Happy Audiobook Month!

In honor of Audiobook Month, which takes place from June 1st to June 30th, I am excited to share an insightful interview with Neil Carrigan, one of the talented narrators who brought my book, Savage Suit, to life. Through his perspective, we learn that narrators are more than just readers; they are skilled storytellers who infuse their personalities and interpretations into each character and scene. Their contribution adds depth and nuance to the story, making it a more enjoyable experience for the listener. Additionally, audiobooks have expanded the reach of authors and publishers, providing them with greater visibility and access to a wider audience. This is especially beneficial for authors who may not have had the same opportunities through traditional bookstores and publishing channels. As the industry continues to flourish, we can anticipate more exciting collaborations between authors, publishers, and narrators to create unique and captivating stories for listeners to enjoy.

Without further ado, here is my Q&A with Neil. Enjoy.

 

Kat: How did you get into audiobook narration?

Neil: Like a lot of narrators, I come from a theater/film background! Some actor friends of mine told me how much fun narrating was, so I gave it a try, and I've been doing it now for about 7 years.

Kat:  Any specific routine you do before recording the audio? Once you receive a manuscript, do you print it out? Highlight different dialogue to know whose voice you’re recording?

 

Neil: Before narrating, I'll read through the book somewhat quickly to understand the story, but I stop to take some time with the characters as they're introduced. And, you know, usually, after "living out" the scene, the right voice will magically pop into my head. It's often loosely based on someone I know (or a celebrity). Sometimes, however, I'll need to change a character's entire persona if there's a twist at the end...so it's key to read the entire book before narrating!

  

Kat: What is the most difficult thing about your job?

 

Neil: Difficult" is a relative term, right? Compared to coal mining, I'd say reading books is pretty cushy! But if I had to say something...probably "pick-ups." This is when you have to go back through to correct little mistakes you've made throughout the read. Maybe you said "the" instead of "a," or maybe you accidentally bumped the mic. In a long book, there can be hundreds of pickups. I'd say I've gotten pretty good at reading the author's text word for word, but no one is perfect!

 

Kat: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

 

Neil: I'd say the most rewarding part is seeing the title appear on Audible. That means the project is completely done, and I know that people all around the world are listening to and (hopefully!) enjoying my work.

 

Kat: What do you think makes a good narrator?

 

Neil: Hmm--I'll give you a technical answer and a deeper one. Technically, you have to have mastery over your own voice. Like any instrument, you have to know what it can do, what it can't, and you have to keep it in shape to deliver grounded performances. This doesn't mean that everyone needs to sound like Morgan Freeman. But narrating is a marathon, so if you're not treating your voice well, it can cause serious damage. More profoundly, though, I think empathy is very important. The characters you voice might live in a completely different world, come from completely different circumstances, but you have to understand and empathize with their choices. If not, the read might come across as fake!

Kat: What is the one piece of advice you’d give someone wanting to get into audiobook narration?

Neil: Lean into your humanity. As scary as this sounds, in a few years, technology will probably allow robots to sound indistinguishable from humans. To be successful as a narrator in the future, I think, you'll have to be able to provide something a synthetic voice can't--comedic timing, passion, etc.

In conclusion, audiobooks have revolutionized the way we consume literature, and narrators have been an integral part of this change. As we continue to celebrate Audiobook Month, let us appreciate the narrators who bring our favorite stories to life and the power of this medium to entertain and delight us.

Finally, I’d like to thank Neil Carrigan for spending time with us today.