Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 17:17:00 -0400
From: "Michael Walsh" <MJW at mail.press.jhu.edu>
To: <wsfalist at keithlynch.net>
Subject: [WSFA] Neil Gaiman News
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

>From PW Daily today:

Audiobook of the Day: Neil Gaiman's Two Plays for Voices

As a writer, transplanted Brit Neil Gaiman has always had the
proverbial irons in lots of different fires, winning accolades for his
comics (Sandman), novels (American Gods), children's books (Coraline,
The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish) and a BBC television series
(Neverwhere), among other things. In fact, he takes great enjoyment in
seeing his work adapted for various media. One type of adaptation he
is particularly fond of is the audiobook.

"I love audiobooks," Gaiman told PW Daily in a recent interview.
"[When they're done right], they can be one of the coolest things
about having books out there."

Demonstrating his support of the audio genre, Gaiman agreed to narrate
his children's novel Coraline (July 2002) for HarperAudio. He even
suggested that Harper release the audiobook several months ahead of
the print version. "I thought it might reach some people who wouldn't
think of picking up an audiobook otherwise," he explained.

HarperAudio loved the idea, but due to a pushed up pub date for the
print book, the Coraline audio ended up hitting shelves the past June,
only a few weeks early. Regardless of timing, both versions have
performed very well thus far.

Dipping further into the audiobook well, this month Gaiman celebrates
the release of Two Plays for Voices (HarperAudio), an audio adaptation
originally produced for the Sci Fi Channel of two short stories from
Gaiman's collection Smoke & Mirrors. Brian Dennehy and a full cast
perform "Murder Mysteries" and Bebe Neuwirth and a full cast perform
"Glass Apples."

This audio only production is available on two cassettes, lasting two
hours, $18.95; two CDs, $22.95. It's a must have for any Gaiman
fanatic.--Shannon Maughan