Free audio version of my novel available.

Sorry, folks - this has nothing to do with Hil & Obama, or McCain, or even really much at all with politics.  So, if that is what you are looking for, move along, and please accept my apologies for interrupting the regular stream of things here for you.

However, I thought I would share something really cool that happened to me this week.  Something that left me gobsmacked: the gift of a free, professionally produced audio version of my novel (which is set in 2052, on an alternative time-line from ours that splits off from the 2000 election).  And not only was this for my private enjoyment - I was given express permission to share it with anyone who wanted to listen to the thing.  I have now made it available as MP3 downloads on my website, for anyone who is interested.

Why would someone do such a thing?  Well, as the wife of the guy who did the work said:

I have read your delighted blog postings. I am not sure how much trumpeting Scot wants, but I say go for it. He is working the equivalent of two fulltime jobs at this point, and he should get some press. He told me when he handed me the finished product that he felt that you had just finished doing a good deed and needed one done for you. So there. You and your wife have stocked up some big karma points.

Big karma points?  I suppose so, in our caring for my MIL through years of Alzheimer's, culminating in her death early last month.  (Information about this can be found in my series of diaries on the subject.)  But still, to have someone undertake such a project (the unabridged audio production runs almost 16 hours!) is really quite stunning.

And I think that is why I wanted to share this news, here.  Such a selfless act strikes me as the very best thing about any community - of family, of friends, of like-minded folks such as I found here.

From this affirmed atheist, allow me to wish you a Happy Easter.

Jim Downey