This is a project I have been working on for some time. I volunteer at the elementary school in their after school program at 'Book Club.' The video below shows some of the Book Club kids narrating a book that was generously donated by author Erika M. Szabo. They may be first time narrators (and first read-through for some of the kids), but they sound awesome!

So many kids wanted to be part of this project, but there are only a handful of voices or parts. We are working on other versions to give everyone an opportunity to record. It is truly wonderful to help the kids love books and stories. I love seeing their faces light up when they hear their own voice.
Keep an eye on updates to hear more about Katahdin's newest narrators!

Have you ever heard the phrase: "Two's Company, but three's a crowd"? Well it seems to fit when I am talking about my narrating booth. I love the idea of collaborations and joint projects...at least in theory. In practice, adding more voices to a recording from different booths is a monumental task for me right now.

As I sit here this morning and try to mesh kids' voices in a project I am working on for the after school program, I realized all the tiny, teeny things that make a good narration. It's a children's book. So in theory it should be simple, but in reality it is complicated.

While I love to work on projects, I have to remind myself that the progress on a joint effort is going to be a bit slower than a project I can work on by myself. I love helping the kids to love books and reading, but I am also reminded that progress isn't exact, it's just growth. So here is to a day of editing. I hope to post a sample by the end of the day!
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My mom would often repeat the phrase "Haste makes waste" to me when I was hurrying through something. As with most things, my mom was right. Rushing jeopardizes the quality of the thing I want to create. I work toward quality, not quantity :)

We have the opportunity to co-narrate a book that takes place in Hungary called The Unbroken Curse by Erika M. Szabo. I was able to talk with Erika about some of the pronunciation of the place names and characters. I love learning about other cultures!

I love the idea of a blog, but I also hate the idea of a blog.
Life details
Struggles
Small triumphs
...truth is, the struggles are what make the triumphs awesome.
So yes, definitely blog.

​The many ways that Honey, the sweet adorable kitten, helps when I narrate books:
Sits on my books.
Steps on the keyboard.
Keeps my lap warm.
Attacks my toes when I am least expecting it.
Hides in my recording studio.
Gives me a reason to wake up at 4am, if he is out of food.
Catches mice.
Bites on my earphones cord.
Calvin the Dawg is also helpful by keeping me company. I usually have to protect him from the 'Helper' cat.

After talking about it for weeks, we are ready to actually record. How can I get the school kids to record? I can't bring them to my house to record in my closet. Maybe I could set up the recording room in the basement? No. It needs to be somewhere at the school if school kids are going to  anywhere? I packed up my recorder, mic., and pop filter, and headed to the school. I turned a small corner of the over-full Book Room into a recording booth. Some thought it was impossible, but here is the proof: ANYONE can narrate books ANYWHERE! This is one way of encouraging a love of books and reading. (I will add the sound bites later).
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