August Wrap Up 2023
Recording fun, news and goals for next month.
Hello everyone!
I can’t believe we’re at the end of August already! The summer holidays are almost at an end and in the Heap household that is both super exciting and quite scary. As the bear will be starting reception and the koala will be heading to nursery for one morning a week. That’s right, for one morning a week, I will be able to work during the daylight hours! I’m so close to having my evenings back people, I can taste it!
This month has been been fairly chill work wise as I’ve been recording the third and final part in the Book Of Imaginari series by Richard Hayden. Once I’ve finished writing this newsletter I will be heading back into the booth to record the last three chapters, so when you’re reading this I will be editing it which is exciting.
While the recording for The Guardians Of Imaginari has gone really smoothly (I’ve been hitting a nice 2:1 recording time ratio) I did struggle a bit with motivation at the beginning of the month. But that is just the ongoing battle to balance being a stay at home Mum with wanting to start a new venture. By the time the girls are going to bed, I am ready to hit the sack myself. But once I’m in the booth I’ve been loving it. This was the first series I got as a narrator and it’s been an absolute joy to work on. I’ll miss Ellie and co when they’re gone.
I’ve also been sending off some out reach emails this month. This is something that terrified me a few months ago and this month I’ve been really excited to get in touch with people, which is a really nice change. But I want to go into more details with this in another post as I think it’s a really big step for aspiring narrators and something I really struggled with initially.
News
Limits is now available on audiobook, narrated by moi! This was the first out reach I ever sent and the wonderful Susie Tate gave me the honour of narrating Millie and Pav’s story. This is a beautiful book and I’m so thrilled I got to be a part of it!
A little bit about the book…
For as long as she can remember Millie has had her limits. Staying within them keeps her isolated, safe; helps her to cope. Why then have they started to feel so stifling? Why is her loneliness starting to rival her fears?
When she watches him she wishes she could be normal; she wishes she could be like the people he interacts with so seamlessly. Pavlos Martakis is her complete and total opposite: physically intimidating, likable, naturally attractive, extremely confident, sexually promiscuous: the most uninhibited, charming, outgoing and free person she has ever encountered in her life. He fascinates Millie; thrills and intimidates her in equal measure.
But, as the culprit behind the invention of her nickname Nuclear Winter, Millie knows that if Pav feels anything for her it is more than likely contempt. Cold, boring, robotic: that is how the rest of the hospital sees her. So she can safely watch him from afar. He would never notice her…would he?
Goals for next month
To send three out reach emails/auditions per week. (This month I’ve been sending one a week, so I’d be happy with two, but don’t tell future Emma that or she won’t do the work!).
To get samples of all my audiobooks posted across my social media (another thing that terrifies me!).
To get my samples updated on my website. (Something I’ve been putting off and desperately needs doing! I probably should have done this three months ago. Oops.)
To complete and submit The Guardians of Imaginari to ACX.
What I’ve been listening to
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Recorded Books)
I can confirm that this book is worth alllll of the hype! It was all of my favourite book series I grew up reading wrapped up into one glorious package and November 7th cannot come fast enough for Iron Flame! That ending! Oh my goodness!
Aside from that, Rebecca Soler did an absolutely phenomenal job with the narration. Just pure narration goals in my opinion and I’m already on my second listen and I can assure you it will not be the last!
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (Bolinda Publishing)
Another great story that I just could not stop listening to!
This book is narrated by Caitlin Kelly and again… just narration goals. I am in love with her character voices. In particular Carden’s voice I felt just really painted a picture of its own. This is another audiobook I’ll be repeatedly listening to I can tell.
The Bonds That Tie Series by J Bree (Pink Flamingo)
Now this is probably my fourth time listening to this series. I’m not even sorry about it. This series is narrated by Kasi Hollowell and Wen Ross. They do a brilliant job and Kasi Hollowell is someone I will continue to listen to in order to try and learn as much as I can!
What have I been reading
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Finished)
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (In Progress)
The Blood Of Monsters by Mia Hartson (Finished)
The Cries Of Monsters by Mia Hartson (Finished)
The Curse Of Monsters by Mia Hartson (In progress)
All of these books are currently available on Kindle Unlimited!
Writing Update
I’ve been trying to get back into my writing as it has to take a bit of a back seat when I’m in the recording haze. This is something that will change when both girls are in school and nursery and I have my evenings back. As frustrating as it can be sometimes, I just have to remind myself that I will get there in my own time. These characters have been in my head for years now, they are well and truly lodged in there and they aren’t going anywhere! But for now, I will keep filling up my Notes app on my phone.
And that’s it from me this month!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve read/listened to any of the books! I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have any recommendations for me!
Bye for now and happy listening!
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