Greetings,

Yesterday, I interviewed Janis Panizza, who recently launched her new website and recorded an audio book entitled The Dark Twin, written by Marion Campbell.

Campbell's novel, a Celtic tale set in 500 B.C., is comparable to a primitive version of Tristan and Isolde, a breathtaking story of love, irony, and tragedy which is regarded (thanks in part to the recent film starring James Franco, Sophia Myles, and Rufus Sewell) as a precursor to William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

When corresponding with Janis, I asked her a few questions about why she decided to record this particular book, her experiences while recording, and if there were any challenges along the way. I'm pleased to present her experiences to you in her own words.

Janis Panizza: The book by Marion Campbell is amazing, to begin with. I first heard of it in college through a friend who had been in the Edinbugh Arts Festival, had stayed in the Campbell's castle while there, and brought the book back with him.

I contracted the rights to record it and potentially her other titles. The Campbell clan has lived in their castle for over 200 years where the book was written. She claims to have 'caught' the story, as it flew by her, so fitting with the mystic atmosphere of the story, with references back to Celtic times.

This was my first audiobook. I recorded it in Mexico. I was coached by the street musicians and studios to bring out the full depth of feeling in the story. They helped bring out the qualities in my voice, expressive and ethereal, that express the story. I recorded many times 'til I got what I wanted.

The result is something that I believe is a new classic that will stand the test of time. I am told that the audio book has surpassed the original, bringing it to a new level.

When I finished, I returned to the states, where I registered Aire Craft Audio as a business with the intent to record more audiobooks and present online. I'm looking for retail distributors right now for a CD/DVD version.

There's a huge curiosity about this subject now. People need something besides 'stuff' in their lives, and are drawn to spiritual themes. This one is interwoven with historic adventure and romance.

To read the authors personal notes about the book, click here.

Best,

Stephanie

Cover Art courtesy of Janis Panizza