This month, I lost a friend I’d never met.
Katherine Kellgren, the gifted, award-winning narrator who gave life to several of my novels as audiobooks, was taken by cancer on January 10.
Several years ago, Katy was interviewed here at the Word Wenches, by Nicola, and in 2013 I did something similar at my own blog. This is what I wrote about Katy then, when I was talking about all the headaches I caused my audiobook narrators:
*****
I'm surprised that Katherine Kellgren, when she called to go over the voices for The Firebird, didn't hang up on me right then and there.
Here's what she had to say, after the fact, about her experience with the novel:
"There were technical requirements in The Firebird in terms of the many dialects spoken in contemporary and historical scenes which made the book both a challenge and a joy to record. Luckily I was able to enlist the help of a wonderful and very experienced dialect coach when preparing to go into the studio – but we were both working overtime on this one! I was practically dreaming in Scots dialect by the time we were done!"
And here's why. When she first got in touch on the phone, we began with the Scottish voices. The Firebird, as a sort-of-sequel to The Winter Sea, contains a few of the same characters, so I was ready with the references I'd given Roz [Rosalyn Landor], sometimes matching the accent of a living actor to that of a character, to make things easier.
For example, Colonel Graeme, who's in both books, is a Perthshire man. He looks and sounds in my own mind like Scottish actor Brian Cox, which proved to be a useful thing for Katy, as she actually knows Brian Cox, so she's familiar with his voice.
Rob, the modern-day hero, is from Eyemouth, which becomes more problematic, since the accent is sui generis, unique to that one town, and even if you do it properly it can be somewhat difficult to follow. "But," I said to Katy in an effort to be helpful, "he'd modify the way he speaks when talking to the heroine, because she's English. So it would be sort of watered-down Eyemouth. Except when he's angry. Or drunk."
I could hear Katy jotting that down, at her end of the phone.
We moved on, to the cast of historical characters. Irish nuns in Flanders. Siberian servants in St. Petersburg. In the house of General Lacy, who was also in St. Petersburg, we had the general's wife, who was Livonian; their children, who had been raised on the general's estate in Livonia; Edmund O'Connor, an Irishman from County Kerry; the family priest, who would most likely be Italian, and the general himself, who had come out of Ireland as a young teenager and lived abroad ever since. "So his accent," I said, "would have altered a bit, though it may become stronger when he's speaking to other Irishmen."
"Right," Katy said. More notes jotted. "And Charles, the nephew of Vice-Admiral Gordon…?"
"Well, Charles," I said, "is a second-generation expatriate Scot. His father was born and raised near Aberdeen and sent as a young man to serve under a Scottish general in Russia, where there was a fairly large community of British expatriates, so Charles would most probably have grown up speaking English with an Aberdonian inflection but also some influence from his mother, who may or may not have been Russian…"
And that's where she should have hung up on me, really.
*****
She never did hang up on me.
Almost exactly three years ago, towards the end of January, 2015, when A Desperate Fortune was in production, Katy emailed to tell me how beautiful Central Park looked in the snow, and to ask me if I had time to chat “about character names and some other pronunciations, and to discuss the accents in the book (I'd love to double check on when you want characters to be disguising their normal accents on the stages of the journey to Rome and the like)!”
Of course I had time. Of course we chatted, with me feeling guilty all over again for the work I was putting her through. And of course, she just beautifully nailed every part of it in her performance.
A year passed, and January came around again, and there Katy was on the phone once more, notably sadder this time as we went over details about the Welsh accents for Named of the Dragon—things had been “thrown sideways” in her life, as she put it, with the recent, sudden death of her beloved brother Nick. So we talked about Nick, and the struggle to cope with the pain of the loss of a sibling.
October, 2016, and she lent me her shoulder in turn, while I worked to recover from surgery and what I thought was a minor infection that turned out to be a more serious bout of C. difficile. Working around my naps, cheering me up with her warm thoughts and words of encouragement, she got the details she needed to narrate my book Every Secret Thing. “The main thing,” she told me, “is that you feel better, and get proper rest. I’ll be thinking about you!”
I thought about her, too, all through the writing of my latest book. Katy is going to kill me, I thought, when I give her a heroine raised in Toronto who moved to New York as a teenager, a French-Canadian hero from old Quebec, two Spanish characters—one from Spain, one from Columbia—men from Long Island, New Jersey, and Brooklyn; an Englishman, AND an Acadian.
I made notes for her. Lined up some video clips that would help with the accents, so I’d have them ready for her when she called.
