Podcast Summary: From the Front Porch – Episode 525: Ordinary Time Audiobook Preview

Introduction to the Episode In Episode 525 of From the Front Porch, hosted by Annie B. Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, listeners are given an exclusive preview of her upcoming debut book, Ordinary Time. Released on April 17, 2025, this episode delves into Annie’s journey of recording her audiobook, sharing insights, challenges, and personal reflections that shaped the final product.

Book Launch and Promotional Events

Annie begins by outlining the significant milestones leading up to the launch of Ordinary Time, scheduled for April 22, Earth Day. She shares details of her planned events across various Southern bookstores to celebrate the release:

• April 22, Thomasville, GA:

  • Location: The Bookshelf
  • Guests: Jamie B. Golden, a fellow podcaster
  • Note: "The April 22nd event is sold out, but the April 24th, when there should be room." (00:27)

• April 24, Tallahassee, FL:

  • Location: Midtown Reader
  • Guests: Sally Bradshaw, bookstore owner
  • Note: "That event is free and open to the public." (00:27)

• April 28, Birmingham, AL:

  • Location: Little Professor Bookstore
  • Guests: Carrie Rollwagen, small business expert
  • Note: "Carrie has been a mentor to me in small business ownership." (00:27)

• April 29, New Orleans, LA:

  • Location: Garden District Bookshop
  • Guests: Fellow bookseller
  • Note: "One of the booksellers at Garden District has graciously agreed to be in conversation with me." (00:27)

• May 5, Greenville, SC:

  • Location: M. Judson
  • Note: "This event is ticketed, so make sure you grab your tickets." (00:27)

For those unable to attend in person, Annie announces a virtual event:

• May 8, 7 PM Eastern:
  • Platform: Zoom
  • Guests: Hunter McClendon
  • Cost: $10
  • Note: "This was a way to honor all of the long-distance friends and customers who won't be able to make it on this book tour." (00:27)

All event details and ticket information are available on Annie’s website, anniebjoneswrites.com, and the show notes.

The Audiobook Recording Experience

Annie provides an in-depth look into her experience recording the audiobook version of Ordinary Time. She reflects on the emotional and technical aspects of this process, emphasizing its personal significance.

• Contract and Recording Opportunity:

  • "When I signed my book deal back in November of 2023, it was included in my contract that I be considered as the narrator or for the narrator. But there were no promises." (00:27)
  • "This podcast made that hope, my hope, a reality." (00:27)

• Personal Connection and Vulnerability:

  • Annie describes the audiobook as "a deeply personal book," highlighting the vulnerability of reading her work aloud to strangers.
  • "Reading the book aloud is something I did many times up to that point... Recording the book in front of two strangers was equally personal, just as personal as writing it honestly, and felt somehow even more vulnerable." (03:00)

• Technical Setup and Process:

  • The recording took place in a studio in Tallahassee, with audio producer Corey and audiobook director Caitlin guiding her through the process.
  • "Corey was in another room, producing. I could not see him. And Caitlin, I also could not see. She was in my ear, patiently directing." (03:00)
  • Annie emphasizes how her extensive podcasting experience (over 500 episodes since 2013) prepared her for the audiobook recording.

• Challenges Faced:

  • Technical Difficulties: Annie experienced a severe cold during recording, limiting her ability to take traditional cold medications due to her pregnancy. She resorted to home remedies, which were less effective.
    • "I recorded the audiobook while I was recovering from a horrific cold... I was lying out for much of February." (05:00)
  • Emotional Strain: The process was emotionally taxing, with moments of tearfulness during specific chapters.
    • "I am pleased to report that for the recording I kept it together with two exceptions... When I read the acknowledgments to my parents and brother." (07:32)

• Recording Environment:

  • The studio was a renovated barn on Corey’s property in Tallahassee, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere that resonated with the themes of "ordinary time."
    • "Driving to go record for those three days was so peaceful... It just felt so perfect." (05:00)

• Learning and Growth:

  • Through the audiobook process, Annie learned to let go and accept that the book was final, mirroring the challenges of small business ownership and personal growth.
    • "This entire process has gone according to my plan, which I suppose is a great life lesson also for the parenting journey I'm about to embark upon." (05:00)
  • "It was my first time reading aloud to strangers, and it taught me a lot about vulnerability and letting go." (03:00)

Interactive Q&A Session

Annie addresses several questions received from listeners, providing deeper insights into her audiobook journey:

1. Was Recording the Audiobook Fun?

   • Annie found the experience both fun and surreal, appreciating the low-key environment.
   • "As an audiobook listener, it was super fascinating to be on this side of things... All of this felt pretty comfortable and normal and not a big deal." (10:00)

2. Did You Record the Book in Order?

   • Yes, the audiobook was recorded sequentially from dedication to acknowledgments.
   • "I did think it was interesting that I was given the option to not record the acknowledgments... I really genuinely wanted to thank all of the people I mentioned in the acknowledgments." (12:00)

