Karen@KarenCommins.com

Karen Commins

Award Winning

Atlanta Audiobook Share-rator™

Interviews

My Recommended Classes, Audition Criteria and Other Advice

Being interviewed makes me feel like a celebrity on the red carpet!


Earlier this week, audiobook narrator Wendy Pitts interviewed me on her blog A Girl and Her Microphone.

She asked 10 engaging questions, such as #7: Are there any books, webinars, classes, or conventions you have found particularly helpful and informative?

I responded with a mini resource list of links in the following categories:

  • Narration
  • Pro Tools
  • Voiceover books
  • The best marketing book
  • Time Management
  • Making a Fast Decision
  • How to Use a Journal
  • How to Become BETTER at Anything
  • Conferences

In other answers, I offered my advice and links on selecting books for audition and narration (question 4), as well as a FREE and fabulous book to help you figure out what’s important to you and get it into your life (question 8). I hope you’ll check out the interview and let me know whether you found the links to be helpful.

Do you have a question you’d like to ask me? If so, please leave a comment!
 

Interview with Audiobook Blogger Rebecca M. Douglass

Authors and narrators greatly appreciate the people who take the time to listen to our audiobooks and then write thoughtful reviews. In this second installment of the series, I’m excited to interview audiobook blogger Rebecca M. Douglass from The Ninja Librarian to find out about her review interests and process.

Rebecca’s Bio:

Rebecca M. Douglass is an author and blogger with eclectic tastes, from children’s books to murder mysteries and non-fiction examinations of the natural world. She writes middle-grade fiction and adult murder mysteries and promotes her own work and that of other writers on her blog, largely in the form of reviews of anything and (nearly) everything she reads. Her own work maintains a humorous touch, whether it is the tall tales of the Ninja Librarian books or the absurdities of life on Pismawallops Island in Death By Ice Cream, or the wide variety of short stories published on her blog. Ms. Douglass writes from her home near San Francisco, which she shares with her husband and two teenaged sons, which is enough to drive anyone to invent new worlds to inhabit.

10 Questions For Rebecca

 

1. When did you start listening to audiobooks?

I have been listening to audiobooks for a long time, and don’t recall just when I started. I’m sure it’s been at least a dozen years. I listen when exercising, or when doing housework, which I detest but will do for the sake of continuing to listen to a good story. I began listening back in the days of cassette tapes and then CDs. My itty bitty MP3 player is a huge improvement!

2. What prompted you to start writing audiobook reviews?

I’ve been writing reviews for a couple of years now, and it never occurred to me to make a distinction between books I read and books I listened to, so I just naturally reviewed audiobooks. But I soon realized that I did need to comment, at least, when I’d used the audiobook, and that a mention of the quality of the audio and narration would be helpful to listeners. So I have gradually begun making two-pronged audio reviews.

3. Where do you write your reviews? If it’s a public place, why did you choose it? If it’s at home, describe the room and/or stuff on your desk. A picture would be fabulous!

I do almost all my writing at home, and all I will say about my desk is that I share it with my 15-year-old son…and he nags me to clean up my side of it. We have a somewhat chaotic little den (less chaotic since the teen cleaned it up recently), which contains a huge partner desk and a bunch of bookcases, full of classics, my favorite children’s books, and books on writing. I have a lot of inspirational quotes from author Chuck Wendig on my wall, because even though they tend to be profane, they are also profound. But I’m not sharing a picture of my chaos. No way.

4. How do you decide whether to read a book or listen to it? Do you ever do both for the same book?

I usually pick my audiobooks from whatever I stumble on in the library catalog, though sometimes I will select something because I love the narrator or because it’s the only copy available at the moment when I want it. I do often listen to and read the same book, though not at the same time—I might choose to listen to something I have enjoyed in the past, just to get a different take on it, or I might find and read a book I’ve listened to because I want to pick up what I might have missed when distracted while listening. I find that books are very different when read or heard.

5. Do you have a go-to genre?

Cozy mysteries form a large part of what I listen to, and I also do a lot of middle-grade books, though they can be hard to find.

6. What is your review policy? Do you accept review requests from narrators?

I do accept review requests, but I probably turn down more than I accept. I need to actually want to read the book, as I am foremost a writer of fiction, and my reading is for pleasure, when it’s not for research or to improve my craft. So I try to be sure that my reviewing and blogging don’t become either a burden or the focus of my work. I do not accept payment for reviews (I do accept review copies of books), and I do not do “review exchanges.” A lot of what I think about reviewing is covered in a blog post from October 2013: http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2013/10/reviews-and-review-policy.html.

