves, facing internal challenges alongside external threats.

Insights into Audiobook Production and Narrator Selection

With The Stone’s Blade series adapted into a multi-POV audiobook, Allynn delves into the narrator selection process. Guided by Pro Audio Voices, she listened to numerous auditions and prioritized voices that instantly resonated with her vision of each character. Maintaining consistent narrators across the four books for main characters was critical to preserve the story’s emotional continuity.

“The instant I heard the narrator use the dialogue in this deep growly voice, I was like, that’s it. They’ve got the character.”

She also reflects on the transformative experience of hearing her words spoken aloud. This process has influenced her writing and deepened her connection to the stories.

Connecting with Allynn Riggs and Enjoying The Stone’s Blade Audiobooks

Listeners and readers interested in following Allynn Riggs and her work can visit her website at timberdark.com for updates on new releases and projects. The audiobooks are available on Amplify Audiobooks, featuring skilled narrators Jennifer March, Martine Baruch, Nicholas Korda, and Tristan Wright who bring the characters and intricate storytelling to vivid life.

Conclusion

This interview with Allynn Riggs offers a rare window into the creative and production processes behind an ambitious and imaginative science fiction-fantasy series. From origins in youthful storytelling to the integration of music and the careful crafting of audiobook narration, it celebrates the multifaceted journey of bringing The Stone’s Blade to readers and listeners worldwide.