Then, after being offline for a day, I signed on to discover that Katy had died.
The news, I will admit, has hit me hard.
My heart is with her husband and her family. I’m so very sad and sorry for their loss, and for the days they must now navigate without her.
I’m sad I’ll never get the chance to meet her, as I’d hoped I would, or share another of those fun and long and chatty phone calls.
And I’m sad to think the characters of Bellewether and future books will never know her voice.
But I’m so very, deeply grateful for the voices that she did provide, the characters she brought to life, the stories that she lifted from the page with her performances.
Few writers are so fortunate.
I’ll miss her very much.
Katy’s obituary, from the New York Times, can be found here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?pid=187871203
Her husband David Cote has asked that in lieu of flowers, people donate to the Hispanic Federation.
And maybe, to honour her here, we could talk about audiobooks—favourite narrators, recommendations, whatever you like.
Wonderful paean to Katy, Susanna.
For me, Nick Boulton is, hands down, the best narrator. I first came across him when he did all of Kinsale’s oevre. I also like Juliet Stevenson for her historical voice.
Richard Armitage was not the best narrator for Venetia, but it’s Richard Armitage! Everything he voices is gold.
Wonderful paean to Katy, Susanna.
For me, Nick Boulton is, hands down, the best narrator. I first came across him when he did all of Kinsale’s oevre. I also like Juliet Stevenson for her historical voice.
Richard Armitage was not the best narrator for Venetia, but it’s Richard Armitage! Everything he voices is gold.
Wonderful paean to Katy, Susanna.
For me, Nick Boulton is, hands down, the best narrator. I first came across him when he did all of Kinsale’s oevre. I also like Juliet Stevenson for her historical voice.
Richard Armitage was not the best narrator for Venetia, but it’s Richard Armitage! Everything he voices is gold.
Wonderful paean to Katy, Susanna.
For me, Nick Boulton is, hands down, the best narrator. I first came across him when he did all of Kinsale’s oevre. I also like Juliet Stevenson for her historical voice.
Richard Armitage was not the best narrator for Venetia, but it’s Richard Armitage! Everything he voices is gold.
Wonderful paean to Katy, Susanna.
For me, Nick Boulton is, hands down, the best narrator. I first came across him when he did all of Kinsale’s oevre. I also like Juliet Stevenson for her historical voice.
Richard Armitage was not the best narrator for Venetia, but it’s Richard Armitage! Everything he voices is gold.
I have such good memories of Katherine Kellgren’s narrations, and hearing your stories of how much effort she wasn’t too to get it just right, how you worked collaboratively together only makes me want to carve out some time for a big relisten. She was an amazing narrator and will be greatly missed by the audiobook community. Thank you for the lovely tribute. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
I have such good memories of Katherine Kellgren’s narrations, and hearing your stories of how much effort she wasn’t too to get it just right, how you worked collaboratively together only makes me want to carve out some time for a big relisten. She was an amazing narrator and will be greatly missed by the audiobook community. Thank you for the lovely tribute. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
I have such good memories of Katherine Kellgren’s narrations, and hearing your stories of how much effort she wasn’t too to get it just right, how you worked collaboratively together only makes me want to carve out some time for a big relisten. She was an amazing narrator and will be greatly missed by the audiobook community. Thank you for the lovely tribute. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
I have such good memories of Katherine Kellgren’s narrations, and hearing your stories of how much effort she wasn’t too to get it just right, how you worked collaboratively together only makes me want to carve out some time for a big relisten. She was an amazing narrator and will be greatly missed by the audiobook community. Thank you for the lovely tribute. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
I have such good memories of Katherine Kellgren’s narrations, and hearing your stories of how much effort she wasn’t too to get it just right, how you worked collaboratively together only makes me want to carve out some time for a big relisten. She was an amazing narrator and will be greatly missed by the audiobook community. Thank you for the lovely tribute. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
*went to.
Sorry, I’m commenting from my phone and it’s not cooperating!
*went to.
Sorry, I’m commenting from my phone and it’s not cooperating!
*went to.
Sorry, I’m commenting from my phone and it’s not cooperating!
*went to.
Sorry, I’m commenting from my phone and it’s not cooperating!
*went to.
Sorry, I’m commenting from my phone and it’s not cooperating!
I had no idea that narrators discussed the portrayal of characters in such detail with an author. It must be really difficult for an American narrator to master a Geordie accent for example …. have a few problems with it myself and I visit Newcastle quite frequently!