3. Did You Use Accents?

   • No accents were used. Annie chose to maintain authenticity, avoiding performative elements.
   • "This book is just me. It's just my stories. And so no accents in Ordinary Time." (15:00)

4. Recording Speed: One-Time Speed or Adjusted?

   • Initially, Annie read slower than her natural pace, but Caitlin encouraged her to speed up to a more natural reading speed.
   • "I recorded at my normal speed. When I sat down to read those initial few lines, I had slowed down my natural pace... Caitlin encouraged me to read at a faster, more natural one." (20:00)

5. Unexpected Joys in Recording:

   • Reading Her Words Aloud: Annie cherished the opportunity to hear her words in her own voice, experiencing moments of genuine laughter and satisfaction.
     • "What was unexpectedly joyful was that I got to read my words... And I could feel myself smiling while reading it." (25:00)
   • Recording Location: Driving through the countryside to the studio provided a peaceful and fitting backdrop for the audiobook.
     • "Driving to go record for those three days was so peaceful... it felt so perfect for recording an audiobook." (28:00)

6. Handling Mistakes During Recording:

   • Mistakes were managed by re-recording from the last punctuation mark, emphasizing the importance of breaks to maintain energy and reduce errors.
   • "Mistakes were dealt with by taking breaks, stretching, and re-recording from the last punctuation mark." (30:00)

7. Emotional Response: Did You Cry?

   • Annie managed to keep her emotions in check during most of the recording, with only minor instances of tearfulness during specific sections.
     • "I kept it together with two exceptions... reading the acknowledgments to my parents and brother." (32:00)

8. Vocal Instructions or Lessons:

   • Minimal vocal instructions were provided, primarily focusing on pacing and energy levels.
   • "I was given almost no instruction, except occasionally when Caitlin would encourage me to boost my energy or to read something with perhaps more feeling." (35:00)

9. Chapter Length and Recording Pace:

   • Annie averaged 20-25 minutes per chapter, aligning with her natural reading speed.
   • "I averaged two to two and a half chapters in 50 minutes... 20 to 25 minutes a chapter." (38:00)

Overall Takeaways from the Audiobook Experience

Annie reflects on the broader implications of her audiobook recording process, drawing parallels between audiobook production and running a small business.

1. Preparation Pays Off:

   • Her consistent podcast recording over the years made the audiobook process feel manageable.
   • "Batch recording this podcast paid off because sitting in a booth recording for hours on end did come relatively naturally." (40:00)

2. Physical and Emotional Challenges:

   • Beyond vocal concerns, staying physically comfortable in a confined space was unexpectedly challenging.
     • "Sitting in that cramped booth was harder on my body than it was on my voice." (40:00)
   • The emotional weight of reading personal stories aloud led to a sense of emotional exhaustion by the end of each recording day.
     • "This was emotional exhaustion. Of reading my words aloud... process of letting go was emotionally exhausting." (43:00)

3. Appreciation for Behind-the-Scenes Work:

   • Annie gained a newfound respect for the often unseen efforts that go into creating audiobooks, likening it to the magic behind movie-making.
     • "Much of the magic we experience as consumers is all in a day's work for other people." (40:00)

4. Impact on Small Business Perspective:

   • The audiobook experience mirrored the challenges and rewards of small business ownership, reinforcing her belief in perseverance and adaptability.
     • "The process becomes a work of art. Recording the audiobook felt the same way. It reminded me that the work we do, whether it's audiobook recording or running a bookstore, is like all in a day's work." (40:00)

Audiobook Excerpt: A Glimpse into Ordinary Time

As a treat for listeners, Annie shares an excerpt from Ordinary Time, narrated in her own voice:

"Throughout childhood I played basketball in little Saturday morning leagues, coached by my dad in summer camps at our local colleges, in the driveway with my brother and our neighborhood friends. I loved basketball. I was 10 years old when the Women's National Basketball Association launched and I became obsessed with the New York Liberty and Rebecca Lobo with Sheryl Swoop's can you imagine a better name? And Lisa Leslie and Cynthia Cooper..." (35:56)

This heartfelt passage sets the tone for Annie's memoir, blending personal anecdotes with reflections on growth and passion.

Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Annie concludes the episode by thanking her listeners and collaborators:

• Special Mentions:

  • Libro FM for supporting indie bookstores by providing free audiobook copies to pre-order customers.
  • Harper One for publishing Ordinary Time.

• Support and Engagement:

  • Listeners are encouraged to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts to help reach new audiences.
  • Additional support can be provided through Patreon, offering various levels of benefits.

Annie signs off with gratitude, expressing her excitement for the future and upcoming events.

Final Thoughts

Episode 525 of From the Front Porch offers a comprehensive look into Annie B. Jones' journey of transforming her written memoir into an audiobook. Through candid storytelling, she shares the emotional and technical intricacies of the process, emphasizing themes of vulnerability, perseverance, and the intertwining of personal and professional growth. For fans of Annie and The Bookshelf, this episode serves as both a promotional milestone and an intimate glimpse into the life of a dedicated author and small business owner.