Thursday February 23 2012

Overview, About the Authors, About the Producer

In the Author’s Voice

On WSIU 91.9 FM, WUSI 90.3 FM, WVSI 88.9FM
Fridays, April 7-28, 5:30-6pm
(repeats on Sundays at 2pm, April 9-30)

Friday, April 8:    Alberta Skaggs (repeats April 9)
Friday, April 14: Georgia Wessel (repeats April 16)
Friday, April 21:  Tim Westmoreland (repeats April 23)
Friday, April 28:  Beth Lordan (repeats April 30)

Overview
In the Author’s Voice is a brand new WSIU Radio series featuring local authors reading from their own acclaimed works. Authors featured in the debut episodes include Alberta Skaggs, Beth Lordan, and Tim Westmoreland of the SIUC English Department, and Georgia Wessel of Carbondale

The four-part series was produced by SIUC Radio-Television assistant professor, Jay Needham, and advanced audio students in the Radio-Television Department.  “Many of us in Southern Illinois have a deep connection to the surrounding landscape,” says Needham, “so we began talking about the diverse voices of the storytellers in our region and how we could convey their sense of place through sound. We felt that story-telling, authorship, and a sense of place would make for good listening.”

Needham and his crew thought the best way to bring their idea to life would be through a local radio series featuring the human voice as the key instrument. Students, musicians, and sound designers would then add background soundtracks inspired by radio plays, film scores, and old sound effects.

WSIU Radio station manager Jeff Williams, who felt the project was a good fit with the station’s mission of public service, enthusiastically received the idea. “When Jay and his students proposed showcasing some of SIUC’s talented creative writing faculty, we jumped at the opportunity. What's more intimate and authentic than having the writers themselves tell their stories? And what better vehicle to use than public radio to share those stories?”

In the Author’s Voice has been a rewarding experience for Needham and the audio students involved in its production. “The students have really enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with local authors on this creative project,” he says. “They also appreciate WSIU Radio’s willingness to share their resources and technical expertise, which has provided the students with a great deal of creative and professional insight.”

Williams was pleased to see students so deeply immersed in a project of this caliber and thinks the radio series will be well-received by the WSIU Radio audience. “Through the words of the authors featured, we experience their life and learning, their idealism, and their purpose,” he says. “It’s a truly unique experience to hear these authors read their own works, and it’s one I believe will connect with our listeners.”

Download a color copy of the official poster for In the Author’s Voice.