Warren Adler's Blog, page 12
June 6, 2017
Our Exclusive Interview with Will Tulin, the audiobook narrator of Natural Enemies
June is audiobook month and we’re celebrating all month long! We wanted to shine the spotlight on the very talented Will Tulin who narrated both Natural Enemies and Banquet Before Dawn.
What do you look for in a project? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? What initially drew you to Natural Enemies?
When considering a project, some of the most important aspects to me are great storytelling, and smart and realistic dialogue. Personally, I am always attracted to an element of darkness. I can’t say that I am particularly drawn to any one genre except to say that I am vastly more interested in performing novels as opposed to non-fiction. With Natural Enemies I knew I wanted to do it as soon as I read the book’s description. A young Manhattan couple being chased through the Colorado Rockies by creepy rednecks? Sign me up! As I read the novel, I soon realized that what Mr. Adler had written was an amazing exploration of two people who are deeply connected, yet complex in their thoughts, reactions and interactions with each other as they fight for survival in a foreign and unforgiving environment.
Tell us a bit about your background. What inspired you to become an audiobook narrator?
I have always been an actor on various levels, and have always loved books. Additionally, I have worked in the radio and voice-over industry for several years and have always felt comfortable in front of a microphone. It was only in the last couple of years that I really became aware of the resurgence of audiobooks and have since found that I love being able to do long form narration. I have had the opportunity to really dial into a character’s thoughts and motivations and hopefully translate those nuances through my voice.
How did you prepare for Natural Enemies specifically?
I can’t say that I did anything different in preparing for this one than I would do with any audiobook project. It’s been said before a million times by narrators and producers, but I want to reiterate, you simply have to read the book and absorb it as a reader first. Once you’ve taken the journey, the payoff in being able to get into the character’s heads throughout the process is extremely valuable. One of the particular challenges of Natural Enemies was that such a large portion of the text consists of two very complex characters who each present a wide range of inner and outer dialogue, and not a word is wasted. It was extremely important to really get into their space as much as I could.
How did Warren Adler’s descriptions influence your narration?
I can truthfully say they made me better at my craft. While his descriptions of the environment itself immersed me in the sights, sounds and smells of the Rockies, it is Mr. Adler’s ability to explore the good, bad and ugly of the human mind that gave the characters so much depth.
If you could be present during one scene in the novel, which one would it be?
Just one? For pure adrenaline, I would have to say the early chase scene. The tension, fear and sheer creepiness of it. I would also want to be there to sample one of those improvised wilderness meals. (Beavertail, anyone?)
What kind of book would you consider Natural Enemies to be?
I feel that the book could be seen as both a psychological thriller and an adventure novel.
What was the most unexpected thing about narrating audiobooks that you didn’t foresee going in?
As many narrators are both narrating and fully producing the books, I certainly underestimated the time and work that goes into the editing and mastering process.
Is there anything you learned about yourself or life in general after completing production of Natural Enemies?
Definitely. From the book itself, I was reminded of the common adage to never give up, but had to wonder at which point in the story that I myself might have simply said, “Enough… I can’t keep going.” I was also reminded of the idea that most of us are ultimately much stronger than we think we are.
What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to an aspiring voice-over artist?
First, don’t obsess about your voice. I don’t believe in the concept of good voices or bad voices for VO (voice over) work. The important thing is to learn how to use the voice you have to your best potential.
Second, take advantage of the wealth of online information, tips, and training at your fingertips. Watch tutorials, read blogs, and continue to learn as much as you can.
Third, building a career in VO, much like the production of an audiobook is like a marathon, not a sprint. You really have to be willing to put in both the work and the time.
Tell us a bit about your work flow. Do you work from home or do you commute to a studio?
I work from a home studio. As for workflow, I have to be a bit fluid with regard to scheduling recording time, as even with good sound blocking treatment, there are times when outside noise will simply not let you record. I almost never voice and edit during the same day. I’ll do a couple of days of narration sessions, then a couple of days of editing, and so on.
What were some of the joys and challenges of narrating Natural Enemies?
Working with primarily just the two characters, I would sometimes find that while I was in the flow, their voices would start to sound too close to each other, and I would need to stop, stretch, and re-set. Another challenge was in performing characters that had so many moments of panic and peril and I tried to make sure that their reactions and sound varied realistically from one particular challenge to another. My favorite moments were when editing, hearing a bit of dialogue I had performed maybe days earlier, and thinking, “I believe this character.”
You bring to life such variety in the two characters of this audiobook. It must be hard to articulate, but can you tell us about your process? How do you become these characters?
I appreciate the kind words. In addition, the process of the first read and taking the entire journey with the characters before performing them, in my case, I have to be able to see them. I tend to create very specific physical representations of the characters in my mind so I’m not just reading the dialogue, but I can see facial expressions and gestures that may or may not be in the text.
What inspires you?
Perseverance. Kindness. Stepping out of your comfort zone, especially in the service of others. All qualities I aspire to be better at. More to the subject of this chat, I have always been inspired by great storytelling in any form.
What do you think makes audiobooks so appealing? What does an audiobook offer that a book cannot?
I wonder how many people who love books in general have fond memories of being read to as a child. That could be a factor. I know that for some people, the process of reading feels more like a chore than a pleasure and for others, audiobooks are a great way to enjoy great books in a very different way. I would also say the flexibility and portability that today’s technology offers the experience is a huge part of the explosion of popularity of audiobooks.
How would you compare narrating an audiobook to acting?
If I’m acting in a film or a play, I have one character to worry about. You do your best to bring your own interpretation, but so many decisions are made for you. With an audiobook It is my job to find a way to breath a separate life into each character. There is also the element of control. Most of the audiobooks I’ve done are self-directed, so everything from voices, nuances, pacing… it’s up to me, which also gives me plenty of opportunity to over-think and nitpick sometimes!
Do you have any rituals you practice while you’re recording an audiobook? Certain foods you’ll eat or stay away from? How do you take care of your voice?
I wouldn’t say I have any rituals per se, but I make sure to have plenty of water on hand. Nothing sounds worse on mic than a dry mouth. I also avoid dairy within an hour of recording.
How often do you listen to audiobooks?
I always have at least one I’m listening to, mostly in the car. Earlier, you asked about advice for aspiring voice-over artists and I should mention that specifically for people who want to narrate, I would say listen to a lot of audiobooks. A new narrator can learn a lot of insight and technique by doing so.
What has the reaction to Natural Enemies been among your fans?
