When I decided to have The Last Firefly made into an audiobook, I knew exactly the type of voice I was looking for. The voice actor had to be able to not just read the book, but also perform the book. They needed to make the listener feel, pain, despair, happiness and fear. Even before Arnetta auditioned... When I heard a sample of her voice I knew it was perfect for my book.
I've listened to a ton of audiobooks while working out, commuting or just doing boring chores around the house. I think that helped me decide what I was looking for. Arnetta definitely has a bright future in doing voice work. Each characters voice is distinct and engaging. Introducing Ms. Arnetta Ellinwood...
1. What inspired you to do voice work?
I was always told growing up I had a "nice tone of voice." People would often tell me at work or even upon meeting me that I have a nice speaking voice. I never thought much of it until I decided to leave my job of six years. I gave birth to my son and my husband and I decided that one of us staying home would be more cost efficient. A couple of days after giving birth, I was sitting in front of my baby as he slept browsing the Internet and I came across a website that advertised voice overs. I decided to take the opportunity.
2. How long have you been in the business?
I have been at this for about 3 years now. I currently work for a site called Fiverr. I recently became a member of ACX about 4 months or so ago.
3. What is the most challenging part of working as a narrator?
For me, I believe the most challenging part is making sure I capture the essence of a character or if I'm doing a voiceover for a business making sure I capture the tone of the business.
I think it's really easy to just read the words on a page but to bring them to life is a very different animal.
4. You really did an awesome job on "The Last Firefly," who was your favorite character to voice and why?
Thank you! My favorite character hands down was Christopher aka Cristal. I loved his charisma, he was absolutely hilarious and the more I read, the more I felt as if he were a real person. We would know doubt be friends in real life.
5. What advice would you give to other people who may want to get into narration?
I would first tell them upon making the decision understand that is hard work. In the beginning I had to learn it wasn't just reading. It is editing, it is re recording, it is learning the art of mastering. These are definitely not easy at first try so be ready to spend hours doing if not all, at least one of these multiple times. Once it is done it is so very rewarding though. I would also tell them to make sure they get to know themselves as far as what genre you feel you could narrate. It really makes a big difference when you are narrating a genre you enjoy reading on a regular basis versus a genre you are not used to reading. This makes it more believable to the listener and gives a better listening experience. It also helps to listen to a lot of audiobooks.
6. What's next for you?
I hope to continue to narrate for talented authors like yourself. I hope to eventually narrate for Disney or PBS. Far fetched dream at this point, but I like to think of it as long term goals doing something I love to do. I never thought when I started this that I would fall in love with it, and yet here I am. Deep in love.
7. How do you decide which project is right for you?
It kind of goes back to knowing what genre works best for you. I had many projects I auditioned for and they were just not good. Mainly because I was auditioning for genres out of my element so to speak. I also decided in the beginning that I would not just take a project to take it. I have to like it, I have to feel like I can deliver on a project before I take one on because if I don't believe in it I can not expect for the listener to stay engaged.
8. What made you take on The Last Firefly?
I sat down to read the first 15 minutes for the sample that is required and I literally read six chapters. I was so engaged I did not want to put the book down. I knew then that this book was perfect. I also did not have a hard time relating characters like Miss Mable to my grandmother or Camille's head strong personality to friends of mine or even my own. I fell in love with the characters.
6. What's next for you?
I hope to continue to narrate for talented authors like yourself. I hope to eventually narrate for Disney or PBS. Far fetched dream at this point, but I like to think of it as long term goals doing something I love to do. I never thought when I started this that I would fall in love with it, and yet here I am. Deep in love.
7. How do you decide which project is right for you?
It kind of goes back to knowing what genre works best for you. I had many projects I auditioned for and they were just not good. Mainly because I was auditioning for genres out of my element so to speak. I also decided in the beginning that I would not just take a project to take it. I have to like it, I have to feel like I can deliver on a project before I take one on because if I don't believe in it I can not expect for the listener to stay engaged.
8. What made you take on The Last Firefly?
I sat down to read the first 15 minutes for the sample that is required and I literally read six chapters. I was so engaged I did not want to put the book down. I knew then that this book was perfect. I also did not have a hard time relating characters like Miss Mable to my grandmother or Camille's head strong personality to friends of mine or even my own. I fell in love with the characters.
9. When you're not doing voice work what do you like to do in your free time?
I usually like reading or these days listening to audiobooks since it's kind of hard to sit down for more than five minutes with my little active three year old.
I love spending most of my days with my son. Being his mother is the most rewarding job of all.
I am very into DIY projects, in fact I find myself doing a DIY project around the house everyday. You know how some people have outlets like working out or taking a bubble bath to unwind? Well, mine is DIY projects lol. I love the idea of creating things myself.
10.How may folks contact you if they're interested in hiring you?
To be honest I started on ACX just about two months before doing The Last Firefly. I originally got my start on a website called Fiverr. So, most of my experience came from the work I did on Fiverr. I would say in a day I get anywhere from four or five messages from interested clients.
Here are the links to my Fiverr and ACX accounts.
I love spending most of my days with my son. Being his mother is the most rewarding job of all.
I am very into DIY projects, in fact I find myself doing a DIY project around the house everyday. You know how some people have outlets like working out or taking a bubble bath to unwind? Well, mine is DIY projects lol. I love the idea of creating things myself.
10.How may folks contact you if they're interested in hiring you?
To be honest I started on ACX just about two months before doing The Last Firefly. I originally got my start on a website called Fiverr. So, most of my experience came from the work I did on Fiverr. I would say in a day I get anywhere from four or five messages from interested clients.
Here are the links to my Fiverr and ACX accounts.
