Bonus Interview with Paul Levinson

Now that The Silk Code podiobook is complete, Paul and I present a bonus episode. This is an interview I did with Paul, and we discuss the origin of Phil D'Amato, the many elements of The Silk Code, and a special offer for listeners.

Listen or Download (35.01MB)

Thank you for listening to this book. If you enjoyed it, please write us a review at Podiobooks.com and in iTunes and tell a friend. Remember that The Silk Code is available through Tor books, and I (Shaun speaking here) highly recommend The Plot to Save Socrates. Check it out to satiate your Levinson craving!

Good-bye, everyone. Don't forget to email us with your comments.

Then there were TWO: Episode 20 and 21

The final two episodes of The Silk Code podiobook have arrived to an mp3 player in your hand. Wow, that was nifty. . .

Some of the sounds effects in these episodes were taken from The FreeSound Project. This is a wonderful place to find sound effects for podcasts, and it really helped me go all out in these final two episodes. I'm particularly proud of these two, and I think you'll agree that the production is top notch.

Episode 21 brings the novel to a close. It was a strange feeling to put the final touches on this episode. Kind of like watching your child grow up and move out of the house. Well, okay, maybe not like that, but it was an amazing feeling.

Here's a description of this episode:

The killer attempts to murder Jenna, an action that reveals his identity and solves the many mysteries of the silk code.

Listen or Download (31.65MB)

This episode is introduced by Matthew Wayne Selznick. He is the author of Brave Men Run and host of Writers Talking.



Well, folks, this book is done, but the podcast isn't over yet. I'll be back soon with an interview with Paul Levinson. We'll discuss the origins of Phil D'Amato, inspirations for The Silk Code and Paul extends a special offer to Silk Code listeners.



Here's a description of Episode 20:

Amanda's secrets are revealed, Bonnie discovers new evidence in the Tocharian manuscripts, Phil plants a red herring and the killer plans his final move.

Listen or Download (27.07MB)

This episode is introduced by Kay Kenyon. She wrote a wonderful book that I read recently, and I really appreciate that she did this intro for us.

Episode 19

The countdown continues with episode 19. Amanda is attacked, Phil learns about Jacquard Looms, evidence goes missing and Phil and Mallory finally confront each other. Here's the link:

Listen or Download (26.33 MB)

This episode is introduced by Tee Morris. Podcast listeners, and Podiobooks.com listeners in particular, should know Tee's name quite well. He's the author of Morevi, Billibub Baddings, and so much more.



Only two more episodes to go, folks!

The Silk Code in iTunes

I discovered something new recently. You can actually download the entire podiobook of The Silk Code in iTunes!

The way Podiobooks.com used to do things went like this: they would place the first four or five episodes on iTunes, and then they would tell people that if they wanted the rest of the novel to sign up for free at Podiobooks.com.

Looks like they've changed their ways a bit, because the entire novel is available in the iTunes Music Store.

I think this is a great move by PB.com. By making content more readily available, they increase their potential audience and create more new users. Bravo, guys.

So, if you've been wanting to check out The Silk Code, but you didn't want to sign up for a Podiobooks.com account, then just look it up in iTunes. And, please, if you like the book write a review.

Thanks for listening everyone, and don't forget to send in your questions for either Paul or myself soon. The last call for questions or feedback has been issued. If you would like to leave a voicemail, go ahead and call (206) 350-5029. It's the number for Adventures in Scifi Publishing, so make sure you specify that you're calling for The Silk Code.

Thanks again.

Episode 18, Part 4: The Silk Code

We kick off the final section of the novel with Part 4. Here's a brief synopsis of the chapter: Not knowing whom he can trust, Phil D'Amato loses yet another colleague. He learns more about the silk cure and the Tocharian manuscripts, which seem to tie Neanderthals to the ancient Singers.

