Whether you’re still trying to set up your studio, or you’re a full time voice actor who’s book up for the rest of the year, here are some things that are good to do every day. -read a poem out loud. This helps you express emotion in a nuanced way which can really pay off in the long run. -read something boring out loud. A road, an ad at a bus stop, a web site banner, etc. Read something “dry” and find a way to make it engaging. -listen to a great narrator. YouTube is your best friend for this, and you can find lots of great narrators and audiobook excerpts there. Hearing how other people carry a story along can help you a lot. All these can be done within 5-10 minutes a day (annd you don’t have to have a mic or a studio to do it) Even if you don’t have a payed gig at the moment, practicing constantly will make you even better for when you do.

In 2008 or so, I was sitting in a coffee shop near Fort Riley, Kansas trying to forget about work, and I heard Kenneth Branagh read The Magician's Nephew. I decided right there that one day I would become a voice actor (It didn't happen for nearly 10 years, but that's where I decided it) Here's an excerpt from Chapter 1 of that book. I encourage you to take a listen to a moment of two of it, and identify some stuff that you like then try to apply it to your reads. I love how he reads effortlessly. He inflection is very nuanced and not distracting at all. Also, when he voices children or women, he just "puts some air under it" but doesn't overdo it to the point of pulling you out of the story. Also, I like how he takes his time with his pacing. This helps you keep pace with what's going on, and allows it to "register" in your mind. Please post a narrator that you like so we can all take a listen and learn!

How far did you go and why?

Last year I wrote a fantasy script that is very close to my heart. This year it is premiering at Sonic-Con after being produced by Heartmatters. "Son of The Sword" is filled with wonderful talent, some of whom I don't even know yet. (Cover art to be revealed). Also, Jake Muller!!! Getting to act in Engineered was such a blessing to me so I am looking forward to hearing it too!

This is the poem I wrote for open mic night. I’m so thankful that everyone loved it! Brittany Barry wanted me to post this for if anyone wanted to just read the poem again, so here it is! You don’t have to read it, but it’s here for if anyone does.