Chasing the Bard
Follow Shakespeare into the world of the Fey
Scribe can count
Posted by admin in News
People often ask me ’show how popular was Chasing the Bard podiobook?’ and truthfully I didn’t know. It was something that didn’t really bother me, since I knew plenty of people enjoyed it enough to contribute and give me feedback. I also studied Statistics at university and know the various ways they can be massaged by those that create them to justify many things. That is why I view podcasting numbers with some suspicion, but that’s another rant that can wait for another day.
However, after meeting with my agent Laurie, the most switched on person I know (sorry for the extra emails that just generated for you Laurie) and she asked about numbers, I sat down and did some spreadsheeting. And so here they are.
Between 31st March 2008 and 31st December 2008 Chasing the Bard was downloaded 153,000 times. That is just over 7,000 listeners per episode. It isn’t Sigler or Hutchins or Lafferty numbers but it is a respectable number for a podcaster who hasn’t been in the sphere for as long as any of those three.
To say I am happy is an understatement.
There are big exciting things coming down the pike in my writing life, and this was just a nice little incentive to keep going. For all of you who contributed to those numbers- I thank you, from the bottom of my needy little podcasters heart. And I think you are going to enjoy what is coming…
read comments (0)Christmas time for Puck
Posted by admin in News
Puck has reappeared in Erotica a la Carte in a special Christmas episode. Yes, this is erotica so please be aware of that. If you don’t want to hear Puck getting his groove on, then don’t listen, but have a wonderful Christmas anyway.
The dark goddess is having some issues with her supplier for the awards for her Privy Council. So her scribe is having to think something else up. Sorry for the delay, but should be fixed in January.
Rally the Court, the dark goddess is not amused. The sometime pirate captain, Tee Morris has been on twitter making dismissive comments about the fact that his book Pitcher’s Pendant has over twenty reviews while my scribe’s piece Digital Magic has but fourteen. This cannot stand.
Those of the Court who have read the sequel to Chasing the Bard, it would please the dark goddess if you would review it over on Amazon.com. We cannot allow a mere pirate captain to lord it over the Fey.
First a word from my favourite podcast brother and villain. Then you guys give me your favourite quotes from the Bard.
Thanks to Tee Morris, Lance, Sam Chupp, Nobilis, PG Holyfield, Chris Lester, Ink Gypsy, DDog, Jack Jaffee, Terry, Michael, Bruce
The final choice of the Privy Council will now be made. Sive can still accept members of her Court, but the Council Members will now be chosen. Ten lucky people will be receiving emails from the dark goddess inviting them to join.
Thank you all for your time, effort and enthusiasm for Chasing the Bard. Even Sive has been moved by all the support. Hang in there, and stay subscribed to this feed to find out about Digital Magic Podcast and other upcoming projects.
Feedback Show - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in Bonus episodes
I answer questions and field comments. It’s the final word from you the listeners. Now only one more episode. The Shakespeare tribute show.
If, like me, you’ve been amazed at the quality of work Mr Tee Morris has put in as Will Shakespeare, then it will come as no surprise that he is a trained actor. Tee first trod the boards in college, appearing as Alan Strang in Equus and also in many Shakespearian plays.
When Tee found out I was putting together a homage to his favourite playwright, he gave me this as his contribution. So sit back, and journey back in time to catch a glimpse of the talent of Tee Morris on the stage. It makes me sad that he is not still doing it- then again we can now enjoy his voice talents, and his great storytelling ability.
Thanks for sharing this with us Tee.
The final cut off date after which Sive will chose ten members of Court to become members of her Privy Council is 30th September. The trials can still be completed after that date but will not be eligible for the final decision.
A final feedback show and a homage to Shakespeare are the final two shows remaining, but my voice has taken a hammering in America and it will be a good few days until it is broadcast quality. So please bear with me.
It has been a wonderful journey, and I am excited by the challenges ahead. Stay subscribed as I will post news on new projects and things happening in the world of Chasing the Bard. Thank you all for your support, love and encouragement- it has meant more to me than even words can tell.
