Author pulls an audible with book’s re-release

By KATE SHELTON, Herald Staff Writer | 10/3/2014

Dave Burns, Ottawa, released an audiobook version of his book, “The Movement: A Children’s Story for Grown-ups,” earlier this month. Originally released in 2011, it’s the 140-page “tale of a little clockwork man and his search for the Maker and the cruel joke,” according to Burns’ website, uncarvedbooks.com

The new incarnation of “The Movement” takes readers on a journey, narrated in campfire style, to meet creatures, who readers find out might not be what they initially appear, Burns said.

To make the project a reality, the author worked with narrator Alan Caudle, Pensacola, Florida, and audible.com

Burns posted a trial manuscript on the Amazon subsidiary company’s website. Within 24 hours, he received two sample auditions. The second individual, Caudle, posted his sample within 15 minutes of the original post.

Caudle has a colorful background in vocal work, Burns said. He has done TV commercials, radio spots, audiobooks, and voiceovers, he said. According to Caudle’s website, alancaudle.biz, he also uses his voice talents for audio guides, documentaries and tutorials among many others. Caudle’s voice is described as “like a friend telling you a story … ” and “ … warm, friendly and conversational,” according to his website.

Burns began working with Caudle in August 2013 and took about a month to complete the audiobook.

“He did an absolutely remarkable job,” Burns said. “I attempted it myself a little bit previously, and I think we realized I didn’t have the proper studio.”

Despite the miles, the two worked together via email to complete the audio book. Caudle sent 15-minute samples and Burns was able to leave notes and guides about specific parts and voices of characters, he said. Burns did not leave more than two suggestions per sample. The two worked very well together, Burns said.

Caudle and Burns now are in the process of translating Burns’ sequel to “The Movement” to audiobook form. Caudle is expected to narrate the third book in the series, as well as Burns’ other works.

Burns’ other stories include sequels to “The Movement” called “The Movement: Revisited” and “Edem’s Flight,” both released in January; as well as “A Million Little Gods: The Clearwater Chronicles” from 2013; “Pieces of Me”, a look into the author’s mind released in 2012; and “UnApologetic,” released in 2013.

Before Burns became an author, he completed a religion and philosophy degree from Ottawa University in 2006. Burns also was a pastor at churches in Ottawa and Paola, according to Herald archives. He now works a couple of days a week at the Pomona Community Library, 115 E. Franklin St., Pomona, as an assistant librarian.

Burns also established the Ottawa Writer’s Guild in 2012. The group, a collection of local authors and artists, meets 9 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays each month at the Ottawa Library, 105 S. Hickory St., Ottawa. The group produces a twice-yearly publication, “Uncarved: The Literature and Arts Magazine,” a collection of work from authors and artists from the Franklin County area. The group has published three volumes, according to Burns’ website.

Burns’ audiobook is available through Amazon, iTunes and audible.com. The author received 25 free promo codes from Audible to download the book directly and to give away to readers. For a promo code, email Burns at dave@uncarvedbooks.com. Codes will be given out on a first come, first serve basis, Burns said.