Text Message Formatting to Audio

[BobbyBrandt]

There have been several threads discussing the options for formatting text message communications within stories. I think that I have always been able to make those instances clear when text messages have been used in my stories, but I am now faced with that formatting not working as well when the stories get converted to audio.

For example, if I write,

IZZY: When will you pick me up?

HANK: I thought that you wanted to meet me there?

the character names will get converted to audio along with the text message. I have tried prefacing the text messages with things like, Izzy texted: "When will you pick me up?" but this seems clunky.

Any other suggestions?

 

[TheWritingGroup]

You're using some text-to-speech tool? Does it allow tags like [tinny voice]some text message[/tinny voice]?

 

[AwkwardMD]

You're using some text-to-speech tool? Does it allow tags like [tinny voice]some text message[/tinny voice]?

"Gets converted to audio" is load bearing.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

You're using some text-to-speech tool? Does it allow tags like [tinny voice]some text message[/tinny voice]?

Even if the audio is being created by a live voice actor, there needs to be some way of distinguishing the text messages from normal dialogue or the rest of the narration.