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Guest Narrator Melanie Fraser 1-11-16
message 51:
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Jeanie
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Jan 11, 2016 10:18AM
One more... if you could gather a group of the biggest talents in the audiobook industry--your choice and you don't have to name names if you don't want--what would you want to ask them?
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Hi Melanie,I don't really have a question but I wanted to tell you how much I admire the fact that you speak other languages! My two years of Spanish in school were the most I've had. You're so versatile.
Also, I'm one of those people who should own the tee shirt that states, "If I had an English accent, I'd never shut up." :)
All the best!
Lee Ann
Jeanie wrote: "Hi Melanie, Some of the narrators we've talked to have mentioned conventions such as the American Publisher's Association where they go to meet other narrators, learn more about the industry, and..."
Jeanie, sorry for the long delay in answering this but I didn't have the information at my fingertips. Helen Lloyd has very kindly supplied the following answer:
‘Sadly, there is not really a British (or as far as I know, a European) equivalent of APA – or the wonderful APAC event. Equity has an audio group for Union members and there are several VO groups that meet regularly and share info, but as far as I know there is nothing that focuses so completely on the audiobook industry or which brings publishers, producers and narrators (both Union and non-Union) together under a single umbrella.
Since ACX opened up to UK narrators, they have held some networking and support events – hopefully there will be more – and outside London as well.
In terms of networking, sharing information and offering support to colleagues, it appears we Brits have a way to go yet.’
Julie wrote: "Thanks for reminding me of another question I forgot to ask, Lee Would you be fluent enough in one of your other languages to record an entire book in it ? I don't know any other languages myself..."
Hi Julie, I can answer the last part of your question... yes there are foreign language audiobooks--foreign to us English speakers--and I've seen German and Spanish translations show up for some popular audiobook series on Audible. I own the first two Harry Potter audiobooksin Italian, although I haven't found more of them... audiobooks haven't been as popular in other countries apparently. Maybe that market will grow too.
Hello Melanie,If you could choose any book to narrate what would it be?
Is there a genre you really wouldn't wish to narrate?Melanie - I've shared the interview you did a while ago here, so that might prompt some more questions.
https://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/...
Julie wrote: "Thanks JeanieI guess it was sort of a stupid question but I wondered if audiobooks were popular and available in other countries and languages."
No, Julie, it wasn't a stupid question. I'm a little more aware because I used to search for audiobooks in Italian--most of the ones I found proved my Italian wasn't nearly as good as it needed to Be! I could understand the two Harry Potter books because I knew the source material so well.
Julie wrote: "Do you ever get so wrapped up in a book that you forget you are narrating it ? And how do you keep emotions in check if it's really sad or funny ?"
I remember recording an historical romance last year and the hero and heroine were just about to intimately “clinch the deal” when fireworks went off near my studio by neighbours celebrating something! I had fits of giggles as the timing was impeccable!
Yes I often feel empathy for a character or several when tears stream down and it does add to the performance. On the flip side, I sometimes can’t stand or am irritated by a character which also adds to the performance. It’s important to also step back though to give a professional reading so I will often re-read those lines to monitor and ensure my emotions don’t get in the way of the story.
Lee wrote: "Hi Melanie,I don't really have a question but I wanted to tell you how much I admire the fact that you speak other languages! My two years of Spanish in school were the most I've had. You're so v..."
Hello Lee Ann and thank you joining the conversation. I'd love to be able to speak more of them but of course one gets rusty if they aren't spoken often enough. Actually even if one does speak another language it doesn't make it any easier to speak English with that accent. Funnily enough I found the Arabic accent easier than the Spanish one. Maybe it's because my second language used to be Afrikaans which is also very guttural. I never foresaw doing any of this in audiobooks!
I'm looking forward to your spot here.
Julie wrote: "Thanks JeanieI guess it was sort of a stupid question but I wondered if audiobooks were popular and available in other countries and languages."
Yes there is a demand for audio books in other languages overseas and over here in the UK. There are some online voice over sites where one can find narrators who do so and ACX has that facility for authors and narrators.
Inishowen wrote: "Hello Melanie,If you could choose any book to narrate what would it be?"
I'm so pleased you have joined us and as this question was raised earlier, the immediate answer is Rachel's Shoe by Peter Lihou. That book really touched and has stayed with me. It is in one of your favourite genres too - historical.
A.L. wrote: "Is there a genre you really wouldn't wish to narrate?Melanie - I've shared the interview you did a while ago here, so that might prompt some more questions.
https://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/..."
Thank you for sharing that Alex.