7. Describe how you approach your reviews. Do you have different criteria for different genres?

I try to review with both an honest appraisal of how I liked the work and a more objective assessment of strengths and weaknesses, and a final recommendation for who might like the work. I hold all works to a high standard of writing, but I do consider genre. I don’t expect profundity from a children’s book full of goofy humor and silly situations, but I do expect things to make sense in their own goofy way. I have been gradually developing my format, but I try to always include a cover image, the author (and narrator or illustrator if appropriate) info, publication info, and a summary of the story, either my own or the publisher’s summary. Then I review, and end with a recommendation. I have stopped assigning “stars” unless I am publishing a review somewhere like Amazon that requires it, because I’d rather just talk about the book, the good, bad and indifferent, and let the reader judge from that.

8. Do you multitask when listening to books? If yes, what else do you do while you listen, and how does listening to books affect the other activity?

As I mentioned above, I like to listen to books while working out or doing housework (or yard work)—anything that requires the use of my body but not much of my brain. I can’t just sit and listen to a book, so if I’m totally caught up in a book and don’t want to quit, I will invent tasks, do handwork, etc., to keep listening! I have been known to stop short while running because something I’m listening to has made me laugh too hard to keep going, so I guess you could say that listening to book can affect what I’m doing!

9. Looking back through the reviews you’ve written, please share the link(s) of 1-3 that were favorites of yours and explain why they are special to you.

These are more about books that I particularly like, than reviews that I love. But I include here a range of review styles, to show what I may do.

Dana Stabenow, Restless in the Grave http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2014/08/mystery-monday-restless-in-grave-by.html

This review handles a book well into a series, and talks about my issues with the series as well as why I like it and keep reading, and what a new reader might do.

Ivan Doig, Dancing at the Rascal Fair http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2014/12/audiobook-review-dancing-at-rascal-fair.html

This is a fairly brief review, but one of my favorite books. I was delighted to find many of Doig’s books on audio only recently, and to find that his fantastic writing is enhanced by the excellent narrators.

And a less conventional review, of Brian Jacques’ Redwall books in general, and on audio in particular: http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2014/11/redwall-audio.html

This review in part sprang from a discussion of kids’ audio books, and an issue I’d had listening to these long ago in the car.

10. As a narrator, I sometimes feel I have a spiritual connection to some of the characters in the books. If you were a character in a novel, who would you be, and why?

I’d probably have to be Jo March or Anne Shirley! I’d like to believe I’m the Ninja Librarian, but the fact is that he is far wiser than I am. It is funny—when I think about that, I always end up going back to the classics from my childhood.

Connect with Rebecca on these sites:

Blog: www.ninjalibrarian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ninja-Librarian/305808032816136
Twitter: I Tweet as Douglass_RM, when the spirit moves me, which it mostly doesn’t.

Thanks, Rebecca, for spending some time with us in this great interview! Do you have a question or comment for Rebecca? Please leave a comment on the blog!
 

Interview with Audiobook Blogger April Holgate

Authors and narrators greatly appreciate the people who take the time to listen to our audiobooks and then write thoughtful reviews. In this first installment of a new series, I’m excited to interview audiobook blogger April Holgate from Eargasms Audiobook Reviews to find out about her review interests and process.

April’s bio:

I have always been a reader in one form or another. I generally get through a book a day. I just cannot help devouring stories! I was the kid whose favorite teacher was the librarian. She always let me borrow more books than you were allowed. As a kid I was very introverted. I loved going into my books and living an adventure in my head. As I grew older I started coming out of my shell and getting into theatre. Turns out reading and theatre are a perfect combination!

My career has varied from being an artist to working in Broadway theatres to working as a kid’s talent agent then back to being a starving artist again. I have loved every minute of my journey!

10 Questions For April

1. When did you start listening to audiobooks?

I have been listening to audiobooks for several years now. I started here and there while working on art projects or playing video games. I thought it was a great way to make that time more productive. Later I listened during my long commutes to and from work, 2-3 hours each way. Now I have a new job where I am on the computer all day, perfect for listening to books.