Listen or Download (29.19 MB)

This episode is introduced by Cory Doctorow. There is a blog post below about my meeting him for the first time. Thanks, Cory, for both the intro and for being a pioneer in giving away content online.

Episodes 16 and 17

The new server is up, and Podiobooks.com is back. Which means The Silk Code is back! Just four episodes to go! Here are the next two installments.

Episode 17, Part 3 concluded:

Phil becomes a suspect in the deaths of Debbie and Tesa while an unseen murderer plans his next move.

Listen or Download (21.58 MB)

This episode is introduced by Hugo Award winning author Daniel Keyes. He won the Hugo for his wonderful short story "Flowers of Algernon." If you haven't read it, you should!




Episode 16, Part 3 cont.:

Phil discovers a Tocharian manuscript that seems to connect an ancient people called Singers with the Neanderthals, and the severity of Phil's case takes on deeper meaning after a brutal murder.

Listen or Download (17.05 MB)

This episode is introduced by Jack Dann. Thanks for talking with me over the great seas, Jack.

Why you can't download right now

Hi everyone. If you've dropped by Podiobooks.com recently, you probably noticed that they are having some technical difficulties. Turns out that success is a double-edged sword. They have so many people downloading episodes and blog posts that their server could no longer handle the traffic. As of this writing, I can't get on the website at all. So, it's safe to assume that they are looking for a new, bigger, faster server. I have no idea how long they will be out of service, and I apologize to everyone who is waiting for new episodes.

When I hear more about this, I'll post it here. Thanks.

Cory Doctorow

Tonight I had the pleasure to finally meet author, blogger, podcaster, academic, business man, scifi geek, and all around nice guy Cory Doctorow. I've heard Cory many times through his fiction podcast and through the Boing Boing podcast, but I was a little nervous to meet him. After all, when you are used to hearing someone's voice, you build an image of what that person is like, and if he or she turns out to be jerk, well, that just sucks!

Luckily, Cory was just as nice as I hoped he would be. When he found out I was a podcaster, he volunteered to record a bumper (rejoiner?) for me. I told him I was recording The Silk Code for release through Podiobooks.com, and his eyes lit up. Turns out he really loves Paul's novel, so he was really excited to record the introduction for Episode 18. He called the book "magnificent."

Hopefully I'll have more time to talk with Cory this summer. Normally I don't talk about my writing life or writing goals. I'm not one of those writers who is kind enough to chronicle his failures (i.e., endless rejections) for the public, though I certainly respect and appreciate authors who do, but I've decided to announce that I have applied for the Clarion Workshop. Cory will be one of the instructors this year, and it would be great to learn from him. He is so much smarter than me, and I could learn a lot by listening to what he has to say.

Episodes 14 and 15

Two more episodes of The Silk Code are ready for your consumption! Time grows short for Phil D'Amato, and these episodes trigger a cascade of deaths that will deeply affect the NYPD Forensics Detective.

Episode 15, Part 3 cont.: Phil meets with Tesa and forms some scientific theories to explain the Neanderthal virus. Phil's second meeting with Stefan promises trouble in the future.

Listen or Download (17.12 MB)

This episode is introduced by fantasy legend, R.A. Salvatore. He's one of the nicests guys around, and if you love high fantasy adventure stories, he has enough books out there to entertain you for a couple of years. At least. Thanks for taking the time, Bob!




Episode 14, Part 3 cont.: The Neanderthal sickness takes another life, this one much to close to home for Phil.

Listen or Download (15.11 MB)

This episode is introduced by Tobias Buckell, author of Crystal Rain. I totally dig Tobias. I interviewed him for Crystal Rain at Far Sector, and we are planning another interview for his second book, Ragamuffin. So, if you like finding new and talented writers (though Tobias hardly seems "new" considering all of the short fiction he's had published), then I highly recommend him. And make sure you check out the Buckellcast, availabe through youtube.



Special thanks to J.C. Hutchins, who gave The Silk Code a nice plug in the final episodes of 7th Son. Thanks for the support, J.C.

