[stylist] New to the List and Looking for Guidance on a Project

[Tina Hansen]

My name is Tina Hansen, and I am new to this list, though I've been around the NFB for some time. I am writing to seek advice on a project I've been working on in my head.

In a lot of literature, all or part of the story takes place in a castle of some sort.

Some time ago, it occured to me that I had no idea what a castle looked like. It also made me wonder if I wasn't the only one.

Given this, I have a 3-d tactile model of what a castle might look like, but I want to add a narrative describing the parts of a castle, but also what life might have been like during that time.

The narrative would be done in a modular fashion, probably using one of the voice labeling units, like the Pen Friend. I would place audio labels on the various parts of the model describing what the part might have looked like or what might have happened in that part of the castle. I might also add something about what might have gone on.

However, I am torn between creating a narrative from scratch or just borrowing some or all of an existing narrative. If I borrowed an existing narrative, it might be OK, but I want it to be engaging without giving up accuracy.

My purpose for this project is, first, to help me get a better understanding of a castle and its place in literature. If nothing, I would understand what a castle might have looked like when I read some piece of literature, such as Harry Potter.

Secondly, I want to use this model as a way to show parents and/or educators how to use tactile, visual, and auditory learning modes.

As a result, my narrative nay not be published around the world, but it will do me some personal good, and it will likely help some parent and/or educator.

Since I'd likely get tired of hearing my own voice, I'd bring in a voice talent to actually read the final narrative. Jaws can help me refine it, along with expert guidance, but when it's time to do the final narrative, I'd want to bring in a voice talent.

I can go online to look for material, but I'm torn between using the material as it is or modifying it in some way to make it my own. If I do try to make it my own, I don't want to give up accuracy. I also don't want the material to sound dull or boring.

Finally, I want the material done in such a way that it works with a variety of audiences.

Again, my project may not get published around the world, but it will help me, and probably some parents or educators in my area.

I would appreciate any suggestions from members of this list on tackling a project like this. Thanks.