Welcome to the world of Allan and Helen Krummenacker, authors of the Para-Earth Series. Here you will find information about our books, thoughts on writing, our adventures becoming indie authors, reviews of books we've enjoyed, and much more. So come on in and stay a while, we have much to share and would love to hear from all of you about your reading and writing adventures.
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It’s Christmas Eve, so it’s time to bring you something ‘completely’ different…
In the United Kingdom there is a tradition of telling a ghost or creepy story at this time of the year.
And since according to Ancestry.com based on my DNA sample, I am 49% Irish, plus another 22 % English, I feel it only right to continue this tradition.
So, we’re bringing you the audio version of “The Snowman”, complete with imagery, providing a picture book experience, much like I did last year with my unabridged presentation of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol”.
As some of you may be aware, “The Snowman” was written by my wife/co-author Helen for our “The Vampyre Blogs – One Day at a Time” anthology. It was inspired by hearing the song “Frosty the Snowman” one too many times, before deciding to put a bit of a strange unearthly (or Para-Earth-ly) twist on the story…
So without further ado, here is this year’s Christmas story offering…
No doubt, you might be wondering about the opening stating the presentation came from the Library of the Obscure. For those wondering about that, you’ll be seeing and learning more about the library starting next month, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, have a blessed and safe Christmas and hopefully a very wonderful New Year.
*NOTE: This review covers the audiobook version (which is unabridged), so there will be references to the performance by the voiceover actor Marc Thompson)
As a big fan of the Star Wars animated series “Rebels”, I was always fascinated by the character of Grand Admiral Thrawn. He was clearly one of the most formidable opponents I’d ever seen on any show (with the exception of Naraku from the anime “Inuyasha”). Thrawn was extremely intelligent, cunning, effective, a really knew how to analyze a situation and who his opponents in order to anticipate most of their possible moves. I often had the impression that if you tried playing chess with him, he’d figure out all your possible moves and how quickly to win the game when you were still trying to figure out which of your pieces you’d finally decided to move first. And I always wanted to know much more about him and what made him so damn impressive.
Well, this book answered most of my questions and brought the character more to life for me than ever. In particular, I was both surprised and impressed to learn that the character was actually was capable of becoming a genuine friend to someone. In this case, it was a simple ensign named Eli Vanto, a human who comes from a simple background and who’s highest hopes and ambition was to make it to a supply officer on a starship.
The author does a really great job of creating a sort of Holmes and Watson relationship between Thrawn and Eli. As with the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Eli can find Thrawn manner and behavior quite frustrating and infuriating at times, even after he’s given a logical easy to follow explanation for his friend’s attitude and way of doing things. Yet as the story progresses, we get to see how Thrawn is actually teaching and showing Eli a new way of looking at situations and how to approach them. We actually watch Eli develop his own skills to the point that he begins to find himself being placed in positions far beyond anything he ever dreamed possible.
And while this friendship is a wonder to watch unfold, we are also given a deeper look inside another character from the Star Wars “Rebels” series, Governor Arihnda Pryce. We get so learn more of her background and motives for joining the Empire and growing aspirations for power. We also learn how her and Thrawn’s paths crossed and how each wound up assisting the other’s rise within the Empire.
In addition to complimenting Mr. Zahn’s efforts in creating this fascinating narrative, I also want to offer praise to Marc Thompson, for his wonderful vocal performance in bringing life to all the characters who appear in this tale. Including a number of very familiar voices such as Grand Moff Tarkin, Emperor Palpatine, Colonel Yularen, and so many others.
Can’t wait to dive into the second book in this series. I highly recommend this to fans of Star Wars and especially the “Rebels” series, since Disney and Star Wars have announced that Grand Admiral Thrawn is going to be appearing as the main antagonist of the upcoming “Ahsoka” live action series.
What a way to start a brand new the year! Helen just got a Kirkus Review of her first novel “Forever’s Too Long”, calling it…
“A tense, thrilling paranormal adventure with a striking cast.”
Here’s the full review:
A supernatural crime novel set in the 1940s focuses on a private detective.
