While I know many of you are enjoying my series on Audible (which is read by the extremely talented Nick Podehl, who does an incredible job of pronouncing the many incomprehensible names I’ve constructed for my characters) it’s been brought to my attention that some readers don’t listen to the audiobooks and might be having a hard time with some of the names.
While I maintain that however you hear the name in your head is the correct way to say it, I’ve been told that you might want to know how I hear it in my head. Thus prompted out of my reclusive writer’s den into the painfully introverting light of an iphone camera, I prepared this short video for you, dear readers, as to how I pronounce the drachwyr and Malorin’athgul names.
If there are any other names you’d like to hear or anything else you’d like me to talk about, let me know in the comments. I might be encouraged to timidly venture forth again.
I’ve always wondered…how does the audio-book process work for you, the author? Does the narrator of the story reach out to you to learn how names and terms are pronounced? I’ve heard Michael J Sullivan say that he’s in the studio when Tim Gerard Reynolds is recording, but I can’t imagine that’s normal for most authors. How involved are you in the process? Did you request Nick for your series or is that something the publisher determines?
Great questions, Jon. I don’t know that all publishers work the same, but mine provides a coordinator who goes over the pronunciations of every unique place, terminology and name in the series, which she then relays back to Nick so he can pronounce things “correctly” per the author.
I can’t imagine sitting in on the recording. I would have way too many reactions and thoughts and nit-picky questions about things that probably wouldn’t matter. Being that I’m not an audiobook production expert, I just try to stay out of the way and let Nick do his thing. 😉
I didn’t have any say in who the publisher chose to read the series. I feel extremely blessed that Nick was interested in the project.
Nick is indeed incredible.
Nick is an absolute rock star! The pronunciations, the accents. It’s really incredible
I couldn’t agree more, Ken!
I found the series due to following Nick as I enjoy his readings so much.
Approaching the end of book 4 on audible and I don’t want it to end. The series so far has to be the best series of anything I’ve ever read / watched / heard. I can’t promote the series enough to my friends nor can I express just how much I enjoy it. The world building / character development you deliver is unreal!
Thank you!
That’s lovely to hear, Danny. Thank you so much. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series and connecting with my characters. It’s always so rewarding to hear that a listener/reader is as invested in their wellbeing as I am.
Nick will be recording book five in September. I look forward to hearing what you think of it – hopefully by the end of this year. Thank you for listening.
Having listened to Mr. Podehl read these stories, I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing them … I love the voice he gives Bjorn the most, although all are spectacular.
Thank you for doing this video. Although I’ve heard the names pronounced well, I still enjoyed hearing you say them.
Thank you, Lauri. I can’t hope to compete with Nick!
When will the audio book for The Sixth Strand be released? I’ve listened to all of them and I absolutely love love LOVE them. I really don’t want to “read” the last one without Mr. Podehl.
The latest update on the audiobook is here, Michelle. 🙂
You are an incredible writer! My husband and I have listened to your books 3 times now because we enjoy them so much! Your wonderful wordsmithing and Nicks amazing character definitions are 11 out of 10 stars! Looking forward to any new projects you may come up with <3
Thank you so much, Dana. I feel so blessed to have Nick as the voice of my series. He is an incredible talent.
I would love to hear what you think of book five when it releases at the end of this year. Thank you for listening.
Hi Malissa, Your thoughts on when an Audible version of ” The sixth Strand” will be out? For all your dyslexic fans.. I for one can’t wait.. Grown to love the cast of characters to be sure..
Be well, Live well!!
David, the most current info I have is December, but there is no firm date yet. I’ll post to my blog when I know more.
I just want to say this was so helpful, even though I am mainly an Audible listener, I ended up using Rhakar’s name as the name for my dragon blooded D&D character and I insisted on using his full name to mess with the other players so in short I practiced saying Srivas’rhakarakek over and over and listened to this video a bunch.
LOL, Ben! What a great idea for your D&D character. I’m glad you found this post helpful.
I am currently about halfway through the second book right now. I have usually read the actual physical books of almost everything I’ve been interested in but….in this case I am listening to an amazingly talented Nick Podehl as he narrates your story.
I’m fascinated by the fact that despite having the usual divide of good guys and bad guys, while the Duke of Merrick is certainly “bad,” the only truly evil character is Dore Madden. (Apologies for my probable misspelling- I have to guess from pronunciation.)
Thank you for some of the best world building, character development and all around great writing I’ve come across in close to five decades of sci-fi and fantasy reading.
I’m sure I’ll be caught up soon and join the host of people awaiting the next book.
David, I’m honored by your kind words. There are definitely other antagonists in my series, but I maintain that no one is a villain in their own heads. I aim to put you in their head for that very reason. 😉 Please keep me posted as you continue through the series. There are a lot of adventures ahead!
