Language Arts Audiobooks | Language Instruction

What Works in Community News: Media Startups, News Deserts, and the Future of the Fourth Estate

A groundbreaking study of the journalism startups that are solving the local news crisis one community at a time A must-read for activists, entrepreneurs, and journalists who want to start local news outlets in their communities Local news is essential to democracy. Meaningful participation in civic life is impossible without it. However, local news is in crisis. According to one widely cited study, some 2,500 newspapers have closed over the last generation. And it is often marginalized communities of color who have been left without the day-to-day journalism they need to govern themselves in a democracy. Veteran journalists Ellen Clegg and Dan Kennedy cut through the pessimism surrounding this issue, showing readers that new, innovative journalism models are popping up across the country to fill news deserts and empower communities. What Works in Community News examines more than a dozen of these projects, including: - Sahan Journal, a digital publication dedicated to reporting on Minnesota's immigrant and refugee communities; - MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, a nonprofit news outlet in Memphis, TN, focused on poverty, power, and public policy; - New Haven Independent / WNHH / La Voz Hispana de Connecticut, a digital news project that expanded its reach in the New Haven community through radio and a Spanish-language partnership; - Storm Lake Times Pilot, a print newspaper in rural Iowa innovating with a hybrid for-profit/nonprofit model; and - Texas Tribune, once a pioneering upstart, now one of the most well-known-and successful-digital newsrooms in the country. Through a blend of on-the-ground reporting and interviews, Clegg and Kennedy show how these operations found seed money and support, and how they hired staff, forged their missions, and navigated challenges from the pandemic to police intimidation to stand as the last bastion of collective truth-and keep local news in local hands.

Dan Kennedy, Ellen Clegg (Author), Chris Baetens (Narrator)

Audiobook

1000 Words: A Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All-Year Round

Inspired by Jami Attenberg's wildly popular literary movement #1000WordsofSummer, this writer's guide features encouraging essays on creativity, productivity, and writing from acclaimed authors including Roxane Gay, Lauren Groff, Celeste Ng, Meg Wolitzer, and Carmen Maria Machado. In 2018, novelist Jami Attenberg, faced with a looming deadline, needed writing inspiration. Using a bootcamp model, she and a friend set out to write one thousand words daily for two weeks straight. They opened this practice to Attenberg's online community and soon hundreds then thousands of people started using the #1000WordsofSummer hashtag to track their work and support one another. What began as a simple challenge between two friends has become a literary movement—write 1,000 words per day without judgment, or bias, or concerns about writer's block, and see what comes of it. 1000 Words is the book-length extension of this movement. It is about becoming—and staying—motivated, discovering yourself and your creative desires, and approaching your craft from a new direction. It features advice from more than fifty well-known writers, including New York Times bestsellers, Pulitzer Prize winners, and stars of the literary world. Framing these letters are words of wisdom and encouragement, plus specific strategies, from Attenberg on how to carve out a creative path for yourself all year round. Paired with vibrant word art illustrations, 1000 Words is an accessible and motivational craft book that allows you to open any page and get a quick and fulfilling hit of inspiration. Featuring Roxane Gay, Bryan Washington, Susan Orlean, Maris Kreizman, Sara Novic, Rumaan Alam, Lauren Oyler, Emma Straub, Christopher Gonzales, Benjamin Percy, Mira Jacob, Laura van den Berg, Carmen Maria Machado, Courtney Sullivan, Rebecca Carroll, Ada Limon, R.O. Kwon, Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, Elissa Watusha, Alexander Chee, Maggie Shipstead, Deesha Philyaw, Jasmine Guillory, Kristen Arnett, Attica Locke, Megan Abbott, Min Jin Lee, Lauren Groff, Andrew Sean Greer, Camille Dungy, Megan Giddings, Isaac Fitsgerald, Hannah Tinti, Michael H. Weber, Celeste Ng, Elizabeth McCracken, Will Leitch, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Morgan Parker, Kiese Laymon, Melissa Febos, Alissa Nutting, Liz Moore, Laila Lalami, Megan Mayhew Berman, Rebecca Makkai, Meg Wolitzer, Mychal Denzel Smith, Josh Gondelman, and Dantiel W. Moniz.

