What child hasn't wanted to have stories read to them? It doesn't have to be something new, in fact children will happily listen to a favourite story over and over. That love of being told a story or read to, doesn't vanish with childhood. That's why radio and audio books are so popular.
    If you're sight impaired or have tired eyes after a day in front of a computer screen; when you're driving, washing the dishes or carrying out some other task that occupies the hands while leaving the mind free, audio is ideal. However, the appeal of listening to fiction isn't simply one of convenience. Wear headphones, and your favourite voice actor will whisper in your ear; or turn the radio on and let actors such as Anton Lesser hold you spellbound.
    I've recorded stories myself (see The Grid page), and I admire anyone who can get through a piece without having to make umpteen cuts for fluffed words, mistiming a line or coughing. Narrating audio books is an art, so I've been lucky to have several stories, and now a play, recorded for audio. 'Graffiti' was read for Pseudopod; Paul Coles of Beam Me Up Podcast made dramatised readings of 'Salvage' and 'The Pitch'; the now defunct Spoken Ink recorded 'Greetings from Colchis', and recently The Playhouse Theatre in Northampton recorded my one-act play, 'Antarctica', which I hope to have details of soon.
    Last week, I was lucky again, as I was introduced at a party to an actor who has a growing list of credits as a voice-over artist. We've yet to meet with pens in hand rather than glasses, but hopefully, we'll be able to get together on a project or two. I've love to listen to The Exiles of Ondd series, but we'll have to wait and see. Perhaps we could start with some short stories. I'll let you know.