Why I'm Sad About A Recent Change In Narrator For One Of My Books

From the start, I've been pretty flexible with my audio book production deadlines. Most of the books have been produced in the times specified in the contracts, but there have been delays in production of some, and I've been pretty good about granting extensions when needed. Partially because I'm not really certain how long it takes to produce an audio book, so wanted to give the narrators plenty of time. Partially because I do royalty share contracts, and know some narrators do those between pay for production projects, other full time jobs, etc. Partially because I know how it is when unforseen circumstances mess up your plans. But also partially because I don't mind, as long as I can see some progress. Sometimes though, you have to say, "Enough," - as I had to do a few months back with one of my narrators.

Unfortunately, I've now found myself having to dissolve another contract.

This time though, it's not because the narrator decided the original terms of the contract didn't work. This time it was because, after several months of failed attempts to contact him, a lot of time spent in trying to determine what happened to him after he disappeared at the start of the year, and even attempts by ACX themselves to contact him, we have discovered that the narrator in question is almost certainly a victim of one of the natural disasters that have taken so many lives over the past year.

It makes me sad. I mean, I was sad about the victims of the disasters to start with. But I'm also sad that you won't get to hear more of the talents of James Watkins. He did a fantastic job of producing my four degu books, and was a real pleasure to work with. I'd looked forward to working with him again, and I'm sad that he won't be able to narrate and produce "Yua And The Great Wizard Hunt" as planned.

I loved James as the voices of my degus in my Degu Days Duo, as well as in both "Degu's Day Out" and "How To Trust Your Human" - all of which were produced in audio in late 2017 - and had looked forward to hearing him bring Yua the Westie's story to life. It makes me sad that this will now not happen.

But, as harsh as it sounds, the world keeps turning, and audio production must go on. So, despite my sorrow at the loss of James, and disappointment that I won't be hearing him bring my book to life after all, I will be looking for a new narrator for "Yua And The Great Wizard Hunt" soon.

First though, I just wanted to say, "Rest in peace, James."