Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

Hey boys and girls!

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve done another narration for the good ship Sofa. I was very privileged to read “After the Fire” by Campbell Award nominee and Writer’s of the Future Winner, Aliette de Bodard.

This is one of my favorite stories so far! I do hope you’ll drop by StarShipSofa and give it a listen!

As always, comments and suggestions are always appreciated!

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

Hey you!

Yes, you.

 Do you have $10.00? You do?! That’s excellent news! For just $10.00 (or more), you can become one of my loyal subjects in the Clarkesworld Magazine Citizenship Drive! We’re hoping to hit 400 new citizens by the end of the year and we need your help. The details of what your donations will count towards can be found on that link. Clarkesworld Magazine depends on support from the SF/F Community to keep running and bringing you stories from both established and new authors.

I also want to surpass Princess Cheryl in her minion count  so far as well, and I can only do that with your help! I have one donation to her eight. Help me overcome her tyranny! ;)

Thank you in advance for supporting something that means so much to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed joining the staff at Clarkesworld. Anything you can do is much appreciated!

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

Can I pass out now? I don’t think I’ve been this busy narrating for a very long time! Not that I’m necessarily complaining. It’s a nice warm feeling throughout my whole body when people like what they hear and want more! On that note, on my second month on the job with Clarkesworld Magazine - I’m narrating a story by Cat Rambo! Please go take a listen if you have some time to spare.

The other content this month is well worth a look as well!

The Mermaids Singing Each to Each
by Cat Rambo

Brief Candle
by Jason K. Chapman

The Fantastic Spectrum of Elizabeth Hand
by Jason S. Ridler

Modern Genetics in the World of Fiction
by Roger Moraga

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

Hey Guys and Girls!

In the craziness that has been my life for the past month, I neglected to mention that I had two narrations up! I’ve got four to get done and a finished one waiting pub.

“Spar”by Hugo & Nebula nominee  Kij Johnson is up at Clarkesworld Magazine. (Did I mention I like, work for them now? *Squee*) It’s full of adult themes and language, so if that kind of stuff makes you queasy, best to avoid. It’ll be on the home page for about another week, then get drops back into archives/audio fiction, so please, go take a listen.

“The Reflection of Memory” by Writer’s of the Future winner, CL Holland is up at StarShipSofa. This podcast on the fantasy side of the SF/F genre.

Both are excellent pieces of writing and I hope I do them justice!

If you have a moment after listening, I’m always craving constructive feedback.

While I got you — Look for a new Nick Mamatas story coming soon to Escape Pod as well!

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

Some big news to report on multiple fronts!

I’ve been invited to be “Podcast Director” (get a load of the official title) for Clarkesworld Magazine! That’s right, I’ve joined the staff of the Hugo Nominated Magazine! What will I be doing, exactly? I’ll be coordinating podcasts for the monthly releases, and introducing some new and exciting content as the magazine continues to grow.

Do me a favor? Mention the magazine to your friends, have them mention us to their friends! (I can actually say “us” now! *Squee*)

In other news, I’ve been interviewed by the wonderful Charles Tan over at Bibliophile Stalker. I am quite humbled as this was my first interview ever, but Charles made me feel welcome. Thanks, Charles. You’re the best!

I also have a narration up at Escape Pod as well this week. You should go over there and take a listen! “The Kindness of Strangers” by Nancy Kress opens discussion about our true selves. When disaster of epic proportion, propagated by aliens strikes, who do we become? Do we change or do we show our true colors?  Two more narrations are  in the pipeline for Jeremy Tolbert and the good folks at EP.

I will also have another narration up on Clarkesworld as we hit October 1st. I can’t say much about this one and will update the blog when it comes around. As a narrator, I am still digesting and it’s been a few days since I read it.

Tony C. Smith with StarShipSofa has given me another story to add to the two I’m still working on as well. Again, I’ll update when those are done and published.

I’ve updated the podcasts/narration page with the stuff that is just recently out. Enjoy!

It’s been a whirlwind and I have only to thank those of you who have cheered me on, listened and recommended my readings to others. You guys get all the credit here. Not me.

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

As we approach StarShipSofa’s 100th Aural Delights episode, host Tony C. Smith has some exciting news. Featuring some of the best authors in the science fiction genre, StarShipSofa Stories — Volume One will be available on September 16, 2009. 

Through the generous contributions of people like Peter Watts, Ken Scholes, Alastair Reynolds, Elizabeth Bear, Gord Sellar, Spider Robinson  and more, StarShipSofa Stories - Volume One  will serve as both a celebration and way to contribute to the audio podcast.  Each sale of the book will go towards keeping the Sofa in orbit and allow us to continue to bring the Science Fiction fan community wonderful and imaginative stories week after week.

