Good afternoon, my surprisingly chilly homies! It’s actually a bit cool outside. Me likey!
Again, I’m a day late with my blog. A self-imposed restriction but it is what it is. I have a good excuse, though! I was at the Audio Publishers Association Conference (APAC) at the Javits Center all day. What an amazing experience!
Publishers and talent from all the over the country gathered together to learn about the state of the industry and do some networking at the same time. I attended some fascinating seminars about vocal health, audiobook casting, and my favorite: The Listening Lounge! Ten top-notch narrators read some hilarious excerpts from books they’ve narrated. Simon Vance, Johnny Heller, and Hillary Huber, just to name a few. I was blown away! They made me want to re-record every audiobook I’ve narrated. BTW between the ten of them they have narrated well over 1000 audiobooks!
Oh, and the night before APAC was the APAC Mixer. Another delightful event! I got to hang out with many of my VO friends (FaffCon was WELL represented) and I made some new ones as well. I also ran into the wonderful Melissa Coates and Laura Grafton of Brilliance Audio! They worked with me on my first audiobook, Danielle Steel’s “Amazing Grace”. It was so nice to see them!
The pinnacle of the APAC experience takes place tonight: I’m going to The Audies! It’s like the Oscars but for audiobooks. I am proud to represent VoiceoverXtra and I’m excited to interview the nominees & winners. A HUGE thank you to John Florian for asking me to cover for him!
TIP OF THE WEEK: I learned A LOT yesterday! It helped me figure out my place in the industry and what I need to do to take my audiobook career to the next level. It also reminded me that nothing beats in-person interaction with your colleagues & clients on both a professional and personal level. I met some very special people there and I hope to see YOU at APAC next year!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Lady Astor: “If I were married to you, I’d put poison in your coffee.” Reply: “If I were married to you, I’d drink it.”
STUFF!: The next time you hear from me I will be at Disneyland! I’m going to VOICE 2012 and I will be giving a lecture on Goals and Action Plans for voice talents. I should be able to blog next Monday but no promises! Are YOU going to VOICE 2012?
From Tom Dheere’s apartment, this is Tom Dheere, GKN News…