Well there are only two that don't resonate with me to narrate: erotic/sexual and fantasy with pixies, elves, fairies etc. The fantasy one I recorded for you, Outside the Walls being historical fiction, of course had no pixies and elves - phew! Actually ghosts are okay!
Since you are new to me - as are many of the authors you narrate - which historical fiction and historical romance book should I start with of those you narrated?
Melanie wrote: "Inishowen wrote: "Hello Melanie,If you could choose any book to narrate what would it be?"
I'm so pleased you have joined us and as this question was raised earlier, the immediate answer is Rach..."
Thanks Melanie,
There is always a sadness that permeated books written about that era but Rachel's Shoe sounds a little bit different and likely a very interesting read.
Julie wrote: "Do you feel there are certain books more suited to audio , and some that just really wouldn't work as well ?"Some books are better in print only and others one can almost hear the audio in one’s head and know it would transfer well into audio - rather like books being made into films or television.
Lilmissmolly wrote: "Since you are new to me - as are many of the authors you narrate - which historical fiction and historical romance book should I start with of those you narrated?"Thank you for asking Lilmissmolly. Probably the first ones I did of each of those genres. So The Final Dawn (historical fiction) and A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Love (historical romance). I'd love to hear what you think of them so please email me: melanie@melaniefraser-voice.com to let me know - feedback is very important whatever it is and is more helpful this way to me than reviews. I have offered a free audio book code to everyone who has asked questions on this thread so please do let me know if you'd like that.
Hi, Melanie!I haven't yet listened to any of your audiobooks, but I've just listened to some of the samples, and it sounds like you've got a lot of potential. You seem to have good accents for people whose first language is different than English, and that's important to me. You also have a pleasant, mid-range voice, which I would think would be attractive in many kinds of books. And very good diction.
I have some older-person hearing issues which have developed, both in actual hearing loss and in developing tinnitus, and like many others with these issues, a high-pitched voice is unpleasant to hear. That's why I mention the mid-range preference. I will look for a book of yours.
Thank you for taking the time to come chat with us at Goodreads.
Jeanie wrote: "Melanie, I have visited Italy several times and fell in love with it from my first visit, but I've never had the great fortune to actually live there--hence my deep envy of you!
going forward, ..."
Good morning Jeanie, it's a sunny one here overlooking the English Channel.
Firstly I can announce, courtesy of the authors of the Tavara Tinker series, that we are planning to have Books 2 and 3 made into audio books this year. The next one is book 2, Tavara Tinker: The Sounds of Time, written by Bob Nelson and Sharon Skinner.
Once production has been completed and before release, I will post the information on my website and my profiles on LinkedIn and Spotlight.
Goals - I'd like to do some non-fiction this coming year (5 years is too far away for plans at the moment) and more history projects and of course, espionage, would be ideal. I have an open mind as to the direction my narration career leads. I've narrated a few different genres and am interested to find out from listeners as to which ones, in their opinion, suit me best, Continuing to improve and giving the best possible quality to offer listeners enjoyment will always be the most important goal.
Surprises - I didn't anticipate doing and learning how to do so many different accents neither did I have any notion as to how much work I would be offered in my first year. Another surprise was how extremely helpful, generous with their knowledge and kind my colleagues are in the field of narration - thank you to all who have eased my journey.
Jeanie wrote: "Julie wrote: "Thanks for reminding me of another question I forgot to ask, Lee Would you be fluent enough in one of your other languages to record an entire book in it ? I don't know any other la..."
Jeanie and Julie - I wouldn't record a whole book in another language but am very happy to add foreign dialogue - in fact I did so in The Final Dawn which required a little bit of Russian at the beginning. Having a musical ear helps a lot when it comes to rhythmn in languages and I'm keen to learn more, as mentioned earlier.
CatBookMom wrote: "Hi, Melanie!I haven't yet listened to any of your audiobooks, but I've just listened to some of the samples, and it sounds like you've got a lot of potential. You seem to have good accents for peo..."
Hello CatBookMom, I very much appreciate your kind words. Please send me a message via my Goodreads profile or email melanie@melaniefraser-voice.com to let me know which of my audio books appeal to you. I'd be delighted to send you codes.
Melanie wrote: "Julie wrote: "Can you explain a typical workday ? Are you usually recording ll day, or do you take breaks or only do it a few hours per day ? No day is typical. I work from my studio at home so t..."
Julie - regarding your question about genres, I missed one out - Comedy (Misadventures of Fatwoman) to which I also enjoyed adding a few subtle, sound effects.
