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Muse from The Booth - 16.11.19

16/11/2019

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The Author's Voice.

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"Just as you dress differently on different occasions, as a writer you assume different voices in different situations! . . . Whatever the situation, the choice you make as you write and revise. . . will determine how readers interpret and respond to your presence."
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(Lisa Ede, Work in Progress: A Guide to Writing and Revising. St. Martin's Press, 1989)
I came across this quote today - and it made me think about how, as an audiobook narrator, I am the conduit for 'The Author's Voice' and how important it is for me to understand which 'voice' the author is assuming in their writing.

My voice must match the author's, must be true to the author's intent; so I need to know who their intended audience is and what the overall tone of the book is.

That will vary depending on when and where the book is set - and on its genre - so though my voice is always 'my voice' the tone and overall atmosphere that I create with my voice, must match the author's vision. Equally it's vital that those casting audiobooks choose the right voice to start with!

Audiobooks - so much more than simply reading aloud! 

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Muse from the Booth - A remarkable story

14/1/2019

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But My Brain Had Other Ideas

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'But My Brain Had Other Ideas - A memoir of recovery from brain injury. by Deb Brandon. Published by She Writes Press - and now available as an Audiobook. 
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Winner - Beverly Hills Book Awards
Winner - Reviewers Choice Awards 2018
The Indie Book Awards - Finalist
The Best Book Awards - Finalist
International Book Awards - Finalist
I read a lot of books - both personally and professionally. I always enjoy the challenge of narrating no matter what the genre, but I wouldn't necessarily choose to read for pleasure all of the books that I narrate.  However, occasionally - and joyously - I get to narrate 'a keeper', a book that I will return to again and again.

'But My Brain Had Other Ideas' by Deb Brandon is such a book!

​When Deb discovered that cavernous angiomas - tangles of malformed blood vessels in her brain - were behind the terrifying symptoms she'd been experiencing, she underwent brain surgery. 

​And then another brain surgery. And then another. 

​Three surgeries - two carefully planned, the other, a terrifying surprise - in as many weeks.

​And that was just the beginning!
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Don't let the-less-than-catchy title put you off reading (or listening to) this beautifully written, funny, brave, scary and ultimately uplifting  book.  Of obvious interest to anyone who has any kind of brain injury or disability - as well as to those helping and supporting people with brain injury, this book deserves a much wider audience.

Cavernous Angioma (in which abnormal clusters of blood vessels in the brain sometimes burst and bleed) and the three life saving surgeries that Deb has undergone, have had a profound effect on all aspects of her life. She has to deal with sometimes terrifyingly random symptoms: loss of taste, dizziness, seizures, memory loss, depression and a heightened sensitivity to smell, noise and light that cause her to 'zone out' in difficult situations and environments.. 

​Deb
tells her story with humour, rage, pragmatism and hope and manages to find humour and courage amid the nightmare that is happening in her head which affects everything around her; her work, her life, her children, her relationships - even her belief in herself.  ​She tells her story of survival with searing honesty and self-knowledge and a complete lack of self-pity. Her conversations with herself carry you through her journey to survival with her and the whole memoir has a lightness of touch and sensitivity that engenders not only empathy, but admiration for her courage and determination - not to mention admiration for her skill as a writer. 

This is a book that made me thankful to be alive and healthy - and gave me a new perspective on my life, my family and friendships and all the things that I value the most.  I was so honoured that Deb chose me to 'get inside her head' and tell her story in Audiobook form - it was a privelige - and I am so grateful to her and 'She Writes Press' for giving me the opportunity.

Here's what Deb says about the audiobook:
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'Helen  did a fabulous job narrating my memoir “But My Brain Had Other Ideas.” Not only was her voice and intonation perfect, but she really captured the essence of who I am. She hit all the nuances of my inner self, fear, humour, grief, just right.  As I listened to the final product, I felt as if I was listening to (a better version of) myself telling my story. I can’t be prouder of this audiobook. 
Thanks so much, Helen. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude'. 