Tbd, Various (Author), André Santana, Jami Attenberg, Joy Osmanski, Kamali Minter (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Cooking of Books: A Literary Memoir

It is not often that an author and his editor strike up a relationship which survives forty years of epistolary exchanges and intellectual sparring. The strangely enduring and occasionally fractious friendship which developed between the famously outspoken historian Ramachandra Guha and his reticent editor Rukun Advani is the subject of this quite eccentric and thoroughly compelling literary memoir. It started in Delhi in the early 1980s, when Guha was an unpublished PhD scholar, and Advani a greenhorn editor with Oxford University Press. It blossomed through the 1990s, when Guha grew into a pioneering historian of the environment and of cricket, while also writing his pathbreaking biography of Verrier Elwin. Over these years Advani was Guha’s most constant confidant, his most reliable reader. He encouraged him to craft and refine the literary style for which Guha became internationally known – narrative histories which have made vast areas of scholarship popular and accessible. Four decades later, though he no longer publishes his books, Advani remains Guha’s most trusted literary adviser. Yet they also disagree ferociously on politics, human nature, and the shape of their commitment to India. They usually make up – because it just wouldn’t do to allow such an odd relationship to die. Built around letters and emails between an outgoing and occasionally combative scholar and a reclusive editor prone to private outbursts of savage sarcasm, this book is never short of the kind of wit, humour, and drollery that has been strangled by contemporary political correctness.

Ramachandra Guha (Author), Sam Dastor (Narrator)

Audiobook

Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication

Brought to you by Penguin. Why Animals Talk is an exhilarating journey through the untamed world of animal communication. Drawing on the author's extensive research and observations of animals in the wild, the book shatters conventional wisdom and invites you to experience communication through the eyes of animals themselves. From the majestic howls of wolves and the enchanting chatter of parrots to the melodic clicks of dolphins and the spirited grunts of chimpanzees, these diverse and seemingly bizarre expressions are far from mere noise. In fact, they hold secrets that we are just beginning to decipher. For example, wolves - just like humans - possess unique accents that distinguish their howls, and not only do dolphins give themselves names, but they also respond excitedly to recordings of the whistles of long-lost companions. Why Animals Talk unravels the mysteries of animal communication, and in doing so reveals profound insights into our own language and how it relates to the world around us. ©2024 Arik Kershenbaum (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Arik Kershenbaum (Author), John Hastings, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Publish Your Purpose: A Step-By-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea

Strategic Advice from a Nonfiction Publishing Expert How many times have you thought, 'I should write a book,' but weren't sure where to start or if anyone would read it? Perhaps you want to become a thought leader, boost your brand and career, inspire and empower others like you to feel seen or heard, or even change the world. Whether your reasons for writing a book are personal, professional, or a mix of both, getting your story out there can be transformational for you, your career, and your readers. Much like a degree from a reputable university, having a published book gives you credibility and positions you as the expert that you are. In Publish Your Purpose, Grace presents a step-by-step guide to writing and publishing your book. Encouraging and supportive, she takes you through the writing and publishing process, from big idea to book launch. Learn how to clarify your purpose and vision, set achievable goals, gain confidence, and create a productive writing routine. Based on her experience as an author and publisher, you'll uncover wisdom about the publishing industry, marketing strategies, and the pros and cons of different publishing options. Writing a book is a journey that takes time and effort, but that doesn't mean you need to do it alone. With these tools and guidance, you can start-and finish the journey of publishing your purpose. Let Jenn T. Grace be your guide.

Jenn T. Grace (Author), Jenn T. Grace (Narrator)

Audiobook

Elite Online Publishing Strategic Writing System: Write Your Book to Build Your Business

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Are you feeling the pain of struggling to effectively write a book that can truly build your business? Do you find yourself agitated by the challenges of crafting a strategic writing system that converts readers into loyal customers? Look no further! Our comprehensive book, 'Strategic Writing System: How to Write Your Book to Build Your Business,' is the ultimate solution you've been searching for. In this powerful guide, we reveal the secrets of creating a book that not only showcases your expertise but also drives growth for your business. Say goodbye to the frustration of poorly written books that fail to resonate with your audience. This book is designed to transform your writing skills and elevate your brand to new heights. Developed by renowned publishing experts Jenn Foster and Melanie Johnson, this system brings together years of experience to empower aspiring authors like you. Take Action Now: Don't let the pain of struggling with writing and building your business continue. Embrace the solution that will turn your passion for writing into a lucrative endeavor. With 'Strategic Writing System: How to Write Your Book to Build Your Business,' you can transform your life and career.

