Our audiobook production is nearly complete. I am now doing a final listen to make sure all the bits and pieces are there where they should be. Pardon My Camion, in audio version should be available in mid-December on all those usual audiobook platforms. And don’t forget you can ask your library to make it available to you, ditto for the book and ebook…
We did a first big recording, then an assembling which included small edit pick-ups and larger rerecording. For example, we were not happy with the last chapter – 40 and the Epilogue. I guess we had pushed it at the end of a recording day – horse to stable. We did not like how it sounded. Easy solution. Redo it! And we did. The odd time, not often, a phrase could be missed or a bit different, and in the audio version, works fine, even better, however, if it is a pivotal phrase, and needs to be there. Correction and it will be!
This final listen is for my critical author ears. The book clocks in at 10 hours. When I said I was going to do a final critical listen, Sean, the executive and technical producer said “you have ten hours to spare?” “For my audiobook yes Siree, I do.” I would not put it out there without my very best for it; as I did for the print and ebook version. Though following along with this reading, I did see that El Cid at one point was Ed Cid. Would that be Edward Cid to his friends! Even the best edited books can have the odd misprint. Is it like the Persian carpets, where in case you think you are divine, you slip in a flaw? No need for me to slip it in, human failing will supply that for me. Will A-I be looking after that now? Or more likely, it will do a weird non-human-non-understanding correction. Beware the techno beast – man/woman versus the machine. Long live the mighty hand and pen, well human fingers on the keyboard!
Talking of fingers on letter-keys, it is good to see that manual typewriters are still loved and cherished. Not by me as I am a sloppy typist so a computer is my friend for this task, except it indulges and enables my sloppy me. I was taught how to type properly. In my great youth, I apprenticed with the BBC, for which I am eternally grateful; are there such opportunities now? Typing was one of the skills we were taught. A necessary skill through all levels of a career, especially in broadcasting. Darling Miss Renoir was our teacher. Tall and majestic with a chignon, pencil skirt and heels she taught us with music for the rhythm and to sit up straight for our health and dignity. Ah, happy memories!
(Note to editors and writers: I realize this long extro about manual typewriters and my nostalgia, is absolutely off-focus, but hey, it’s my blog!)