Delving Into a New World For Fanfiction · 7:19am May 23rd, 2017
Hey Everyone!
First off, sorry for the somewhat rapid succession of posts the last few days. I generally have tried avoiding that as of late, but this is a new stepping stone for me in the Brony world, so I thought it deserved to be blogged.
After seeing a variety of skilled voice artists do readings of fanfics around the site on YouTube, I thought I'd give it a shot myself. I'm obviously not a professional, but I do have theater training, and I like to think I'm good at 'doing voices' (well, certain kinds of voices). I figured I'd start with something short, and I had a feeling working with a story I'd already had some part in (though not one of my own) would help, too, so I reached out to Moowell, and he gave me permission to read a story I helped him edit a few years ago: A Pony Named 'You'. If you've got some time to spare, take a listen!
Constructive criticisms are welcomed, but bear in mind, I put this together a few months ago when I still had very little training with Audacity (audio) and HitFilm4 Express (video), so this was a very basic reading in terms of effects. The audio is a little inconsistent due to pitch changes (and the subsequent lowering of volume to prevent feedback), and there was almost nothing done with the background picture aside from using an altered screenshot from one of the episodes. I'm hoping that I'll improve over time with a little more practice with both programs (and some more time to put in more effort), but there's only so much you can do with female characters when you're a male with a voice in the bari–bari-tenor range. 
These are the compliments and criticisms that Moowell himself had to give before I made the video public. I agree with all of his constructive criticisms, so for those willing to give your own, I won't be offended if you second any of those, and I embrace any other constructive criticisms you may have to say. And of course, any other compliments would be greatly appreciated. 
Compliments
— I like how you put emotion into each of the different characters. It sounded like you really smiled when you spoke Pinkie's lines, or furrowed your brow when talking like You or Twilight.
— I also liked the background noises. The birds and minor conversation going on helped bring extra realism to the reading.
— Each character had a unique voice, which is something that doesn't always happen even among more experienced readers, so kudos on that!Criticisms
— A little music alongside the background noise can go a long way to set the tone of the exchange.
— My biggest hit, though, is that it sounded strained. Your voice isn't quite deep or resonant enough for You, so you ended up closing your throat to try and reach it. Similarly for Pinkie, though on the other end.
If I get good enough, I'm thinking I might eventually try my hand at reading one or two of my own stories, possibly going so far as to read A Daughter and her Dragon once it's finished. That would be a LOT of work, but given the response it's gotten, I don't think it would be too far a reach, and who knows? If there's anyone out there who would like to do the reading along with me, I'd be thrilled. I'm not going to go sending out a casting call anytime soon, though.
For now, if anyone has any stories they'd be willing to let me try a reading on (preferably short one-shots for now), do let me know. Practice, practice, practice, after all! 
Until next time!
—LD
I shall have to listen to this soon.
I've thought of attempting to so audio readings of a few stories a couple of times, but I know I suck at different voices, so it would just be me reading a story in the same voice. Plus, I've no idea how to even try to do it.
I would like to help you with the fic reading. What would I need in terms of recording equipment and how can I help
4543824
Woah, slow down, tiger!
I love your eagerness to hop on board, but doing a DaD reading is something that wouldn’t happen for a while yet. I'd like to finish the story first (ideally), but also get some practice with some shorter ones myself. I'll definitely keep you in mind, though! Thanks!
4543886 great! I'll definitely want to help you with that and I enjoy the story quite a bit
Awesome! I wish I could do character voices; like you, my voice is on the wrong end of the register for the numerous female characters MLP offers us
Told you so, your impressions have always been something to behold.
4547614
I guess, but you've only heard me do general impressions, not really specific characters (Well, unless you count Pinkie and Twilight from the video). Glad to hear I've got at least one person backing me up, though! 