I have listened to Katherine Kellgren in a number of audio’s, particularly reading Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeleine Wickham) and enjoyed them a lot … must add your ‘Named of the Dragon’ to the wish list, though her rendering seems to get a mixed reception from other readers at Audible UK. Funny how a narrator can irritate some and send others into blissful nirvana!
When choosing a new audio book I apply two filters. First the author then the narrator, though if trying a new-to-me author the narrator is paramount. For romance novels Rosalyn Landor is the supreme narrator for me and I will sometimes choose a book purely on the strength of her narration. For example when recently adding another Susanna Kearsley to my wish list I chose ‘The Winter Sea’ because of the narrator.
Unfortunately, at least in the UK, the number of audio books available as mp3 downloads can be limited and when I find an author that I really like and have exhausted the available audio, I will sometimes make my own audio book using computer voices. These voices (Audrey from Ivona is my favorite) cannot capture the emotional complexity of a human narrator …. yet …. but do an excellent job with pronunciation. Then just like reading the written word, the mind will add the emotion and interpretation. No substitute for an outstanding narrator but better than some that I have tried.
I had no idea that narrators discussed the portrayal of characters in such detail with an author. It must be really difficult for an American narrator to master a Geordie accent for example …. have a few problems with it myself and I visit Newcastle quite frequently!
I have listened to Katherine Kellgren in a number of audio’s, particularly reading Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeleine Wickham) and enjoyed them a lot … must add your ‘Named of the Dragon’ to the wish list, though her rendering seems to get a mixed reception from other readers at Audible UK. Funny how a narrator can irritate some and send others into blissful nirvana!
When choosing a new audio book I apply two filters. First the author then the narrator, though if trying a new-to-me author the narrator is paramount. For romance novels Rosalyn Landor is the supreme narrator for me and I will sometimes choose a book purely on the strength of her narration. For example when recently adding another Susanna Kearsley to my wish list I chose ‘The Winter Sea’ because of the narrator.
Unfortunately, at least in the UK, the number of audio books available as mp3 downloads can be limited and when I find an author that I really like and have exhausted the available audio, I will sometimes make my own audio book using computer voices. These voices (Audrey from Ivona is my favorite) cannot capture the emotional complexity of a human narrator …. yet …. but do an excellent job with pronunciation. Then just like reading the written word, the mind will add the emotion and interpretation. No substitute for an outstanding narrator but better than some that I have tried.
I had no idea that narrators discussed the portrayal of characters in such detail with an author. It must be really difficult for an American narrator to master a Geordie accent for example …. have a few problems with it myself and I visit Newcastle quite frequently!
I have listened to Katherine Kellgren in a number of audio’s, particularly reading Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeleine Wickham) and enjoyed them a lot … must add your ‘Named of the Dragon’ to the wish list, though her rendering seems to get a mixed reception from other readers at Audible UK. Funny how a narrator can irritate some and send others into blissful nirvana!
When choosing a new audio book I apply two filters. First the author then the narrator, though if trying a new-to-me author the narrator is paramount. For romance novels Rosalyn Landor is the supreme narrator for me and I will sometimes choose a book purely on the strength of her narration. For example when recently adding another Susanna Kearsley to my wish list I chose ‘The Winter Sea’ because of the narrator.
Unfortunately, at least in the UK, the number of audio books available as mp3 downloads can be limited and when I find an author that I really like and have exhausted the available audio, I will sometimes make my own audio book using computer voices. These voices (Audrey from Ivona is my favorite) cannot capture the emotional complexity of a human narrator …. yet …. but do an excellent job with pronunciation. Then just like reading the written word, the mind will add the emotion and interpretation. No substitute for an outstanding narrator but better than some that I have tried.
I had no idea that narrators discussed the portrayal of characters in such detail with an author. It must be really difficult for an American narrator to master a Geordie accent for example …. have a few problems with it myself and I visit Newcastle quite frequently!
I have listened to Katherine Kellgren in a number of audio’s, particularly reading Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeleine Wickham) and enjoyed them a lot … must add your ‘Named of the Dragon’ to the wish list, though her rendering seems to get a mixed reception from other readers at Audible UK. Funny how a narrator can irritate some and send others into blissful nirvana!
When choosing a new audio book I apply two filters. First the author then the narrator, though if trying a new-to-me author the narrator is paramount. For romance novels Rosalyn Landor is the supreme narrator for me and I will sometimes choose a book purely on the strength of her narration. For example when recently adding another Susanna Kearsley to my wish list I chose ‘The Winter Sea’ because of the narrator.
