WILDFLOWER Quick Reference
Chapter 3: The Publication — Recording Session Guide
PRE-SESSION CHECKLIST
- Vocal warmups (5 minutes)
- Warm water (no dairy, no caffeine)
- Recording environment check (silence for 30 seconds)
- Test levels: peaks at -12dB, RMS around -20dB
- Script printed or tablet charged
CHARACTER VOICES
HELENA (Primary - ~70% of chapter)
- Tone: Precise, scientific, unraveling panic
- Pace: Quick when excited/anxious, slow when observing
- Emotional state: Imposter syndrome, existential terror
- Key line: “I’m so tired, Nick.”
NICK (~25% of chapter)
- Tone: Warm, steady, concerned, grounded
- Pace: Measured, patient
- Function: Anchor, witness, stable presence
- Key line: “Someone has to hold the frame while you juggle.”
NARRATOR/STAGE DIRECTIONS (~5% of chapter)
- Tone: Cinematic, observational, slightly detached
- Used for: Setting descriptions, action beats, section transitions
SECTION BREAKDOWN
| Section | Character | Mood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. THE PLAY | Helena/Nick | Panic → Comfort | Most dramatic section |
| 2. HELENA | Internal | Resolve | Letter writing, acceptance |
| 3. THE FRAME | Nick | Witness | Reflection, love defined |
PRONUNCIATION REMINDERS
- Apophenia: ap-oh-FEE-nee-ah
- Cryptophytes: KRIP-toh-fites
- Seventy-seven Hertz: SEV-en-tee SEV-en HURTS (hard T)
- Helena: hel-EE-nah (stress on middle syllable)
- Nature Communications: Standard pronunciation
TECHNICAL NOTES
- Total words: ~2,400
- Est. runtime: 16 minutes raw / 14 minutes finished
- Perspective shifts: 6 (marked in script)
- Emotional peaks: 3 (panic, decision, almost-love)
RETAKE MARKERS
If you need to retake:
- Pause 2 seconds
- Say “PICKUP” clearly
- Repeat from last section header or natural break
- Continue recording (don’t stop)
POST-SESSION
- Record 5 seconds silence at end
- Save file:
WF_C03_ThePublication_Take[number].wav - Note any technical issues in session log
- Backup to cloud storage
SESSION LOG
| Date | Start | End | Takes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Session 28409296