Q&A with William Todd, Dead of Night

Tell us about the process of turning your book into an audiobook.

It was a fun process. This is the third book that I have turned into an audiobook. This one was a bit more daunting because it’s a compilation of 6 horror stories, so the narrator had to wear many more hats on this one than with my previous books. The settings are varied and the characters even more so. I go from American to British to Irish. From man to monster to little girl with Down Syndrome. But my narrator Ben Werling was up to the task.

Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing?

Not at first, no. And this book certainly not. Most of these stories I wrote before audiobooks took off and certainly well before I thought I could get my books on audiobook. My most recent stories, however, I am rather cognizant of how I write, if only a little, thinking, “how would this sound on audiobook?”

How did you select your narrator?

Honestly, Ben Werling is my Sherlock Holmes and Watson story narrator. He’s been a great narrator with a wide range of styles and voices which is needed for the types of stories I write--late Victorian/ gothic horror. His voice is perfect for what I write so I have Ben do all my books.

Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing?

Bumps in the Night was a story with my daughter in mind. She was born with Down Syndrome, and I thought it would be neat to tell a story through her eyes.

How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for writing?

I lead a pretty active life with my family, two teens--one gearing up for college and the other in integrated track (for special needs kids), and a full time job  that has me travelling 80 miles a day in commute. You would think I’d get burned out quickly trying to fit writing in between all that but I really don’t. At least it hasn’t happened yet. I’m not sure where I find my writing time but I do find it. I manage one or two books a year and that seems to be my sweet spot. Anything more than that then, yeah, I’d probably burn out rather quickly.

Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?

I have only recently come into audiobooks but I love it. My son makes fun of me because I have come kicking and screaming into the technology age (I have only owned a smartphone for about 5 years). As an old man of 50 I had heard of audiobooks but never really gave it much thought. Since becoming  a writer and wanting to get my stories out in as many formats as possible I finally gave audiobooks a try and loved it. In today’s hustle world where there’s no time for anything, you can listen to an audiobook just about anywhere. You can’t say that for a paperback.

Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format?

I think with the way Ben does his audio he does sound effects in the background that harkens back to radio shows of old. I think the type of horror story I write lends itself very well to audiobook with those little sound effects giving you a little something different that you won’t get in book format. I think that helps heighten the experience of listening to a story rather than reading it.

What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?

In today’s hustle and bustle world we sometimes don’t have the time to “sit and read” a book. But hey, we all need our escape to other worlds, other times, other places, other people, and audiobook gives you that escape. You are able to listen while driving, exercising, or being otherwise predisposed where reading a book would be an impossibility. That will always be the ace in the hole for audiobooks.

What’s next for you?

I just finished my third Sherlock Holmes story, Murder in Keswick. I’ll market it over the summer then hit the keyboard again. I don’t have anything in the works at the moment, but inspiration is only one nightmare away!

Q&A with Lisa Becker, Clutch

Were there any real-life inspirations behind your writing?

When I was writing the Click trilogy, (Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click, and Right Click), I was obsessed with NCIS re-runs and would have the show on in the background as I wrote. There was an episode where a character refers to a man as a “handbag husband,” or something useless you carry on your arm.  I started thinking about that, and the idea for Clutch grew from there. I believe that everyone deserves a happily ever after and would like to think there’s a “clutch,” or someone worth holding onto, out there for everyone.

If this title were being made into a TV series or movie, who would you cast to play the primary roles?

I think Eloise Mumford, who played Kate in Fifty Shades of Grey, would make an outstanding Caroline. She has the right mixture of warmth, gumption, vulnerability, and beauty to bring this character to life. I still can’t decide who would play Mike, although I know I’d love to sit in on those casting sessions.  ;)

How did you celebrate after finishing this novel?

In the past, when I’ve typed the final “the end” on a manuscript, I celebrate with a box of my favorite chocolates. However, with Clutch, I thought it fitting to buy myself a new purse – a Michael Kors shoulder bag that I use every day.

How did you select your narrator?

When searching for a narrator, it was important for me to find someone who really understood not only the individuality of each character but the unique dynamic between the two main leads. I needed someone who could make Caroline relatable and showcase her intelligence, ambition, vulnerability and hopefulness in finding true love. And at the same time, the narrator needed to bring to life Mike’s irreverence, sense of humor, loyalty and drive. Early on in my search, I was lucky to find the very talented Suzanne Barbetta who was able to capture all of this effortlessly.

