Narrating an audio book and fixing an outboard motor may not seem similar at all. But earlier this year, I found out they are. Audio books and outboard motors are both complex systems with lots of moving parts. This Spring with the Pandemic raging outside my doors, I decided to challenge myself and try some new things: narrating audio books, and trying to fix a leaky tilt/trim unit on my ancient outboard motor.
A new challenge
I like challenging myself with new things. So when a colleague suggested I try audio book narration, I decided to give it my best shot. I had previously avoided narrating audio books because it seemed like a lot of work for not much payout compared to commercial work. But times have changed and those big commercial “lottery tickets” are fewer and farther between. So, the time had finally come to start narrating audio books. But how do I go about it?
I need tools that I don’t have
I didn’t have a spanner wrench and I had never even heard of such a tool. But I needed it to start the repair on my leaky motor. On the other hand, the tools I need for narrating audio books are more of a skill set—creativity, imagination and the ability to develop an efficient process to make your time worth the money. I also had to practice, and I certainly needed some demos. I had my work cut out for me.
Complex systems require creativity and tenacity
Both audio books and outboard motors are complex and have many moving parts. If I was to conquer both I needed to be creative and tenacious even in the face of obstacles. But with right amount research, preparation, and courage I know I can be successful with both.