Unfortunately, at least in the UK, the number of audio books available as mp3 downloads can be limited and when I find an author that I really like and have exhausted the available audio, I will sometimes make my own audio book using computer voices. These voices (Audrey from Ivona is my favorite) cannot capture the emotional complexity of a human narrator …. yet …. but do an excellent job with pronunciation. Then just like reading the written word, the mind will add the emotion and interpretation. No substitute for an outstanding narrator but better than some that I have tried.
I had no idea that narrators discussed the portrayal of characters in such detail with an author. It must be really difficult for an American narrator to master a Geordie accent for example …. have a few problems with it myself and I visit Newcastle quite frequently!
I have listened to Katherine Kellgren in a number of audio’s, particularly reading Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeleine Wickham) and enjoyed them a lot … must add your ‘Named of the Dragon’ to the wish list, though her rendering seems to get a mixed reception from other readers at Audible UK. Funny how a narrator can irritate some and send others into blissful nirvana!
When choosing a new audio book I apply two filters. First the author then the narrator, though if trying a new-to-me author the narrator is paramount. For romance novels Rosalyn Landor is the supreme narrator for me and I will sometimes choose a book purely on the strength of her narration. For example when recently adding another Susanna Kearsley to my wish list I chose ‘The Winter Sea’ because of the narrator.
Unfortunately, at least in the UK, the number of audio books available as mp3 downloads can be limited and when I find an author that I really like and have exhausted the available audio, I will sometimes make my own audio book using computer voices. These voices (Audrey from Ivona is my favorite) cannot capture the emotional complexity of a human narrator …. yet …. but do an excellent job with pronunciation. Then just like reading the written word, the mind will add the emotion and interpretation. No substitute for an outstanding narrator but better than some that I have tried.
First, I want to say I am so sorry for the loss of one so gifted. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
As for my feelings about audio books, they are mixed. I don’t have a lot of experience with them. I have one of Maya Angelou’s biographies which she recorded in her own deep, rich voice, which I love. However, having sampled several historical romance books that I had already read, I felt as if the narrator was coming between myself and the characters. Sorry, I don’t remember who was narrating. I’ll have to try a book that I have not already read and see how that goes.
As of right now, I prefer to read the book myself, but I can see the advantages to having a recording.
First, I want to say I am so sorry for the loss of one so gifted. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
As for my feelings about audio books, they are mixed. I don’t have a lot of experience with them. I have one of Maya Angelou’s biographies which she recorded in her own deep, rich voice, which I love. However, having sampled several historical romance books that I had already read, I felt as if the narrator was coming between myself and the characters. Sorry, I don’t remember who was narrating. I’ll have to try a book that I have not already read and see how that goes.
As of right now, I prefer to read the book myself, but I can see the advantages to having a recording.
First, I want to say I am so sorry for the loss of one so gifted. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
As for my feelings about audio books, they are mixed. I don’t have a lot of experience with them. I have one of Maya Angelou’s biographies which she recorded in her own deep, rich voice, which I love. However, having sampled several historical romance books that I had already read, I felt as if the narrator was coming between myself and the characters. Sorry, I don’t remember who was narrating. I’ll have to try a book that I have not already read and see how that goes.
As of right now, I prefer to read the book myself, but I can see the advantages to having a recording.
First, I want to say I am so sorry for the loss of one so gifted. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
As for my feelings about audio books, they are mixed. I don’t have a lot of experience with them. I have one of Maya Angelou’s biographies which she recorded in her own deep, rich voice, which I love. However, having sampled several historical romance books that I had already read, I felt as if the narrator was coming between myself and the characters. Sorry, I don’t remember who was narrating. I’ll have to try a book that I have not already read and see how that goes.
As of right now, I prefer to read the book myself, but I can see the advantages to having a recording.
First, I want to say I am so sorry for the loss of one so gifted. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
As for my feelings about audio books, they are mixed. I don’t have a lot of experience with them. I have one of Maya Angelou’s biographies which she recorded in her own deep, rich voice, which I love. However, having sampled several historical romance books that I had already read, I felt as if the narrator was coming between myself and the characters. Sorry, I don’t remember who was narrating. I’ll have to try a book that I have not already read and see how that goes.
As of right now, I prefer to read the book myself, but I can see the advantages to having a recording.
Keira, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never listened to Nicholas Boulton, though I’ve heard such good things. And yes, Richard Armitage could read me the phone book and I’d be entranced.
Keira, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never listened to Nicholas Boulton, though I’ve heard such good things. And yes, Richard Armitage could read me the phone book and I’d be entranced.