Episodes 13 and 12

Episode 13: Part 3 cont. After a close call, Phil visits H.T. Lum in Toronto and learns the truth behind the death of Gerry Moses. Phil and Jenna discuss the implications of the silk cure.

Listen or Download (18.78 MB)

This episode is introduced by the prolific L.E. Modesitt Jr. If you haven't checked out his books, you are so missing out!




Episode 12: Part 3 cont. Phil recovers from his knifing and meets Stefan Antonescu for the first time. Then he begins to formulate a plan to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Listen or Download (11.74 MB)

This episode is introduced by SF legend Robert J. Sawyer. This guy is an amazing writer, and keep your eyes on Adventures in Scifi Publishing for a great interview with him. He also worked with Paul back when they served as President and Vice President of the SFWA.



New episodes coming soon. If you're enjoying the novel, write a review at Podiobooks.com, and don't forget to tell a friend!

Keep the Questions Coming

The Silk Code is STILL the number one book at Podiobooks.com for the past 30 days. Thanks to everyone who has subscribed. Just a reminder, you can be a part of the podcast! Keep sending in your questions to me, Shaun Farrell, to the email link provided at the top of this page. Or leave your questions on the blog.

What questions, you ask. Well, anything you want. You can ask or comment about the novel, the podcast, the ideas in the story, everything is game. You can even send me an mp3. I'd prefer you follow these technical specs: 44,100 Hz, 16 bit, joint stereo, 96 kbps. But even if you don't, I'll play it as long as it's listenable.

Thanks for listening folks!

Episode 11

Episode 11, Part 3 cont. Phil visits Mallory in London, the mystery of Stefan Antonescu deepens, and Phil comes face to face with his own mortality.

Listen or Download (14.03 MB)

This episode is introduced by science fiction legend, Greg Bear. I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Bear a few months back for Far Sector. In fact, it was the final interview ever done for Far Sector, as we've closed shop. But that's a tale for another time. Thanks, Mr. Bear, for talking with me again!

Episode 10

Episode 10, Part 3 The Subatomic Symptom: One year after the Amish incident, Phil D'Amato begins an even stranger case. Why did the body of a 30,000 year old mummy appear out of nowhere in the NYU library? And was the body that of the missing janitor?

Listen or Download (20.72 MB)

This episode is introduced by legendary Tor Senior Editor David G. Hartwell. If I put up covers for even half the books this man has edited, Blogger would shut me down for slowing their server. Thank you, Mr. Hartwell, for taking the time to talk with me and record this intro.

Episode 9

Episode 9, Part 2 concluded, Basque Lands, ca 753 AD: Gwellyn and Jakob finally find the singers, but truth and knowledge exact a heavy cost.

Listen or Download (30.56 MB)

This episode is introduced by great science fiction writer Jack McDevitt.



Next week we return to Dr. Phil D'Amato in New York city. New mysteries emerge, and strange events from the ancient world have a powerful influence over modern times.

Episode 8

Episode 8, Part 2 cont., Carthage, ca 753 AD: After a long and difficult journey at sea, Gwellyn, Jakob, and the others arrive at the home of the Vascones and discover the mysterious wonder of the caves. But murder is in the air.

Listen or Download (27.99 MB)


Episode 8 is introduced by Joe Haldeman, winner of the Hugo, the Nebula, and the Ditmar.



Notes:

If you'd like to be a part of the podcast, send in your questions to me and Paul. We'll use them in a bonus episode at the novel's conclusion.

Get on the podcast

In less than a week, The Silk Code pocast novel has already broken into the top ten list at Podiobooks.com for most subscribers within the last month! If you haven't given a listen, drop on by Podiobooks.com and sign up. There are dozens of great novels there that you can listen to for free besides The Silk Code (though The Silk Code should be first!).