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About Deb Brandon 
Deb Brandon PhD was born in England, raised in Switzerland, Israel and England and is now Professor of Mathematics at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.  She has participated nationally and internationally in Dragon Boating and is a renowned textile artist and enthusiast. Her essays have been published in Dragon Boat World International, Hand/Eye Magazine, Logan Magazine; and SIAM Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Journal of Integral Equations and Applications.  She has also written 'Threads Around the World: From Arabian Weaving to Batik in Zimbabwe' 
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Acting Essentials Part 5A - Audiobook Production

13/2/2018

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Audiobook Production

If you're under the impression that Audiobooks are created for people with a visual impairment, think again! Audiobooks are the fastest growing segment of the digital publishing industry with the United States being the biggest marketplace with sales of over $2.5 billion dollars. Michelle Cobb of the Audiobook Publishers Association (APA) said that, “26% of the US population had listened to an audiobook in the last 12 months with an estimated 79,000 new audiobooks, published in the last 12 months, a 29% increase from 2016". Major publishers in the US confirm that the only way that their digital units have consistently been in profit, is due primarily to audiobooks as e-book sales decline.  Currently in the UK only 12% of the population listen to audiobooks.

Audiobooks - producton and narration is a huge topic ... a genre of voice work that I spend most of my time working in and which I am passionate about. Because of the amount of information that I want to share, I have split this article into two parts. Firstly ...  lets find out more about Audiobook Production. . . 
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Book Review - The Forgotten Age

3/2/2018

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The Forgotten Age Book 1 - Rise of The Druids

​By Wayne M Sefton

'History is not always an accurate record as it was often written by the victor of the events that led up to the here and now. But there is another history, one that is remembered by those who exist only in myth and folklore. A history from the dawn of this world when Man walked with Elves and Dwarfs, a history from the time of magic. But that was long ago and is long forgotten .. Until now.'
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I was amazed to find that this is Wayne M Sefton’s first full length book – and that he is a self published author.  I have read many books from major publishers that are not nearly as engaging and well-written as this one. He definitely has talent.

The characters are well drawn and engaging and for the most part the dialogue flows naturally and is believable. The author doesn’t fall into the trap of using attribution (he said, she said, said Kelly, said Jason) after every line of speech which is something that a lot of new authors seem to do … he trusts his readers and his character’s unique voice to be recognised as the dialogue progresses and it works.

The fantasy novel is not a genre that I read often, but I found this captivating, even the points where their journey becomes more fantasy than earth bound. – it was imaginative and held me throughout – and I found myself really enjoying the journey - and look forward to reading the next in the series.

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Audiobook Review 'After I've Gone'

27/10/2017

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After I've Gone

.I don't normally write reviews of books that I have narrated or in the case of 'After I've Gone' been one voice of a dual narration - Emmy Rose reading the main character Jess, and me performing Angela, who during the course of the book will become her mother in law.  Angela plays a minor but important role in the story and I really enjoyed playing her. She is beautifully drawn and I found her quite heartbreaking

​However, this book really impressed me both in its concept and in its writing, so I am making an exception and have no hesitation in recommending it.
It's a thriller! But unlike any other that I've read or narrated. The plot is so intriguing and so gripping. - On a wet Monday in January, Jess Mount receives the devastating news that she hasn't got long left to live. She doesn't hear it from a doctor, though. She discovers it when her Facebook timeline skips forward 18 months and family and friends start posting tributes to her - following her death.

As Jess reads the heartbreaking posts from her loved ones, who are struggling to come to terms with her loss, she finds photos of a gorgeous baby son she has not yet conceived. Jess is instantly besotted with him. But when her best friend then claims that her death wasn't an accident, Jess is left wondering who, if anyone, she can trust. With time running out, Jess realises the only certain way to save her own life is to sacrifice that of the baby boy she has fallen in love with.  It's a real heartbreaker - you'll need tissues for sure.

British actress Emmy Rose narrates most of the book and creates a perfect Jess. What a talent! This, her debut audiobook narration is absolutely stunning in its power, emotion and authenticity - and it is quite rightfully getting wonderful reviews from audiobook listeners on Audible.co.uk.  ​

I really recommend this psychological thriller - the concept is original and it has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The main narration with a superb stellar narration debut by Emmy Rose. Five stars in my book ... and those of you who know me well, know that I am really difficult to please! 

Available as a digital download from Audible.co.uk

Just click on the  'AUDIOBOOKS'  tab on the top of this page, which will allow you to click on the image of 'Afer I've Gone'. You'll then be redirected to the audiobook listing on Audible. Easy peasy!


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    About me

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    P​hoto Credit: Paul Haynes
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    I've gleaned quite a lot of knowledge over the years, knowledge that might be of interest to others, especially authors, actors and voice actors.  Because I read so much, for pleasure and professionally,  I also occasionally write reviews of what I read - so they're here too. 

    My opinions are mine and my views are my own! 
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