Keira, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never listened to Nicholas Boulton, though I’ve heard such good things. And yes, Richard Armitage could read me the phone book and I’d be entranced.
Keira, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never listened to Nicholas Boulton, though I’ve heard such good things. And yes, Richard Armitage could read me the phone book and I’d be entranced.
Keira, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never listened to Nicholas Boulton, though I’ve heard such good things. And yes, Richard Armitage could read me the phone book and I’d be entranced.
Kaetrin, she was truly amazing. “I have my dialogue coach coming,” she’d say, “to help me brush up on the Pembrokeshire Welsh” or whatever particular accent(s) she needed to know. She worked HARD. And if any of the characters sang an old song, she’d be Very Excited, because she loved singing–she’d have me point her to the historical sources I used, so she could get the melody exactly right. That was fun for us both.
Kaetrin, she was truly amazing. “I have my dialogue coach coming,” she’d say, “to help me brush up on the Pembrokeshire Welsh” or whatever particular accent(s) she needed to know. She worked HARD. And if any of the characters sang an old song, she’d be Very Excited, because she loved singing–she’d have me point her to the historical sources I used, so she could get the melody exactly right. That was fun for us both.
Kaetrin, she was truly amazing. “I have my dialogue coach coming,” she’d say, “to help me brush up on the Pembrokeshire Welsh” or whatever particular accent(s) she needed to know. She worked HARD. And if any of the characters sang an old song, she’d be Very Excited, because she loved singing–she’d have me point her to the historical sources I used, so she could get the melody exactly right. That was fun for us both.
Kaetrin, she was truly amazing. “I have my dialogue coach coming,” she’d say, “to help me brush up on the Pembrokeshire Welsh” or whatever particular accent(s) she needed to know. She worked HARD. And if any of the characters sang an old song, she’d be Very Excited, because she loved singing–she’d have me point her to the historical sources I used, so she could get the melody exactly right. That was fun for us both.
Kaetrin, she was truly amazing. “I have my dialogue coach coming,” she’d say, “to help me brush up on the Pembrokeshire Welsh” or whatever particular accent(s) she needed to know. She worked HARD. And if any of the characters sang an old song, she’d be Very Excited, because she loved singing–she’d have me point her to the historical sources I used, so she could get the melody exactly right. That was fun for us both.
Quantum, that’s a very clever way to get around the availability problem.
And yes, everyone has different preferences when it comes to narrators.
I’ve been fortunate to have both Rosalyn Landor (who is also wonderful to work with, and phones to chat and get the details right), and Katy. Very different styles, but both brilliant with any accent I could throw at them (I did actually have a Geordie in both The Shadowy Horses and The Firebird–Brian McMorran–though in honesty now I can’t remember how my narrators managed him, and at any rate he’d lived in Eyemouth, Scotland, for some years so his accent might have mellowed a bit).
Quantum, that’s a very clever way to get around the availability problem.
And yes, everyone has different preferences when it comes to narrators.
I’ve been fortunate to have both Rosalyn Landor (who is also wonderful to work with, and phones to chat and get the details right), and Katy. Very different styles, but both brilliant with any accent I could throw at them (I did actually have a Geordie in both The Shadowy Horses and The Firebird–Brian McMorran–though in honesty now I can’t remember how my narrators managed him, and at any rate he’d lived in Eyemouth, Scotland, for some years so his accent might have mellowed a bit).
Quantum, that’s a very clever way to get around the availability problem.
And yes, everyone has different preferences when it comes to narrators.
I’ve been fortunate to have both Rosalyn Landor (who is also wonderful to work with, and phones to chat and get the details right), and Katy. Very different styles, but both brilliant with any accent I could throw at them (I did actually have a Geordie in both The Shadowy Horses and The Firebird–Brian McMorran–though in honesty now I can’t remember how my narrators managed him, and at any rate he’d lived in Eyemouth, Scotland, for some years so his accent might have mellowed a bit).
Quantum, that’s a very clever way to get around the availability problem.
And yes, everyone has different preferences when it comes to narrators.
I’ve been fortunate to have both Rosalyn Landor (who is also wonderful to work with, and phones to chat and get the details right), and Katy. Very different styles, but both brilliant with any accent I could throw at them (I did actually have a Geordie in both The Shadowy Horses and The Firebird–Brian McMorran–though in honesty now I can’t remember how my narrators managed him, and at any rate he’d lived in Eyemouth, Scotland, for some years so his accent might have mellowed a bit).
