Great article, spot on!

It's no wonder that when a voice artist narrates his own books, he or she sound much better than when they're narrating someone else's story.

A good tip by far is to be part of that book, get involved in the story, really feel each character and location.

If the narrator doesn't believe it, it'll show and the audience won't believe it either.

I've returned many audiobooks narrated by some of the best in the industry who simply bore me to death.

Since almost no one listens to an audiobook in one sitting, my mindset is to perform so the listener will want to pick up where they left off and finish. Make it interesting? You bet.

Thanks so much, Jim -- I'll be keeping this in mind when I finally (what, a year and a half late?) get started!!

Thank you, Jim! As a long-time audiobook listener, I agree whole-heartedly with your advice. The narrator's intent comes through his/her performance. Presumably, the author was interestED enough to write the book in the first place. A narrator who is focusing on being "interesting" probably isn't focusing on the author's intent.

Wonderful! I tell my students same thing when delivering often-boring commercial copy! In today's sound bite world, interesting speakers are few! I like to call most TV speakers, "chirpers! Also ask yourself "why am I doing this and who am I?" The answer may scare you...always know you are not starring! You are a lowly storyteller!

I love you and hope we teach together soon!!!!