Very positive. Much of the feedback centers on being engrossed in the tension of the story and feeling pity for, even sometimes frustration with, the characters as they make both good and devastating decisions throughout their ordeal.
You also narrated another title by Warren Adler, Banquet Before Dawn. Tell us about that project. What was that experience like? How did you prepare for that book?
Another fantastic story. That was my first narration for Mr. Adler, and I believe I had just finished something much lighter. I remember from the first chapter of Banquet Before Dawn thinking “Oh, now here’s something I can really sink my teeth into!” Working on the book was incredibly challenging, given the large number of distinct characters and points of view, but was also very rewarding to do for that very same reason.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re itching to work on?
I just completed the Eli Easton novel, A Second Harvest, and am currently producing the supernatural thriller Reluctant Gods by A.J. Aaron. I have really wanted to tackle a fully
produced audio-drama trilogy and have finally begun the development process with playwright, Rachel Lopez. I continue to audition and evolve and do what I can to be a better narrator today than I was yesterday.
Listen to Will narrate Natural Enemies and Banquet Before Dawn.
The post Our Exclusive Interview with Will Tulin, the audiobook narrator of Natural Enemies appeared first on Warren Adler.
Our Exclusive Interview with Stevie Puckett, the Narrator of Immaculate Deception and Death of a Washington Madame
June is audiobook month and we are celebrating all month long! We are shining the spotlight on Stevie Puckett, the very talented narrator of two of Warren Adler’s Fiona Fitzgerald mysteries: Immaculate Deception and Death of a Washington Madame.
What do you look for in a project? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? What initially drew you to Immaculate Deception?
The first thing I look for is good writing that takes me there. I look for characters with interesting perspectives who I come to care about as the story develops. I seem to be gravitating to mystery and romance, which is a complete surprise to me because I originally planned to stick with nonfiction. It is because of Warren Adler and his team that I ventured into a fiction audition at all! I was drawn in by the first scene of Immaculate Deception. I already cared about and admired Fiona from an earlier book in the series that I was honored to narrate, Death of a Washington Madame, and I could not believe what Fiona was considering in Immaculate Deception…I was totally aghast! I was hooked and had to know what happened.
Tell us a bit about your background. What inspired you to become an audiobook narrator?
Love of podcasts led me to audiobooks actually. I became a huge fan myself long before I gave narrating a try. Robert Petkoff is my favorite narrator and I listened to him and many other narrators as I enjoyed audiobooks over the years. It finally occurred to me to give it a go myself.
How did you prepare for Immaculate Deception specifically?
I read through the book on my own and made notes. Then I went over certain sections of dialogue with my voice acting and dialect coach, Jeff Nokes. I watched YouTube videos of people speaking with the dialects I needed for Immaculate Deception (Irish, Trinidadian, Brooklyn, and Cajun to name a few). I read about dialects for certain regions too. And the vocabulary, my goodness the vocabulary! Pronunciation guides were my friends for this one for sure.
How did Warren Adler’s descriptions influence your narration?
It was like having a director in the room! It often occurred to me that he was writing with speech in mind. The words flowed from the tongue so effortlessly and the emotional content was tangible.
If you could be present during one scene in the novel, which one would it be?
Several come to mind but I would love to be a fly on the wall when Fiona and Charles Rome met at the restaurant across the bridge. What a chess match!
What kind of book would you consider Immaculate Deception to be?
It’s the kind of book that will reside in the memory banks for years to come, for the complex plot weaving and thoughtful distinctions that are brought to the forefront. The characters and how they are not what they seem is extremely sticky too.
What was the most unexpected thing about narrating audiobooks that you didn’t foresee going in?
The unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional stamina along with technical savviness required to produce an audiobook. It’s a marathon and a delightful, if exhausting, challenge.
Is there anything you learned about yourself or life in general after completing production of Immaculate Deception?
It was a continual learning process in many ways. I learned more about myself as a narrator for sure. I certainly pushed beyond my capabilities and am a better performer for it. About life in general, I learned about courage from Fiona. I really like her style of feminine toughness.
What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to an aspiring voice-over artist?
First, choose your projects carefully. You are building a body of work that will represent you for years to come. Second, get coaches! Choose them carefully too and don’t be afraid to use a multi-coach approach. I prefer one-on-one coaching rather than classes to get where you want to be faster without the distractions of everyone else in the room. Each coach has their expertise so take charge of your personal curriculum in a way that builds up your unique style. Finally, remember it’s a slow build. Keep following those hunches and taking that next little step. It will all add up!
Tell us a bit about your work flow. Do you work from home or do you commute to a studio?
I have a home studio. It’s a big closet with a great noise floor! I’ve beefed it up with audio panels and mic positioning to very good effect. I travel a lot too and will rent studio space when I’m away from my home studio. I’ve been tweaking my workflow a lot over the past year, always looking for the best output. Currently, I’ve settled into punch and roll, recording the whole book chapter by chapter, then full edit, and then pickups. At first I was doing all the editing myself and would edit as I read. That worked too but I sure was slow switching from performance hat to editing hat so often. My plan for this, my second year, is to streamline and pick up the pace.
What were some of the joys and challenges of narrating Immaculate Deception?
The challenge for me is always getting recording started. I can research forever! It is hard to know when to stop and just dive in and record. I can also edit and tweak forever. When to stop is the challenge. Yet, there is joy in completion! I love getting it done. Producing an audiobook feels like a wonderful accomplishment to me.
You bring to life such a variety of characters in this audiobook. It must be hard to articulate, but can you tell us about your process? How do you become these characters?
The writing is the key! My process is to trust the author and let myself flow into the mood he has set and the characters he’s created. I really don’t think about “my” interpretation, instead I try and follow the author’s intention.
What inspires you?
Answering these questions inspires me. I have so much to share! The creative process is inspiring to me. I love to see a story idea develop into something that can be passed along and experienced by others who are interested.
What do you think makes audiobooks so appealing? What does an audiobook offer that a book cannot?
Audiobooks offer a whole other dimension of connection to the story. It is just a different animal. To me, the greatest benefit of audiobooks is the potential for enlivening the mundane parts of life. With an audiobook, my hands are free to work while my mind travels into the story. I love the experience.
How would you compare narrating an audiobook to acting?
Narrating an audiobook is a form of acting where the only way to develop the nuance of the story is through the words and the voice. Sure, I’m standing at my mic and making certain facial expressions, gestures, and body movements as the story moves along but the only piece that is captured is the voice. It is surprising and delightful to me the variety and pertinence of emotion that can be conveyed with the voice alone. This is acting, but restrained and lovely in its simplicity.