Quantum, that’s a very clever way to get around the availability problem.
And yes, everyone has different preferences when it comes to narrators.
I’ve been fortunate to have both Rosalyn Landor (who is also wonderful to work with, and phones to chat and get the details right), and Katy. Very different styles, but both brilliant with any accent I could throw at them (I did actually have a Geordie in both The Shadowy Horses and The Firebird–Brian McMorran–though in honesty now I can’t remember how my narrators managed him, and at any rate he’d lived in Eyemouth, Scotland, for some years so his accent might have mellowed a bit).
Thank you, Mary.
I’m a bit like you. Sometimes I like being read to, and other times I want to submerse myself in the story all alone and privately, with no one else’s voice between.
So I know exactly how you feel.
Thank you, Mary.
I’m a bit like you. Sometimes I like being read to, and other times I want to submerse myself in the story all alone and privately, with no one else’s voice between.
So I know exactly how you feel.
Thank you, Mary.
I’m a bit like you. Sometimes I like being read to, and other times I want to submerse myself in the story all alone and privately, with no one else’s voice between.
So I know exactly how you feel.
Thank you, Mary.
I’m a bit like you. Sometimes I like being read to, and other times I want to submerse myself in the story all alone and privately, with no one else’s voice between.
So I know exactly how you feel.
Thank you, Mary.
I’m a bit like you. Sometimes I like being read to, and other times I want to submerse myself in the story all alone and privately, with no one else’s voice between.
So I know exactly how you feel.
So sorry for your loss but glad that you will be able to remember her fondly whenever you hear her narrating one of the books she has worked on with you.
So sorry for your loss but glad that you will be able to remember her fondly whenever you hear her narrating one of the books she has worked on with you.
So sorry for your loss but glad that you will be able to remember her fondly whenever you hear her narrating one of the books she has worked on with you.
So sorry for your loss but glad that you will be able to remember her fondly whenever you hear her narrating one of the books she has worked on with you.
So sorry for your loss but glad that you will be able to remember her fondly whenever you hear her narrating one of the books she has worked on with you.
That is so sad. I’ve been unwell myself since before Christmas and I’m feeling very low so this has made me very emotional. Extremely so. Cancer is so unforgiving.
I’m also someone who hasn’t had much to do with audio books so don’t feel I can comment on them.
I’m just going to leave it there.
That is so sad. I’ve been unwell myself since before Christmas and I’m feeling very low so this has made me very emotional. Extremely so. Cancer is so unforgiving.
I’m also someone who hasn’t had much to do with audio books so don’t feel I can comment on them.
I’m just going to leave it there.
That is so sad. I’ve been unwell myself since before Christmas and I’m feeling very low so this has made me very emotional. Extremely so. Cancer is so unforgiving.
I’m also someone who hasn’t had much to do with audio books so don’t feel I can comment on them.
I’m just going to leave it there.
That is so sad. I’ve been unwell myself since before Christmas and I’m feeling very low so this has made me very emotional. Extremely so. Cancer is so unforgiving.
I’m also someone who hasn’t had much to do with audio books so don’t feel I can comment on them.
I’m just going to leave it there.
That is so sad. I’ve been unwell myself since before Christmas and I’m feeling very low so this has made me very emotional. Extremely so. Cancer is so unforgiving.
I’m also someone who hasn’t had much to do with audio books so don’t feel I can comment on them.
I’m just going to leave it there.
I am so sorry for your loss, in fact the loss to all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss, in fact the loss to all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss, in fact the loss to all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss, in fact the loss to all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss, in fact the loss to all of us.
I think I’ve written before of my reverence for audio books. I have a family, pets, a full-time job, a writing habit, and a love for books. This all adds up to far more than 24 hours in a day, and my eyelids just won’t stay open to read more than a few pages at night. But the dog needs walking, the clothes and the dishes need washing, and then there are the endless trips here and there in the car. I press the button on my phone, and VOILA, I’m engrossed in my book. I am so very thankful that I live in an age when this gift is available to me, and I am grateful to the wonderful narrators who bring books to life. My sympathies to all who knew Katie, personally or through her books. She will be sorely missed.
I think I’ve written before of my reverence for audio books. I have a family, pets, a full-time job, a writing habit, and a love for books. This all adds up to far more than 24 hours in a day, and my eyelids just won’t stay open to read more than a few pages at night. But the dog needs walking, the clothes and the dishes need washing, and then there are the endless trips here and there in the car. I press the button on my phone, and VOILA, I’m engrossed in my book. I am so very thankful that I live in an age when this gift is available to me, and I am grateful to the wonderful narrators who bring books to life. My sympathies to all who knew Katie, personally or through her books. She will be sorely missed.
