AudioFile Magazine spoke with Davina Porter, narrator of the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, published by Recorded Books.
Golden Voice narrator Davina Porter has performed not only the entire Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, but also other fantasy classics including many of Marion Zimmer Bradley Avalon audiobooks, and Erika Johansen’s widely praised THE INVASION OF THE TEARLING. Davina’s audiobook work includes titles ranging from classics to mystery to philosophy, with an enduring thread of splendid fantasy audiobooks.
AudioFile’s exclusive interview with narrator Davina Porter:
Davina Porter: Hullo, I’m Davina Porter, and have had the fun and privilege of narrating the entire Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, from the initial book up to the latest one, WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD.
AudioFile: What background do you bring to the Outlander series?
I was born and raised in England, my father was English, a true “Londoner” (read Cockney!), and my mother was born in St. Andrews, Scotland. Two accents under my belt! I am married to a Glasgow-born Scot, more diversity. Being a product of my background, I am very familiar with the English and Scottish way of life, and all its foibles!
AF: How do you keep the characters and their accents straight?
DP: I keep the characters and accents straight by making rather scruffy lists in various notebooks, but as they are so well written, they come alive and stay in my memory.
AF: Have you ever visited the Scottish Highlands?
DP: I have visited the Highlands. Quite beautiful, unspoiled, and very mysterious. However, they can turn on the visitor in the summer because of the midges. Mosquitoes have nothing on these little pests!
AF: Is there one favorite character you love to perform?
DP: My favorite character is Claire. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, I AM Claire!!!!
AF: What was the biggest challenge in narrating the time-travel sequences?
DP: There really isn’t a challenge narrating the time travel sequences; I love history, and having visited Scotland, lived in London and four years in Paris, it is easy to put oneself in those cities and countries, and when voicing the characters, to keep them true to the morals and mores of their times.
