Hello and welcome to my newsletter! I’m Jor-El and I’m a therapist and author of The Shadow Work Workbook and Self-Care for Black Men, which is out November 7 AND now available for preorder! I’m here to share my perspectives on life, mental health, and self-compassion. Thanks for being here!
Today, I’d like to share a bit of a personal story with you. As the publication date of my next book, Self-Care for Black Men, draws near I thought I’d share a little bit of the behind the scenes of recording my audiobook.
By and large, the recording of an audiobook is very straightforward, albeit a bit tedious. You spend hours in a small booth, cut off from the rest of the world, only hearing your director through fancy studio headphones that aren’t made to be worn by people with afros. That being said, it’s also comforting to be inside the booth without any outsides influences or distractions. That is, if the total absence of noise doesn’t get under your skin too much. It’s unnerving.
Since recording my audiobook, I’m acutely aware of the amount of labor that comes with recording content in a professional studio. It’s HARD work and takes a lot of energy. Ironically, this was something I balked at when the studio manager first reached out to confirm my recording schedule. “You’ll need a full day’s worth of energy,” he said. “For a 5-hour recording session?” I thought to myself. As it turns out, he was right. Recording is tiring. Shout out to all the voice actors and talent out there who do this regularly. It certainly takes a toll on your body and voice.
For my last recording session, I came in and got through my routine of fixing my extra-large cup of tea and getting settled in the studio’s space. I was very much looking forward to hopefully wrapping up my final recording session after a few more hours. I thought to myself, “you’ve been here before. This is just another recording session. You’re good.”
Then I saw Fran Lebowitz walk into the studios with a handler in tow.
Whoa.
Minutes later on a bathroom break I scurried by another studio and heard, “And this is Hilary Clinton…” coming from a speaker.
Excuse me?!
And then I almost literally ran into Alec Baldwin as he came in for his session.
Once I got back in the booth my director asked, “Did you see all the men in suits? It’s the secret service.”
“That makes sense.”
So, there I was, feeling grateful to be able to record the audio for my book Self-Care for Black Men, and all of a sudden, I casually found myself smack dab in the middle some incredibly high-profile people who were doing their own recording work.
How is this real life?!
I took a few beats to gather myself. Me and my director then got back to work in recording the rest of my pages, and ultimately did what they call “pick-ups.” These are previously recording sentences that didn’t come out well. Most of the notes hinted at some sense of “slurring,” which I have to admit was a bit tough to stomach. As a person with a low voice filtered through smoky Southern tones, I’ve long known how microphones can magnify what seem like very small (and incidental) drawls in everyday conversation. Seeing it on the screen as a note, was another thing altogether. Before the internal critic completely took over, I coached myself with self-compassion and reminded myself that this, too, makes me a part of who I am and is worthy of celebration.
Ultimately, I was able to refocus and once we hit the last bit my director tapped her microphone and said, “You’re done. Congratulations!”
“That’s it? I’m done?!” I said.
“YOU’RE DONE!” she replied.
Wow.
Relief set in as I knew my vocal chords would be able to rest after exercising for hours. I let out a loud sigh and started packing my things. Then, it hit me.
I had just recorded my newest book, filled with words that I hope affirm and validate Black men who are doing their best to maintain health and wellness. I paused. I felt a catch in my throat, and spilled a few quiet tears. Feeling slightly embarrassed, I gathered my things and stepped out of the booth. I then tried my best to graciously thank my director for her patience and efforts without letting more tears fall.
I was done.
Dear reader, I’ve buried the lede here. Recording the audio version of this book almost didn’t happen. While I threw my hat in the ring to be the narrator months ago, there was no guarantee that I would be the voice behind my written words. Timing was comically short and then came more scheduling complications, and COVID-19 infections impacted the staff available for recording. I spent some time thinking there wouldn’t be an audiobook at all. When a friend and colleague asked me the status of the audiobook (they were looking forward to it!), all I could manage was to sheepishly say, “It’s complicated.”
Ironically, many authors have to audition to narrate their own books (I guess because we’re not often also “voice talent”). I’m thankful that my first work, The Shadow Work Workbook was voiced by the talented André Santana. He did a great job.
But, as they say, “all’s well that ends well.” Right?
As anyone in the publishing world will tell you, writing a book (and all that comes with it) is a long process that takes a lot of work and patience - the latter I’m not so great with. But, when it came to recording my audiobook I was reminded that patience and self-compassion will carry me through insecure, challenging moments. With these tools, I’ve been able to pursue some of my deepest passions and projects.
Patience and self-compassion can offer you the same strength and inspiration.
Thanks for reading.
Isn’t it wild that we have to audition to narrate our own books? Now that we know what goes into the narration process, it makes sense but it’s still such a weird experience. I preordered the audio! Can’t wait to listen. LMK if you do any NYC events!🤘🏽