Bringing 'The Garden of Wives' to Life: My AXC Hiring Experience

One of the most thrilling parts of my journey as an author has been the process of transforming The Garden of Wives from a written novel into an audiobook. While I’ve loved crafting the world of Orchid Hill on the page, hearing the characters brought to life by talented narrators has been nothing short of magical.

 "book-on-tape" as we elder millennials say

After deciding to create a "book-on-tape" as we elder millennials say, I turned to ACX to find the perfect narrator. What I didn’t anticipate was the sheer volume of talent I would encounter. Over the course of the audition process, I received a total of 23 submissions. Each one brought something unique to the table, making the decision both exciting and incredibly challenging.

From the start, I knew the project would demand a narrator with exceptional versatility. The Garden of Wives features a range of characters with distinct voices and personalities, and I wanted those traits to shine in the audiobook. In addition to mastering a variety of tones, the narrator had to tackle an array of accents: a Cape Cod lilt, a mild Southern drawl, the lively pitch of a teenage girl, and even the haughty delivery of an arrogant man. Every submission revealed new interpretations of my characters, making it clear just how much life a narrator can breathe into a story.

Now, after many hours of careful listening, I’ve narrowed the field down to two incredible women. Each brings her own unique sound and perspective to the narration. One has a voice that captures the elegance and mystery of the Gardens of Orchid Hill, emphasizing the story’s suspenseful undertones. The other excels at highlighting the nuanced personalities of the characters, adding depth and relatability to every scene. Both are immensely talented, and choosing between them has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve faced as an author.

This Friday, I’ll be making my final decision. It’s a bittersweet moment, as I’ll have to say goodbye to one amazing voice, but I’m thrilled to finally take this next step toward completing the audiobook. No matter which narrator I choose, I know the final product will be something special—a work that captures the heart of The Garden of Wives and allows readers (or listeners!) to experience it in a brand-new way.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I can’t wait to share the finished audiobook with you all soon. Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re curious, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what makes a great narrator in the comments!