Do you have any rituals you practice while you’re recording an audiobook? Certain foods you’ll eat or stay away from? How do you take care of your voice?
Right by my mic, I keep three things: water with a splash of apple cider vinegar and no ice, minty lip balm, and mint chewing gum. Each recording day while I set up, I chew some gum. Then when my station is ready I do a few body and neck stretches. Next I rid the gum and put on lip balm and start warming up my voices with a few crazy sounds and tongue twisters. I try to stay loose and relaxed at the mic and push record, then off we go!
How often do you listen to audiobooks?
I nearly always have an audiobook on cue on my phone. I listen almost daily to either an audiobook or podcast or both for an hour at least. On one of the several road trips I tend to take each year I will finish a book or two. For the past several years, I complete 12-20 audiobooks a year.
Do you think audiobooks will one day replace reading?
I believe there is a surprising potential for that! Ears get tired though and silence is so rare and lovely. I think there will always be a least some time spent reading. As voice interaction becomes more and more the norm with our machines and computers, I think reading time will continue to be prized by many.
What has the reaction to Immaculate Deception been among your fans?
Most who know me will express some level of surprise about my narrating Immaculate Deception…and I do love to surprise them! They are surprised that I got to narrate a book by a writer of the caliber of Warren Adler, and so was I.
You also narrated another Fiona Fitzgerald mystery by Warren Adler, Death of a Washington Madame. Tell us about that project. What was that experience like? How did you prep for that book?
That was the book that started me off on the road to narrating fiction. It was scary as hell! I would not have done it without the encouragement of Warren Adler’s team. I prepped by getting several coaching sessions under my belt before diving too deep and I took lots of script notes.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re itching to work on?
I have several books in the cue so my work is cut out for me for a while. I’m excited to start outsourcing the editing and proofing parts of my work more and more and picking up the pace. I want to become better at my craft and I love the ongoing learning. I look forward to the next book in Jinx Schwartz’s Hetta Coffey Mystery Series (comedy/chick lit) and the next book in Pamela Morsi’s historic romance series Territory Trysts.
Listen to Stevie narrate Immaculate Deception and Death of a Washington Madame.
The post Our Exclusive Interview with Stevie Puckett, the Narrator of Immaculate Deception and Death of a Washington Madame appeared first on Warren Adler.
Our Exclusive Interview with Kevin Scollin, the Audiobook Narrator of Flanagan’s Dolls
Today for Audiobook month we’re shining the spotlight on the talented Kevin Scollin, narrator of Warren Adler’s cozy mystery Flanagan’s Dolls.
What do you look for in a project? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? What initially drew you to Flanagan’s Dolls?
I look for something that interests me. If I’m not interested in the project, I’m afraid it would come across in my narration. Two things drew me to Flanagan’s Dolls…1) I live in Michigan and have spent time on the western part of the state, so it was fun trying to place myself in the neighborhoods he was writing about… 2) Really? Come on…he wrote “War of the Roses” … loved that movie!
Tell us a bit about your background. What inspired you to become an audiobook narrator?
My background is media, thirty years as a disc jockey, mostly in the Detroit market, and I also spent ten years as director of career services for a Broadcast School, teaching and coaching the next generation of broadcasters. I was also “downsized” in 2011 after ten years and found myself at a crossroad. I’ve been doing freelance commercial voice work almost my entire career and I have a home studio. My wife said…”Do that full time” …I thought…”Cool,” audiobook production takes a lot of time and now I had time to do it, so I jumper right in.
How did you prepare for Flanagan’s Dolls specifically?
I read-through a book first, then I spend time going through chapter by chapter and working on characters.
What kind of book would you consider Flanagan’s Dolls to be?
I looked at it as a mystery. It had a lot of Nick and Nora feel to it for me. (Thin Man)
What was the most unexpected thing about narrating audiobooks that you didn’t foresee going in?
The trickiest thing for me was characterizations and keeping them consistent. I find that I usually picture the person speaking, then I assume their mannerisms, which can get very tiring!
Is there anything you learned about yourself or life in general after completing production of Flanagan’s Dolls?
Mmm…Don’t judge a book by its cover? Seriously, I think the biggest thing you can take away from this one is, just because someone has wealth, doesn’t mean they have “Happiness.”
What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to an aspiring voice-over artist?
Practice. Practice. Practice. The fourth piece of advice…have a really good demo.
You breathe such life into the characters of this audiobook. It must be hard to articulate, but can you tell us about your process? How do you become these characters?
Well, like I said earlier, I think for me, getting a mental image of the character helps me the most. Usually it’s an actor, or a family member, then I picture them delivering the lines and I try to mimic them doing it
What inspires you?
My family, my wife and kids are amazingly supportive, and they let me practice voices on them.
What do you think makes audiobooks so appealing? What does an audiobook offer that a book cannot?
People are very busy. They have to cram a lot of things into a short period of time. More and more people are spending a lot of time in the car, and radio is not the best anymore, which pains me to say…but it’s true, so audio books offer an alternative. My son was in in 6th grade and I had gotten Hemmingway’s The Old Man and the Sea as an audiobook, and I would listen to it. We just had a short ride to school, but many times he would ask to sit in the car so he could listen to the end of the chapter! 6th grade…wow! That’s the power of good story telling.
How would you compare narrating an audiobook to acting?
You have to get into character…it’s an on-going process…
Do you have any rituals you practice while you’re recording an audiobook? Certain foods you’ll eat or stay away from? How do you take care of your voice?
I try not to raise my voice and I usually try not to eat anything at least an hour before. I’ll record until my belly rumbles become too loud and frequent, then I take a break for lunch and edit all afternoon.
Do you think audiobooks will one day replace reading?
No, I think there’s an innate comfort to holding a book and reading. It relaxes you. Audiobooks are great and they serve a very important function in today’s hectic lifestyle, but I don’t think you can beat a good book.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re itching to work on?
I’m working on a young teen fantasy novel that I think my eleven-year-old Godson will love. It’s got dragons, elves, trolls, ogres and more…what’ not to like?
Listen to Kevin narrate Flanagan’s Dolls here.
The post Our Exclusive Interview with Kevin Scollin, the Audiobook Narrator of Flanagan’s Dolls appeared first on Warren Adler.
Our Exclusive Interview with Toni Lewis, the Audiobook Narrator of Cult
June is audiobook month and we’re celebrating all month long! Today we’re shining the spotlight on Toni Lewis, the amazing and talented narrator of the audiobook Cult, a psychological thriller by Warren Adler.
What do you look for in a project? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? What initially drew you to Cult ?