If you are considering taking part in the Support our ‘Zines Day on October 1st, conceptualized by Damien G. Walter, this would be a great way to support StarShipSofa and you will get something back!

Pricing is still being worked out but as he said during the latest Aural Delights show, it looks like the PoD book price might be hovering around 8-10 GBP plus shipping and handling.*

Tony will also be releasing the free e-book as well.

StarShipSofa Stories Volume 1 is only a few days away from going on sale. Here’s a sneak preview of the cover art, designed by Skeet.

Skeet’s brief was to create a picture that would pay homage to the 50s SF pulp magazines. I think he’s produced an amazing piece of work.

Get ready for the 16th September when the book will be available to buy in print form. There will also be a new website and free eBook released on that day.

*Pricing is subject to change as we get closer to publication date.

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

It’s been an absolutely busy month for narrations/voice over work. When I got home from WorldCon, I was bombarded with six projects all due relatively soon. This was on top of the four I still had! I’ve whittled down the list to just four left. The newest published narration comes to you from Clarkesworld Magazine.

“White Charles” by Sarah Monette

This piece was particularly pregnant with many characters. In some cases, many of the characters were in a scene with dialogue together. Trying my best to distinguish, I tried different accents. Some I think I nailed. There were a few that I still need to work on. Yet, I think they were necessary in order to make sure the listener knew who was speaking at the time.

As an aside, because I’m eccentric, I have been pronouncing the author’s name with a French flair since well, forever. Since I love getting people’s names right, her last name is pronounced — it’s (mo’ nette) not (monay). Just so you know!

I will also be putting up a new podcast for Pete Hodges as well. That should be going up later tonight. With a new rewrite, we return to the “Loss of Innocence” world. I originally thought the work was excellent, but as Pete has come back to it and tweaked, it’s gone from great to awesome. Can’t wait to see the rest.

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

I was narrating the other night and my cat decided she wanted some loving right then and there. If you listen hard, you can hear the soft purring followed by her head bumping the microphone.

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Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

**contains language**

Let me make something perfectly clear right off the bat– This post is not a slight on Jeremy Tolbert or Steve Eley. I am humbled and privileged to have read for Escape Pod. It’s all the  fucktards out there who need to have their virtual tongues cut out and smashed under very large and heavy rocks.

As many of you know, I am a narrator and a podcaster. I am also fucking pissed.

This last week, a story by the lovely Genevieve Valentine, read by me, was put up on Escape Pod. While I’ve listened to Escape Pod audio in the past, I never dived into the forums or comments on each. I usually got the episodes from Itunes.

As any curious narrator would be, I wanted to know what people thought of the reading. I’m always interested in constructive feedback to enhance my future narrations. If you thought it was deadpan, fine. I can take it. I’ll make a note and try to be more enthusiastic next time I’m reading about death. No, really.

When I went to both the forums and the comments on the individual stories on the Escape Pod site, I found myself barely controlling my rage at some of the comments. In case the entire Internet hasn’t been taught — there are ways of offering criticism that don’t include the words, “Suck”, “terrible”, “Bad”, “Boring”…. the list goes on.

It’s fine. A story may not work for you.  You may be disappointed where the author (and reader) take you while on your journey. You may find yourself wondering why you stuck around for the ending. People are entitled to that opinion.

What people aren’t entitled to be are assholes about it.  See: how to offer constructive criticism.

I was once a proponent of open commenting and forum posting. No one should be moderated. As I started my blog, visited Youtube,  read news articles which allowed comments, visited friend’s sites, and saw the pretentious, asinine drivel flow like rabid spittle from the mouths of inconsiderate beasts who should never have been allowed an internet connection, my stance slowly changed.

See John Scalzi — “Moderation Matters”.

John is happy that most of the members of his community are civilized human beings who pride themselves on having compassion and understanding for other members of this race.  It’s fun when you have an adult conversation comprised of adults acting like adults. It’s great to have lively discussions that don’t veer off into hate-filled, often unassociated tangents.  It stops being fun when scum start adding their drivel to the mix.

See, here is the deal. I don’t care you said nasty shit about me. Really, I don’t. What I care about are the people who pour their hearts into bringing you content every week. What I care about are the writers who are telling a story. What I care about are the producers and editors who are mostly volunteers and don’t get paid for their effort and time. What I care about are the listeners who have constructive things to say.

So really, to all the people who can’t stop vomiting up shit and getting off on their self proclaimed righteous verbal masturbation; fuck you. Seriously, fuck you.  Oh, that’s twice. You know I’m angry, now.

Places like Escape Pod who offer free content for the love of the genre, should be commended for their dedication and perseverance. Especially on the internet, where the term “asshole” is not only a state of mind, but now comes in anonymous flavor packs.

