Each June, audiophiles from around the country celebrate all things audiobook. Since we love to listen and review audiobooks here at That’s What I’m Talking About, we are participating in our own Audiobook celebration.
What would an audiobook be without a narrator? As part of Audiobook Month, we are spotlighting various narrators so you can learn a bit more about who they are and what they do.
Narrator Spotlights!
Today we shine the spotlight on:
Ann Richardson
Tell us how long have you been narrating books?
About 10 years.
What genres do you cover? Do you have a favorite?
Non-fiction (my favorite), Inspirational, Young Adult, Romance.
Do you do any other voice work or acting?
From time to time I’ll get a job narrating a website or video or an eLearning module.
What is your favorite job to date?
Last year (2017) I narrated a foreign film at the Mill Valley Film Festival. It was a children’s film about acceptance, compassion, and life. While I was merely narrating the subtitles, there were character voices, a couple of songs, and much storytelling involved. The audience members (many of which were young school children) were completely engrossed and I felt wonderful in aiding their enjoyment and comprehension of the film.
How do prepare for a job? Does the preparation depend on the genre or type of book?
Preparation depends on the type of book. I can get away with scanning a non-fiction book in order to find words to research for pronunciation, etc., If it’s a fiction book, I need to more fully understand the characters, their personalities and the storyline. If I’m lucky enough to have access to the author, I’ll ask for a character sheet, or at the very least, hints about what the author thinks is important.
If you could narrate any book or work with any author past or present, what would you choose? Why?
I would choose Marguerite Henry (my favorite author growing up, who wrote animal stories, often with children protagonists), or Willa Cather or Mari Sandoz. These last two are Nebraskan authors who wrote poignant stories of the Great Plains. I identify very strongly with my home state of Nebraska and if I had the chance to languish over their words, giving voice to their stories, it would be heavenly.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I feel I’m not alone when I mention that my favorite part of this career is the people. I have been blessed to know so many outstanding, thoughtful, strong narrators who have generously shared their insights and time with me. And the clients! I love them! I have been privileged to work with some of the brightest, most creative publishers, directors, editors and engineers imaginable. I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure I’m awake. And it just keeps getting better with each passing year!
About the Narrator:
Since she began narrating in 2008, Ann Richardson has twice been awarded AudioFile Magazine’s “Earphones” award, and been a finalist in the Voice Arts Awards in 2016 and 2017. She narrates for many of the bigger publishers, including Audible, Blackstone, Christian Audio, Harper Audio, Oasis Audio, Penguin Random House, and more. When not narrating, Ann volunteers her time recording for print-disabled listeners, mentoring new narrators, and giving presentations about audiobooks to writers’ groups.
Social Media Links:
@hersmoothvoice
https://www.facebook.com/Annrichardsonnarrator
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrichardsonnarrator/