I’m really insecure about this…
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“They might hate that we’re doing this.”
My wife and I said that to each other numerous times, in various forms, over the last few weeks.
Why?
Because we’ve been recording the audiobook version of The First Stone.
Steph = Evelon chapters
Rob = Cass chapters
If you’re excited by that announcement, you are rusting amazing! I’ve got a gift for you later in this email.
If you’re disappointed, well, that’s okay too. Just help the book become a bestseller and fast-track our plan of doing an open casting for a special edition audiobook.
Now, if you’re wondering WHY Steph and I, with how busy we are and how NOT pro voice actors we are, decided to narrate a 435-page book, then my response to you would be…
“It’s just what we do.”
When it comes to the world of Exousia, my wife and I take it all head-on.
Like…
When we hired 6+ artists to do the book cover and not a single one delivered what they promised (mind you, we gave them a detailed brief and references upfront). So, Steph and I just made the cover ourselves and THEN hired a professional to polish it after (Lucut, you rock!)
Oh, and when we decided we wanted to give away semi-chibi character stickers to you all (loot boxes, special surprises, book tours). That led to Steph taking it upon herself to learn how to draw.
These semi-chibi characters will be used in a very special interactive secret project.
Then, there’s the fully narrated faction quiz (that over 150 of you have taken), with music, sound effects, and an epic results screen. Versions 1 & 2 took me, literally, MONTHS.
How about those of you who got an early copy of the ebook and found the QR code at the end to unlock the hidden lore piece that foreshadows aspects of future books? Yup, that only took a few… weeks.
And of course, the rest of the insanely interactive website, the weekly lore articles we drop in our growing Discord (link below), this newsletter, and a million other things (book 2 anyone?)
WHY WOULD WE DECIDE TO DO THE AUDIOBOOK?!
You.
Yes, you. We do all this because you’re worth it to us. Fantasy readers like us have always dreamed of finding a world they can dive deeper into. Not just another book every few years, not just another retail item to squeeze every penny from our pockets. Something more. A voice and identity within the world of Exousia.
That’s why we’re using our voices to narrate the book. Because we want you to hear the voices we feel confident in (my personal favorites are Reed and Felix, while Steph’s are Bella and Liyra).
And also to hear the ones that we feel insecure about, like Sophia for me and the Iridium Imperator for Steph.
It’s like chapter 19 in the book. I really thought nobody would like what I wrote, and it ended up being one that so many people related to and felt. For some, it even helped them in their real lives.
We’re narrating The First Stone, accents, tones, and all, for every single character… for you, to judge.
Read to the end of the email to hear an unedited clip of my narration (your choice).
But first, let’s talk about the Exousia community!
- Tomorrow, in our Discord, we’re dropping the teaser for article #4 of The National Chronicle: Myths Are Not Gods.
- “Absolutely phenomenal. It was the first book in a long time where the story wasn’t overly predictable for me. Early on, I had to throw my theories out of the window. And the end? The plot twists got me so good (in the best way) and I will be keeping an eye out for the second book for sure.” -Caitlin K. (new Goodreads review!)
- Clinton said, “Bro that is sick” and Cynthia said the audiobook is amazing for accessibility for her kid. They, along with the others in the Primus I channel, got a different raw audio clip. Even our publisher said, “...this is exceptional”. (ask in the Discord general chat how to get into the Primus I channel)
- “I am HOOKED!” from Judy after she read the free first 3 chapters. She also said that she’s going to start using the word “rust” as her preferred curse word. Steph and I already do. Haha.
Alright, reply with “Reed” or “Felix” to get a short raw clip of their voice (by yours truly) from the audiobook.
Also, when you reply, let me know your favorite audiobook (I’m looking for more).
~Robert
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Disclaimer: this is a copy of the newsletter. Actual subscribers get all the prizes, votes, and exclusives.