Jenn Foster, Melanie Johnson (Author), Digital Voice Michelle G (Narrator)

Audiobook

7 Costly Mistakes When Choosing a Publisher: Self-Publishing Secrets That Will Save You Thousands

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. You've written a book and you're ready to get it published. But where do you start? How do you find the right publisher? And once you've found one, how do you make sure you don't make any costly mistakes? Thankfully, help is on hand from publishing experts Jenn Foster and Melanie Johnson. In their new book, '7 Costly Mistakes when Choosing a Publisher', they detail the seven most common mistakes authors make when choosing a publisher - and how to avoid them. From not doing your research to forgetting to negotiate your royalties, this book is essential reading for any author looking to get their book published. Foster and Johnson share their insider knowledge and expertise to help you make the best decisions for your book - and ensure that you keep control of your rights and royalties. With clear, practical advice and plenty of insider tips, this book is an essential read for anyone considering self-publishing or going down the traditional route. Avoid the costly mistakes others have made - pick up your copy today!

Jenn Foster, Melanie Johnson (Author), Digital Voice Michelle G (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Elements of Style

The first edition of the famous writing style guide for American authors. Written in 1918 by Cornell professor, William Strunk Jr., this “little book” has been the companion to many well-known authors over the last century. This audiobook version contains the original text with a few modifications for audio, such as punctuation spoken out loud, whenever needed, for clarity.

William Strunk Jr. (Author), Rebecca H. Lee (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mastering The Southern Accent

This is an instructional guide to mastering the Southern accent of the USA, specifically designed for actors who are preparing for roles or auditions that require an authentic regional dialect. This comprehensive course begins by providing a general overview of the distinct features of the North American accent. It then delves into the nuanced details of the American Southern accent, exploring its multiple historical and sub-regional variations. As you progress through the course, you'll be introduced to the concept of oral posture — the way your mouth, tongue, and throat shape the sounds specific to the Southern accent. This fundamental aspect is crucial for understanding and producing the accent accurately. The guide also includes an extensive collection of common phrases and idioms that are intrinsic to historical and contemporary American and Southern speech. A core component of the course features listen-and-repeat exercises. These exercises are carefully crafted to help you hear, understand, and replicate the accent, gradually improving your pronunciation and fluency. By actively engaging with these exercises, you can develop a natural and convincing Southern accent. This instructional guide is designed to be a resource you can return to time and again. Whether you're looking to create a specific character for a current role or aiming to expand your accent repertoire for future opportunities, this guide is an invaluable tool. With its in-depth content and practical approach, you can quickly e

Stephanie Lam (Author), Ashley Beckett, Jackson Whitaker (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Guide to the Canadian Accent for the Stage

This audio course enables you to refine your Canadian accent for your next role or audition. The course uses a variety of techniques for accent development including development of oral posture, rhythm of speech, listening to accent examples, identifying common phrases and listen and repeat exercises. These techniques enable you to refine your accent and provide a toolkit for you to get the practice and instruction you need to quickly develop an authentic Canadian accent.

Stephanie Lam (Author), Ernest Lester (Narrator)

Audiobook

Learning The Midwestern Accent

Th audiocourse designed to teach the U.S. Midwestern American accent focuses on proven instructional methods to help learners acquire this specific way of speaking. The course is structured to guide students through understanding and practicing the accent, leveraging oral posture, common phrases, listen-and-repeat exercises, and real accent examples. Firstly, the course introduces the concept of oral posture, which is crucial in mastering any accent. Oral posture refers to the way the tongue, lips, and jaw are positioned to produce the sounds characteristic of the Midwestern accent. Through detailed instructions and exercises, learners are taught how to adjust their mouth and facial muscles to mimic the typical sound production of native Midwestern speakers. Listen-and-repeat exercises form a key part of the course. These exercises involve listening to native speakers and then repeating what they say. This method helps in fine-tuning the learners' accent, intonation, and rhythm. It also aids in muscle memory, allowing the student to naturally adopt the accent over time. Lastly, the course provides a plethora of real accent examples. These include recordings of conversations, speeches, and other spoken material by native Midwesterners. Listening to these examples gives students a context for how the accent sounds in different settings and helps them understand the nuances and variations within the Midwestern accent itself. Overall, this audiocourse combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, offering a comprehensive approach to learning the Midwestern accent. By the end of the course, students should be able to confidently present a Midwestern accent for the stage or screen.

Stephanie Lam (Author), Sarah Jensen (Narrator)

Audiobook

Silent Connections: Understanding Deafness and Building Inclusive Communities

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Embark on a journey of understanding and inclusion with 'Silent Connections.' From grasping the nuances of deafness to exploring daily life, relationships, and changing perspectives, each chapter unfolds a vital aspect. Join us in fostering a more inclusive world by unraveling the intricacies of the deaf community in a simple and enriching narrative.

Ranjot Singh Chahal (Author), Digital Voice Parvati G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Language Arts Audiobooks in Language Instruction