I generally gravitate to the Science Fiction/Fantasy genre, but my overall thirst is for amazing stories. The category doesn’t matter. I love reading and I loved reading Cult.
The story is a statement on how the best intentions can have a negative impact on a person, their family, and society as a whole. The divergent consciousness levels and the hubris presented by the main characters made me want to scream in frustration. (Yay! That’s a good thing.) It was an engaging, eye-opening ride.
How did you specifically prepare Cult?
Because I am an actor, I break the book down like I would a script. I break each chapter into beats while asking questions about what each character wants and based on their actions, how much they have to lose in the process. I put myself in the character’s shoes and walk, run, trip, fall, or dance with the other characters in order to feel and communicate those feelings through my voice.
What kind of book would you consider Cult to be?
To me, Cult is a psychological thriller…A cautionary tale.
What did you take away from Cult?
I was frustrated and saddened by the cruelty of the human mind. Fear is a powerful weapon and the easiest to wield.
The author Warren Adler’s son was in a cult. How does that change your perspective about the novel knowing that a lot of the author’s experience is intertwined in the story?
I definitely felt the personal in the story of Cult. The anguish and helplessness and anger came through in the writing. I applaud Mr. Adler for using his gift to shine light on a subject that destroys people and families alike. Knowing that his personal experience was the basis for this work gives me pause as a parent. I wonder how I would approach this kind of situation and bring it to conclusion.
Is there anything you learned about yourself or life in general after completing production of Cult?
I believe I have a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to issues concerning religion, but after completing the production of Cult, I had to admit that anyone, including myself, could fall under psychological manipulation. I am hypersensitive to lies and half-truths, especially in today’s political climate.
Which character did you like the most from Cult and why?
I found myself rooting for the Sheriff. I loved how his desire to do the right thing took him on a journey through his private and professional weaknesses and led him to the realization that there is no formula to life and age is no substitute for wisdom.
What were some of the joys and challenges of narrating Cult?
It was fun and challenging to use only my voice to portray the escalation of events in the story. There was an urgency that I needed to convey and personally being drawn into the story helped tremendously. As a female narrator, it’s always a little tricky with distinguishing male voices. In the case of Cult, there were two males with basically the same intentions. Establishing a distinct voice for each was a little difficult. The key was to keep it subtle.
Which character could you relate to the most and why?
I have to stay with the Sheriff. The Sheriff was all kinds of cool beans! I loved that guy.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people with courage to seek and speak the truth against all odds. That is what this story is all about. I’m inspired by writers who venture outside their comfort zones to create new ways of looking at the human condition.
Do you have any rituals you practice while you’re recording an audiobook? Certain foods you’ll eat or stay away from? How do you take care of your voice?
I am also a singer, so I will do the same vocal warm-ups that I use in my voice training. I always have a cup of warm tea and a glass of fresh water at the ready and I generally stay away from dairy and a full stomach while working. I work from home, so I like to work at night when air and street traffic is low to cut down on noise. A healthy diet, a good night sleep, and well-timed breaks, keeps the voice healthy.
What was the most unexpected thing about narrating audiobooks that you didn’t foresee going in?
This is hard work even for seasoned actors! It’s hard physically and mentally. A lot of projects require you to not only perform, but produce as well. The pressure to make everything perfect never goes away.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re itching to work on?
I just finished narrating a fun Fantasy novel about witches, and I’m in the process of writing my own novel. I plan to do the narration for it 
Our Exclusive Interview with Mark Sando, the Narrator of Trans-Siberian Express
Today we’re celebrating audiobook month with our exclusive interview with Mark Sando, the talented narrator of Trans-Siberian Express, an epic train thriller set aboard the Trans-Siberian Express from Warren Adler.
What do you look for in a project? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? What initially drew you to Trans-Siberian Express?
I look for a book that interests me personally. Initially, I thought nonfiction; such as history, science, and technology, etc., would be more in my wheelhouse than fiction. However, Trans-Siberian Express changed that for me. When I read the synopsis of the book and then reviewed the audition script, I knew this would be an exciting and challenging project to take on. I love history and have always been intrigued by the political and geographical aspects of the Soviet Union, so this was perfect.
How did you specifically prepare Trans-Siberian Express?
My preparation for Trans-Siberian Express was very similar to how I prepare for all my projects.
First, I read the entire book. Got the feel of the story and the characters; how the two evolve. Then as I began the recording process, I went through each chapter highlighting words for which I wanted to verify pronunciation; marked pauses, words or passages to emphasize; made notes about characters in specific scenes. With Trans-Siberian Express, the additional challenge was the correct pronunciation of Russian names and places. Fortunately, I had studied Russian when I was in college, so that helped a lot — despite it having been a long time ago.
What kind of novel would you consider Trans-Siberian Express?
An historical political drama full of intrigue, deception, and interesting characters. Very descriptive and definitely hard to put down!
What did you like most about the characters? Who would you say was your favorite and why?
I liked how diverse and interesting all of the characters were. Each one had a story and some thing in each of their stories tied them to one another in the book. Dr Alex Cousins was a favorite because of his background, his ties to Russia, his predicament and the moral dilemma he tried to rationalize and resolve. I also have to say Tania, the train’s Petrovina, was, oddly, another favorite. Tania took immense pride in her job, her role on the train — which was essentially her home. I guess I was just drawn to the ownership she took in her position and how it got her involved in the story and with so many other characters.
Was there a character who was hard to imitate? Perhaps their accent was difficult?
I didn’t have to incorporate any accents or attempt any character voicing. The people I worked with on this project preferred I use my natural voice so as to not take away from the book.
What were some of the joys and challenges of narrating the Trans-Siberian Express?
The initial challenge for me was that it was my first foray into fiction. Understanding how to present the drama of the story to the listener and, at the same time, try to do it in a way that I think the author intended. Trying to make the listener feel what it was like to be on the train, to be in Siberia during the winter. To voice Mr. Adler’s description of the cold, seemingly lifeless Siberian landscape and the smells and sounds of the train was challenging, yet lots of fun and definitely rewarding.
What did you learn from narrating Trans-Siberian Express?
I learned that I have to force myself to take breaks or I’ll run my voice ragged.
With Trans-Siberian Express, the way the reader is drawn ever deeper into the story and the many interesting characters, just made it very difficult for me to stop and take a break. Even though I had obviously read the book in its entirety to prepare, it became new again when I stepped into the recording booth. I just wanted to keep going!
What did you take away from Trans-Siberian Express?
