Well the dust has settled and I think I’m finally recovered from my week in NY for APAC (Audio Publisher’s Association Conference) and the Audies. It is always such a great time, but definitely a whole lot of output. Combined with a weekend jaunt upstate to visit my family, it was an action-packed seven day merry-go-round that didn’t stop. Very fun but pretty exhausting!
I first went to APAC in 2010. It was a great experience back then, but such a different one. I remember feeling so strange and out of place, knowing hardly anyone and wanting so desperately to become a part of the community. I am happy to report that 3 years later, it feels as if things have definitely shifted. I felt so comfortable and at home, reuniting with people I hadn’t seen in a long time, or have only seen on Facebook. It was especially great to see people I’ve worked for but have never actually gotten to meet! Tons of great conversations and genuine connection.
The day started off with a bang as I got to read for Cory at eChristian, during my Director Diagnostic. Cory and I connected on many different levels; he was just great. The rest of the day was filled with informative panels and ended with a nice happy hour and then dinner with some good friends.
The next day I got to audition for and then tour the Audible studios headquarters in Newark, NJ. What a cool place! I loved the open “.com” atmosphere- so progressive and modern! I think it would be a great place to go to work every day. They hosted a whole day of workshops regarding self-recording, which were very informative and helpful.
That night (after locking myself in a closet to record a spot for a client on the West Coast who was in a jam) my flat-mates and I got decked out and went to the Audies. The Audies are like the Oscars of Audiobooks. The highest honors in the community, the best talent all in one place; it really is a glamorous and special affair. Everyone is in a great mood, it’s such a jovial atmosphere and it really is a great chance to hang out with people outside of a “networking” setting, simply just being people and having fun. The highlight of my night was getting to talk to Julia Whelan about her awesome narration of one of my favorite audiobooks of the year “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.
The next day I met a friend (who graciously came with me while I retraced my steps back to the place where I was staying, after realizing I had left a drawer full of clothes and jewelry-whoops!) Then I headed upstate on the Metro North about an hour and a half to New Paltz, where I’m from.
My whole family still lives in New Paltz. Like, all of them! Extended family- siblings, nieces, aunts and uncles- so the good thing is, I get to see everyone in a very short amount of time. The challenging thing is that I have to see everyone in a very short amount of time!
The next day we visited the Catskill Animal Sanctuary with my nieces. Lots of petting and animal love.
Then it was one more day of visiting and suddenly it was time to head back to Newark to catch a plane back to my life out West. I have to say, it is wonderful to visit back East, to feel the energy of the Big Apple and the calm familiarity of the Hudson Valley. But it is always nice coming home…with many new memories to treasure!
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What a sweet interesting post Rachel! I loved it. I am excited for you just reading about your adventures and growth. And, as always, you look radiant and healthy. Bravo! I am in the midst of writing a book and a publisher/editor who is mentoring me suggested that I do an audible book. I do LOVE to read aloud and have even began singing again. So this whole world you are describing is fascinating and relevant to me. Thank you for sharing! And oh my goodness what a beautiful pig. I want to curl up in the hay with him/her… xo Heather
Ballers!!!!