Do you have any tips for authors going through the process of turning their books into audiobooks?

Spend the time and money necessary to find the right partner who is professional, personable and truly gets the material. There’s a magic that happens when the connection is right, and you’ll reap the benefits from that to more than compensate for your initial investment.

Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format?

There are quite a number of a quick-witted exchanges between Caroline and Mike including the use of clever puns and rapid-fire jokes back and forth. I think an audiobook is a great way for those to come across and bring out the humor in the story, as long as you have a talented narrator with comedic timing and an understanding of the dynamics between characters. Again, I feel so lucky to be working with the talented Suzanne Barbetta as she was able to capture the chemistry between these two characters, which is the heart of the story.

What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?

I love the idea of audiobooks and giving people the opportunity to enjoy amazing storytelling in a convenient and accessible way. So, whether you want to read a book in a traditional manner or listen to a story while exercising, making dinner, lounging around or doing a myriad of other things, the important point is that you are enjoying the escapism and the beauty of the written word.

Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing?

Clutch actually started out as a screenplay that had been optioned by a production company at Sony Studios. The movie didn’t progress past the initial stages, so I turned it into a novel to bring this light and breezy story about love and handbags to the public.  It was only after I received so many positive reviews of the story, its characters, humor and heart, did I think to turn it into an audiobook. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the reach of this story that hopefully will inspire people to seek out their own happily ever after.

What gets you out of a writing slump? What about a reading slump?

Like all writers, I’ve encountered my share of writer’s block.  My solution: Chocolate! No joke, I eat chocolate. If I’m stuck on a certain section or not feeling motivated to write, I give myself little chocolate incentives to get past the blockage.  Judging by my thighs, I had some serious problems writing this book. ;) I’m not sure I’ve ever been in a reading slump, though. If anything, I need to find ways to stop reading so much, as it sometimes affects time with my family or work.

What’s next for you?

Included in Clutch is a preview of my next book, Starfish, a new adult story of unexpected love, the redemptive power of music and hogging the bed.  Starfish is expected to be released in spring 2019.

Q&A with Melanie Dickerson, The Orphan's Wish

What is your process of choosing and then determining the best way to rebuild a fairy tale each time?

Melanie: It’s a little different with each story. If it’s the first book in a series, I start out with the fairy tale, then build a story around it using the elements I like most about the fairy tale. Otherwise, I start out with a main character who was a minor character in a previous story. Then I pick out a fairy tale that seems to work with that character’s situation and personality. It’s fun to take elements from the familiar story and twist them, or bend them to fit my own setting. I try to use as many familiar aspects of the fairy tale as I can.

What inspired the story in The Orphan's Wish?

Melanie: I was inspired by the Aladdin fairy tale as well as by my character, Kirstyn, who was one of the Gerstenberg children. She had been very quiet and unassuming in the other stories, so I had to think about why she was quiet and how her childhood had shaped her personality. I was also inspired by the character of Aladdin in the Disney movie as well as the traditional story, because he was so determined to win Jasmine’s heart. What would motivate my Aladdin to be so determined? What would that look like if there was no magic lamp.

If you would like to read and extended excerpt from the book, visit here.

Q&A with Jennifer LeBlanc, The Tribulations of August Barton

Do you believe certain types of writing translate better into audiobook format?

It really depends on the writing style. Having it read out loud and brought to life is an amazing thing. Your characters become more real and the reader gets to become more immersed in your story. With that said, if the writing isn’t something that sounds good when read aloud it might not translate as well into audiobook format. This is why choosing the right narrator is so important because translating what's in your mind and your story the way you see it in your head is difficult. Details and certain things like character quirks and the tone need to match what you are trying to convey to the reader in your story. If the writing is flat and has no life or is too bland, it will be bland and flat when read aloud. I have listened to several audiobooks with the same old monotone narrators that try to make the story interesting, but don’t, because the writing isn’t interesting or the story isn’t written in an interesting way. On the flip side of that though I have also heard ones where the narrator works wonders for even the most boring and flat writing so it goes both ways.  

Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing?

Yes, I definitely anticipated getting my book made into an audiobook early on in the process. Because of this, I wrote the story the way I would want to hear it. It was like I was watching a movie in my head and when writing, I wrote how I would want the movie to play out. I thought about what reactions people would have if a character said or did something more interesting. This helped give my characters more individuality and spunk. They weren’t just people put together as a means to an end in the book. They became so much more and it’s definitely something you can hear in the audiobook.

How did you select your narrator?

This part was scary because I knew what I wanted for the characters and how I wanted them to sound, but to find someone who could do them, and the story justice seemed really daunting. I did a search on the audiobook production platform and came across James Oliva’s profile. He conveniently had samples of his previous work available to listen to. I listened to each one several times and I just couldn’t believe the range he had as a voice actor. I was hooked and just knew he was the one. From there I sent an offer and he gladly accepted. I feel like it was just meant to be because I found who I believed was the perfect narrator on the first try. That never seems to happen and I feel so blessed to have worked with and to continue working with him.

How closely did you work with your narrator before and during the recording process? Did you give them any pronunciation tips or special insight into the characters?

For some of the lines yes, but for Augie he just had it. He sounded young and skittish and weird and that’s exactly what I wanted. It was the same with Gertie and for the most part all the others aside from a few things here and there that were easy to fix.

Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing?

Yes, I have always been socially awkward and at times never really felt like I was confident or even comfortable in my own skin. This is a characteristic that I gave to my main character Augie because it stems from me and how I was at that age. I have also always had a special relationship with my grandmother and she’s been one of the most influential people in my life. I wanted to write a story that portrayed that relationship even though my grandmother is the complete opposite of Augie’s in many ways.

What about the audiobook format appeals to you?

I really loved audio books as a kid because they essentially taught to me how to read better and how to pronounce words that I didn’t know how to. They helped me understand the tone and get into the story better. I would always get the cassette tapes from the library and then follow along with the physical book. I still listen to them here and there on occasion without the physical books. Some of them are great and others don’t grab my attention as well. It really depends on the narrator. I don’t listen to audiobooks very much anymore, but I do like them.

Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format?

All of it, in my opinion the whole experience of listening to it brought so much more emotion out and so much more appeal for the characters. They become more real and relatable and I can’t thank James enough for the work he put into making my audiobook so great.

What bits of advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Talk to other authors if you can and connect with the writing community, whether it be local or reaching out online. Having the support of other people in the same boat helped me immensely through this process. The knowledge and advice of other readers, writers, and authors is invaluable whether it’s good or bad. Everything helps. Learn as much as you can. Do research on self-publishing and traditional publishing and most importantly READ! To become a good writer, you must first become a good reader.

Do you have any tips for authors going through the process of turning their books into audiobooks?

Be diligent in selecting your narrator and make sure they will be a good fit for your book. Also be patient with your narrator, once you have chosen one, because they have a lot more work they have to do behind the scenes than we see or know about. There’s a lot that goes into recording and editing the content in your book. It’s a process and it takes time. It’s not an easy feat by any means and is more than worth it in the end.

What’s next for you?

Publishing book two in the August Barton Novella Series titled, The Revelations of August Barton. Once the paperback and ebook are out, James has graciously accepted the task of narrating the audiobook for this one as well. I can’t wait to dig in and get it out there for all the readers and listeners. Once Revelations is released, I plan on doing more author events around where I live and doing some more marketing.

Q&A with Stephen Paul Sayers, author of A Taker of Morrows

What’s your new novel, A Taker of Morrows, about?

It’s about a man who’s visited by a stranger, who tells him he’s got twenty-four hours to live. You see, deaths are scheduled and schedules must be kept. In his desperate attempt to stay alive, he discovers the world isn’t what he thought it was, that it’s actually a battleground between the forces of good and evil from the afterlife, a place where ‘caretakers’ protect earthly souls and ‘jumpers’ prey on them…and now he’s become the prey. And if he’s to keep himself and his family alive, he must straddle the boundary between worlds and face the secrets of his past.
 
In a broader sense, it’s really a story about the nature of life and death, and the eternal price paid for what we carry in our souls.

What inspired you to be a writer?