I know now what I want to look for in future fiction projects. The type of story, style of writing, and interesting and conflicted characters. Trans-Siberian Express has those elements that very much appeal to me as a narrator.
Do you have any rituals you practice to take care of your voice? Certain foods you’ll eat or stay away from?
I do all my recording in the afternoon or early evening when my voice is warmed up and more consistent. I sip water all throughout the day. It’s all about the water. Beforehand, I’ll snack on apples. I learned very early that going into the booth on an empty stomach is not a good idea. Microphones are excellent at picking up all that stomach growling!
If I know I’ll be recording the next day, I make sure I get plenty of rest the night before as well as stay away from loud parties, concerts, any place or occasion where I have to yell or talk loudly. It puts a real strain on the vocal chords. Staying away from caffeine the morning of recording day can be really tough, though!
What was the most unexpected thing about narrating audiobooks that you didn’t foresee going in?
How much work it truly is.
I think most people feel if you have some acting chops and a decent voice, then you’re good to go. But there’s so much more to it than that, especially when you work out of your own home studio, as I do.
I liken it to an iceberg. The narration and the storytelling is what sits above the water in full view, what people “see”; but the technical work of editing and mastering is the much more massive bulk of work that lies below the surface — and it’s so key to the finished product.
But I would also add that another unexpected thing for me is that audiobook narration has been so much more satisfying than I ever anticipated it would be.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration in music and books that move me emotionally. Venturing outside my comfort zone inspires me greatly, as well.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re working on?
I’m currently working on a book about astronauts and cosmonauts who died during the Space Race in the 60’s. I love this topic because I was a young boy at that time and followed the Space Race fervently, so I’m thoroughly enjoying this project. As for a future project, I would really like to try a comedy. I could have a lot of fun with that.
Listen to Mark narrate Trans-Siberian Express here.
About
Mark retired in 2015 after working in engineering for thirty-seven years for an aerospace company. Six months after he retired, he found himself involved in audiobook narration, even though it was never a remote consideration in his retirement plan! He’s currently working on his seventh book. He lives in Burnsville, Minnesota, a southern suburb of Minneapolis. Mark has three daughters, four grandchildren, and a black Lab named Kobi.
The post Our Exclusive Interview with Mark Sando, the Narrator of Trans-Siberian Express appeared first on Warren Adler.
Our Exclusive Interview With Kelli Andresen, The Audiobook Narrator of Mourning Glory
June is audiobook month and we are celebrating all month long! Today, we are shining our audiobook spotlight on the very talented Kelli Andresen, narrator of Mourning Glory.
What do you look for in a project? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? What initially drew you to Mourning Glory?
Mostly, a good story! I tend to gravitate toward fiction, but I’ve done memoirs as well. I was interested in recording Mourning Glory because I found the story intriguing, and I knew that Mr. Adler has an outstanding reputation as an author.
How did you specifically prepare for Mourning Glory?
I always start by reading the entire book to understand the characters so I can develop vocal characteristics appropriate for each of them. It’s important to understand the characters’ motivations from the very beginning so I don’t find two-thirds of the way through the recording that I’ve made a terrible choice in their vocal quality or patterns based on the plot or author’s descriptions. I also make notes of words on which I need to check pronunciation. This was particularly important for Mourning Glory as numerous French designer names were sprinkled throughout the text.
What kind of book would you consider Mourning Glory to be?
I see it as a dark comedy mixed with a morality tale, an example of the excesses of the 1980’s and early 90’s.
Is there anything you learned about yourself or life in general after completing the production of Mourning Glory?
Life is short – make the most of your opportunities. I also confirmed that I’m terribly uncomfortable with deception in relationships. The idea of getting something by lying is very distasteful to me.
Which character did you like the most from Mourning Glory and why?
I felt most connected to Grace, primarily because of the initiative and desire she shows for a better life for her and her daughter – though her methods made me uncomfortable at times! I also admired Sam’s ability to be open and honest despite his grief, though his naïveté made me uncomfortable at times as well. All the characters are imperfect in their own way. It’s what makes the story interesting and realistic.
What did you take away from Mourning Glory? What were some of the joys and challenges of narrating Mourning Glory?
I learned a lot as a narrator recording this book, about character voicing, French pronunciation and studio editing. It was a great experience. I did find myself becoming emotionally over-involved with the story at times, though.
What inspires you?
So many things! Attending a live performance, reading a good book, travel, hiking, listening to an outstanding audiobook performance.
What influenced you the most to start becoming an audiobook narrator?
I began acting as a child and continued to act through university. I pursued medicine as a career, which, as you can imagine, left little time to pursue my creative interests! After I finished medical school, residency, fellowship, and got my career on track I found that I missed the creative process terribly. I love reading, especially reading aloud to my family, so audiobooks were a natural choice; it’s creative and combines two of my loves, reading and acting. Being an audiobook narrator allows me the flexibility to record in my home studio when I have time.
Do you have any rituals you practice while you’re recording an audiobook? Certain foods you’ll eat or stay away from? How do you take care of your voice?
I warm up by reading aloud and singing a bit before I hit record. I prefer to stand while I’m recording. Lots of water and herbal tea keep my voice sounding audio-ready. Green apples and crystallized ginger help keep vocal “clicks” away. I also have to avoid foods that cause rumbly stomach noises that get picked up by the microphone.
What was the most unexpected thing about narrating audiobooks that you didn’t foresee going in?
The amount of post-production work! I do all of my own editing. It easily takes 2 to 3 hours of work to record and edit an hour of finished audio.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re itching to work on?
I’m always looking for that next great project. I love narrating fiction, but I’ve also worked on audio continuing medical education for physicians (a perfect fit given my background). I would love to work on a science themed-book; something by Mary Roach or Sam Kean, or a book like The Martian by Andy Weir.
Listen to Kelli narrate Mourning Glory here.
About
Kelli Andresen is a Kansas City-based voice actor with several audiobook titles to her credit. Besides Mourning Glory, Kelli can be heard narrating the YA novel Trail of Secrets by Laura Wolfe, and She Who Knows and Wrapped in God’s Grace, both by Barbara Bras, among others. Kelli also voices commercials, online videos, and audio CME. Her website is www.gabamedia.com.
The post Our Exclusive Interview With Kelli Andresen, The Audiobook Narrator of Mourning Glory appeared first on Warren Adler.
Our Exclusive Interview with Dominic Lopez, the Audiobook Narrator of The Children of the Roses
June is audiobook month and we’re celebrating all month long. Today we’re shining the spotlight on Dominic Lopez, the very talented narrator of The Children of the Roses, Warren Adler’s sequel to his bestselling turned box-office hit The War of the Roses.
