Looking for a way to transcribe text to a direct recording such as a
wav or mp3. I have seen standard text-to-audio options out there and
even microsofts "sam" What I am looking for is a way to digitally
record that. I can connect my speaker and microphone jack for an
analog connection, but I'd like something that will do it as part of
the software. Two things I'd like to have: 1. a feminine voice: the
softer voice is nice for hours of listening. 2. Cost-cheap or free
would be great.

In a nutshell, I have found that when I sleep listening to things, my
memory, for some reason, picks them up better. Juggling MBA, family,
and work, I am looking for every chance to study easier! I know it's
weird, but it's worked for me!

You might take a look at TextAloud:

"TextAloud 2.0 uses voice synthesis to convert text into spoken audio.
Listen on your PC or create MP3 or WMA files for use on portable
devices like iPods, PocketPCs, and CD players."

http://www.nextup.com/