Just last week over at Speaking of Audiobooks, I reported on the Audio Publishers Association Conference (APAC) with an overview of the sessions I attended (and participated in) and my overall impressions. Today I’m taking a different angle on the conference – those attendees we call narrators.
The publishers may choose the title and release the final product but it’s the narrator who brings it to life. Making note of those narrators whose performances work exceptionally well for you not only means that you have a trusted source for future listens, but it also gives you the opportunity to show your support for their work. That’s one of the primary reasons we spend so much time here at AudioGals discussing narrations and talking with trusted narrators. When we hear an outstanding audiobook performance, we want to spread the word and encourage others to give it a try. As part of that process, we are promoting those we hope to hear narrating more of the books we’ll consider choosing in the future.
It was with those thoughts that I entered APAC that morning looking forward to meeting face-to-face a number of narrators I already “knew” through working together online and meeting narrators new to me. As I registered, APA’s Stephanie Frost pointed out Karen White and from that moment on, it was a busy and delightful time of visiting, introductions, hearing about work in progress and future projects, and learning more about the challenges and rewards of a career in narrating. I did feel an overwhelming appreciation from these narrators for bloggers and sites that feature their work and personally promote audiobooks.
Meeting up with Karen, an online audio friend who has worked with me on a number of projects, she kindly acted as a guide for me while introducing me to others as well. During the conference and later at Tantor’s Tantorious Party, I met eleven of our official AudioGals Narrator Friends including Karen, Anne Flosnik, Xe Sands, Susan Ericksen, Hillary Huber, Tavia Gilbert, Kaleo Griffith, Angela Dawe, Barbara Rosenblat, Elizabeth Wiley, and Cassandra Campbell. Others included Renee Raudman, Patrick Lawlor, Julia Whelan, Kathe Mazur, Robert Fass, Lauren Fortgang, Amy Rubinate, Simon Vance, Andi Arnt, and Donna Postel. I met many other narrators and my apologies for not including all – I can feel names slipping through my fingers as I write!
I could go on and on about the delight of visiting at length with a good number of these talented folks but I’ll save it for later. Let’s just say we’ve planned AudioGals features for months to come!
After I returned from APAC and I had time to process it all with my fellow Gals, we realized there is a need to support newer narrators in some manner as well. We are currently working on a Narrators Reviews Submission program here at AudioGals, which will provide a structure for considering reviews of books that may escape our notice otherwise. More on that later!
And on to APAC 2014! I’m determined to drag one of the other Gals (if not both) with me next year!
Lea Hensley
Lea, I was so honored to be your APAC “guide” (and thoroughly enjoyed partying with you at Tantor’s post-APAC party as well)! And I should add that all the narrators you listed above were equally excited to meet YOU. You and the other Gals are so supportive of our work and curious about our process – I feel like you represent your followers well in seeking out knowledge as well as promoting and requesting quality audio productions. Looking forward to future collaborations….
I loved finally getting to meet you Karen! (Although, in truth, I already knew you.) Thank you for being my exceptional guide – I truly felt welcome by everyone. And Tantor’s party – wow they know how to throw a party!
Looking forward to future plans as well. We have to think up something truly spectacular although Brenda and I are still in the midst of Hear the Talk. July will be a time for rest! :)
Thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet you Lea!
I can only echo what Karen said so eloquently, that you and the Gals are to be highly commended for all you do for the audiobook listening community, by seeking to broaden awareness of first class audiobooks, and a first class listening experience.
Always excited to see what you have in store, and honored to be part of this dynamic community!
Yes Anne – wonderful meeting you! Should I share the particulars of when we finally met face to face? Should I mention our squealing in delight?!
Yes, please Lea! It almost had to be seen to be believed, but I know you will tell it like it is!!!! ;) Looking forward to next time!
Ditto Karen’s comments. It was such a joy to finally meet in person, Lea!
And I think your idea of a Narrator Review Submission process/program is excellent. This just came up in the questions for an upcoming chat on reviewing/being reviewed. I know that many newer narrators would appreciate an avenue for submission to the Gals.
Xe, I was thrilled to meet you! Thanks for your thoughts on the Narrator Review Submission. I’ll be interested to hear that chat and the discussion on this in particular. I believe your chat is tomorrow (Friday)?
Dang. Wish I could edit my comment. That was *supposed* to read, “Ditto Karen’s and ANNE’s comments.”
Sorry to leave you off that, Anne! Couldn’t agree more with your comments.