What influenced you the most to start becoming an audiobook narrator? I’ve been an actor since I was a child. I was between jobs and looking for something I could do using this rather expensive microphone I happen to own that had been just sitting around for years. My sister, who is also an actor, told me about ACX.
What do you look for in a project? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? What initially drew you to The Children of the Roses? I look for something I will have fun reading. In my personal life I read mostly science fiction and fantasy, but as a narrator I have become connected to a company that specializes in Sherlock Holmes books. Consequently most of my work has been in that area. I was actually asked to audition for The Children of the Roses, so it was more a case of having it presented to me rather than being drawn to it. The Children of the Roses was my first narrating job. It was very exciting to be working with a bestselling author right off the bat.
How did you specifically prepare The Children of the Roses? I read the book and though about how each character would sound as I read. This is actually something I have always done even before I became an audiobook narrator.
What were some of the joys and challenges of narrating The Children of the Roses? Beginning my new career was a great joy. Figuring out the technical aspects of the job was a great challenge. Fortunately, Youtube was there to help.
What are the advantages of listening to audiobooks over reading physical novels? You can do something else at the same time, like drive, or exercise—almost anything.
And what do you believe makes for a good audiobook? Almost anything, really. The only books that probably don’t adapt well would be ones with lots of footnotes or charts, elements that need to been seen rather than heard.
Who inspires you? Superman.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re itching to work on? I have a backlog of Sherlock Holmes books. After that I’d love to do some science fiction. I might also record some public domain works that I could sell at conventions.
Listen to Dominic read from Warren Adler’s The Children of the Roses here.
About
Dominic was born in San Antonio, Texas and is the oldest of nine children. As a child he moved around a bit, first to Virginia and then to Colorado, before settling down in Odessa Texas. After some college he moved to New York City to attend the National Shakespeare Conservatory. He lived in New York for about fourteen years before returning to Odessa. He is an actor, director, and writer. His most recent directorial work was a production of Romeo and Juliet that was derided as “a mash-up of a cult movie and an angsty anime,” which is exactly what he was going for. In his opinion, his greatest work is an audio drama entitled The Adventures of Fred Brown and his Amazing Pandimensional Multi-Ship, which has been performed live on stage several times and will one day be recorded for all the world to hear.
The post Our Exclusive Interview with Dominic Lopez, the Audiobook Narrator of The Children of the Roses appeared first on Warren Adler.
June 5, 2017
Our Exclusive Interview With Lillian Yves, The Audiobook Narrator of American Sextet and The Ties That Bind
Today we are shining the spotlight on Lillian Yves, the incredibly talented narrator who narrated two Fiona Fitzgerald mystery novels: American Sextet and The Ties That Bind.
What initially drew you to narrate two of Warren Adler’s Fiona Fitzgerald mysteries? Is there a particular genre you gravitate towards? Fiona is a strong female lead and we are close in age. What girl doesn’t want to play a detective and be the lead of a crime drama? It was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Lately I have been doing a lot of romance and historical novels. I have to admit it, I am sucker for love stories.
How did you specifically prepare The Ties That Bind? And American Sextet?
First thing I always do is read the entire novel. I need to know if there are particular accents or if I can give a character one. In American Sextet, I made the choice to make Jason’s editor (Webster) a New Yorker—he just came across that way to me. Also if there are places or words I need to look up a specific pronunciation of, things like that.
What did you take away from The Ties That Bind?
The Ties That Bind was an emotional roller coaster ride! Not only is Fiona investigating a sexual act gone deathly wrong, she is remembering her own personal trauma she went through that is extremely similar to the victim. I took away a lot of healing and emotional strength from this one. You really hurt with Fiona and struggle with her to see if you gets the justice she deserves.
Is there anything you learned about yourself or life in general after completing the production of The Ties That Bind? American Sextet? They made me look at the news differently. The kind of crimes Fiona investigates are not always the kind that would make the news, they would be covered up and tucked away.
What did you like most about Fiona Fitzgerald? Can you relate to her? She is female in a male’s world. You see how she can get pushed around and how she stands up to it. There is scene in American Sextet where it becomes vital that she notices that some clothes in a drawer are much larger than they should be. That is definitely something a gal would pick up on right away. A long time ago, I was the only girl who worked in a warehouse full of men—I completely relate.
What were some of the joys and challenges of narrating the Fiona Fitzgerald mysteries? When, In The Ties That Bind, I had to narrate Fiona’s horrendous crime happening to her. I had to prepare myself for what I was going to say, (because you are also voicing the monster of this scene as well) and afterwards, spent sometime in the shower to wash that scene away. As for joys, I loved the character of Dorothy in American Sextet. She was something so wonderful and so true to herself, she was the brightest part of that novel.
How do the two books differ? American Sextet did something that was really fascinating. Chapter by chapter you go between Fiona and her investigation and the antagonist, Jason. His story line is a little behind Fiona’s so you really hold you breath, not wanting the two timelines to meet. Dreading it really. In The Ties The Bind, the crime was personal for Fiona. Part of her had been broken for a long time because of what happened.
What inspires you? The chance to narrate. As an actor, when you get to not only read one character but ALL the characters—it is something so magical and I am also thrilled and charmed by the experience.
Do you have any rituals you practice while you’re recording an audiobook? Certain foods you’ll eat or stay away from? How do you take care of your voice? When I was in school I had a voice teacher that had us always say the opening paragraph to Lolita—saying it is was the best way to warm up the voice. I do it every time. I also sing a little, wanting to warm the voice up in all octaves since different characters are going to talk in different places/voices.
I stay away from ice water, really gets the saliva going, as does dairy. I normally only have black coffee. I tend to record before I eat as well. As for voice care, if my allergies are kicking in and I am sounding scratchy, I do honey and tea.
What was the most unexpected thing about narrating audiobooks that you didn’t foresee going in? I had no idea how much I would enjoy voicing the villain. It almost scares me. I have been an evil queen, a serial killer, a twisted British gentleman who has fallen, a newspaper reporter who has twisted what would make a great story, a spy working with Nazis…I enjoy those characters more than I should.
What’s next for you? Do you have a project you’re itching to work on?
I just finished a 1940s Gothic paranormal mystery, and I am currently narrating a paranormal romance in the regency period and they are delicious. And I am working on a time travel romance series. I am so thrilled to be working with each of these authors! Beyond charmed.
