The Next Chapter of my Life

      I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I’ll do after I retire from the corporate world. Within ten years I’ll start the next chapter of my life.

      I don’t plan on sitting on my front porch in a rocking chair drinking sweet tea all day after I retire. Nor, can I be a jet-setter. I plan on keeping my brain active and keeping my body moving to keep the joints as healthy as possible, though.

      People are living longer. And, expected to live longer still as time goes on. If, people take care of themselves, that is. Read more about this in my recent article Theories of Aging.

      My mother worked in an office environment until she was 83. She is 95 years old now. I have other relatives that lived well into their 90s. I have longevity in my genes. Therefore, I’m thinking about what to do next sooner rather than later.

      What do I want to do? I want to be a successful author. I’m a realist and know I need to get better at the craft. I’m working on that now and getting better. Little by little, the more I write, the better the writing. I learn by doing. I learn by getting feedback and incorporating input from other writers. Then, write some more. Bonus, I’m having fun.

      Another craft that interests me is Voice Acting. I want to research this as an extension of my writing. Recording articles and stories are popular in this digital age. I dream of one day having a book sold through Audible and readers hearing my voice tell the story.

      The few times I’ve read in front of others, either in person or within writing workshops, people compliment me on how I read the piece. I’m told I have a knack for differentiating characters with tone and accent. They say I’m good at adding personality and emotion into the piece, whether it be drama or humor.

So, how does one enter the world of voice acting?

Here’s what I’m learning:

• Find a coach with acting and/or voice-over experience. Someone who understands the current and potential state of the voice-over industry. Great advice from Jamie Muffett, a British voice actor, audio engineer, and filmmaker based in New York City.
• Learn acting fundamentals. I know a couple of thespians I can interview.
• Determine path/niche to create a brand that is best for success. Is it audio-books (this is where I’ll focus first); animated television; movies, documentary television and film; commercials; video games or multimedia like virtual reality? The industry is booming.
• Seek out experts and make connections in the industry to get opinions and feedback of skill level. I know an award-winning sound professional. I plan on asking him if he has the time for a short interview. Then, I’ll make a demo-reel.
• Attend conventions and events to make connections and to gain exposure. Networking is essential.
• Start following and friending people in the industry on social media.
• Incite interest with social media, articles, facts to show voice-over professionals you’re someone to engage.
• Join social media groups related to voice acting
• I’m pleasantly surprised that age is no issue in the voice-over industry. Starting this profession at an older age is perfectly acceptable. Life experience is invaluable.
• Beware of people who take your money by exploitation. Avoid these types by not broadcasting on social media you’re looking for a voice-over coach.

I found several articles online that piqued my interest on the voice-over profession. This one titled Voice-over 101 covers the basics in what it takes to break into the growing field.

I’m excited to learn more. First things first. I’m going shopping for a professional grade microphone. I’ve got some recording to do.