An Audiobrary Evening with Julia Whelan: A WriterFest Benefit for The Porch

Dubbed “The Adele of Audiobooks” by The New Yorker and “The Michael Jordan of Audio” by General David Petraeus, Julia Whelan is an actor, author of three critically acclaimed novels, award-winning narrator of over 600 titles, and now founder of the new audio publishing company and distribution channel, Audiobrary. Across film and TV, publishing and voiceover, Whelan is committed to the craft, breadth, value, and power of story; written and spoken. But in this ever-shifting creative landscape, what does it mean to be a storyteller? Should we approach technological advances combatively? Is there another way forward?

This conversation—hosted by author Julian R. Vaca, who was last year's recipient of Book'em's Nashville Literacy Leader Award—will explore Whelan’s long career in the arts. Her recent pivot to entrepreneur as founder of Audiobrary is an effort to address systemic problems of equity in her various industries and shore-up human storytelling for the future. She will also read from her latest project showcasing her voice talent and answer questions from the audience in the intimate setting of Analog at the Hutton Hotel.

This event is a benefit for nonprofit The Porch, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary here in Nashville as it educates and connects writers and readers of all ages and stages through classes and literary events. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $15 at the door, and limited VIP (reserved priority seating) tickets are available for $30 each in advance.

Host or Publisher Ami McConnell