Julie wrote: "Good morning, Melanie ! Are you all ready for day 2 ? :)
It's 5 AM here so it might be awhile til some of the others check in .
There are usually big discussions in the group about book reviews..."
Good morning Julie - WOW, 5am - I hope you managed to get some sleep! I'll come back to you later about reviews as I'd like to give it more thought so will answer your other questions first.
Julie wrote: "So far, out of the narrators we've talked to in here, you all talk about each project with some type of fondness ,and I'm sure you are proud of each book you narrate, but do you have one in which y..."Yes we do get very emotionally involved and attached to the books we narrate and of course, some are more dear than others.
My personal favourite is Crossing the Vaal. Coming from South Africa, I feel a special affection for the terrain (beautifully described by the author) and the history. The characters are very strong and diverse, some of which are based on real people, about whom I was fascinated to research, A range of emotions can be felt in this story including some humour. All in all, I feel this is the one about which I am most proud and hope that listeners will agree.
Hello, MelanieI'm sorry that I cannot take part in this at the correct time, as I live in England and my evenings are filled with things I've neglected through the day while writing.
However, first let me say what a wonderful narrator you are and I wish to thank you once again for the brilliant way you performed my stories.
If anyone is in doubt whether or not to choose Melanie to narrate their stories - you'll not regret it, as she is professional, friendly with fabulous narrating skills.
I write in a variety of genres and your own versatility brought alive A Murderer's Heart, Dirty Business and Misadventures Of Fatwoman - thank you!
I've also listened to other stories you've narrated and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Thanks again :)
Julie wrote: "Do you have much time to read for pleasure ,or does that seem too much like a job at this point, and you'd prefer to do something else with your spare time ?"There isn't much time when I am involved in a production but I always try to read for pleasure at the end of the day to escape into a different world. I enjoy peace and quiet after working with sound for many hours - although I do love listening to jazz music in particular. Otherwise, I enjoy time in the garden and enjoying fresh air and nature.
Margo wrote: "Welcome Melanie! I have to admit that your voice is new to me, but it sounds lovely (I have just listened to some of your sample on audible UK). All of the books, in that site, that you have narr..."
I hope you enjoy it, Margo :)
Melanie wrote: "Margo wrote: "Welcome Melanie! I have to admit that your voice is new to me, but it sounds lovely (I have just listened to some of your sample on audible UK). All of the books, in that site, that..."
I know what you mean about Sylvia, Melanie, she'd make a great friend.
Julie wrote: "In your last post you mentioned wanting to do some more nonfiction . I myself like nonfiction ,probably more than fiction . Do you have a specific time in history ,or maybe a historical personality..."I have an open mind abot that, Julie. There is so much worldwide history and historical figures about which I have sketchy knowlege so the thirst is there................
Julie wrote: "How about travel memoirs ? I really like reading them . I can travel without leaving my house!"Yes this is an area I'm interested to explore for narration. I agree, it can be very exciting to listen to some travel memoirs and brochures to bring extra life into discovering places.
Julie wrote: "Sine you've READ so many books for others, have you ever thought you'd like to try your hand at writing your own book, and if you did, what type story would you like to write ?"I wrote a ballet manual in Italian with some help from my Italian colleagues whilst teaching in Perugia in the early 1980s. It wasn't for publication but was circulated to dance schools in the region. Other than that, there hasn't been time to write however, I hope to edit a manuscript of my late father's which was never published. It was the only fiction he wrote (his area of expertise being mainly company histories and during the War, advertising copy as well as research for the South African Government. I'm fully aware of the huge amount of time and commitment authors need for their work so will need to see whether I can fulfil that demand later on.
Julie wrote: "Hello, MelanieI'm sorry that I cannot take part in this at the correct time, as I live in England and my evenings are filled with things I've neglected through the day while writing.
However, f..."
Hello Julie, thank you so much for such generous words and for giving me the opportunity to narrate new genres.
I've thoroughly enjoyed working with you and your wonderful, versatile stories and was thrilled you chose me to narrate three of them for you. I had such fun recording the villains in the two thrillers and it was also a treat to add some sound effects to Dirty Business which seem to have gone down well!
Wishing you continued success, Julie
Melanie wrote: "Julie wrote: "Hello, MelanieI'm sorry that I cannot take part in this at the correct time, as I live in England and my evenings are filled with things I've neglected through the day while writing..."
Thank you :) The same to you.
Melanie wrote: "Jeanie wrote: "Melanie, You mentioned working through ACX, do you plan to work only through them or do you want eventually to work for publishers as well?"