We know… you thought it was all over. However the kiwi and the Virginia ham have merely moved onto another phase. We’re on the road. In the next few days we will be found at the following
20th August, starting at 7pm — Barnes & Noble of Camp Hill, PA
22nd August, starting at 6pm — Moravian Bookshop of Bethlehem, PA
23rd August, from 3-5pm — Constellation Books of Reisterstown, MD
After that we’ll be at the geek mardi gras, known as DragonCon 29th August- 1st September. Then I fly home to the land of the long white cloud, so pop in to one or more of these signings if you can!
A new age but a few Fey still linger in the mortal realm. We catch up with a familiar shapeshifter and find the changes wrought on him by so long away from his home. We meet a writer hiding in an English village, a village full of people all with their own secrets and pain.
This will be podcast in 2009 and but is now available in print edition
Arise Sive’s Court…. Double Trouble is happening right now! Head on over to Amazon.com and order Digital Magic and Pitcher’s Pendant- we’re up to #59 and #43 as of right now… how much higher can they get, and will the dark goddess be forced to bow before a dwarf detective?
The final push of interviews. It has been a blast to do all these, exhausting but fun.
Tale Chasing - download
The Polyschizmatic Reprobates Hour - download
Inklings 2.0 - download
PodioMedia Chat - download
I Should Be Writing - download
ADD Cast - download
Jack Mangan’s Deadpan - download
Two days to Double Trouble
Posted by admin in Digital Magic
Yes nerves have set in- finally. But hopefully things will sail smoothy for the future Fey in Digital Magic. If you want to help the dark goddess and her kin, here’s some things you can do.
- If you’ve read the free pdfs of Digital Magic and/or Pitcher’s Pendant then please post a review on Amazon. It really does make a difference and is one solid way you can help, even if you don’t have the coin for the books themselves.
- If you have a blog then please feel free to post Digital Magic’s free pdf or Pitcher’s Pendant free pdf in your feed. Or write a review about Digital Magic, like Gem did on her amazing blog Time Well Wasted- check out her take on the story
- Wear an DT avatar online- they are on the Double Trouble page right here
- Tell a friend- word of mouth still works!
And finally hit Amazon on 08.08.08 The kiwi will be flying on American time to be there for all the fun. Where you can find me online will be announced here SOON!
The wonderful crew over at Back Seat Producers is helping the DT Team out. Not only did they host the marathon 3 hour chat with us they are doing 8 mini casts on 8 movies with 8 in the title- some fabulous stuff, so go on over and have a look . The guys are great fun and the reviews entertaining and informative- can’t ask for more than that!
The delightful Carrie had the DT team on to talk about writing, plans for the future and the fantasy genre.
Chapter Twenty - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Puck and Will set out on uncertain journeys and Sive learns to cry.
- 00:36 The story so far read by Tee Morris of Morevi; Remastered
- 02:43 Chapter Twenty
- Stay subscribed for a taste of Digital Magic, listener feedback and an audio tribute to Art. If you wish to contribute you can email or call in. Voice mail; (001) 206 350 5949, email; pip at pjballantine dot net.
- If you have not reviewed this cast, then please do so via itunes or Podcast Pickle
The writing force of nature JC Hutchins sat down and talked with Pip and Tee for his amazing Ultracreatives series. Hutch is an amazing writer and a great guy, and we both had a heck of a time.
Apparently this is what Americans call ’shaking it’. Tee and I decide the internet is our personal playground and get into every show we can. Some silly, some serious.
ScreenGeeks - download
Erk Pod - download
Friday Night Live with Monty - download
Chapter Nineteen - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Will, Sive, Auberon, Brigit and Puck face the Unmaker.
