Podcast Summary: "Alice | Quinn Creator and Voice Actor" on The Audiobook Club with John York

Release Date: September 13, 2024

Introduction and Guest Background

In this engaging episode of The Audiobook Club with John York, host John York welcomes Alice, a budding voice actor and creator associated with Quinn. Alice shares her journey from being an avid listener to becoming a voice behind the popular Quinn audios.

Alice [00:56]: "I started as a listener first. I was actually a listener first... I started voice noting some of my friends that I had made, and they were like, hey, maybe you should try doing this."

Alice's passion for acting began in her elementary school days with theater, laying a foundation that would later pivot into voice acting. Her transition was fueled by encouragement from friends and collaborators like Miranda Parker, a scriptwriter who played a pivotal role in Alice's early projects.

Embarking on Voice Acting

Alice delves into how her theater background seamlessly transitioned into voice acting, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two mediums.

Alice [03:17]: "It's more like why not try it? Because I've done one of them, and the other one is just without my body."

She explains that voice acting allowed her to blend her love for acting with her preference for anonymity, especially given her extensive tattoos which would be a challenge on a traditional stage.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Starting without any prior editing experience, Alice candidly discusses the hurdles she faced in the initial stages of her voice acting career.

Alice [05:02]: "Everything that I've done is I'm doing it on the fly. I'm learning how... teaching myself how to edit."

Her battle with ADHD added another layer of complexity, particularly in mastering the art of pacing and pausing during recordings to ensure seamless edits.

Alice [05:02]: "I have ADHD and I get like ahead of myself when I read a lot. So I have to like, learn how to slow myself."

Despite these challenges, Alice's determination saw her quickly hired by Quinn in March, marking her official entry into the voice acting world by April.

Collaboration with Writers and Creators

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Alice's collaborative efforts with various scriptwriters, enhancing the quality and diversity of her audios.

Alice [10:58]: "I've worked with Tyler Eiffel, Tyler McCall... I have loved working with them and I'm... I'll pay them because I think it's important to pay artists."

Alice emphasizes the importance of collaboration, noting how working with listeners-turned-writers ensures that the content resonates with the audience's preferences.

Alice [14:08]: "I like being able to bring other people's words to life. And I like that I can support other people and build them up, too."

Recording Process and Collaborations

Alice outlines her approach to recording, especially when collaborating remotely with other creators. She highlights the importance of synchronous recording to capture natural interactions and the camaraderie it fosters.

Alice [15:58]: "We record at the same time... so that it sounds more natural because we're feeding off each other the whole time."

Her method ensures that the energy and spontaneity of live interactions are preserved, making the final product more engaging for listeners.

Handling Feedback and Community Interaction

Discussing the dynamics of receiving feedback, Alice shares her positive experiences with comments and interactions from listeners. Unlike some of her peers, she hasn't encountered negative or uncomfortable messages.

Alice [20:41]: "My comments are mostly pretty chill. I've gotten some that are like, oh man, I'm so what? Like that kind of stuff. And I'm like, thank you."

She stresses the importance of setting personal boundaries and maintaining a respectful rapport with the audience, ensuring a healthy creator-listener relationship.

Imposter Syndrome and Building Community

Alice opens up about her struggles with imposter syndrome, a sentiment common among creators. Despite her success, she often questions her capabilities, seeking reassurance from close friends and beta listeners.

Alice [26:01]: "I have that imposter syndrome where I'm like, am I actually doing this? Am I good?"

However, she highlights the comforting realization that many creators share similar insecurities, fostering a sense of solidarity within the community.

Alice [30:06]: "It's lonely, but I feel like we have put ourselves in a lonely box... we just need to talk to each other more and be like, I'm scared."

Downtime and Personal Interests

Beyond voice acting, Alice indulges in hobbies that help her unwind and maintain a balanced life. Her love for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) stands out as a primary pastime, offering a creative outlet and a way to connect with friends online.

Alice [48:07]: "I play D and D... it's mostly online. Super fun."

She describes her active involvement in D&D campaigns, showcasing her knack for storytelling and character development.

Alice [49:47]: "I'm playing a changeling rogue thief with Dr. Rapture... It's very whimsical and silly."

In addition to gaming, Alice enjoys reading and working out, activities that provide both mental and physical relaxation.

Future Aspirations and Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Alice expresses her eagerness to venture into audiobook narration and video game voiceovers. Although she hasn't taken the plunge yet, her goal is clear.

Alice [34:25]: "No, I want to. I would love to voice, like, do voiceovers for video games. Like, that would be so much fun."

She acknowledges the challenges in entering these new domains but remains optimistic and open to opportunities, even seeking guidance from fellow creators like John York.

Alice [35:25]: "Just do it. Literally, like, don't come after me, Nike. Just go for it."

Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors

Alice offers heartfelt advice to listeners aspiring to join the voice acting community. Her mantra revolves around passion, persistence, and seizing opportunities.

Alice [36:12]: "Do what makes you happy... find your own vibe, I guess, and then just go for it."

She encourages newcomers to experiment with different recording setups, be it using a smartphone or investing in better equipment, emphasizing that the worst outcome is learning from rejection and trying again.

Alice [37:31]: "Just honestly just do it. I feel like I'm Nike right now. Just go for it."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Alice touches on her current challenges, such as setting up merchandise, and shares snippets of her personal life, including her recent decision to stop drinking.

Alice [46:30]: "I'm trying to think... I need to read my new books and play D&D... I stopped drinking the beginning of this year."

Her openness about personal growth and lifestyle changes adds a relatable layer to her persona, resonating with listeners who may face similar struggles.

John York concludes the episode by thanking Alice for her candidness and contributions, reinforcing the supportive and informative environment The Audiobook Club strives to maintain.

Notable Quotes

• Alice [00:56]: "I started as a listener first... I started voice noting some of my friends that I had made, and they were like, hey, maybe you should try doing this."

• Alice [03:17]: "It's more like why not try it? Because I've done one of them, and the other one is just without my body."

• Alice [26:01]: "I have that imposter syndrome where I'm like, am I actually doing this? Am I good?"

• Alice [36:12]: "Do what makes you happy... find your own vibe, I guess, and then just go for it."

• Alice [37:31]: "Just honestly just do it. I feel like I'm Nike right now. Just go for it."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep dive into Alice's journey from a passionate listener to a voice actor navigating the challenges of content creation. Her experiences underscore the importance of community, perseverance, and self-belief in the creative process. Listeners aspiring to enter the voice acting realm will find Alice's insights both inspiring and practical, making this episode a valuable addition to The Audiobook Club series.