2. What prompted you to start writing audiobook reviews?

I started writing book reviews several years ago when I discovered Goodreads. It started as a way to keep track of books I had already read and my thoughts on them. Amazingly enough people started liking the reviews and asking for recommendations. I write a review for everything I read, the good, the bad and the eh. I only started including narrator info in the reviews a few years ago. I realized they were an important part of the experience that I left out. A narrator really can make of break a read.

3. Where do you write your reviews? If it’s a public place, why did you choose it? If it’s at home, describe the room and/or stuff on your desk. A picture would be fabulous!

I am a very fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl. I write reviews on my Kindle, on my iPhone, sneak them in while at work and at my desk. I have written reviews while lounging in bed, on the subway, in the bubble bath, waiting in line and most often at my messy desk. Wherever I am that gives me a moment to think and get those thoughts out. I am almost afraid to show you a picture of my desk because it looks like an episode of hoarders! LOL What can I say, I like chaos.

4. How do you decide whether to read a book or listen to it? Do you ever do both for the same book?

My traditional reading time is very limited due to work and life, so I am very picky about what I physically read. Mostly those are books from authors I am already invested in, who have not made the jump to audio.

Selecting an audiobook is easier because I can listen while I work, commute or pretend to work out. I have plenty of authors and series that I stalk, um follow. I am always watching for them to release. Other books will catch my eye because of the cover art, I like pretty. Then I read the blurb to see if the story interests me. From there I will listen to the sample to determine if I like the narrator. If everything looks and sounds good, I will spend one of my precious credits or accept the offer to review.

I have read a few books both in traditional reading and them in audio. Most of the time it is because the author has made the transition to audiobooks, other times it is because I need to reacquaint myself with a series that I read in ebook and am now switching to audio. I love experiencing the book again in a very different way. Many times I pick up things that I missed the first go around.

There is also the rare occasion when I switch to an ebook because I am not enjoying the narration. It has only happened a few times.

5. Do you have a go-to genre?

Do I ever! I have my top three favorite genres.

Romance, pretty much every sub-genre, I read anything from the sappy sweet to YA to naughty erotic to romantic suspense. I am a sucker for a good love story; smexy steam is always a bonus.

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, especially if it involves shifters! I love me some yummy shifter crack! My favorite thing about the genre is the way it can rebuild the world you thing you know. It is fantasy but modern as well.

Mystery, love them all, especially a cheesy Cozy Mystery. I love playing detective and trying to solve the crime before all the clues are revealed. There have been a few that gave my inner Sherlock Holmes a real work out!

6. What is your review policy? Do you accept review requests from narrators?

I welcome any offers for audiobooks. I have submission from authors, narrators and publishers. You will find I do a fair share of indie/self-published audiobook reviews. It is important for me to showcase more than just the NYT Best sellers. Generally my policy is just ask, you never know what might catch my attention. I have ever changing book moods!

7. Describe how you approach your reviews. Do you have different criteria for different genres?

For me a review is about liking the book or not. I hate reviews that regurgitate the book blurb or give spoilers. You will not see that at Eargasms. My philosophy is Keep It Simple. I go over what I thought of the book and characters in general. Was there a story, was it any good? How steamy did things get? What kind of narrative was it, single POV or mixed?

I spend at least a paragraph of the review is dedicated it the narration. Again, keeping things simple, commenting in the pace, tone and energy of the read. I have pet peeves about bad accents, background noise and weird pauses.

I do not have a lot of criteria as far as the genres, except for Romance. I need a story with my steam. I am not a fan of thin stories wrapped around oodles of sex. Give me a quality story with my smut!

8. Do you multitask when listening to books? If yes, what else do you do while you listen, and how does listening to books affect the other activity?

I listen while I work, I think it makes me more productive. Oddly enough splitting my attention tends to make me more focused. I get through more work when I am listening to an audiobook . I also listen while I am editing photos or creating props/costumes. Again, I think the audiobook helps me focus more on my task. I don’t usually need to think too hard about work or art, listening is a nice way to let my mind wander.

I also listen at the gym, but we are not going to talk about that torture chamber!

9. Looking back through the reviews you’ve written, please share the link(s) of 1-3 that were favorites of yours and explain why they are special to you.

