Author: Lisa Becker

Narrator: Suzanne Barbetta

Length: 8 hours 11 minutes

Publisher: Lisa Willet Becker

Released: May 30, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Q&A with Narrator Suzanne Barbetta

• A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?
  
  • It helps when you have a strong theater foundation behind you but there are some very successful narrators who began as radio broadcasters. The important thing, if you don’t have those skills to call on, is to find a way now to access those tools.
• What type of training have you undergone?
  
  • In addition to my theater training, I’ve taken focused Character/Accent workshops with people as varied as Lisa Biggs, (who does eLearning and commercial work), and PJ Ochlan who can do just about any accent you can imagine. I’ve had private coaching sessions with Carol Monda, Jayme Mattler and Andi Arndt. I’ve also done workshops with Johnny Heller and Paul Ruben. I’ve been so lucky to study with such incredibly talented and giving teachers - really these people are the best our business has to offer.
• Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
  
  • YES! I love that I can read while commuting or doing chores. I feel that a narrator enriches the experience of the story in a very unique way.
• What would you say are your strongest narration abilities?
  
  • My ability to tap into the subtext, empathize with a broad range of characters and find the humor in even dramatic situations.
• What about this title compelled you to audition as narrator?
  
  • Initially Lisa approached me to audition for the book after listening to my samples. I liked the excerpt and looked at her other books to get a sense of her style. My favorite romance sub-genre is rom-coms and this story had a really fun hook. I found the heroine appealing as I usually play bold protagonists so I thought she’d be a great challenge.
• What types of things are harmful to your voice?
  
  • COLD WATER! It not only makes my throat gurgle but I think it tightens up my whole throat. I always try to have room temperature or warm beverages.
• How does audiobook narration differ from other types of voiceover work you've done?
  
  • It’s the closest thing to theater in the voiceover world which is exactly why I love it.
• Who is your “dream author” that you would like to record for?
  
  • Ooooo - maybe somebody super fun like Darynda Jones (her Grim Reaper series - love it). Fantasy AND snark? I. Am. So. There.
• If you could narrate one book from your youth what would it be and why?
  
  • Pollyanna. One of my favorite books as a child - it taught me how important it is to see the BEST in people.
• What bits of advice would you give to aspiring audiobook narrators?
  
  • This is a marathon, not a sprint. Even if you’ve performed in other mediums, be humble enough to accept help, work with a coach, and absorb as much as possible. Also, realize that when you choose to become a narrator what you’re really saying is you want to run your own business, so you need to learn how to do that as well.