I do want to say that who I am working for and what I am doing would not have been possible without Warren Adler. He took a relatively new narrator and elevated me to a whole new level. He also expanded my vocabulary beyond measure. The words he uses, so amazing. After I worked for Warren, I have not had gaps in my employment.
Listen to Lillian narrate American Sextet and The Ties That Bind.
About
Lillian Yves grew up in Oklahoma, went to school in New York City and now lives and works in Los Angeles. She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for musical theater. She currently teaches theater as part of an after school program, performs in a dinner theater weekly and does play readings throughout Los Angeles. She also writes under the name LeeAnne Hansen and has just released Hereafter, the second book in her Southern Haunting series. When her schedule is free she has plans to narrate that novel. For more information on her as a narrator or writer, or to contact her visit www.leeannehansenbooks.com
The post Our Exclusive Interview With Lillian Yves, The Audiobook Narrator of American Sextet and The Ties That Bind appeared first on Warren Adler.
May 31, 2017
Phaedra Patrick
As a child I read everything I could, from books at the breakfast table to the labels on shampoo bottles. So, as a present for my eighth birthday, my parents joined a book club for me. My heart leaped when the quarterly magazine dropped on the doormat and I could choose and order a book. I was attracted to the fairy stories, of make-believe lands and thrilling adventures. But I was also intrigued by how words fitted together and I knew that I wanted to write, too.
It was in my early twenties, doing a job I hated, that I finally plucked up the courage to give it a go. Fighting the voice in my head telling me that ‘ordinary’ people like me didn’t become authors, I taught myself to type and loitered in bookstores at lunchtime. I read the book blurbs, perused the covers and swotted up on literary agents and publishers. It took lot of perseverance and several rejected novels before The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper was eventually snapped up.
Even though I now write full time as my job, it’s something I’d do anyway. It’s both a compulsion and a passion. If I don’t do it, I can become terribly cranky. And, in the bath, I still keep reading those shampoo bottle labels.
Phaedra’s newest book, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone was released in the United States on May 16th.
The post Phaedra Patrick appeared first on Warren Adler.
May 25, 2017
New Exclusive FORBES Two-Part Series on Warren Adler (Part I)
(This is part one of a two-part series on Warren Adler, his attitudes toward ageism and of the importance of never allowing oneself to lose the creative impulse in the face of aging or rejection.)
Like the tale he so hilariously and sensationally told of divorce through The War of the Roses, author Warren Adler has another story to tell nearly four decades later. He wants people–particularly seniors–to know that older adults are relevant, and as for him, his best work could still be yet to come. After all, the acclaimed author didn’t publish his first novel till he was 46.
Now 89 and the author of more than 50 novels, including the 1981 tumultuous divorce classic, The War of the Roses (which he adapted into a screenplay of the same name, and the 1989 film that starred Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito), as well as “The Sunset Gang,” his short story series about aging in America, Adler said he isn’t finished yet, and neither should you be.
“I’ve written more than fifty works of fiction. If I am pressed for judgment of worth, I would say that my best work was done since I was 46 years old, which was the year in which my first novel was published,” he said. “As we know, wine gets better the longer it stays in the cask.”
Adler said older adults have just as much to offer as young people, and both suffer equally from an inability to predict the future. In a perfect world, though, the generations would realize their benefits to one another. “Young people are still too young to know what they don’t know and older people have learned by a lifetime of experience what they do know. One would think that each has a value, especially in the workplace,” he said. “Of course the wild card for both is that neither the old or the young know what is ahead of us because of the astonishing rise of technology and rapid proliferation of knowledge about the planet, the universe and the human species. My guess is that artificial intelligence and genetic engineering will create a future that can barely be imagined. The fact is that when it comes to technology, young people, perhaps unintentionally, make us oldies feel stupid for our lack of computer expertise, which they take for granted. On that score they’re right, but when it comes to life, to human relationships, to the great moral and philosophical questions that we old folk have learned by living through the cataclysmic events of our lifetime, young people might have to lean on us elders to find the best path ahead for what comes next, which, by the way, doesn’t tend one toward optimism.”
A writer who has built his reputation in the publishing industry as the ebook pioneer who ditched traditional publishing to go independent, Adler is passionate and vocal about the topic of aging and telling the story of older people who are more often than not forgotten about in the mainstream. Adler has written motivational pieces about his attitudes toward ageism and of the importance of never allowing oneself to lose the creative impulse in the face of aging or rejection. He’s written for PBS Next Avenue, Changingaging.org and has been interviewed by Pfizer for the company’s “Get Old” campaign.
War of the Roses—loosely referring in name to the 30-year period of sporadic warfare and political intrigue between the Houses of York and Lancaster, who both laid claim to the English throne—was Adler’s fictional tale of the turbulent and uproarious end of a 17-year marriage between Barbara (Kathleen Turner) and Oliver Rose (Michael Douglas). In the story, the two leave much of the house and their lives in shambles while lawyer Gavin D’Amato (Danny DeVito) tries his best to stem the bloodshed.
Adler’s message today is that he and his senior counterparts do not belong “on the rubbish heap of irrelevance.” Rather, older adults need to be revered and their lifetimes of knowledge tapped into for guidance.
“Too often, the elderly are looked at with a jaundiced eye as useless, like products whose shelf life is finished and by virtue of our age shunted off as people with nothing to offer,” Adler said in an interview with Kate Silver for her article for Pfizer’s “Get Old” campaign titled “The War of the Roses Author Declares War on Ageism.”
“We need to change the perception and revere the active and mentally competent old as contributors to the common good by virtue of their observations and insight acquired during a long residence on our planet.”
He has a message for young people as well. “Eventually, if they are lucky, [young people] will arrive at my age with all their faculties,” he told Silver. “There are 6 million people over 85 in the US, close to half will have cognitive problems. Thus, three million odd of us represent vast experience and above all, wisdom. We survivors must persuade younger people that our wisdom and experience is to be treasured not rejected. We should be consulted, sought out, listened to. We have been there, done that, and seen that. We are a living, breathing source of historical truth and our experience and wisdom should be used by the young as a source to help navigate the shoals to be met on life’s journey, most of which have a tendency to repeat and, in some cases, multiply.”
