Welcome to my tour stop! I'm sharing an interview with
the narrator and an excerpt from this audiobook below...
the narrator and an excerpt from this audiobook below...
The Not-So DeadBy Isaiyan Morrison
Narrated by Samantha Turret
YA Paranormal
Audiobook, Paperback & ebook, 6 hrs 8 mins
March 17th 2020
Summary
All Faye wants is another chance at being normal: hanging out with friends, playing video games, or reading the latest manga. As a wraith, her craving for a normal existence seems forever out of reach.
When she makes the move to the small town of Hueman, Texas, with her not-so dead nomadic family, she prays this fresh start will be the one that sticks.Until, one of her kind is murdered by a mysterious man in a black mask.
With only Carter, an unlucky human witness, by her side, Faye must find a way to prevent the body count from rising and protect her family’s secret identity.
As the man in the black mask lurks in the shadows waiting to strike again, her choice becomes a matter of life and death.
In the face of true evil, being normal is overrated.
Narrator Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an audiobook narrator?
Funny enough, I wanted to be an audiobook narrator since I was very young, before I knew it was a profession! I’ve always loved reading aloud to others—especially children. I love reading in general, but there’s something so magical about creating a world out loud and sharing a story with my voice.
How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?
I 100% stumbled upon it. I started out as solely an actress and voice actor. I had already done some professional voiceover work when a friend of mine said, “Did you know you could audition to be an audiobook narrator?” It honestly hadn’t even dawned on me.
Did you find it difficult to “break into” audiobook narration? What skill/tool helped you the most when getting started?
Yes and no. I pretty quickly started narrating books for royalty share when I first started off, however it was difficult to assemble the equipment and tools necessary to produce a really good quality audiobook from home. The most helpful tool when I just started was definitely ACX.com. That’s how I met the amazing Isaiyan Morrison and a bunch of other brilliant authors! It’s a great mechanism to bring narrators, authors and rights holders together.
A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?
I think it’s super helpful, but not a dealbreaker. Being a trained actor is super beneficial for voice acting, but you can still learn to be an amazing audiobook narrator without a theatre background.
What type of training have you undergone?
I have a bachelor’s degree in acting from Muhlenberg College. I’ve continued my education post college. I’m constantly in class and doing one-on-one coaching to try to be the best I can be.
How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for narrating?
I LOVE reading books, so it takes a lot for me to burn out while narrating. Even after prepping a book to narrate, I try to come at it with new eyes and an internal fascination to find out what comes next in the story or what else I can learn about the given subject. If I ever start to feel disengaged I’ll take a break and do something else. I always want to be really into the book when I’m narrating.
Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
As a relatively new LA resident, I’m definitely an audiobook listener. This format is amazing because you can read no matter where you are or what you’re doing. In LA I’m constantly driving, but I can also be constantly enjoying a good book thanks to audiobooks.
What are your favorite and least favorite parts of narrating an audiobook?
My favorite part of narrating is character work and learning new things. I love creating characters with different sensibilities, pacing, and vocal qualities. I also love immersing myself in the world of the book and learning things I didn’t know about. My least favorite part is having to steer clear of certain foods/beverages that aren’t great for your voice (ex: coffee, sugar).
What would you say are your strongest narration abilities?
My strongest narration abilities are YA, children’s books, multi-character books, dialects, accents, character voices and comedy.
Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?
I feel unsuited for some mature content books. I have declined a project because of the content not lining up with what I think I’m right for.
What about this title compelled you to audition as narrator?
Isaiyan and I worked together on one of her previous books, The Behesians, and we continued to keep in touch. When she sent me this book I knew after reading the first chapter I was all in. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I read the whole thing in one day even though I was with family for the holidays—I couldn’t tear myself away from the book.
How closely do you prefer to work with authors?
I love to work with authors closely and make sure they’re getting what they want chapter to chapter to ensure they’re happy with the final product, but I’ve definitely worked with some authors who don’t have anything to do with the audiobook production and that can work too! It all depends on what the author wants!
Who are your “accent inspirations”?
Ooooh I like this question! Jim Dale, Jenny Slate, Kristen Wiig, and Kristen Schall.
How did you decide how each character should sound in this title?
I read through the book and took thorough notes on each character’s journey along with any descriptions mentioned about them. Afterwards I tried a number of different voices for each until I found ones that felt like home for the character.
What types of things are harmful to your voice?
Unfortunately, diuretics (including caffeine and sugar) are harmful to the voice because it dehydrates you. Screaming and making any big noises can also be harmful.
Has anyone ever recognized you from your voice?
Not yet!
Have there been any characters that you really connected with?
YES, I tend to connect with characters pretty easily.
If you had the power to time travel, would you use it? If yes, when and where would you go?
Of course! I would check out every decade. I want to see it all. I’d probably go in chronological order to keep myself organized during the journey. I’m a little overly organized.
How does audiobook narration differ from other types of voiceover work you've done?
Most other voiceover work has a pretty strict amount of time it needs to adhere by. Commercials need to fit into a certain amount of seconds. With audiobooks you can take your time, in fact you need to take your time so the listener can process all of the details and information. Other voiceover work tends to have a cast and crew, but in audiobooks more often than not you are the cast, the narrator and sometimes even the editor and director.
Do you read reviews for your audiobooks? If so, which ones stand out to you most, positive or negative?
Yes. I try not to, but I usually end up reading them since it’s so tempting.
Negative critiques always stand out to me even if there’s only one in the bunch.
What type of the review comments do you find most constructive?
Comments about if they understood certain chapters or the book as a whole is helpful, if they don’t I know I need to work more on pacing and emphasizing important details.
Who is your “dream author” that you would like to record for?
Louisa May Alcott, Stieg Larsson, Jen Sincero, Scott Westerfeld
If you could narrate one book from your youth what would it be and why?
Little Women
What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?
NO!
What bits of advice would you give to aspiring audiobook narrators?
Read out loud as much as you can. Go on ACX and audition. Have the best time! YOU CAN DO IT! I believe in you.
What’s next for you?
I just recorded a radio spot which should start playing soon and I have a show I’m likely going to be a part of this summer. Other than that,I’m auditioning, taking classes and of course reading and listening to great books!
Bonus question: Any funny anecdotes from inside the recording studio?
One time I was recording and my boyfriend bust through the door and started sing/screaming The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze. I still have that recording somewhere, it always makes me laugh.
Audio Excerpt
About the Author & Narrator
Isaiyan Morrison was born and raised in Minneapolis, but her heart is in the impressive magical worlds she dreams up. She hopes to share her love for world-building with her readers and help guide them through the extraordinary settings she creates.
Her other passions include reading, and researching historical events. She also enjoys gardening, gaming, and spending quality time with her three cherished cats and beloved pitbull.
Samantha Turret is an LA-based voice artist, actress and comedian who absolutely loves working on Isaiyan Morrison's books. Other favorite narration credits include: Bestseller Rivals! Frenemies Who Changed the World as Mary, Queen of Scots (Audible) and Pearl the Magical Unicorn (Macmillan). She's voiced many other audiobooks and also lends her voice to animation and commercials. Samantha is also an onscreen actress best known for her role as Ms. Jingles on Nickelodeon's TOP ELF. Check out her website for more!
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