I have no concrete plans at the moment..."
Wish I had such a lovely voice as yours :) I cannot take part in ACX as I don't live in US, UK or Canada. Also I'd prefer Authors' Republic as there is no exclusivity and they deliver to so many audio stores. But they don't offer the chance of getting a professional narrator through them (with the profit-split system.). If they did I'd take it immediately. As it is I am trying to read my 180.000 word book on my own using the Recordio app. Will take forever and a day, I am sure... Not to mention trying to narrate on my own. Next I'll have to buy a good microphone. Oh well, to live and learn. Maybe I manage to finish the first book by the time I have written the next of the series...
Leena :)
Jeanie wrote: "One more... if you could gather a group of the biggest talents in the audiobook industry--your choice and you don't have to name names if you don't want--what would you want to ask them?"Jeanie, I knew I'd missed one of your questions!
One thing I'd ask the most established talents in this industry is, at which point did they feel they had reached the turning point in their careers and how did it manifest time-wise and skill-wise?
Good morning from Louisiana Melanie, You said earlier that fantasy isn't your thing... no elves or pixies. J. R. R. Tolkien's elves are known for their lovely voices... you'd make a wonderful elf. I could really see you doing some high fantasy that may have Tolkien-style elves with medieval type sword and sorcery... but no pixies!
I'd also love to hear you tackle some mystery a la Agatha Christie--Hugh Fraser (TV's Capt. Hastings) has narrated the entire Christie catalog... any relation?--and I could imagine you reading something similar. In fact, M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series could use a new narrator...
You've stuck with shorter works to begin your career, is there a timeline in your own mind as to when you'll tackle longer works?
Inishowen wrote: "Melanie wrote: "Inishowen wrote: "Hello Melanie,If you could choose any book to narrate what would it be?"
I'm so pleased you have joined us and as this question was raised earlier, the immediat..."
Good afternoon Inishowen
Yes that's true. I should have mentioned another in that era, The Runaway Family by Diney Costeloe which generates similarly intense emotions.
Leena wrote: "Melanie wrote: "Jeanie wrote: "Melanie, You mentioned working through ACX, do you plan to work only through them or do you want eventually to work for publishers as well?"
I have no concrete pla..."
Hello Leena and thank you.
I've had a quick peek at the Author's Republic and understand too that the ACX country availability situation is a bit of a dilemma. Perhaps I can help technically or in some other way. I'll send a more detailed message of possibilities via your profile.
Hi Melanie;I just wanted to say hello and to thank you for taking the time to be with us. I think it's so cool that narration is just one more avenue of artistic expression that you've explored.
Jeanie wrote: "Good morning from Louisiana Melanie, You said earlier that fantasy isn't your thing... no elves or pixies. J. R. R. Tolkien's elves are known for their lovely voices... you'd make a wonderful elf..."
Your questions are such fun, Jeanie!
Thank you for your encouragement but I'll bypass the pixies and elves for the time being!!
Regarding mysteries, yes, that is one of my favourite genres. In fact most intrigue and skullduggery stories appeal. I have listened to some samples of the Agatha Raisin series and was delighted to see that Penelope Keith is back for one of the latest ones - perfect casting. Hugh Fraser and I are not related. I love his voice and delivery style.
There is no set timeline in my mind regarding longer form narration in the genres I enjoy. Once again, I'm flexible.
Claude wrote: "Hi Melanie;I just wanted to say hello and to thank you for taking the time to be with us. I think it's so cool that narration is just one more avenue of artistic expression that you've explored."
It's lovely to hear from you Claude and it's a pleasure to be part of this group. Yes it's a great voyage of discovery to be able to explore several avenues from an artistic point of view.
I notice we like some of the same genres and have been reading your book reviews.
Hi Melanie, If Penelope Keith is back as Agatha Raisin, that's a great thing. But the last two releases have been without her. Fingers crossed for the future.
How aware are you of the audio fans' obsessions about certain things about their books? The above mentioned narrator switch in a series tends to be one of our biggest issues, but we endlessly discuss others.
Jeanie wrote: "Hi Melanie, If Penelope Keith is back as Agatha Raisin, that's a great thing. But the last two releases have been without her. Fingers crossed for the future.
How aware are you of the audio fans..."
Back again for a bit after feeding the rabbits!
Yes I noticed there had been other narrators mid-series. I know it is annoying for listeners but the practicalities of narrators like Penelope Keith, who is in demand in other areas of performing have to be considered by the artist and agent representing them. Recording for books is a very long process so I expect she wasn't free and the author probably wanted to get those books released according to her timetable.
