If you don't have time to read, you can download the audio version!
Below is a guest post by Marianne Scuicco about the premise of Ino's Love and the process of making her book into an audiobook.
I adore
audiobooks, so naturally I want other audiobook lovers to be able to listen to
my stories. This summer I teamed up with veteran television reporter and
co-anchor Terry Murphy to bring my short story Ino’s Love to life. Terry is best known for her nine years
(1990–1998) anchoring the tabloid show Hard
Copy and, since 2003, reporting for the entertainment show Extra.
She has done a fantastic job with Ino's
Love and I can't wait to hear what readers have to say. (Read on for my
interview with Terry.)
Why turn a short story into a 28-minute audiobook?
Short stories are enjoying a
resurgence these days as more and more people have instant access to books,
including audiobooks, on their smart phones. Shorter reads are easier to
digest; a reader can finish a story and experience a sense of resolution in a
matter of minutes. And audiobooks make this even more convenient because
they’re hands-free. I love listening to a great audiobook while I’m driving,
cooking, and cleaning house, even when I’m lounging in the pool. Others do too.
So making all of my books and stories into audiobooks is part of my marketing
plan.
Of all of the stories I’ve written, Ino’s Love is one of my favorites. I
absolutely loved writing it. I don’t remember what inspired me to create the
characters of Ino and Ruby, but it must have been work-related because I was
working as a hospital case manager at the time. My days were filled with
helping patients (and their families) find ways to remain comfortable and cared
for at home when faced with long-term illness or disability.
I also did a short spell as a home
health nurse myself, and had a lot of experience as a nursing assistant caring
for the elderly in nursing homes and as an LPN and RN in the hospital. I have a
soft spot for patients like Ino. I respect those who care for them with
integrity and help them to maintain their dignity.
This story displays the love that
can exist between caregiver and client. There may be a few questionable actions
on the part of Ino and Ruby (no spoilers!), but it’s the love between them that
stays with the reader.
Ino’s Love was originally published in Kaleidoscope magazine, 2009.
Synopsis
Ino prepares a Christmas feast for
her successful CEO son, but when he's too busy to spend the holiday with his mother,
she shares her dinner and gifts with her home health aide. Sometimes, the
people who love us best are not family.
Interview with narrator/producer Terry Murphy
What is it about Ino’s Love that motivated you to audition for the role
of producer/narrator?
“Ino’s Love really touched my heart.
Sadly today, so many adults either ignore or forget about their parents. And as
I’ve gotten older, I realize it’s the little things from my sons that make me
the happiest now. Ino also beautifully illustrates how simple gestures from a
stranger can bring such joy to a senior citizen’s life.”
Were there any challenges to preparing for or performing this role?
“The biggest challenge for me was
trying to capture Ino’s personality in my voice. And it was equally difficult
alternating between Ruby and Ino’s ages. Ino’s
Love was my first fiction recording, and I am very proud of my
collaboration with you.”
Reviews
Since its publication
as an ebook on Kindle in December 2013, Ino’s
Love has been steadily gaining great reviews and is rated 4.9 stars on
Amazon. Here’s what a few readers had to say:
“The author packs so much into so little space. This is what a short
story should be.”
“Such a tender story of love...giving love, receiving love; reminding us
again that it's not the "things" in our lives that are important, but
the relationships.”
“A great writer can make you fall in love with a character quickly. Ms.
Sciucco proves to be such a writer with this short story.”
“All I had left when the tale ended was the question: ‘Why isn't this
included in the full disclosure for new home health aides?’ Because it is such
a delightful short read, and yet it depicts just how important these people are
to the patients they serve.”
Purchase Ino’s Love
Ino’s Love in audiobook is available on Amazon for $3.46,
on Audible and iTunes for $3.95. It’s also available as a Kindle book for $.99, and is free on Kindle Unlimited.
Connect with Marianne Sciucco
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