I never set out to be a writer, but after a challenge from my daughter, Kaylee, I decided to write her a novel. I figured I’d write something for her, give it to her some holiday or birthday, and it would collect dust on her bookshelf. But when I started writing, a switch turned on inside me, something I’d never felt before, igniting a passion I didn’t know I had. It helped me finally figure out what I wanted to be when I grow up.
But more importantly, it has solidified a real bond between my daughter and me. She’s an amazing writer who has a full length novel under her belt at age seventeen. We now have this shared thing we do together. We talk about story ideas, read each other’s work. She gave me this great idea in A Taker of Morrows that became a key to the series in my opinion. So, she’s my inspiration.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

My brother and I watched horror movies all the time when we were kids. I think the 70s and 80s were a golden age of horror movies – and we got really into it. That’s also when I discovered Stephen King, and I read just about everything he wrote. That was my base, and no matter what different literary roads I may travel, I always veer back into the genre. Even the horror books I read today transport me back to childhood and reignite those feelings again.

What do you enjoy reading and who are your favorite authors?

I have so many authors I love reading in so many genres. I grew up on a steady diet of Stephen King and Peter Straub, so I got a good horror base. I’m also a big fan of a new generation of horror writers, Joe Hill, Paul Cornell, J. Lincoln Fenn, and Paul Tremblay, so I definitely get my fill. I also love writers of suspense and thrillers, especially Jo Nesbo, Dennis LeHane and Randy Wayne White. I’ve recently discovered Melissa Lenhardt’s “Jack McBride” mystery series, which sort of borders on chick lit, and yet I really like it. So, bottom line, I read just about anything.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

Horror and thriller fiction should be entertaining, number one. I want readers of my work to feel as if the time spent between the pages was a good investment. If they can escape from their world for a few hours, connect to my characters, and feel like they’ve made some friends they’re going to miss when they turn the final page, then I’ve done my job. 

On a lighter note, what are the top five things on your bucket list?

Hopefully, I’m not in ‘bucket list’ territory yet, but here goes:
        1. Cage dive with the Cape Cod great white sharks
        2. Stroll across the Abbey Road crosswalk
        3. Drive to Graceland in an RV
        4. Own a 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible
        5. Gain the advantage over my Gibson SG

 

Interview with Skye Warren, Survival of the Richest

I’m Skye Warren, New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance. And I’m excited to be here today chatting about my brand new release SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST!

Can you tell us what Survival of the Richest is about?

It’s a sexy love triangle about an heiress and the two billionaires who want her! We meet Harper St. Claire when she’s still a teenager and has a love-hate relationship with her stepbrother. Only when she’s a grown up does she fully come to terms with her desire for him… but that’s when she meets another man who’s determined to claim her himself. SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST is about the love and money and finding what you want while risking everything you have.

What made you decide to write a love triangle?

I love a challenge, and a true love triangle in which both men are viable options is something I’ve never written before. It made perfect sense for Harper St. Clare, an heiress with complex feelings toward men in general—that she would seek a man who isn’t emotionally available for her and be lured by a man who is forthright in a way she’s never met before. Only once she’s let herself surrender to love itself will she overcome her past, which is why she needs a love triangle story.

What was the hardest part about writing Harper’s story?

The essence of writing a love triangle is that half of the readers will end up disappointed, if they want the man who isn’t chosen! However it’s also part of the allure of the book… unlike a book where the ending is determined, both the journey and the final destination are unknown. It’s not for readers who are faint of heart! Or authors who like to please their readers, which I usually do!

I hope you love reading SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST!

An heiress without a cause.
Two billionaires determined to claim her.
And a war fought on the most dangerous battlefield--the heart.

"What an incredible book! Survival of the Richest has everything -- Skye Warren's beautiful writing, a sexy, compelling story; intricate characters, and a provocative love triangle that will captivate you until the very end." ~ New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane

My story starts with a plunge into the cold water of Manhattan's harbor.

A strong hand hauls me back onto the deck of the luxury yacht. Christopher was supposed to be my enemy. Instead he protects me with fierce determination.

That should have been my happily ever after, but then Sutton appeared--ruthless and seductive. He doesn't care that my heart belongs to someone else, because he's determined to win. No matter the cost.

It's an impossible choice, but I can't have them both.