The Audiobook
Relief, Pride, Exhaustion, Excitement
Leading up to recording this book, I was convinced a professional voice actor should be narrating this memoir instead of readers listening to my very thick Bronx accent. But after working with Sam Stauff, a supportive, professional engineer, producer, and musician, he agreed it should be my voice telling the story. It lends authenticity. Oddly enough, most people hate the sound of their own voice - case in point, John Lennon, who famously couldn't stand his own vocals. Can you believe that? Well, it’s true! I accept my accent (it has finally grown on me), and I guess I can’t change it now, nor would I want to.
I’m proud of where I come from, and all the friends and memories I made there.
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I loved working with Sam, who brought out the best in my performance and made the whole experience fun and inspiring rather than just a technical duty. He guided me through some tricky parts (I do tend to lisp a smidge, and focusing on my breathing was another chore). Recording my audiobook in a professional studio made this process so much faster than I expected. When I made a mistake, Sam patched it immediately. It’s intense work - staying hydrated and keeping your energy up is key - but leaving with a high-quality product in hand is incredibly satisfying.
Being in that soundproof booth felt very private and deeply meaningful. It allowed me to act out the different characters in my book with a freedom I didn't think I had. I was completely focused on my story, making it a truly immersive experience. I walked in feeling like an amateur, but then I felt the muscle memory of my acting days kick in, and by the end, I had fully embraced my role as a storyteller. I’ll take my Oscar now . . . ☺