This series opener begins in 1947. The narrator of the story, Rafael Jones, has set up shop as a private investigator in New York City. Rafael has an extensive background in law enforcement (both civilian and military), and he is eager to strike out on his own. No sooner has he put the sign up for Harmony Investigations than he is approached by a British woman named Clara Thomas. Clara has been sent to persuade Rafael to work for Interpol. She is a sharp woman, with a degree in mathematics from Oxford, who knows how to handle herself in a fight. She can also fly a plane. Rafael doesn’t need that much convincing, and he soon learns that working with Clara will be fun. It isn’t long before the two become more than mere colleagues. The duo starts working on a case involving stolen Russian art and other valuables. To complicate matters, a number of bodies seem to be connected to the thefts. Rafael must also cater to an old acquaintance: a wealthy playboy, inventor, and industrialist named Eugene Marshall, who lives and works in the Empire State Building. Eugene is concerned with the recent resignation of two of his employees who have joined a cult known as the Order of Repentance. When Rafael investigates the organization, he runs into much more trouble than he bargained for. Thanks to the infamous Rasputin, Rafael winds up meeting a vampire.
As Krummenacker’s engaging caper unfolds, readers are kept in a regular state of suspense. While it may initially seem as though Clara and Rafael will embark on a quirky investigation together, things take a turn when the Order of Repentance enters the picture. A tale supposedly about a missing Fabergé egg and some flustered shop owners eventually begins heading down an invitingly dark, supernatural avenue. Even a cool customer like Rafael couldn’t have planned for the hurdles he faces. But certain aspects of the story complicate matters without rewarding the audience. For instance, readers are assured that during World War II, Rafael repeatedly requested to be assigned to combat duty. The only reason he was forced to work in a military police capacity was due to his law enforcement background. This is not a particularly exciting or captivating part of his character when bigger problems are just emerging. In addition, the dialogue sometimes relies on such stock phrases as “Where are you going?” and “You’re amazing.” Nevertheless, the tale develops quickly, with the entire story coming in under 200 pages. Not much time is wasted once the main events get going and Rafael and Clara try to stop the bad guys. And even after the gripping novel has concluded, there proves to be plenty of intriguing material left for the sequel.
-END-
So there you have it gang. Can’t wait to see what they’ll say about the other 3 books in the series, or the next one “Forever Chosen” which will coming out later this year!
In the meantime, if you haven’t already got your copy of “Forever’s Too Long” it’s available in e-book, paperback, and audiobook form! Just click the link that works for you from the list below:
For some time Helen and I have been considering adding some new things to this blog. After I did the series of how to record audiobooks, I still got a number of requests for more details about creating Chain Commands, where do I find such-and-such function on my ACX, etc. And I realized that perhaps some more detailed visuals such as videos where I’m actually recording an audiobook, then sharing my computer screen so people could see exactly how I remove unwanted sounds, mistakes, and even adjust the recording to meet ACX approval requirements would prove more helpful.
At the same time, Helen started asking about doing some videos with us interviewing each other (as authors, and in my case a voiceover artist), as well as having other people guest on podcast-like videos for a question and answer session. She also brought up the topic of not just bringing authors on, but bloggers, artists and creative folks who would like to share their work and thought processes along with some demonstrations.
I thought this all made sense. After all the name of the blog is the Musings of 2 Creative Minds, talking and sharing with other creative minds seems like a good fit. So we’re asking all of you, our readers and followers, to please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. If the overall response is a resounding “Yes”, we’ll see about getting things set up to begin in January. (I originally thought about sooner, but the holiday season is fast approaching and we have a lot planned out already, and so do most folks so beginning the new year off with a bang seems more appropriate).
We’re looking forward to hearing what you all have to say. So until next time take care, stay, safe and keep writing and recording everyone!
Starting today it’s Free (Sound) Sample Saturday over on Helen’s Blog “The Forever Detective”. What is Free (sound) Sample Saturday? Simple, it’s where she shares a chapter (or two in this case) from the Audible version of her 1st solo book “Forever’s Too Long”. A mystery involving vampires in the noir setting of 1947 New York City.
And since I’ve been posting for months about doing audiobook recordings, I felt it was only appropriate to share this with you since “Forever’s Too Long” is my first complete voiceover project. That’s right you’ll be hearing me narrating the story, and supplying the voices voices for the entire cast.
Furthermore, next week we will be sharing the 2nd chapter and so on in the following weeks.
