Art and Advocacy: When Worlds Intertwine

Like so many people I know, I have no short answer when people ask me, "So what do you do?". If given just a few words, I guess I can say "I talk and write for a living", or "I communicate professionally." But, really? I am a serious dabbler - and insatiably curious information-seeker and sharer.

Author, speaker, stage actress, singer, voice talent, audiobook narrator, advocate, TV/film/improvisation performer, drama teacher, Voiceover coach, NAMI educator, ADL diversity trainer, presentations coach,blogger, radio broadcaster, MC --and that's just my work life. You know what I mean - how many roles do you play in one day?  My professional website home page even has four portals to explore. Still, it adds up somehow - like when the bills get paid - and even occasionally makes sense.

When I get the chance to speak to audiences about Ben Behind His Voices, it's a wonderful opportunity to marry a lot of these worlds. Here, in this clip from a recent library appearance in Trumbull, CT, you can hear an excerpt from the book as well as some thoughts on Ben's progress and why understanding and respect are so vital.

Many of these roles layered beautifully when I got the chance as voice talent to narrate the audiobook of Ben Behind His Voices. Strange to step out of  the writer's shoes and slip on those of the narrator...oh, the urge to rewrite as I narrated! But I am thrilled that the end result was so beautifully produced by Spoken Word Inc, received starred reviews, and that we were nominated as "among the best of the best" for Publishers Weekly's 2011 Listen Up Awards! In the "read by author" category, we were in great company: John Lithgow, Jane Lynch, Penn Jillette and Amy Chua (Tiger Mom lady).

OK, so Lithgow won - but still. Can't think of anyone better to lose to. I get the "it's an honor just to nominated" thing now - really. Thanks!

Book News! Audiobook Release, Book Launch

BBHV audiobook CD - or will be available via download as well

Thrilled to announce that Spoken Word, Inc - a wonderful young audiobook company in California - has been selected as the publisher, producer and distributor of the audiobook version of Ben Behind His Voices. You can find out more about them at Spoken Word Inc - and another recent release from them will be the timely Wikileaks And The Age Of Transparency, by Micah Sifry.

I'm in the process of recording the narration for them. Previews soon! As a voice talent, I blog about the process on my voiceover blog. We're in full speed mode, since the audiobook is slated for release the same day as the book's official launch: September 15, 2011. Look for the audiobook soon on Amazon and other outlets - but in the meantime the print version is shipping now from Amazon - and I just noticed they are promoting a special price right now on Amazon for BBHV.

Now - the book launch party!  Laurel House in Stamford CT - an amazing resource in that area for those with mental illness - is hosting an awareness raiser on September 20, 2011 (Tuesday evening) and I will be the featured speaker. I'll read from my book, sign copies, and there will be lots of good food, drinks, and info about Laurel House at a great location in Norwalk CT. Want an invite? Contact me at randye@benbehindhisvoices.com, or visit Laurel House website .

Another fantastic, smart and caring organization - Melissa's Project and Guardian Ad Litem Services will hold their gala event on October 6, 2011. I'll be there - and so will the fabulous Jocelyn Maminta from WTNH-Channel 8.

After that?  Fairfield Library and the Fairfield NAMI book club will host an author event on November 17, 2011.  There is more to come, thanks to you and your interest in Ben Behind His Voices.

And thanks for your caring about Ben, as always. Happy to tell you he's thriving, one week out of the hospital. Back at work, starting fall college classes soon. The goal will be to continue this success - one challenge at a time. One day, one phone call, one plan at a time.