I think I’ve written before of my reverence for audio books. I have a family, pets, a full-time job, a writing habit, and a love for books. This all adds up to far more than 24 hours in a day, and my eyelids just won’t stay open to read more than a few pages at night. But the dog needs walking, the clothes and the dishes need washing, and then there are the endless trips here and there in the car. I press the button on my phone, and VOILA, I’m engrossed in my book. I am so very thankful that I live in an age when this gift is available to me, and I am grateful to the wonderful narrators who bring books to life. My sympathies to all who knew Katie, personally or through her books. She will be sorely missed.
I think I’ve written before of my reverence for audio books. I have a family, pets, a full-time job, a writing habit, and a love for books. This all adds up to far more than 24 hours in a day, and my eyelids just won’t stay open to read more than a few pages at night. But the dog needs walking, the clothes and the dishes need washing, and then there are the endless trips here and there in the car. I press the button on my phone, and VOILA, I’m engrossed in my book. I am so very thankful that I live in an age when this gift is available to me, and I am grateful to the wonderful narrators who bring books to life. My sympathies to all who knew Katie, personally or through her books. She will be sorely missed.
I think I’ve written before of my reverence for audio books. I have a family, pets, a full-time job, a writing habit, and a love for books. This all adds up to far more than 24 hours in a day, and my eyelids just won’t stay open to read more than a few pages at night. But the dog needs walking, the clothes and the dishes need washing, and then there are the endless trips here and there in the car. I press the button on my phone, and VOILA, I’m engrossed in my book. I am so very thankful that I live in an age when this gift is available to me, and I am grateful to the wonderful narrators who bring books to life. My sympathies to all who knew Katie, personally or through her books. She will be sorely missed.
I am so very sorry for your loss of a friend and a talent. My only experience with audio books was years ago as a teacher ordering taped library books for the blind – sometimes text books and sometimes books for entertainment. Not anything like what your words tell me a professional word artist would be like. I keep promising myself I’ll try an audio book, but reading is such a personal and private experience for me that I put it off. Grace Burrows has recommended a voice whose name escapes me at the moment, but Katy sounds like one I might enjoy just knowing the effort she put into her artistry.
I am so very sorry for your loss of a friend and a talent. My only experience with audio books was years ago as a teacher ordering taped library books for the blind – sometimes text books and sometimes books for entertainment. Not anything like what your words tell me a professional word artist would be like. I keep promising myself I’ll try an audio book, but reading is such a personal and private experience for me that I put it off. Grace Burrows has recommended a voice whose name escapes me at the moment, but Katy sounds like one I might enjoy just knowing the effort she put into her artistry.
I am so very sorry for your loss of a friend and a talent. My only experience with audio books was years ago as a teacher ordering taped library books for the blind – sometimes text books and sometimes books for entertainment. Not anything like what your words tell me a professional word artist would be like. I keep promising myself I’ll try an audio book, but reading is such a personal and private experience for me that I put it off. Grace Burrows has recommended a voice whose name escapes me at the moment, but Katy sounds like one I might enjoy just knowing the effort she put into her artistry.
I am so very sorry for your loss of a friend and a talent. My only experience with audio books was years ago as a teacher ordering taped library books for the blind – sometimes text books and sometimes books for entertainment. Not anything like what your words tell me a professional word artist would be like. I keep promising myself I’ll try an audio book, but reading is such a personal and private experience for me that I put it off. Grace Burrows has recommended a voice whose name escapes me at the moment, but Katy sounds like one I might enjoy just knowing the effort she put into her artistry.
I am so very sorry for your loss of a friend and a talent. My only experience with audio books was years ago as a teacher ordering taped library books for the blind – sometimes text books and sometimes books for entertainment. Not anything like what your words tell me a professional word artist would be like. I keep promising myself I’ll try an audio book, but reading is such a personal and private experience for me that I put it off. Grace Burrows has recommended a voice whose name escapes me at the moment, but Katy sounds like one I might enjoy just knowing the effort she put into her artistry.
What a lovely tribute to Katy. My sympathy to you and to all who knew and loved her.
What a lovely tribute to Katy. My sympathy to you and to all who knew and loved her.
What a lovely tribute to Katy. My sympathy to you and to all who knew and loved her.
What a lovely tribute to Katy. My sympathy to you and to all who knew and loved her.
