Things are moving along on schedule with the launch of Retribution on November 7. I have noted on several venues that the book can be pre-ordered now. One reader went online and found that refers only to the eBook. That is correct. Unlike past launches, Amazon has changed its procedures and no longer offers pre-orders for print books. I haven’t a clue why. About the only thing I can do is start the print book a little early so both are available on November 7th. Go with the flow, I guess.
I should be getting the line edit of Insurrection back on October 24th, about a week from now. I haven’t set a launch date yet, but as I said before, it should be in February or March.
One of my Beta readers asked me last week who does the voiceover for the AI Wizzy in my videos. As odd as it may sound, or perhaps fitting, it is done with artificial intelligence. In other words, by computer. I have some software that allows me to draft what I want Wizzy to say in his own way, then run it through the AI software, and out pops Wizzy! There is a little skill in knowing how to spell some words so they make sense and a few other adjustments that need to be done, but it is fairly easy. I usually go through two to four iterations before I’m satisfied with the results. It is also cheaper than actual human voiceovers. I have about five people I use to voice the various characters, and I usually have each of them do two voiceovers for two different releases. When I did the work on Crucible, I had them make a total of eight voiceovers total for Nick, Amini, Tiana, and Doc. Aside from Wizzy, the most popular of those voices was the one for Doc. As a result, I have done two for Wizzy and two for Doc this time, no others. The cost is not inconsequential, but it is worth it, in my view. Besides, when I write the scripts, it is like writing in the book itself. Each character comes alive — even in the scripts.
Next week, you will hear Doc talking about Retribution for the first time. I hope you enjoy him.
As always, let me know what you think or what questions you have.