Want to be a part of the novel? You can participate. The final episode will feature an interview with Paul Levinson. You can email your questions for me and Paul to Shaun (listed above) or leave them on the blogpage, and we'll read the question aloud and answer it "on the air." MP3s are accepted as well, but they need to be recorded with the following specifications: 44,100 Hz, 16 bit, joint stereo, 96 kbps.

Thanks to everyone who's listening. I hope you're having fun with it.

Coming this week - Episode 7

Episode 7 (23.81)MB

Episode 7, Part 2 cont., Malagasy Island, ca 752 AD: Having been blown far off course by the winds, Gwellyn and Jakob find themselves on the Malagasy Island. There they learn the ultimate destination of their quest.

This episode is introduced by science fiction legend Larry Niven. I had the chance to interview Mr. Niven a little while back, and I can highly recommend his work. He's probably best know for the Ringworld books, and he's won the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and Ditmar Awards

Episode 6

Episode 6 (14.03 )MB

Episode 6, Part 2 cont., Barbaricon, near the Indus River, ca 751 AD: Well into their journey, Gwellyn and Jakob discover even more compelling news about the singers. Tragedy strikes Gwellyn’s family.

This episode is introduced by two fine fellows, Tony and Ciaran from the Starshipsofa podcast. Each episode they discuss a major science fiction author, all from the comfort of their couch. I think. Check out there show!

Download the first five episodes

Right click on the episode titles and "Save Target As" to download to your computer. Or, to simply listen, just click on the filename.

Episode 1 (11.34 )MB
Episode 2 (17.63 MB)
Episode 3 (16.09 MB)
Episode 4 (18.89 MB)
Episode 5 (14.43 MB)

The Silk Code is LIVE!

Hey, everyone. The wait is over!! Visit Podiobooks.com and start listening to the novel! Here is the direct link to The Silk Code's page. Then you can create an account and subscribe so that each new episode will be automatically downloaded onto your hard drive. From there, put the novel on your mp3 player, cell phone, or listen on your computer. You can also download each episode individually without subscribing if you prefer. The page takes a few seconds to load, so be patient!!

Paul and I are excited about this project, and we hope you enjoy the first 5 episodes. There's plenty more to come!

Episode Guide:

Episode 1 - Part 1 - The Mendelian Lamp: Phil D'Amato is used to seeing death, but not the deaths of those he loves. Tragedy strikes when he visits his good friend, Mo, who dies in his arms, but not before he shows Phil a hidden world of Amish science and biological alchemy.

- Episode introduced by the talented author (and no, he is not writing this!), Paul Levinson. Check out his website in the links above.


Episode 2 - Part 1 cont.: Reeling from the death of his friend, Phil searches for answers. Using an address he finds in Mo's phone, Phil visits Sarah Fischer and learns some startling information about secret groups who have the power to both manipulate the human genetic code and to make allergies deadly.

- Episode introduced by writer and podcasting legend, J.C. Hutchins. Check out his podcast trilogy, 7th Son, at Podiobooks.com, or at his website.




Episode 3 - Part 1 cont.: Phil returns to the Stoltzfus farm, which Mo had shown him the previous day, just to see that more disaster has struck. He rushes to Mo's home and meets Amos, a young Amish boy who tells Phil even more about the sinister plans of their unseen enemy. And Sarah Fischer may be one of them.

- Episode introduced by science fiction and fantasy author Carrie Vaughn. Check out her books!




Episode 4 - Part 1 concluded: Phil travels to the farm of John Lapp. He learns more about the secret forces at work against him, and he finds a way to battle the Mendelian bombs their enemy so often deploys. But Lapp insists that the Amish can handle these radicals, and Phil leaves the conspiracy behind to return to New York.

- Episode introduced by the wonderful Mur Lafferty. Check out her podcasts, I should be Writing and Geek Fu Action Grip, and podiobooks at, yeah, podiobooks.com!