- 00:39 The story so far read by Edward G Talbot of New World Orders
- 02:28 Chapter Nineteen
- 48:30 Promo Murder by Design
- 49:50 Bard Talk
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
Never say the Dark Goddess doesn’t provide for her Court. As part of Double Trouble promo here is the free pdf of Digital Magic. Yes, that is right- a boon from Sive herself for her loyal human followers. You can also find the pdf of Puck’s friend Billibub Baddings newest outing The Case of the Pitcher’s Pendant
Join Puck and Billi on 0.08.08 but first see how the story takes you.
More Fey delights under Double Trouble- wallpapers, avatars and graphics
Chapter Eighteen - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Sive and Puck take up the sword against the Unmaker and Will sets out looking for revenge.
- 00:40 The story so far read by J Dan Sawyer of Sculpting God
- 02:12 Chapter Eighteen
- 44:04 Promo Steampod
- 44:08 Bard Talk - extra long bard talk cos I am just so glad to be back!
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
What happens when three timezones collide? Ireland, America and New Zealand find out. A fun interview that survived Skype
A bit of writing, a bit of geeking out, and a lot of Tee and Pip.
Chapter Seventeen - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Will wakes up in the Fey.
- 00:34 The story so far read by Nobilis of Nobilis Erotica
- 01:36 Chapter Seventeen
- 26:41 Promo Broken Sea Audio’s Conan
- 28:08 Bard Talk - extra long bard talk cos I am just so glad to be back!
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
This time something pretty from the dwarf detective. It serves as a good reminder for 08.08.08 and looks very nice on your desktop
1280 x 960
1152 x 864
1024 x 768
800 x 600
Display these desktops proudly on your computer to let people know
trouble is brewing on 08.08.08…
Double Trouble on Amazon.com!!!
Chapter Sixteen - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
The unlikely allies enter the Tower of London.
- 00:40 The story so far read by Paul Fisher of Serve it Cold
- 02:00 Chapter Sixteen
- 30:55 Promo New World Orders
- 32:22 Bard Talk read by special guest Koru
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
The lovely Pamela from Tech for Writers was kind enough to interview myself and the uber nemesis himself Tee Morris. Listen here.
Sive’s Fifth Test
Posted by admin in The Fey Court
Booksignings in August
Posted by admin in Promotional materials
Yes, it is happening. In addition to the New Media Expo and DragonCon I will be at three bookstores on the East Coast. Here are the promo cards for these events kiwi-postcard-02-1 and kiwi-postcard-01
Chapter Fifteen - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Sive wakes to captivity in the Tower of London, and Auberon finally meets Will.
- 00:35 The story so far read by Theresa Jaffee of 12 volt Theatre
- 02:06 Chapter Fifteen
- 33:49 Promo Archangel
- 34:45 Bard Talk
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
Chapter Fourteen - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Auberon and his Court face consequences, while Will returns to the theatre.
- 00:40 The story so far read by the ComputerKing
- 01:50 Chapter Fourteen
- 40:59 Promo The Pieces Podcast
- 41:43 Bard Talk
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
itunes all tuned up
Posted by admin in News
Those of you who let me know itunes was having issues with Chapters 1 and 2- thanks! It should be all fixed now. For some reason itunes went all flaky and was searching for the wrong file. New episode uploading tonight.
Chapter Thirteen - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Sive and Will finally give into their desires
- 01:07 Chapter Twelve
- 16:00 Promo Double Trouble- Billi and Puck talk Pitcher’s Pendant and Digital Magic but not until August 8th
- Music In My Dreams by Nijole Sparkis from Parallel Universe
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
Show your love of the Fey and Billibub Baddings and drop this in your feed. Puck and Billi have a little sit down.
Care to make a donation?
Posted by admin in News
Since I was told off for not having a donation point, here you are. Give as much or as little as you like- any moneys will go towards my touring fund and are much appreciated. You can also find the button under Author and Cast page.
Sive’s Fourth Test
Posted by admin in The Fey Court
Chapter Twelve - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Sive makes her way to the Court of a mortal Queen to find her bard.
