Behind The Scenes Podcast

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author Rory Surtain to explore the creative journey behind his urban fantasy novel Saintsville and its immersive full-cast audiobook production.

Rory shares how he made a bold career shift from decades in high tech to becoming a full-time novelist, writing across paranormal fantasy, science fantasy, and dystopian worlds. He talks candidly about finding his writing voice, developing story themes organically, and why emotional truth—not just world-building—is the thread that holds a story together.

The conversation dives deep into Rory’s writing process, including writing “by the seat of his pants,” rediscovering story momentum through revision, and letting inspiration strike when it’s least expected. Rory also unpacks the central themes of Saintsville, including identity, trauma, healing, and found family, all woven seamlessly into a dark yet deeply human urban fantasy set in a magical version of New Orleans.

Access the Saintsville audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks:

https://proaudiovoices.com/audiobooks/

Dive behind the scenes of the multi-award-winning audiobook, The Legend of Valentine, as Becky sits down with author Sheldon Collins and sound designer Daryl Bolicek. Discover the intricate creative process, from weaving historical fact with mythic storytelling to crafting an immersive soundscape with a cast of 20 narrators. Explore the challenges of sound design, the art of collaboration, and the meticulous work that led to winning Best Audiobook Production and Best Sound Design by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS). Plus, get a sneak peek with a sample from the audiobook! 

Access The Legend of Valentine audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks:

https://proaudiovoices.com/product/the-legend-of-valentine/

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author and retired educator Lenore Hirsch to discuss her book Schooled: Confessions of a Rookie Vice Principal. Becky guides a candid conversation that explores both the story behind the book and the real-world experiences that inspired it.

Lenore shares her journey from the classroom to authorship, reflecting on her background, early interest in writing, and what led her to tell this powerful story. The discussion dives into the book’s central themes, including leadership, gender dynamics in school administration, and the challenges women face when navigating authority in male-dominated environments. Listeners will also learn more about the protagonist, the origins of key characters, and the deeper message Lenore hopes readers take away.

Whether you’re an educator, author, audiobook enthusiast, or simply curious about the creative process, this episode offers thoughtful insights, honest reflections, and inspiration.

Access Lenore’s audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks. https://proaudiovoices.com/audiobooks/

Host Becky Parker Geist interviews author Allynn Riggs, the creative mind behind the Stone´s Blade series, an epic science fiction-fantasy saga. She delves into her creative process, the experience of selecting narrators for the audiobook, and the challenges of preserving character voices across the series. Allynn also shares how her love of music influenced her storytelling and why this project is so personally meaningful. Whether you're a fan of space operas, writing, or audiobook production, this episode provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the creation of an ambitious and imaginative series.

In this episode, Becky sits down with Patrick McLaughlin, award-winning author of Cheerful Obedience: A Novel, U.S. Army veteran, Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, and retired fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Patrick shares how his early life, military service, and career in law shaped his perspective as a storyteller. He reveals the inspirations behind his debut novel, how he chose the striking title Cheerful Obedience, and why he believes readers have connected so deeply with the book—earning it multiple national awards.

The conversation explores the themes at the heart of his work: moral duty, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of living with integrity. Patrick discusses the real-world issues his book addresses, the impact he hopes to create for readers, and what it means to bring authenticity and emotional truth into fiction.

Whether you’re a fan of character-driven fiction, military-inspired stories, or the craft of writing itself, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful conversation with an author whose life experience deeply informs his art.

Visit AMPlify Audiobooks to explore Cheerful Obedience and learn more about Patrick McLaughlin’s work.

In this episode, Becky welcomes Mike Mirabella, author and songwriter of the Carla Stories series—including Sister Butterfly, I Used to Be Shy, and Special People—as well as On the Luck of an Irish Sailor.

Mike shares his personal journey into writing and the life experiences that inspired him to create stories centered on compassion, understanding, and inclusion. He discusses the motivations behind his books, the meaning behind their titles, and the social and emotional issues they address—particularly the importance of empathy, self-acceptance, and celebrating what makes each person unique.

Throughout the conversation, Mike reflects on the impact he hopes his stories will have on readers of all ages, especially children and families navigating conversations about difference, kindness, and belonging. He explains how storytelling can open hearts, foster understanding, and encourage readers to see the world—and each other—with greater compassion.