Me, the "Fanboy" - Jilly Bond and Grover Gardner

I debated on whether to stick this under projects or my blog... which they are kind of the same - tidbits of info from ME! ha!

But projects is about the projects specifically and the blog is just whatever I feel like.
This is KIND OF about my projects but it focuses more on the narrators, and not so much my work. So here it is ----- IN THE BLOG!

So the title... it includes a word I don't really care for but fits my situation - FANBOY. Haha.
The word feels derogatory to me, but oh well, I'm talking about myself.

I want to talk about Jilly Bond and Grover Gardner. Both top grade audiobook narrators. Both at the top of my list of narrators I want to work with. Both have extensive catalogs of audiobooks they have performed. Both are adored... by me! And probably by millions of others as well.

Right now, Jilly Bond is "scheduled" to be the narrator for the "witches" audiobook. I say scheduled, because she and I have NOT signed a contract. We have a verbal (email) "conversation" with a tentative start timeframe and we have discussed compensation. BUT TO ME... I shivering right now... that's a done deal because:
1) I NEED her to narrate this book
and
2) The compensation discussed is fair for her services

Here is why she is amazing:

• Chameleonic Range: Jilly is renowned for her ability to "switch seamlessly" between a vast array of voices and regional accents (including German, Spanish, French, and various UK dialects).

• Thespian Depth: As a classically trained theater actor with experience at the National Theatre, she focuses on finding an "emotional affinity" with characters rather than just reading lines.

• Proven Track Record: With over 450 audiobooks and multiple Earphones Awards, she has mastered the technical stamina and consistency required for long-form narration.

• Multilingual Fluency: She is a linguist who speaks French, German, and Spanish, which is a rare and "amazing" asset if your book involves foreign dialogue or settings.

Grover Gardner... I want SOOOOOOO badly to work with him!!! But, the only other book I have in the works (Promise Land) doesn't --- in my opinion --- fit with his voice. Yes, I know that is borderline blasphemy and I should be flogged - because Grover's voice fits all (performs Luta while speaking <--- You'll understand this if you read the book).
Because of this "feeling" (as disgusting as it is), I am hesitant to pursue a contract with him without hearing a few lines from the book. In fact, I've never held less than two (2) rounds of audiobooks narrations auditions before choosing.
BUT... how do you ask Grover Gardner to "audition"? Are you out of your @#$%ing mind?!?! That's like asking Michael Jordan to try out for your pick-up game, or telling Bruno Mars he can't play your birthday party before he auditions, or asking JK Rowling to submit a writing sample in order to contribute to the local high school newspaper. SOME ATROCITIES ARE JUST NOT TOLERATED. End of conversation.
So... do I just push forward and FANBOY out, or do I act like a real publishing house CEO????
I'm in tears... not really because the coffee shop people might call the police... but I am crying inside!
Imagine:
ME: Yes, Mr. Gardner, I would really like you to do the audiobook.
GG: Sounds good.
ME: So... when can you submit your audition?
GG: <silence>
ME: Mr. Gardner?
GG: An audition? Sure. Okay. Refer to Audible... search my name... choose one of those 14 million award winning books.
ME: Right. Sorry.
GG: <silence>
ME: You're mad, right? Hello? Mr. Gardner....

In reality, Grover would never react this way... that's just me feeling guilty. He is an extremely humble and amazing person to speak with. Even Jilly loves him. She told me so.

Here is why he is amazing:

"Golden Voice" Prestige: He is one of the few narrators honored by AudioFile magazine as a Golden Voice, a lifetime achievement award for exceptional narrators. He was also named Narrator of the Year by Publishers Weekly in 2005.

• Vast Experience: With over 1,200 audiobooks narrated since 1981, he is a true master of the medium. He has also recorded under the pseudonyms Tom Parker and Alexander Adams.

• "Sandpaper and Velvet" Voice: Critically described as having a voice of "sandpaper and velvet," he offers a uniquely companionable, "regular-guy" delivery that listeners find remarkably easy to listen to for long periods.

• Award-Winning Pacing: He has won over 30 AudioFile Earphones Awards and multiple Audie Awards. His "astute pacing" is frequently cited as a key strength, especially in complex nonfiction and mysteries.

• Versatility Across High-Stakes Titles: He is the definitive voice for some of the most challenging works in literature, including the 48-hour unabridged version of Stephen King’s The Stand and massive historical works like Robert Caro’s biography of Lyndon Johnson and William Shirer’s The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.

• Master of Nuance over Dramatization: Unlike narrators who use high-energy theatricality, Gardner is known for a "crisp and measured" style. He uses subtle shifts in tone and motivation to differentiate characters rather than heavy accents, making him a favorite for listeners who prefer a more restrained, "storytelling" approach.

I need to go smoke a cigarette... (JK, I don't smoke... but you get the reference)