What a lovely tribute to Katy. My sympathy to you and to all who knew and loved her.
I’m so sorry you lost your friend before you had a chance to meet her in person, and what a terrible and untimely loss for her family. I don’t listen to audio books so I’m not familiar with her work. But I see from the obit that she passed away at Sloan Kettering in NY, the same place my mother died, so now I’m a bit emotional too.
Teresa, sending all my best wishes your way, for a speedy recovery!
I’m so sorry you lost your friend before you had a chance to meet her in person, and what a terrible and untimely loss for her family. I don’t listen to audio books so I’m not familiar with her work. But I see from the obit that she passed away at Sloan Kettering in NY, the same place my mother died, so now I’m a bit emotional too.
Teresa, sending all my best wishes your way, for a speedy recovery!
I’m so sorry you lost your friend before you had a chance to meet her in person, and what a terrible and untimely loss for her family. I don’t listen to audio books so I’m not familiar with her work. But I see from the obit that she passed away at Sloan Kettering in NY, the same place my mother died, so now I’m a bit emotional too.
Teresa, sending all my best wishes your way, for a speedy recovery!
I’m so sorry you lost your friend before you had a chance to meet her in person, and what a terrible and untimely loss for her family. I don’t listen to audio books so I’m not familiar with her work. But I see from the obit that she passed away at Sloan Kettering in NY, the same place my mother died, so now I’m a bit emotional too.
Teresa, sending all my best wishes your way, for a speedy recovery!
I’m so sorry you lost your friend before you had a chance to meet her in person, and what a terrible and untimely loss for her family. I don’t listen to audio books so I’m not familiar with her work. But I see from the obit that she passed away at Sloan Kettering in NY, the same place my mother died, so now I’m a bit emotional too.
Teresa, sending all my best wishes your way, for a speedy recovery!
Sad to hear of Katherine Kellgren’s passing. Thank you for letting us all know. I’m an avid knitter and as such, found myself reading less and less over the years until I discovered audio books. (So hard to read and knit at the same time. I know some people that are able but I’m not one of them!) I loved her narration of The Firebird. I’ve listened to it many times, even backing up again to hear Anna as a child — my favorite of all the voices in Katherine’s repertoire from the book.
The death of someone who has impacted my life, however tangentially, always reminds me to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. Your post was today’s reminder. Thanks and sending out hugs.
Sad to hear of Katherine Kellgren’s passing. Thank you for letting us all know. I’m an avid knitter and as such, found myself reading less and less over the years until I discovered audio books. (So hard to read and knit at the same time. I know some people that are able but I’m not one of them!) I loved her narration of The Firebird. I’ve listened to it many times, even backing up again to hear Anna as a child — my favorite of all the voices in Katherine’s repertoire from the book.
The death of someone who has impacted my life, however tangentially, always reminds me to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. Your post was today’s reminder. Thanks and sending out hugs.
Sad to hear of Katherine Kellgren’s passing. Thank you for letting us all know. I’m an avid knitter and as such, found myself reading less and less over the years until I discovered audio books. (So hard to read and knit at the same time. I know some people that are able but I’m not one of them!) I loved her narration of The Firebird. I’ve listened to it many times, even backing up again to hear Anna as a child — my favorite of all the voices in Katherine’s repertoire from the book.
The death of someone who has impacted my life, however tangentially, always reminds me to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. Your post was today’s reminder. Thanks and sending out hugs.
Sad to hear of Katherine Kellgren’s passing. Thank you for letting us all know. I’m an avid knitter and as such, found myself reading less and less over the years until I discovered audio books. (So hard to read and knit at the same time. I know some people that are able but I’m not one of them!) I loved her narration of The Firebird. I’ve listened to it many times, even backing up again to hear Anna as a child — my favorite of all the voices in Katherine’s repertoire from the book.
The death of someone who has impacted my life, however tangentially, always reminds me to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. Your post was today’s reminder. Thanks and sending out hugs.
Sad to hear of Katherine Kellgren’s passing. Thank you for letting us all know. I’m an avid knitter and as such, found myself reading less and less over the years until I discovered audio books. (So hard to read and knit at the same time. I know some people that are able but I’m not one of them!) I loved her narration of The Firebird. I’ve listened to it many times, even backing up again to hear Anna as a child — my favorite of all the voices in Katherine’s repertoire from the book.
The death of someone who has impacted my life, however tangentially, always reminds me to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. Your post was today’s reminder. Thanks and sending out hugs.