No criticism here. :) I have yet to listen to one of you readings that I don't absolutely love. And I love this idea of connecting listeners with their favorite narrators. :) You are amazing, Xe!

Thanks so much, Shanna! Your support is always such a balm to my working soul :)

This idea came from wishing I could reach out somehow to listeners who have expressed displeasure over one of my reads - especially as we as narrators are an evolving creature (if we're doing it right). The only way to grow is to be open to hearing what is/isn't working for listeners.

Xe, Thank you for creating a forum for narrators and those of us obsessed with narrators and audiobooks (what..who me?.

I have enjoyed every single book I've listened to that has featured your narration. Particularly the Jacquelyn Frank series; just spot on!

My comment is regarding narration in general. For me, the difference between really good narration and great narration is quite simple. If, prior to or after a line (or paragraph) of dialogue says something like "he chuckled", "she laughed", "she sobbed", "he snorted", "she giggled", etc...I want to hear that expressed in the dialogue.
I know some listeners find this distracting. I.Don't. I think it adds to the realism of the story. I know some narrators will add sounds if they're written in after the dialogue and not before(thinking that the "giggle" happened 'off screen' so to speak). I.Don't. I want to hear it in the dialogue.
Well, I feel better now :)
Thanks for the opportunity to express my thoughts!
Fondly, Teri Hamilton Garrett

Xe, hate to break it to you but no need for criticism or suggestions here. ;) You are that good. :)

Drea wrote: "Xe, hate to break it to you but no need for criticism or suggestions here. ;) You are that good. :)"

Drea, you're a doll! I'm sure someone will eventually contradict you, but I welcome it :)

In the meantime, I plan to bask in the glory of your comment!

Teri wrote: "Xe, Thank you for creating a forum for narrators and those of us obsessed with narrators and audiobooks (what..who me?.

(snip) If, prior to or after a line (or paragraph) of dialogue says something like "he chuckled", "she laughed", "she sobbed", "he snorted", "she giggled", etc...I want to hear that expressed in the dialogue.

First, thanks for the your lovely comments, Teri! It was one of the highlights of my June trip to meet you!.

Excellent point on your preference. I've taken to doing that no matter where the expression falls in the line - at least I think I have, LOL! If you listen to one of mine and aren't hearing it, let me know!

But I will tell you that the traditional direction I've been given is *not* to do that. However, I feel it adds a level of engagement and authenticity to the dialog - well, as long as it's kept relatively subtle. An actual "guffaw" would likely blow your earbuds out!

Thanks so much, M.V. - your support is much appreciated :)

I will say that there are those who prefer their character differentiation far more subtle that what I provide between male/female characters, and I respect that. It's part of that, "can't be everything to everyone" side of performance.

I do like the difference, at least when performing. I need to think about it the next time I'm listening...

No worries...that's not something I plan to change :) Just wondering what I actually prefer as a listener and am not sure, once I started thinking about it.

I just finished listening to The Lightkeepers. I rarely seek out the narrator's page on Goodreads, so that alone tells you something. Your voice was distinctive and added so much to the book. I'll have to wait a bit before listening to something else you narrate, though, because I will just hear Miranda/Mouse Girl my head.

Jennifer wrote: "I just finished listening to The Lightkeepers. I rarely seek out the narrator's page on Goodreads, so that alone tells you something. Your voice was distinctive and added so much to the book. I'll ..."

I can't tell you how much that means to me, Jennifer. Thank you so much. That one seems to be a love it or hate it performance, so I'm so glad to hear that you were in the former camp :)

I just finished listening to Magic for Liars and it was absolute perfection. Your narration only enhanced the story for me.

So I didn't really enjoy "Take me Apart," BUT I really enjoyed the way you voiced Miranda's character. That may have been the only part of the book I DID enjoy.