Flow & Voice: a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey.
Have you ever connected your season of life with seasons in nature? For example, to understand signs of aging (like gray hair or that little muscle ache that slows you down) in the larger context of the natural world we live in, seeing those changes as part of your own season of life?
My mom's love of nature and the way she observed and cherished both the beauty of nature and its oddities has me thinking about how accepting the outward signs of aging is part of a larger discussion about our seasons of life and our connection to nature's rhythms.
When I wrote my latest episode on the language of nature, I was feeling a mixture of frustration and sadness, and my mood seemed to echo the cold wind and turbulent rainstorms we've been having in March in New York. My mood matched the weather, or vice versa. When the first signs of spring came recently, the energy was palpable among my friends. We sent springtime memes to one another with a giddiness that hadn't been there earlier in the month. My mood lifted.
Here's a bit of springtime joy to lift yours:
Today's episode is about seeing, discovering, exploring, and cherishing nature and natural objects to spark creativity and connection. Nature can also be a vessel for our uncomfortable emotions, for our grief, and for our acceptance of our evolving minds and bodies. We are linked to the rhythms, seasons, and tides of the natural world – that's lesson six in my 10-part series called "What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.”
Check out episode #69 and discover more about the language of nature.
This Month on Let the Verse Flow
Episode 69: Learn the Language of Nature – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 6)
Episode 68: Being Hateful is Incompatible with Being Whole — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 5)
🎙️Behind the Mic
I've been auditioning for audiobook narration jobs on ACX (Amazon's Audiobook Creation Exchange), and I'm already learning how hard this transition is going to be. Nothing prepares you for a new career like hitting the pavement and getting that first job. Top three things I've learned about auditioning for audiobook narration gigs (these lessons apply to getting just about any kind of job):
- Put in the reps! It takes way more auditions than you think it will, or than you hope it will, to get your first job. My number – 23 auditions. It took 23 auditions to get my first job (yes, I got one; more on that in the coming month). It can take as little as 10 or as many as 200! Competition is stiff. Lesson: be persistent.
- Grow a Thick Skin! Not everyone will like your voice, your pacing, your fumbled attempts at accents, or your audio quality. It's helpful to remember that old Eleanor Roosevelt adage: "What other people think of me is none of my business." Lesson: get over it!
- Faith + hard work are essential. Have some faith in the process. Somewhere around 20 auditions, the first author to offer me a book said my voice was "perfect" for her story. Her very personal memoir had to be told in my voice. I guess it was meant for me. Lesson: What's meant for you will come to you.
🎧📕Heard a fantastic audiobook narrator recently? Hit reply and share the narrator's name and your favorite book they've narrated.
📖 Worth Exploring (Hand-Picked Resources)
#1 Inspirational Nature Photography
You can't help but be inspired by this museum's collection of award-winning nature photography. Check out the cluster of yellow tree frogs hanging out on tree branches (one of the award winners). Incredible! Or what about the sunset-orange jellyfish (sea nettle) swimming against a green background?
#2 Free Audiobooks and E-books (the Libby App)
I’ve found a global library app that makes accessing your favorite e-books and audiobooks affordable. It’s the Libby app. I’m obsessed – it took me way too long to discover it. 🙄 Often, I'm able to borrow an e-book or audiobook, instead of buying it on Amazon or Audible. Borrow your next favorite title at the touch of a finger, with your local library card.
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Let the Verse Flow (and its companion newsletter Flow & Voice) is a creative project created with love by writer, podcast host, and narrator Jill Hodge. If you subscribe today, you'll have full access to the website and newsletter, including articles, podcast episodes, and the Flow & Voice monthly note. Members are vital to building a rich community of diverse voices. Join us by subscribing today; consider a paid subscription to support Jill's work. Thank you!
