It happens to the best of shows...reruns!  John was called away from the microphone this week, so we proudly present a replay of Chapter 9 - one year ago this week!  John will be back next week...in the meantime, enjoy! Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

Inspired by a Dear John note from a curious listener, John expounds on the theatre, and how experience on the stage (or off of it) can greatly enhance an audiobook performer's skill set - and for a bargain price.  Also, A.I. has crept onto the campus, raising many questions.  Is academia preparing us to serve computers someday?  Or is it motivated by outright laziness?  You decide. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

We open the Dear John mailbag this week with a message from a narrator who recently turned in his first-ever audiobook recording...only to be met later with a big batch of pickups - mistakes that need to be re-recorded.  Oh, the shame!  But wait - John assures us that all is well, and offers some survival tips, including one bonus pro tip that every narrator needs to know.  Also, find out who John almost ran into at an LA studio, and if your name happens to be Kyle...you'll especially want to listen to the end of the ride! Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

Since the time of Shakespeare, writers have known of the importance of comic relief.  But how does the narrator play humor correctly?  And what if the author hides it?  John gives some tips, along with 5 types of humor to watch for as your prepare a performance.  Also - news about the dawning of a new podcast that promises to bring three old buddies back to the microphone. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

"Aw, it's non-fiction.  Piece of cake!"  This is a common narration misconception, and on today's excursion down the Trail, John explains why.  He'll offer some tips, describe the great benefits of non-fiction done right, and come clean about a disastrous project from the past.  Also in news, libraries are beefing up their audio selections.  And if that isn't enough, John drops a spoon. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

It's inevitable.  Girls will show-up in the text, and they will do - and say - stuff.  How does a male narrator navigate those waters effectively?  And what of the reverse?  John offers some tips, including something you should never do.  Also, a knightly sighting at the Audies®, and - are audiobook fans embracing the streaming model?   Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

Serials are great...but being a narrator within an audiobook universe?  It's pretty awesome.  John shares his excitement about having such a privilege, along with a word of caution for fellow storytellers.  Also, as he recaps the big winners of the 2024 Audie Awards®, John chats about what seems to be an annual observation about who wins.  And finally, a shoutout about the ERB, Inc. universe, and a couple of very fine authors who write within it. Link to 2024 Audie Awards® winners page: https://www.audiopub.org/2024audieawards-winners Visit our online home! http://www.audio ..read more

It's one of the most powerful tools in the authors' kit.  But how can the audiobook performer unlock the power of metaphor into the recording?  It takes lots of practice, and today John will offer some ideas.  Also - more Trail history is made!  For the first time, you can watch the ride as well as listen.  And finally, baseball fans are seeing more of the game in ways they don't expect...or likely want.  Watch video of the show at AudiobookTrail.com, or on YouTube! Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

"I need headphones cuz I gotta hear myself."  In radio, yes!  In audiobooks...well, not really.  John talks about the need some feel for "cans," and why they can be an albatross for storytellers.  Plus, we'll get a news update on A.I. - and some new research involving "popping" in the brain.   Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more

This week John takes the easy way out, and lets a loyal listener lead the ride from the Dear John mailbag.  And why is there a trip-wire in the studio?!  Plus...a valuable lesson is illustrated through an installment of: PANIC In The Booth! Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com ..read more