Episode 5 - Part II - The Tocharian Chariot. Tarim Basin, on The Silk Road, ca 750 AD: Young Gwellyn and his family discover a dead body believed to be one of the fabled singers. They burn the body, as law prescribes, but the incident burns a deep desire into Gwellyn. He must learn more about the singers. His wise friend and mentor, Jakob, knows a way, but the price will cost Gwellyn greatly.

- Episode introduced by Hugo Award winning and bestselling author Timothy Zahn. He's been a favorite of mine since I was a kid, and if you like space opera, you'll like Tim Zahn!

Episodes Uploaded and More Author Intros

In my continued to attempt to keep everyone updated, here goes.

I uploaded the first 5 episodes to podiobooks.com tonight. That means the novel will debut soon, but I don't know exactly when. Keep checking here and at podiobooks.com for the information you'll need to subscribe. And again, podiobooks.com makes it SOOOO simple to subscribe. So even if you've never listened to podcasts before, this is a great way to learn.

The first five episodes are introduced by Paul Levinson, J.C. Hutchins, Carrie Vaughn, Mur Lafferty, and Timothy Zahn. That will be a fun way to kick off each episodes, and I hope you enjoy it.

Also, here are some authors who have recorded episode introductions for me: Greg Bear, Jack McDevitt, and Joe Haldeman. Also, Senior Editor David G. Hartwell from Tor books and science fiction podcasters Tony and Ciernan from Starshipsofa will lend their voices.

I'll be putting the first episode of The Silk Code into my Adventures in Scifi Publshing feed this week. So, if you want a sneak peak, check out my feed at www.adventuresinscifipublishing.blogspot.com, or look it up in iTunes (though the iTunes links are on the blogpage).

That's all for now. Talk to you again soon.

Episode Four and Author Introductions

Over the weekend I had planned on recording episode four, but, thanks to some anomaly with my software, I instead had to re-record episode one. Something strange happened to the file. But it was just as well because it gave me the chance to really fine tune it and to add the longer outro. So last night I finished episode four, and I'll work on episode five tomorrow. That means, assuming something unexpected doesn't happen, that the first five episodes will be delivered to Podiobooks.com by Saturday morning. And they will release it as soon as possible. So, the day is nearly here!

One thing I'm doing for the podcast is stealing from J.C. Hutchins. He often has someone famous introduce the episode, and I always think it's great fun to see who it's going to be from week to week. With Paul's help, we have some great authors lined up to introduce these episodes for you all. Check out the list of authors I've already recorded: Timothy Zahn, Larry Niven, Joe Haldeman, Carrie Vaughn, Mur Lafferty, and J.C. Hutchins. That is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, and many other have agreed to it as well. But I don't want to give out their names until we actually record, so keeping checking back for updates

Recording in Progress

If you're here then you must know that I, Shaun Farrell, am adapting Paul Levinson's novel The Silk Code into podcast form. I thought I'd keep a journal, so to speak, of my progress. So, here goes.

Today I finished recording episode 3, and it's the 2 episode I've recorded in three days. I also recorded Episode 9 of Adventures in Scifi Publishing in that time, so you can tell I've been busy. I learned a valuable lesson today: don't record in the morning! I'm not claiming this as universal truth, but I didn't realize how many planes fly overhead or how many cars I could hear driving by. And that is with all windows and doors shut. In the end, I had to re-record about half the episode, and it turned into a five hour affair. Not what I had in mind.

But such is the price for art! All considered, I think the episode came out really well, and I look forward to being able to share it with you all soon.

Then, when all of that was finished, I realized I had some other pieces that needed re-recording. You know, little things, like the entire first episode! I want it to be perfect, and the audio quality of the first episode just didn't match up with the following two. Our listeners deserve better than that! But this is not a cry for sympathy. The first episode is rather short, and I should have it done in an hour or so. I also quickly recorded a new outro to include copyright and publisher information. I couldn't believe I forgot to do that in my first outro.

Anyway, that's the progress so far. Keep checking for updates and subscription info!