In ep 143 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Alan Irving joins Sam and Mark to talk about how different audiobook narrators prepare for the mammoth task of story and character prep... why an author might leave a narrator to it once they've been chosen for the job... and we bring you a passage from a horror story that'll make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Our VO question this week is all about the differences between narrating fiction and non fiction audio books.

Get involved! Have you got a Wildcard suggestion that we should try or an idea for the show? Send it to us via Mark or Sam's social media or email it directly to [email protected]

Script 1

At Quarto, every book begins with obsession.

Every page is designed, illustrated, and perfected to bring the

stories you love to life in their most beautiful form.

These aren’t just books - they’re stories that shaped you,

reimagined and created by us to be held, read and re-read.

Not to collect dust, but to be lived with and loved - over and over

again.

Quarto.

Books that live in your hands.

Script 2

He was just fading off to sleep when the ghost appeared. It looked over the edge from the ledge above. For the first time, the ghost revealed its face, and it was a face Almon had never seen before.

It was an old man with pale, blistered skin and a long grey beard. Its eyelids were stitched together with thick interlacing leather thongs pulled tightly together.

Even with these terrible mutilations to his eyes, somehow, he still watched Almon.

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About our guest:

Originally from Essex in the South-East of England, now living in Rossendale in the North-West, Alan Irving has been a voiceover artist and audiobook narrator since 2012. He's worked in almost all genre's, from Character work, Commercials, Corporate and E-Learning, IVR, Voice of God and of course Audiobooks.

He lives with his partner Cathy, Daughter Hannah, his dog Willow and cat, Ruddles. (or "Rude Boy" as Alan likes to call him!)

He also enjoys playing the guitar, likes to cook, and "appreciates" fine wines!

Alan's Website

@alan_irving_voa on Instagram

Alan's Facebook page

Resources: Click here for the Wildcard Generator and don't forget to think of an action your character can be doing!

About your hosts:

With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark Ryes has been trusted to be the voice for some of the world’s biggest brands. If your business needs a fresh voice to represent you, then make it Mark's British voice. As a voiceover, TV presenter, podcaster or product demonstrator - Mark makes your brand truly sparkle!

Mark's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/britishvoiceovermark

Elegantly British with an intelligent, warm and seductive voice, Samantha Boffin helps creatives and production companies create great audio that really connects with their audience. BBC-trained and with over 20 years of broadcast experience on both sides of the mic, she's created award-winning promos, narration and commercials for companies all around the globe, including the BBC, Sky, Games Workshop, John Lewis, Audible and Penguin Random House.

Samantha's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/samanthaboffin