This week we hit a big milestone: the completion of recording and editing an audiobook version of “Shop Tails.” I’m so relieved. The project has been a joy to work on and has given me the juice to keep going for the past several weeks.
The recording alone was an experience. I don’t think I’ve previously recorded an entire book, but this book, in terms of length and content, seems to lend itself to an audio edition. For one thing, it’s informal. Second, having been introduced to one of my favorite authors, David Sedaris, through his recording for NPR of “Holidays on Ice,” I know how effective it can be to introduce readers to new titles and authors through this medium. It’s a great way to capture the author’s peculiar voice, which, in the case of me and Mr. Sedaris, can lead to a long-term relationship between author and reader (albeit remote; we haven’t met), and in this case evoke important details of the context in which we are doing the recording. While my voice has never been smooth or sexy, it now implicitly conveys the realities of six-plus months of chemo and a soupçon of the exhaustion that typically accompanies radiation and other cancer treatments. (This is not intended as a downer. To the contrary – though admittedly the subject of the book is not the happiest ever.)
And big thanks to my friend Bert Gilbert for the final push that moved me to look into what’s involved in making an audiobook.
I could write reams more but will instead leave you to the the audio book itself.
Editor’s note: “Shop Tails,” the audio book, will be available next week.
— Nancy Hiller, author of “Kitchen Think,” “Making Things Work” and “Shop Tails.”
What a wonderful legacy you are leaving us all, Nancy. I cannot wait to hear your gorgeous, raspy, and irreverent voice again!
I would say not just an author’s peculiar voice, but the inflections and emphasises, chuckles and choke-ups that that author heard in their head while writing; no matter how skilled a voice actor may be, they can never know that, and so cannot bring the same genuine depth of interpretation to the recording.
Looking forward to hearing what was already a great read!
Cheers and wishing you all best,
Mattias
Unbelievable. You did it. Congratulations! Your perseverance is going to make for a slew of very happy listeners. Thanks so much, Nancy, for all that you do to bring us all together.
Thanks so much, Lynette.
Awesome! I love audio books. I sometimes drive 10 hours to visit family a few times a year and audio books are perfect for these road trips.
Congratulations, Nancy! Can’t wait to hear it.
A job well done Nancy! We will be forever grateful to have your story in your voice. Thank you
This is fantastic! Sign me up!
Nancy, it is amazing that you have achieved another milestone that so many of us can only dream about. I am immensely proud of you and can’t wait to listen to it. It will be a real privilege to have your story in your own voice. I can’t tell you how special it is. Always in my thoughts. Lots of love, Bronwen xx
Congratulations, Nancy! I’m eager to hear this book in your voice.
I, too, listen to David Sedaris and can laugh for hours.
I didn’t know this was in the works. Since I can’t read much after my TBI, the gift of your voice to accompany the text will be a great comfort.
That’s neat a real recording studio! Did Magda bring her guitar? A lot of publishers use voice actors for audio books. Glad LAP opted for the authentic voice
Suggesting that you record this was a no-brainer. Nobody tells the tale like you do. Plus, purely selfishly, I will miss your voice and this sure seems like a wonderful way to preserve it.