gimbling

I don’t normally do this for my Gimblings – linking to a site rather than writing my own essay. But today, well, today I ran across something that delighted me so much, I wanted to share it with all of you on this cusp of Halloween.

First, a bit of background. Benjamin Percy is an author who lives in my home state of Minnesota. He has written three novels, two of which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed:  Red Moon and The Dead Lands. This was even before I learned he was my “neighbor” (living in a town about an hour away). I do have a specially affinity for my local peeps.

I was stoked to find out that Ben also writes comic books, and I’ve since personally enjoyed his runs with Green Arrow (he’s on his second campaign) and Teen Titans (just started the Rebirth campaign) for DC. Recently it was announced that he will be taking over the mantle of writing the James Bond story once comic book writer and industry icon Warren Ellis finishes the current run. This, my friends, is a Big Deal.

Anyway, I digress.

Just this week Ben came out with a collection of essays on writing, entitled Thrill Me. Published by indie powerhouse Graywolf Press (also based here in Minnesota), Thrill Me is getting wonderful advance reviews (my own copy should arrive any day now). I’m totally bummed that I’ve been unable to attend any of the publicity stops he has scheduled in the area, both for Thrill Me and for his comic book ventures.

For there is something else that singles Ben out as unique, besides his writing talent:  his voice. Yes, his voice. It’s really something else.

The first time I heard Ben give an interview, I thought something was wrong with the sound. The second interview I listened to confirmed that he has a… unique voice. Totally unexpected. I mean, totally unexpected. Utterly wonderful. A true, um, delight. Yes, a delight.

Lo and behold, Graywolf must think so, too, because recently they ran a blog post entitled, “The Most Thrilling Halloween Story Ever Told”. The story?  Hello, Moon. Yup, that’s right. The beloved children’s book, Hello, Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. “So, what then,” you may ask, “makes this the ‘most thrilling Halloween story ever told’?”

Simply put – Benjamin Percy’s narration. Honestly. It’s a hoot and a holler and utterly chilling in the best of all possible ways.

Don’t believe me? Click on the link. The narration should start almost immediately (if not, there’s a sound recording link at the bottom of the page). And yes, that’s his real voice. Cross my heart and hope to die. Um…. cross my heart, at least.

Go on, click the link. It’s less than two minutes long.

You’re welcome. And Happy Halloween!

~ Sharon Browning

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2 comments

Helen C 29 October, 2016 - 7:13 am

What is the expression – long time listener, first time caller… thank you so much for that. I sent it on to everyone I know. OK, that isn’t really all that many people. And thanks for all the other insight on your blogs.

Sharon Browning 29 October, 2016 - 9:47 am

Why, thank you, Helen! I truly appreciate your comments.

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