I have been reading the threads in this group about how much consternation narrator changes cause. I've seen advertisements from authors saying they want the same narrator for a series but of course it depends on the length of that series.................cost, time and availability factors come into it and sometimes being there all the time just isn't possible. I noticed a change of character recently in The Archers (radio long-running story for anyone who doesn't tune in from abroad) on the BBC. The new voice is so completely different that it was rather confusing at first. The same thing happens on television e.g. Eastenders!
Julie wrote: "Melanie Pardon me if this has already been asked but do you work on several projects at once, or do you like to compete one before moving on to the next ?
Would you ever have any interest in mov..."
You haven't asked me this one before, Julie. There have been times when there were several projects around the same timeframe. The way I manage it is to narrate one and edit another at the same time. I never narrate more than one at a time as I feel it is important to immerse onself totally in the story until the raw recording has been completed. When it comes to editing and mastering the others, that doesn't come into it to the same degree and I can juggle those simultaneously but of course there is more pressure if there is more than one at a time.
I'm careful about setting deadlines and always give a wide margin - life has a habit of throwing unexpected incidents at one. Happily, this method has worked and I've never been late - usually early - in meeting deadlines. The only exception was a throat infection in November which clung on for a whole month whilst recording Desiree 1519. The author kindly let me extend the deadline I'd set and I managed to complete it two weeks after that.
Narration and Production are separate career paths - although some of us do both - so I wouldn't describe it as a step up into production. At the moment I'm happily doing both but alternating them could be a possibility in the future.
Thanks for stopping in Melanie. Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do here
Melanie wrote: "It's lovely to hear from you Claude and it's a pleasure to be part of this group. Yes it's a great voyage of discovery to be able to explore several avenues from an artistic point of view. I notice we like some of the same genres and have been reading your book reviews."
Yes, we do. I've noticed that your reading encompasses a very diverse set of titles across genres. Do you find that this helps you in the interpretation of the subject matter as you began your preparation for a reading?
Travis of NNY wrote: "Thanks for stopping in Melanie. Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do here"Lovely to hear from you Travis.
I've enjoyed reading your comments on some of the threads .
Yes, there have been many more questions -and such a variety -than I anticipated. Marvellous.
Claude wrote: "Melanie wrote: "It's lovely to hear from you Claude and it's a pleasure to be part of this group. Yes it's a great voyage of discovery to be able to explore several avenues from an artistic point o..."Yes that's true, Claude, it does. Among those, one genre I discovered and hadn't thought of was steam punk which I thoroughly enjoy and now narrate! Whether the titles are well-known or not is not an important factor when it comes to reading for sheer pleasure or narrating.
For me, if the words flow across the page and capture my attention on the very first page, I'm usually hooked, be it for recreation or narration.
I'm going to tune out for a few hours - thank you for your questions so far.Melanie
Melanie,I'm leaving this for you to answer tomorrow... you'll be up way earlier than I will!
Could you describe the ACX process for matching authors to narrators? Are samples of the manuscripts posted and then... what?
Anyway, pet the bunnies for us and have a good night's rest.
Julie wrote: "Melanie Do you think classes in acting or public speaking are a must in order to narrate books and do a good job of it ?
Some people are natural narrators and don 't necessarily have to be actors but would need some technical skills to master narration work. Of course actors have tools to draw upon such as vocal technique, breathing control and other helpful assets but not all actors can narrate audio books and many don't want to. Actors used to working in the theatre, for instance, have to project their voices and express, physically too, in a much broader sense to reach the back of the auditorium than when working in television or film. You may have hard that Liz Taylor helped Richard Burton to adapt his technique (gestures and facial expressions which have to be very subtle) for the small screen after working in the theatre.There are different approaches and techniques for these mediums. Likewise, narration is very subtle, almost intimate microphone technique and from a volume point of view alone if one expresses, for example, a shout and really projects, it would damage the microphone and distort the audio. The result would be horrendous. So the short answer to your question is, no. Voice coaching for audio book narration is an entirely different technique to acting classes in the general sense.
Have you met other narrators ,and are you a member of some type of group ..."
I have met a few narrators some of whom I have met when performing in other mediums and others at voice over courses and workshops. As your other guest narrators have mentioned, we work solo when producing from our own studios which can be isolating. There are networks for those of us allied to production houses or publishing companies and we liaise online and by phone from time to time but these are not organised groups per se. As Helen mentioned in her reply to Jeanie's earlier question about the UK's comparison with the USA's way of networking in this field, we do not have a similar structure of support in the UK.
