Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a cherished middle-grade book into a captivating audiobook experience? The journey from the written word to spoken magic is remarkable, and I’m thrilled to take you behind the scenes of “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring,” a tale that’s more than just a story.

How it started

When I write, I often take this procrastination break that lasts a few minutes or days. While polishing Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring, I was in one of those breaks. At that moment, the thought in my mind was: How will I turn this book into an audiobook?

You see, I have experience podcasting and thought that it would be too easy to do it. But then I started to narrate what I had written and found myself stuck and overwhelmed. Shortly after, I decided that narrating my books would not be feasible. So I embarked on finding a voice that could sound like Isla and do Caribbean Latine accents. I looked for days.

I became obsessed with finding the voice, and the longer I would not find it, the more my anxiety increased at the thought of doing it myself. You may ask yourself, why was I so determined to turn Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring into an audiobook?

Well, because of accessibility. Being a lover of audiobooks and having family members and friends who are visually impaired, I knew that there are other methods of reading, and I wanted this story to find as many readers as possible. So I knew while drafting it that this story and everyone I write would all be turned into audiobooks.

Finally, on my fourth day, I found the voice. I yelled to my husband: “Bae, I found Isla!”

That person turned out to be Cindy Price, and the thing with destiny and the universe is that everything works out so perfectly because as I was in the final stages of publishing Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring, I found the voice on TikTok. Cindy Price was doing a femme narrator take over for a day. They were seeking female characters to narrate and showcase during the takeover. I thought this was my chance!

So I message Cindy and explain all of this to her, and in the back of my mind, I’m praying that she doesn’t think I’m a weirdo. But she says yes, and I forward her the first paragraph of Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring, and when it goes live, it is like synchronicity at its best. It’s indescribable to explain the bursts of emotions that I felt and still feel when I hear the story come to life through Cindy, and the unique part about all of this is that Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring is about just that: Isla finding her voice.

Finding One’s Voice

“Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” is a narrative that speaks to the heart of finding one’s voice. It’s a journey of self-discovery for young Isla Delgado, a character I hold close to my heart. Isla’s story mirrors my experiences as a stepchild and a stepmom, making it deeply personal and relatable. Through her adventures, readers and now listeners will discover the power of resilience, determination, and the beauty of embracing one’s truth.n

Compassion and Blended Families:

This book emphasizes compassion and empathy within blended families in a world where families come in all shapes and sizes. Isla’s journey is a testament to the idea that even when things don’t go perfectly, families can come together for the sake of their little members. This theme is close to my heart as it reflects my experiences and the belief that love can bridge any gaps.

The Quirky Canine Companion

One unique element of “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” includes John, my quirky Sausage-looking dog, who passed away on September 8th, a month that holds deep significance. John’s spirit and personality shine through in the character of a furry friend within the book. His memory lives on in these pages, making this story all the more meaningful and personal. As we embark on this audiobook journey, I invite you to listen closely to the words, let the emotions wash over you, and experience the magic of storytelling in a new form. Cindy Price’s narration brings a fresh perspective to this tale, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. So, stay tuned and get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring.” Join us on this unique adventure where pages transform into soundwaves, and the magic of literature comes alive in your ears. Don’t miss the audiobook release, and be sure to follow the link to experience the journey with Isla, John, and the rest of the unforgettable characters.