Exactly so! A rattlesnake may bite you, and you may die as a result. Nobody, however, would say the snake was evil. It’s just acting according to it’s nature.
Also, just got to the part that describes what Kandori princes do to people who try to ransom heirs to the fortune. Good lord that sounds horrible .
Hahaha! Yay!
I don’t dare read any of the other threads for fear of spoilers . I’m almost done with Paths of Alir. Tanis was just introduced to the warlock. I’m absolutely floored by the fact that that even though there are so many characters that have a viewpoint….they are all very compelling. Unlike most stories I’ve read there isn’t any “filler” material.
If I were to pick favorites, I would have to say I like Tanis and Pellas best. Sorry if I spell things wrong…I’m listening to the audio books so I have to guess based on pronunciation and you don’t make that easy .
So glad I discovered you and your work.
I’m certainly glad you discovered my work also, David. It’s definitely my intent to make every viewpoint character interesting. Keep me posted as you continue through the series. Lots of adventures still ahead.
I’ve just started Kingdom Blades…chapter 1. My mind understands why Isabel did what she did. But, my heart veritably aches for her and Ean. I can only hope that they find a way back to each other.
Also, Tanis at the end of the last book….just Wow. My gut tells me that he hasn’t seen the last of Seenar. That should be an interesting confrontation.
In regards to Ean and Isabel, you know the adage, David – what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
I would definitely trust your gut. 😉
I’m loving the relationship between Ean and Lucas! And Pellas bound to the path of the “good” guys….pretty cool .
So glad you’re enjoying where the series is going, David. Keep me posted!
Ean and Darshan working together….I did not see that coming .
Haha yeah. I have to work hard to be able to surprise you at this point in the story. 😉
Just finished book 4…..I’m starting to get apprehensive about getting to the end of the sixth strand and having to wait .
I wish I had more encouraging things to say, David, but I’m still in the thick of writing. At least you’ll be able to freely interact in the fan group without worrying about spoilers. 😉
I am very much hoping that when it comes, Dor Madden’s downfall is SPECTACULAR.
Roughly a third of the way through book 5 and thoroughly enjoying it.
One thing has me puzzled though. Why in the world is Vyrnan Halgitar(definitely not spelling that right ) so completely bound to the puff of inadequacy that is Prince Radolf? It seems like he should have read the rather obvious writing on the wall, and left Radolf to his own absinthe addled fate some time ago.
David, despite his twisted morality, Viernan has a true sense of loyalty tied to his own honor. Even villains can have paradoxical personalities. 😉
Fair enough….I suppose I can respect him a little more for that. Still would like to poke him in the eye with something sharp .
Haha, you and a lot of others, David. 😉
I should have guessed that the Warlord was Relliax. He just never seems to want to die . I have a feeling he’s about to have a bad night. Mainly because Tannour is even scarier than he is.
Hahaha, well…you let me know if that chapter goes where you think it’s going to go. 😉
Slowly getting there…..been a busy week. Trell and Tannour just had their encounter with Dore Madden and it’s not looking good. Hope Cephrael’s watching.
Also….what Sébastien just had to do literally brought tears to my eyes.
I reiterate…Dore Madden’s end needs to be excruciatingly painful and SPECTACULAR. He is absolutely one of the worst (best) villains I’ve ever read.
I’m with you, David. Dore is a boil on the butt of humanity. I intend for his ending to be commensurate to his crimes.
And yes, Sebastian has one of the hardest roads. Thanks for keeping me updated on your progress! 🙂
It suddenly occurs to me that Dore has much to fear from Darshan. That would be an interesting encounter.
Hmmm…keep reading, David. LOL
Well then…..Darshan just laid waste to the basilica and surrounding areas. Hell hath no fury like a ticked off Melorin’athgul. (I wonder how close I am with that spelling )
Haha! Only one letter off, David. That’s exceptional.
A naked Franco…..”his nuts are in my face”
I almost blew some pretty good scotch out my nose I laughed so hard
Oh no! We can’t waste good scotch. LOL 😉
“I am certainly bound to his cause. ”
Bjorn Van Gelderan on whether he is actually the Angeal Cephrael.
WHAAAAATT??!!?
I, somehow, feel stupid for never having considered this.
Hahaha, it’s okay David. Plenty of others are doing it for you. And who knows – it might be an entirely wasted train of reasoning. 😉
Finished! And so the wait begins lol.
Thank you for such a rousing good tale. I can hardly wait to see what’s in store for Ean and company.
At least now I don’t have to worry about spoilers
Haha, very true, David. And you can participate in all the speculation in the fan group! 😀