So hard, it is like picking a favorite book! Impossible! Here are a few more recent ones that I really enjoyed.

http://www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com/2014/08/07/jitters-a-quirky-little-audio-book-by-adele-park/
Jitters is a favorite review because it was a book I was expecting to adore. There was such a sense of theatricality about the read, I fell in love! I do not usually enjoy full cast narrations; this was a very happy exception.

http://www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com/2014/11/29/audiobook-review-better-nate-than-ever-by-tim-federle/
Better Nate Than Ever is a favorite because I loved the combination of writer/narrator, and Nate really reminds me of so many friends. I can just imagine them as him in their youth.

http://www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com/2014/05/09/the-selkie-spell-by-sophie-moss/
The Selkie Spell was such a beautiful read. It was one of those books you want to crawl inside and live. Loved the Irish accents!

10. As a narrator, I sometimes feel I have a spiritual connection to some of the characters in the books. If you were a character in a novel, who would you be, and why?

I am going to show exactly what a classic book nerd I am here. I think I would be either Elizabeth Bennett of Emma Woodhouse. I think I have Lizzie’s forthright attitude and spunk. Emma is my more playful side. Ms. Austen really did know how to craft an awesome character!

I think I could easily relate to most of Shakespeare’s heroines as well. Katherine, Beatrice or Rosalind; all strong, independent and sassy as all get out!!

Connect with April on these sites:

Blog http://eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com/
Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2016803-april
Amazon
Audible http://www.audible.com/listener/A1KYJA5YM1479G?ref_=a_search_mst_tnaft_5
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/eargasmsaudiobookreviews

Thanks, April, for a peak inside your world! Also, I thank you for all of the narrator interviews on your blog this month, including my interview today!

Do you have a question for April? Please leave a comment!
 

Upcoming Series: Interviews with Audiobook Bloggers

When you have the courage to put your art out in the world, you know you will get a mix of reactions to it in the reviews.

I have never written a review (and don’t intend to start), but I’ve certainly read plenty, including many left for my audiobooks on Audible.

However, I do look at reviews for 2 primary reasons:

  1. to prepare for an audition of a book I’d like to narrate
  2. after my audiobook is released so that I improve my performance in future books

If I’m reading the reviews for the print editions before an audition, I look for comments about:

  • grammar
  • spelling
  • typos
  • correct word usage
  • amount of graphic sexual or violent scenes
  • amount of foul language
  • plot and character development

Helpful comments include things like comparisons to TV shows and movies, where if you liked the other medium, you’d probably like this book as it has similar character development.

I also like to know that the reviewer reads/listens in the genre for the review. Some people who have never read/heard a cozy mystery JUST DON’T GET IT! They think all mysteries are full of violence and fast action. They leave negative reviews and ratings for books that don’t meet that expectation.

The review is also not the place to complain about the price of the book/audiobook, though many people write one for that very reason.

Whether the review is left for a print edition or the audiobook, it doesn’t help anyone if it doesn’t offer constructive criticism. With an audiobook, if the Audible listener doesn’t like the story, s/he will usually trash the narrator, too, and vice versa.

Those types of reviews usually have 1-star ratings and don’t offer anything helpful to either the author or narrator. They usually just say something generically mean that could have come from a MadLibs, like: “The [story or narrator] was [negative adjective like horrible, atrocious, terrible, awful]! Don’t waste your money!”

It’s like the reviewer is completely outraged that they spent money and then didn’t enjoy the audiobook for whatever reason. They feel it their sworn duty to warn off other people from making the same tragic mistake, yet they can’t articulate the reason the audiobook didn’t meet their expectations.

Whether a reviewer is writing from the heights of wild enthusiasm or from the abyss of negativity, what’s the point of writing a review if a person can’t say what s/he liked or didn’t like about the book? Writing “I liked/didn’t like it but don’t know why” is not a review; it’s an opinion.

Even in a discussion with one’s friends, just saying “I liked or didn’t like it” wouldn’t be enough. Someone who might be interested in the book would almost certainly ask what about it did you like/not like.

I’m not trying to tell anybody to write any certain thing or certain way.  Even the 1-line opinions of “loved it” or “hated it” are valuable because your art made somebody feel something, which is really the point behind creating it.

Since I haven’t written reviews, though, my opinions about them may not matter to anyone but me!

For this reason, I am thrilled to announce a new series of interviews with audiobook bloggers! These people love audiobooks and write thoughtful reviews of the audiobooks they hear.

April Holgate, prolific listener and author of the Eargasms Audiobook Reviews blog will be first in the interview hot seat. Look for her interview here on Sunday, 28 December. Coincidentally (or not!), I’ll be interviewed on her blog that day as well and hope you will check out both of our sites.