My first book is on Audible!

Back in 2011, I self-published my first novel titled,  “A Cottage in Donegal, Mary Doherty’s Story.”

I am very grateful for the incredible reception that this book has received. The comments from people all over the world have warmed my heart.

Since that amazing beginning, I have felt that there was one thing that was missing for those reading my book – the soft lilt of an Irish brogue.  I wanted my readers to actually hear Mary Doherty’s story spoken in her authentic accent, and to be surrounded by the sound of an Irish granny’s soothing tones and cadence.

Over the years, audio books have become very popular and I was intrigued.  In 2018, I decided to develop this version of my book.  I am so grateful for the caring concern and counsel that Margaret O’Kane gave to me.  She is an actor, director, producer and Founder member of the Carn Drama Club based in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland which is the location of my story.  I appreciate all the time we spent sitting together in the coffee shop at the corner of the Diamond in Carn.

Her thoughts and ideas were invaluable to me as I sought the person who could put voice to Mary Doherty herself as the narrator of my book.  Margaret suggested a few candidates, recorded their voices and guided me to ultimately approach my cousin Mary Doherty the Saddler about the project.

At first Mary was hesitant, but in a short time both she and her brother Peter Doherty the Saddler became enthusiastic about creating an audio book.  They worked such long hours together to create this amazing audio version.

Peter felt that a little music should separate each chapter so he asked local musicians, Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin of Malin, better known as the Henry Girls, if we could use one of their original Celtic instrumental pieces.  It lends just the right touch and sets the tone right from the beginning.  In Chapter 31, Peter brings to life the traditional Irish folk song, “My Eileen is Waiting for Me.”  His rendition is exactly how I imagine Paul sang his party piece a century ago.

I am deeply grateful for Peter, not only for his talent, but also his willingness to take on this project as the producer.  He also served as coach to Mary.  Through her narration, Mary Doherty the Saddler brings the story to life.  Her dramatic reading of the text draws out deep emotion in the listener, young and old.  My heart is full of gratitude for the effort and energy she put into this project, even being willing to be coached by her baby brother.

I also want to thank Tom Watkiss from Diamondtronic Music in Claudy, County Derry, Northern Ireland.  He not only recorded and engineered the audio files but his wise counsel helped create this phenomenal version.  I appreciate his professional expertise that guided both Peter and Mary through all the hours in his studio.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge my great grandmother herself.  I felt that Mary Doherty Hudie wanted to have her story told and I believe that this audio book completes the project.  The listener experiences the story in the authentic voice of a local Carndonagh granny.  Follow the above link to the audio book information page and click on sample to listen to a 4 minute excerpt on Audible.

As part of launching a new book on Audible, I did receive a few Promo codes to send out.  The codes allow the listener to redeem them in their own Audible account and download my ACX audiobook for free.  They are specific to the Audible.com and Audible.co.uk retail marketplaces.  Just to be clear, I am sharing a few Promo codes for free copies in exchange for the listeners agreement to post an honest review.  If you are interested let me know by email – [email protected] and I will reply.

I am grateful.