- 00:40 The story so far read by JC Hutchins of 7th Son
- 02:02 Chapter Twelve
- 26:35 Promo KrakensQuest
- 27:44 Bard Talk
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
Chapter Eleven - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Will sets out on his own path and Sive learns some truths about herself.
- 00:39 The story so far read by Mur Lafferty of the Takeover
- 01:47 Chapter Eleven
- 31:26 Promo Astral Audio Experience
- 33:04 Bard Talk
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
The dark goddess has released her mission, and here is the flyer that will hopefully create enough interest in those who have never tried podiobooks to give it a go. For those participating don’t forget to email sive at chasingthebard dot com for credit for your trial.
ctb_cards and in colour ctb_cards_colour
Sive’s Third Test
Posted by admin in The Fey Court
As Sive’s Court fills the dark goddess presents the challenge of learning.
Chapter Ten - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Will goes looking for Puck and three lives collide with danger once more.
- 00:40 The story so far read by Tony Mast of the Back Seat Producers
- 01:55 Chapter Ten
- 39:15 Promo South Coast
- 41:00 Bard Talk
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
The uber nemesis
Posted by admin in News
My very own Will Shakespeare recently declared himself the uber nemesis of all podcast novelists. This is our response; PG Holyfield of Murder at Avedon Hill (Auberon) and Chris Lester of Metamor City (Mordant) and me. Call it a first shot across the bows.
Chasing the Bard Shop
Posted by admin in Promotional materials
Still working on adding products to this site but here you are The Chasing the Bard shop. So far only tee shirts there, but if you have ideas on what you want to see there email me at pip at pjballantine dot net
There is a certain time when a really girlie squeak is required, and for a writer one of those moments is when another person- all unasked, takes what you have done and creates new Art with it. Rachel Ross made me do the happy dance. She has captured Puck and Macha. Looks as though the Trickster has been pulling her tail feathers again!
The full images is in the Art and avatar section of this site. Also there are banners, bookmarks, wallpapers and images. I always wished I could draw, but that is just not my Art. For those of you who do have it, and feel inspired by Chasing the Bard, feel free to create. As Sive tells me, the act of creation is a strike against the Unmaker. Just send it to me and I will add it to the page. I will also squeal like a teenager and dance happy.
Chapter Nine - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Life for the Bard and the dark goddess in the mortal realm is not what either wants. However the return of the Trickster brings the wind of change.
- 00:39 The story so far read by Nathan Lowell creator of the Golden age of the solar clipper
- 01:46 Chapter Nine
- 34:15 Promo Twelve Volt Theater
- 35:15 Bard Talk
- Music Farmors brudpolska by Barry Phillips from the album Trad
- Voice mail (001) 206 350 5949
- Email me pip at pjballantine dot net
- itunes reviews always welcome
- Post a comment right here
Second interview
Posted by admin in Promotional materials
The delightful, smart and funny Jack Hosley interviewed me about a host of things. We go to the deep end of the pool as well as splash about in the shallows. Have a listen and subscribe to Wander Radio… it’s a great show even when it doesn’t have me in it.
Puck appears
Posted by admin in News
Here is the image of Puck I commissioned from the wonderful artist Irrel-Paola. I think the anime style works well for Puck, and he does certainly look about to make mischief. Even White Cat looks prepared for the trials ahead. I’m going to put together some shirts with this Puck image as well as the cover image for those that want to show their support of the Fey.
Podiobooks feed
Posted by admin in News
Chasing the Bard is now live at podiobooks.com for those that like their audio straight from the hip; no promos, no bard chat. But if you dig all that kiwi goodness then stay put!
Sive’s Second Test
Posted by admin in The Fey Court
The Dark goddess has returned- for once pleased with humanity. She has a second task ready for the Court.
Chapter Eight - Chasing the Bard
Posted by admin in The Chapters
Mordant returns home and Will has to make a choice.
- 00:40 The story so far read by Biscuit of Kulture Kast
- 01:51 Chapter Eight
- 38:53 Promo Tale Chasing
- 40:00 Bard Talk