Some come and take advantage to check out the Prologue and full 1st Chapter of this 5 star rated series and see what everyone is talking about, by clicking on the link below:
We have 10 US and 10 UK promo codes for the first book in Helen’s 5-star rated “Forever Detective Series”, where 1940’s noir mystery meets the supernatural…
Written by Helen Krummenacker and Narrated by Allan Krummenacker
In 1947, former police officer Rafael Jones has just opened his own private investigation business, and he already has two cases. One has him helping Interpol locate some stolen Russian art from the time of the last czar. The other has him checking out a mysterious cult.
Little does he know the two cases are connected and will bring him face to face with the legendary mad monk of Russia who supposedly died in 1916.
Will Rafael’s world, or his very existence, ever be the same again? You’ll have to listen to find out…
E-mail: allan.krummenacker@gmail.com and let us know which code you need (US or UK).
What do we ask in return? Only that you please tell your friends, and leave a rating/review on Audible/Amazon as it helps draw more listeners to check out this and our other audios.
All three books are the entire “Forever Detective Series” to date. Helen has more stories coming and will be releasing a fourth book “Forever Festive” this November. We are hoping to have the audio ready to be released at the same time so people can have that option to stick in someone’s stocking or leave under their tree, (electronically speaking) of course. Remember, you can gift someone an e-book or even an audiobook.
Now this may not seem like such a big deal, but for someone who spent over a year researching how to create audiobooks, as well as getting the proper equipment, and learning how to use it all, this is a huge deal. In fact, I’m kind of hooked on doing audios.
For instance, I’ve already recorded Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol”. On that front, I’ve only edited the first two ‘Staves’ (aka chapters). Since that one is destined for YouTube, complete with images, I’ve still got a ways to go (like adding sound effects for certain sections, adding music here and there, and of course shooting actual openings and closings for each chapter since I’ll be releasing them to YouTube one at a time). That last part is the real sticking point for me, since I would like to shoot the openings and closings in front of a more traditional Christmas setting with a tree and fireplace. But, I’m looking into possibilities.
I’m also starting to record some of the Para-Earth series of books, that Helen and wrote together. So there’s quite a bit still coming. But what I want you all to know is once you get one or two under your belt, you’ll find it easier and easier to make audios. You’ll get more familiar with all the elements like room tone, pacing your reading, watching how loud or soft your speaking, how clear you’re enunciating, and the editing tools on the Audacity recording software.
Finally, I will be doing more posts about recording and what to watch out for, as well as what’s happening with future books. Until then, stay safe and keep writing and recording my friends.
Hello again everyone. I recently had a request to the links regarding to all my posts here about doing audio recordings. As I started to gather the links, I quickly realized that they were all seriously scattered throughout the blog, as I’d done them over the course of 13 months. Plus, there were a number of other entries in between which made them even more difficult to find.
So today’s entry mainly consists of all the links for easy access to anyone who wishes to look over the details and suggestions I had about audio recordings. So far there are only eight entries, but I am planning on more in the coming months.
Hey Audiobook/Audible fans, Helen’s first book “Forever’s Too Long” is now on sale for 1/2 price (regular price $14.95 – now only $7.47) over on Amazon.
If you love vampires, noir/mystery detectives set in 1947, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. And a little FYI, I did the narrating and am recording on her 2nd book (coming this December) as we speak.
So come and grab your copy, or gift one to a family member or friend. Just click on the link below to purchase:
As you all know, I’ve been busy recording audiobooks at home. I’ve already gotten “Forever’s Too Long”, my wife Helen’s first solo novel, published on Audible where it received a 5-star review. So of course I was eager to turn another of her books into audio as well. So I began recording her second book “Forever Haunted”.
Now having shared on this blog all the technical aspects that I use to record the books, I thought it might be fun to share one or two… um… a few? Oh hell, I make a LOT of mistakes and I run into some other ‘obstacles’ that I thought might help prepare you all for some of what you might encounter.
So, here’s the first (of what I suspect will be a growing library) of my blooper outtakes…
Now remember folks, “We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical…” Sorry, I’m slipping into the “Outer Limits” show.
Anyway, you get the idea. We control how we edit our work. We can re-record, adjust the quality of the recording, cut out the ‘oops’ moments, etc. You can make a hundred mistakes, and yet still end up with a really clean product that people will enjoy.
And remember, “Never give up and never surrender….” oh, great now I’ve slipped into “Galaxy Quest”.
Keep writing and recording my friends. And yes, there will be more about the technical aspects of recording will be coming soon.
Musings Of Two Creative Minds 