Muse from The Booth - 16.11.19

The Author's Voice.

"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."
​(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!