For the record, if you read this Genevieve, and countless others who’ve been ripped apart by people who really should be wearing muzzles and straight jackets and locked in rubber rooms:

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for writing, producing, narrating and editing.

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

I am extremely pleased to say that my narration of Genevieve Valentine’s story, “Carthago Delenda Est” went up yesterday. You can get it here! For all you Itunes listeners, the link is here.

I must say, Genevieve’s story was absolutely incredible. It’s definitely a thinking piece.When I finished editing the voice work and was able to really listen to the story, I was left with many different intriguing questions.  Genevieve is definitely someone to watch right now. She’s also got a story over at Clarkesworld Magazine this month as well.

Thanks to Jeremy Tolbert for letting be a part of a great online audio magazine!

For those looking for more podcasts/narrations — I have updated the list. Go listen to free fiction!

Not only is there the update to Escape Pod, but I’ve put up a link to my poetry narration at Mythic Delirium, and the worldcon reporting via The Sofanauts!

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

I read “Last One Laments” by Lindsey Nair for Mythic Delirium.

You should go take a listen! The poem is listed right under the other feature: Apple Jack Tangles the Maidy Lac…

Thanks again to Mike Allen for letting me be a part of MD.

Originally published at Out of Sorts. Please leave any comments there.

New podcast up for Peter Hodges!

An orphaned 8 year old hides in the ruins of his former home, pursued by a dangerous attacker.  Plainly obvious by the rubble at his feet, someone wants to kill him and will go to any means necessary to complete the task.

“Alchemist - William Introduction”

Story by Peter Hodges
Dramatic Reading by Kate Baker
Music: William’s Theme by Kate Baker

You can find it here!

If you are asking yourself why this sounds familiar, this is a rewritten and heavily edited chapter. It’s very interesting to see how the story has progressed from the very beginning of the project to the almost-final copy.

Originally published at Amnesia. Please leave any comments there.

Two new free podcasts to tell you about today! 

The first one comes from Hugo nominated Clarkesworld Magazine. I read Nick Mamatas‘,  ”Walking with a Ghost” for the June issue. It’s a fun little Lovecraftian story, sure to make your tentacles wriggle. 

You can find it here and on Itunes. 

The second comes from my best friend’s site - Peter Hodges.  This short excerpt from a post apocalyptic story follows a small band of survivors running from a band of religious zealots. *takes a deep breath*

No, really!

You can find this story here and on Itunes as well.

Anyway, you should visit and listen and all that fun stuff, because I told you to. Mmm… k? :)

Originally published at Amnesia. Please leave any comments there.

You like me?!?! You really like me! (errr…)

So color me intimidated.  I was trying to put together a small little podcasting portfolio for voice work and idly wondered if anyone had posted anything regarding any of my projects. Considering the growing popularity of Clarkesworld Magazine with its Hugo Nomination, I was really happy to find a few positive notes regarding my recent readings for them. 

(Secretly jumps up and down with enthusiasm while you’re not looking)

On that last review, while the bulk of it was good, I think I was a bit anxious on the first story I did for Neil, so I toned it down not to make a complete and utter fool of myself. That won’t be happening again. ;)

Clarkesworld Magazine Issue #32
From The Lost Diary of Treefrog7 by Nnedi Okorafor
Review by Charles Tan - Bibliophile Stalker

Kate Baker’s reading of the story is impressive. Aside from all the sound effects, Baker draws out the emotion from the protagonist, whether it’s genuinely moaning in pain to sharing her frustration with her husband. There’s also the usual praises for Clarkesworld such as fluency and clear audio.

Read the full review of the Clarkesworld Magazine Issue – here. 

Clarkesworld Magazine Issue #30
Herding Vegetable Sheep - Ekatarina Sedia
Review by Alvaro Zinos-Amaro - The Fix 

Kate Baker provides my favorite podcast from Clarkesworld this year, reading “Herding Vegetable Sheep.” I really enjoyed her interpretations of the rhythms in Sedia’s prose, and the subtle voice characterization. My only wish is that she’d read Sobel’s story instead, which I feel might have made, overall, for a more affecting listening experience.

Read the full review of the Clarkesworld Magazine Issue — here. 

Clarkesworld Magazine Issue #30
Herding Vegetable Sheep - Ekatarina Sedia
Review by Charles Tan - Bibliophile Stalker

For the most part, Kate Baker’s reading was impressive. What particularly struck me was how Baker voiced the mother who was supposed to be crying. When she speaks, she really sounds like she has a cold and perfect for the role. Aside from that, it’s the usual fluent and steady voice that characterizes the other Clarkesworld podcasts.  

Read the full review of the Clarkesworld Magazine Issue — here. 

Clarkesworld Magazine Issue #28
Celadon by Desirina Boskovich
Review by Alvaro Zinos-Amaro - The Fix 

Kate Baker’s enjoyably serene and low-key reading of Boskovich’s story draws out its lyrical qualities, adding to the dreamlike feel of the otherworldly sequences. 