Approaching his ninth decade, Adler’s works are also being adapted for film and television, including The Children of the Roses, the sequel to The War of the Roses; Capitol Crimes, a TV series based on the author’s Fiona Fitzgerald mystery novels; and a feature filmed based on Target Churchill, a World War II thriller by Adler and James Humes. They are all being developed by Grey Eagle Films, an independent film production company exclusively developing and producing Adler’s works into feature films, plays and television productions. Grey Eagle Films is headed up by Adler’s son, Jonathan Adler. Another son, Michael Adler, an actor, is the creative vice president of the film company. His latest novel, Mother Nile came out last year.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on December 16, 1927, Warren Adler is a product of the New York public school system. He graduated from PS91, Brooklyn Technical High School, and then New York University, where he majored in English literature. He said he was inspired by his freshman English Professor Don Wolfe. He later studied under Wolfe and Dr. Charles Glicksberg at the New School in New York. Among his classmates, were now-famous novelists Mario Puzo and William Styron. Warren was the recipient of the “Alumni of the Year” award at NYU’s College of Arts and Science in 2009. He worked for the New York Daily News, served as editor of the Queens Post on Long Island, and his column “Pepper on the Side” was at one time a staple at a number of newspapers around the country.
Warren served in the US Army in the Pentagon as the only Washington Correspondent for Armed Forces Press Service during the Korean War, where his bylined stories went out weekly to all publications produced by the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. He has owned four radio stations and a television station and founded and ran his own advertising and public relations agency in Washington, D.C. His firm, Warren Adler Ltd,. was responsible for advertising and public relations campaigns for political candidates. He was a consultant to then vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon’s campaign in 1968 and he subsequently served as an advisor to the first Nixon administration.
Warren closed his agency in 1974 after the publication of his first novel, Undertow, and has since been devoted to writing novels, short stories and plays. Along with his fifty published novels, plays, poems and essays, he has published more than a hundred short stories. Following the adaptation of “War of the Roses,” Warren became the fountainhead of Hollywood screenplay adaptations, fueling an unprecedented bidding war in a Hollywood commission for his unpublished book ‘Private Lies.’ According to Adler’s website, “Tri-State Pictures outbid Warner Bros and Columbia and purchased the film rights to Private Lies for $1.2 million, the highest sums yet paid then in Hollywood for an unpublished manuscript.” His classic romance novel Random Hearts inspired the Hollywood film of the same name starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Warren’s book of short stories about a retirement community, The Sunset Gang, was produced by Linda Lavin for PBS’ American Playhouse series and adapted into a trilogy starring Uta Hagen, Harold Gould, Dori Brenner and Jerry Stiller. The trilogy garnered Doris Roberts an Emmy nomination for “Best Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series.” The musical version of The Sunset Gang received an Off-Broadway production with music scored by composer L. Russell Brown and book by Warren Adler.
Warren’s themes often times stress intimate human relationships—the mysterious nature of love and attraction, the fragile relationships between husbands and wives, and parents and children, the corrupting power of money, the aging process, and how families cling together when challenged by the outside world.
Warren’s works have been translated into 25 languages. The essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright still regularly blogs for The Huffington Post, and lectures on creative writing, motion picture adaptation and the future of e-books. He has taught novel writing seminars at NYU and is the sponsor of the “Warren Adler Visiting Writer” series at NYU’s “Creative Writing Program.” From 2005 to 2012, he sponsored the first online short story contest awarding cash prizes to winning submissions from emerging writers all over the world. He is the founder of the Jackson Hole Writer’s Conference and has been chairman of the board of trustees of the Jackson Hole Public Library.
WarrenAdler.com refers to Warren as a pioneer in electronic publishing, stating that he introduced the first viable digital reader manufactured by Sony in 2007. After being published by Viking, Putnam, Crown, William Morrow and Warner Books, Warren re-acquired his complete backlist and converted his entire library to digital publishing formats, published now under his own company, Stonehouse Productions, the site says.
Warren recently launched “Writers of the World,” a campaign featuring aspiring and established writers. He has been featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Publishers Weekly and Pfizer and is a regular contributor to Lit Hub, Huffington Post and The Daily Beast. With nearly half a million fans on Facebook, Warren regularly shares advice to aspiring writers.
When asked when he planned to retire, Warren had this to say: “Retirement from what to what? When my self-awareness tells me I cannot fulfill my aspirations, I will quit cold turkey. Then what? I haven’t a clue, but I do think about it. My principal worry is becoming a burden to my children. That said, seeking comfort, friendship, diversion, pleasure, and entertainment is a good tonic for the waning years especially in the company of one’s contemporaries.”
On ageism and the importance of never allowing oneself to let age stop them, Warren said not to worry. Your mind and body will let you know when it’s had enough. “Dealing with age is primarily a function of self-awareness and confronting the reality of your aspirations. The mind, that mysterious machine powered by the organ of the brain, runs the human machinery. It assesses and conveys the reality of your capabilities as your physical and mental mechanisms get to the end of their life cycle. Ignore the statistics. Everyone is different. The timetables of life run on different schedules. As you age, your mind will tell you whether it’s time to hang up your cleats or soldier on in pursuit of your aspirations. As a lifelong creative artist, a teller of tales, my mind tells me I am still on the field of dreams. My mind tells me that not only is my memory intact, it’s still working at full bore to reach expansive recall. Frankly I am astonished by its durability and, at times, its recurring revelations.”
He said that particular fact can be a blessing and a curse. “Oddly, long-term memory is an extraordinary gift, but it comes with a heavy price. You can recycle your life in your mind, but it can trigger the brutal pain of lost moments, the absent people and places of your past. You recycle interactions, relive moments with your parents, your grandparents, siblings, cousins, friends, sweethearts, places, feelings, joys, sorrows, all the yesterdays, great and small that have passed. It is undeniably a gift but it does leave one teetering on the edge of nostalgia with a snootful of tears of longing for the clock to cycle back, start again, perhaps with some corrective reassembling. It is indeed a heavy price to be paid, but worth every cent.”
“On the physical side, my assessment is less complicated. Sensory perceptions need enhancement, flexibility is waning, bodily functions are slower, recovery from illness longer. Your doctor evolves from professional to friend, your appetite lessens, your relationship with food changes. Fear of falling makes you too cautious. Fantasies endure, especially those of a sexual nature although fulfillment becomes more of a challenge,” he said “In the end, your mind will tell you when the ballgame is over. Mine has not told me that, not yet. It will.”
Warren leaves his contemporaries with a bit of advice and stresses that it is up to each of you whether or not to take it. “If you have a dream, take the risk and pursue it. Above all, force yourself to be self-aware. Tell yourself the truth about yourself and understand that you live in a limited time frame. And above all, be wary of following any advice, including from me.”
Read Part Two here.
This article was originally published on Forbes here.
The post New Exclusive FORBES Two-Part Series on Warren Adler (Part I) appeared first on Warren Adler.
Warren Adler's Blog
- Warren Adler's profile
- 111 followers
