The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Episode: Death Valley Audiobook Chapters And Book Marketing Tips With J.F Penn
Host: Joanna Penn
Release Date: April 4, 2025

Introduction to J.F. Penn and Death Valley

In this episode of The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers, Joanna Penn welcomes listeners to a special discussion with J.F. Penn, a thriller author and creative entrepreneur. The focus of the episode is on J.F. Penn's latest project, the audiobook Death Valley, and his innovative book marketing strategies.

AI-Powered Audiobook Narration

J.F. Penn opens the discussion by introducing his new audiobook, Death Valley, highlighting the use of AI for narration:

J.F. Penn [00:59]: "First of all, it is made with my voice clone on ElevenLabs, so if you have had your doubts about digital narration with AI, then perhaps this might help you think about it more."

He elaborates on the benefits of using AI for narration, emphasizing the time and effort saved:

J.F. Penn [01:47]: "The amount of time it saves me and the effort it saves me is well worth it."

J.F. Penn addresses potential skepticism about AI narration by reassuring listeners of its quality:

J.F. Penn [01:50]: "If you have listened to me narrate my short stories before or audiobooks, I hope you agree that it really does sound like me."

He plans to license his AI-generated voice, aiming to create new income streams for himself and other narrators.

Innovative Book Marketing Strategies

Transitioning from narration, J.F. Penn delves into his comprehensive book marketing approach, emphasizing the integration of multimedia elements:

J.F. Penn [01:57]: "It is book marketing and we all need reminding of different ways to market a book."

He outlines his use of various platforms and tools to maximize reach:

• Video Content: Creating both human-themed videos and AI-generated book trailers using tools like Midjourney and Runway ML.

  J.F. Penn [02:20]: "On the Kickstarter, you'll see I have a video of human me talking and showing you the book, as well as a book trailer with images which I generated with Midjourney and brought alive with Runway ML."

• Podcast Interviews: Collaborating with experts like Steve Hall to discuss Death Valley, available on multiple platforms and YouTube.

• Social Media Management: Utilizing Buffer to schedule daily posts across various social media channels.

  J.F. Penn [03:05]: "And of course I'm doing social media posts every day which I scheduled with Buffer app."

• Paid Advertising and Email Marketing: Implementing Facebook ads supported by robust email marketing campaigns.

J.F. Penn stresses the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to implement effective marketing:

J.F. Penn [03:07]: "None of us can stick a book up on a platform and expect it to sell. You have to do something and you often have to push your comfort zone about what you do."

Excerpts from Death Valley

A significant portion of the episode features J.F. Penn sharing the first two chapters of Death Valley, narrated using his AI-generated voice clone. This segment offers listeners a taste of the thriller's atmosphere and storytelling style.

Chapter 1 Highlights:

• Setting and Atmosphere: The opening scene is set in Death Valley's Badwater Basin at dawn, capturing the stark beauty and isolation of the desert.

• Character Introduction: Casey Thornton, the protagonist, is portrayed as a solitary figure seeking solace and escape in the vast desert landscape.

  "Casey came here every morning to savor these moments of perfect solitude, when the desert belonged to no one, where she could imagine a past before humans walked here and a future with nothing left but desert."

• Themes of Transformation and Survival: The narrative delves into Casey's internal struggles and her transformation into a capable adventure guide, highlighting themes of survival and self-reinvention.

Chapter 2 Highlights:

• Sanctuary Complex: Introduction of the Desert Sanctuary, an ecologically net-zero luxury resort in Death Valley, juxtaposing natural harshness with human comfort.

• Character Dynamics: Introduction of other key characters, including security chief Jack Abrams and sanctuary owner Tara Jensen, setting up interpersonal tensions and potential conflicts.

  "They're paying for an authentic desert experience. Jack's tone dripped with contempt."

• Intrigue and Suspense: The chapter builds suspense around the characters' backgrounds and their interactions, hinting at deeper secrets and forthcoming challenges.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode wraps up, J.F. Penn encourages listeners to engage with his project:

J.F. Penn [37:14]: "I hope you enjoyed those chapters, and if you want the full audiobook or any of the book formats, you can find Death Valley at jfpenn.com Death Valley."

He invites feedback on the AI narration, especially from those familiar with his human-narrated works, fostering a dialogue on the evolving landscape of audiobook production.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Embracing Technology: J.F. Penn demonstrates how AI can be effectively integrated into creative projects, offering practical benefits without compromising quality.
• Multimedia Marketing: A diverse marketing strategy that leverages video, podcasts, social media, and paid advertising can significantly enhance book promotion efforts.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Pushing beyond traditional methods and embracing new tools and techniques is essential for modern authors aiming to stand out in a competitive market.

Notable Quotes

• On AI Narration:

  J.F. Penn [00:59]: "It is made with my voice clone on ElevenLabs... I have found it quite strange proofing the story and listening to my voice, but I do love it."

• On Marketing Efforts:

  J.F. Penn [03:07]: "None of us can stick a book up on a platform and expect it to sell."

• On Comfort Zones:

  J.F. Penn [03:07]: "You often have to push your comfort zone about what you do."

This episode offers valuable insights for writers and authors looking to innovate both in their creative processes and marketing strategies. J.F. Penn's experiences highlight the potential of emerging technologies and the importance of a multifaceted approach to successfully launching and promoting literary works.