Recording the Audiobook for The Kindred Life
Well, this was so fun…I got to record the audiobook for The Kindred Life!
Honestly, there have been several things in this book-writing process that have been super challenging, but the audiobook recording is something I’ve been hoping for and looking forward to so much. When it was time to record the audiobook, I had to send in an audio sample to my publisher and see if they would give me approval to read my book. Lots of factors go into play - I’m assuming the tone, clarity, and ability to pace your voice are some of them.
I was so relieved they said yes! I don’t take this for granted, because not every author gets to read his or her own book.
I went in three separate times to a gorgeous studio in Franklin, TN, where a kind audio engineer named Andrew coached me through the entire process. After a tour of the studio, I took off my moccasins, settled into the comfy chair, swigged a bunch of water, and began. Soon, I found a rhythm. I think the countless hours of read-alouds I’ve done with my children for so many years, plus the podcasts I’ve recorded and hosted, all made the process really smooth overall. Don’t worry, there were still blunders…like the 18 times I had to say a Korean phrase to get it right, my stomach growling in the middle of a sentence (audio engineer told me to “be well fed” next time 😂), and laughing at myself flubbering certain words. Is flubbering a word? It is now.
Here were my observations from day 1 of recording:
Have you ever tried to read an entire, long sentence without swallowing? It’s not easy. I wrote some long sentences for sure. 😬
doTerra Breathe drops are LIFE. 💧 What would I have done without these to soothe my throat on breaks?
All these years reading aloud with my girls in our homeschool have paid off in more ways than one. The moments of connection we’ve shared around books are invaluable to me. And reading my own book aloud for 4 hours straight wasn’t too hard after reading aloud all 7 Narnia books in one year!
There was something so peaceful about being in that recording booth. Random fact: since they can’t have any outside sounds in the studio, even the sound of an A/C unit coming on, the air conditioning and heat are built in a special way so the air falls into the room rather than being blown.
Bailey, the fluffy studio dog, was an absolute joy. I think that dog should be a therapy dog. I looked forward to every break, when she came bouncing in the room ready to be petted.
I read almost half the book (100 pages) in one day!
The second time I returned to the studio, I almost finished the second half. The audio engineer said I was making a shockingly small number of mistakes. Who knew I could be good at this? It’s never too late to learn something new about yourself.
The third and final time, I got to bring my girls with me, and they were enamored by the gorgeous, spacious recording rooms and, of course, by Bailey the Studio Dog. This time I recorded the final chapters in a gorgeous studio that’s used for orchestras.
I was kinda sad on the last day - I knew I was going to miss this whole process. There’s such a peacefulness to the studios - complete and utter quiet, not even a sound from the outside world. For hours and hours, it was just me and my stories, reading them aloud for people I don’t yet know who will welcome these words into their most intimate moments.
And it’s one of those things you can never relive again - I’ll never again have the newness of recording my first audiobook.
While I was recording, I was thinking of all of you who will be listening during the ordinary moments of your everyday life. Washing dishes…driving to work…folding laundry…maybe a few moments to yourself after your children are asleep. And I do not take that lightly. 💛
The whole experience reminded me so much of my days as a Music Business major at Belmont University. I was a Marketing emphasis and had no intention of being an engineer or producer, but we all had to take “Intro to the Recording Studio” as a core class. I had no clue what was going on most of the time. Ha! Very thankful to be on this side of the recording booth rather than at the control panel.
As you listen to the recording, I hope these words are encouraging and life-giving for you, and that they help you dig in more deeply and connect to your own beautiful life. YOUR Kindred Life is worth fighting for, and I’m here to walk along the journey with you…even if it’s just in your earbuds. 🎧
When you join my email community, you get a free sneak peak of the audio book - listen to chapter 1 right away!
