The Missing Piece audiobook can be found in any good audiobook store worldwide and is released, as with the printed version, on 31 January 2024.
If you are not a traditional reader, find reading a struggle (which is common for ADHD’ers due to the difficulty focusing for long periods), or prefer to multitask while listening (whether doing the dishes or driving), the audiobook version of The Missing Piece may well be right up your alley.
I’ve been a voice artist since my early twenties. I accidentally scored my first job due to the ‘professional voice’ failing to show for the recording of a 30 second radio ad. While working in film production in Wellington at the time I was literally tapped on the shoulder while heading out to lunch to step in at the very last minute. I felt comfortable behind a microphone, fell in love with the creative process, did rather well, and got myself a voice agent not long after moving to Auckland.
For the next twenty-five years my voice work covered everything and anything– from telephone prompts, to inflight promotions, documentaries, presentations, television and radio ads, along with presenting Food TV and the Living Channel for Sky TV for several years. Of all the types of voice work, I loved scripts I could (metaphorically) sink my teeth into … a chance to play. Voice work enabled me to be to pull all sorts of facial contortions behind the walls of the audio booth, to deliver the right tone, pace and energy for both ad agencies and clients. The odds are extremely high you would have heard me in some shape or form.
When recording a radio commercial usually 60 minutes is set aside in the studio to record and edit a 30 second advertisement (on average up to 60 words). Given The Missing Piece is approximately 71,000 words I was excited by the challenge!
In conversation I naturally speak at a rapid pace. As my mouth struggles to keep up with the speed of thoughts in my head, it can quite entertaining! As many can attest to, it’s a common ADHD experience. Reading from a script however, or in this case my own written words, I intentionally slowed down so the reader didn’t miss anything.
The process was fun. I got to be me. No acting was required, no sultry deliveries, no ‘buy now’ sales pitches or soothing dulcet tones. I’m just me, complete with my Kiwi accent.
10 hours and 53 minutes of audiobook recording took five weeks to record, proof, edit and master. Yes, it was a marathon rather than a sprint!