Read the full review of the Clarkesworld Magazine Issue — here. 

Clarkesworld Magazine Issue #28
Celadon by Desirina Boskovich
Review by Charles Tan - Bibliophile Stalker

Kate Baker reads “Celadon” and she’s competent. A good bulk of the story is narration and she’s up to the task as she’s fluent and consistent. There’s little dialogue and that’s perhaps a good thing as Baker doesn’t really distinguish between the various characters and I feel her voice is too even. She’s expressive though when it comes to the reactions of the characters and one can sense the anxiety of the narrator or the detachment of the anthropologists. 

Read the full review of the Clarkesworld Magazine Issue — here. 

Originally published at Amnesia. Please leave any comments there.

I know I’ve been hitting you with older podcasting work that I’ve done, but this happens to be one of my favorites as well.

After a lengthy voyage by sea, Dominic Grenault sets foot at the shores of Landcaster lands. Meeting with Chloe Montagne at the insistence of her very powerful sister, Dominic assumes command as future ruler of the Lancaster people.

This short excerpt is taken from “The Alchemist” a finished novel by Peter Hodges.

“The Alchemist: Dominic - Part Two”
Story by Peter Hodges
Dramatic Reading by Kate Baker

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Originally published at Amnesia. Please leave any comments there.

In the middle of a site redesign for Peter Hodges, we noticed all of his podcast links were gone. While fixing them last night, I came upon the “O’Leary Letters” podcast series that I had written and performed last year. Listening to each as I made sure the files were still there and spared corruption, I was actually really proud of the work I had done. 

I’ve decided to put the files up here once again, all in one post so you don’t have to go searching for them.

“Letters Home” takes place in the very near future.  We follow Shannon O’Leary, a Irish born Soldier in the Solarian Marine Corps.  She is a volunteer, fighting against an alien race called the Rak’Lan.  Viewed as a war machine and meat grinder, few who join the SMC return home to their families. We watch her adjust, lament, and ultimately grow into the roll of an Officer. This is what it truly means to be a female soldier who’s sunrise has been replaced with a very different view.

Thanks again to Peter Hodges for allowing me to play around in his universe. “A Loss of Innocence” can be found here. For those of you who prefer the written, here is the full text.

Part One

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Part Two

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Part Three

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Part Four

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Part Five

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Part Six

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Part Seven

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Part Eight

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Part Nine

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Part Ten

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Originally published at Amnesia. Please leave any comments there.

I can’t say it enough — I love this job. I love being able to dive into the roots of a story and become the characters within the tale. 

I’ve updated my Podcast/Audio Narration page with the following entries:

Clarkesworld Magazine

Short Story Narration - “From the Lost Diary of TreeFrog7? by Nnedi Okorafor

Mythic Delirium

Poetry Narration - “Genesis” by Holly Dworken Cooley (This is under the Feature Poems section)

StarShipSofa

Poetry Narration - “Black Holes Hold Thier Breath” by Mike Allen(Episode 81)

Poetry Narration - “Epochs in Exile” by Mike Allen and Charles Saplak (Episode 80)

Short Story Narration - “Standing Room Only” by Karen Joy Fowler (Episode 79)

—-

I’ve got four more stories still to be recorded for both StarShipSofa and WeirdSF.com. If you like what you hear, please continue to support these great Magazines.  As always — thanks for listening! Always feel free to leave comments or drop me a line at kate(at)anaedream(dot)com if you’ve enjoyed a story or would like to query me for voice narration!

Thanks again!

Also — if you are a member of this year’s Worldcon, please consider Clarkesworld Magazine for the 2009 SemiProzine Hugo Award. (It would make me VERY happy).

Originally published at Amnesia. Please leave any comments there.

For those of you who like your links, I’ve updated the podcast/audio narration page on this site. It now includes the new Clarkesworld Magazine audio narration and the poetry I read for Starshipsofa. 

Just an FYI - I have a few stories and poems coming up and I’ll post another little nugget here when I do see them in the wild. 

“Blow Job Red” by Laura Anne Gilman (for inclusion in Weirdsf.com)

“Fork Points” by Sheila Finch (For SSS)

“Black Holes” poetry by Mike Allen (for SSS)

“Epochs in Exile” poetry by Mike Allen (for SSS)

“The Strip Search” poetry by Mike Allen (For SSS)

“Journey to Kailash” poetry by Mike Allen (For SSS)

“Standing Room Only” by Karen Joy Fowler (For SSS)

“Zealotry in 3 Acts” by Peter Hodges (for his website)

With five more yet to be recorded. :) I like this job and I always will. Thank you to those who’ve made it possible and continue to listen!