Audiobook vs. Paper – Does the Medium Change the Story?
Years ago, I worked in the laundry room of a hotel, washing and folding linens all day. The task was tedious and left my mind free to wander for hours. This was great for writing ideas, but also just, well, boring. Then my manager offhandedly mentioned that I could listen to audiobooks if I wanted. I just had to have one ear open and be responsive if people needed my attention.
Well dang. A whole new world opened for me. Up until then, audiobooks didn’t really entice me but if I could work and disappear into the world of a book! The laundry room faded, and I was investigating supernatural creatures in Chicago with Dresden or holding back tears beside Corrie Ten Boom while she and her family were taken into a concentration camp. (I’ve got a wide range of reading tastes, don’t judge.) I just had to be careful to actually start the washer while I was adventuring.
Through this, I came to love well read audiobooks. James Marster’s voice will forever be Dresden in my head. I can hear him learning things from Bob the Skull or verbally fencing with Queen Mab. And when I sit down to read the physical books, I still hear his voice. He’s shaped their tones, personalities, and cadence of speech.
On the flip side, I’ve also attempted to listen to books that the narrator ruined the story for me, and to be honest, I’m not sure I’ll go back and read the physical books afterward. I haven’t yet, anyway. As an author, this admission is heart wrenching.
So, as I listen to narrator auditions for Quaking Soul, these experiences loom large. If I pick the right person, she’ll draw people into the world I love so much, she’ll make Na’rina’s voice a reality. If I don’t, Na’rina will become someone entirely different.
The auditions really showed this, that a narrator can change the story altogether without changing the words. One of the auditions was from a British woman. She sounds amazing, but Na’rina isn’t British. None of my characters are. Another had a Southern accent for every character’s voice. The faun, Afre, took on a cowboy feel like he might wrangle horses all day when he’s a shy creature hiding in the woods and Na’rina sounded like she could have called the bayou home when she’s from the Rocky Mountains.
As a reader/listener, I never considered how much the narrator could change the story. As the author listening to a narrator read her book, I realized the narrator matters a lot.
I think I’ve found the right narrator for Quaking Soul and I’m waiting to hear if she accepts the offer of work. Now that I’m confident of her voice and ability, I’m super excited to hear her narrate the rest of the book! Fingers crossed and lots of prayers that she’s available.
If you’re an audiobook listener, what are your thoughts on this? Does the reader change the story for you?
Blessings,
Jennifer
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