I didn’t know much about audiobooks until this summer, when I had the pleasure of working with Robin Rowan, who narrated the audiobook version of Lady Dearing’s Masquerade.
I learned a lot and was incredibly impressed by what the narrators can do to make a book come alive in audio. There were a number of good auditions, but I ended up picking Robin because she did the best job at handling the full range of voices, from the heroine, Lady Dearing, to the many male characters including the hero, Sir Jeremy, and very importantly, the four children Lady Dearing “adopts” from the Foundling Hospital.
Robin was kind enough to answer some questions about the process of narrating this book.
What is it like to narrate a romance novel? How do you prepare to handle all the different characters’ voices?
I find one character (usually the heroine) that I can completely relate to, and then put myself in her situation, in her life, for the duration of the book. It isn’t always a woman, though. I think I especially enjoy the historical aspect of some of the romances I voice. I get to live in another time for a while. I hope the listeners are also transported to another time and can really feel that. I can visualize the characters so well—how they’re dressed, the setting they are in, the particular social mores they have to deal with in the book.
Was there anything particularly challenging about narrating this book?
I have honestly never done a complete book where all the characters and the narrator were British! I’ve done characters before, but I had to “become British” for this book. Did I drive my husband crazy staying in character all the time? Oh, yeah. And how do I prepare to narrate such a book? Why, watch all the Harry Potter movies, of course!
What did you most enjoy about narrating this book?
I could really sink my teeth into this story because of all the different stories and lives that finally merged at the end. And how much fun was it to get to be pompous Sir Digby Pettleworth and the wretched nephew Adolphus? I LIVE for these moments! Keep writing those awful and completely fun characters, Elena!
Thanks, Robin!
I’ll be giving away 10 free download codes from Audible for Lady Dearing’s Masquerade. Comment on this post between now and next Saturday, Oct 19th. I’ll announce the winners on Sunday, Oct 20th.
And check out the Youtube video below which includes a sample from the audiobook!
I read the book back when it came out as a ebook. I’d love to have it as an audiobook.
Glad you enjoyed it, Robin. And BTW everyone, we are not related, that I know of, anyway! Except for enjoying Regency romance. 🙂
Lady Dearing was one of my favorites to read and after checking out the link, I’d love to listen to it! As I’ve mentioned before in posting here, Elena’s books got me back into the genre after a long hiatus and here I shall stay! Thank you for giving us another way to enjoy your novels!! Wishing you much success in the audio book world!
Lesley, thanks so much for those kind words! So encouraging when I’m starting work on the next project. Wish you the best, always!
I’m a huge fan o f audiobooks, and I also love this series (which I have on ebook). So I’d be very happy to win. Please?
I’ve come to enjoy audiobooks too. Thinking they may help me on the long trips I expect I’ll be doing schlepping the oldest to/from college.
Interesting info about audiobooks
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Yes, it’s a whole new process for me to start understanding. The narrators work very hard–many hours for each recorded hour of the story.
We love the regancy romance .
That’s what we’re all about over here. 🙂
I’ve read a number of your books, including Lady Dearing’s Masquerade, and have enjoyed them all. I have also recently started listening to audiobooks and find them a wonderful way to enjoy books while driving and gardening. They can also add an extra dimension to a story when the narration is skillfully done. I’d love to hear one of your books in audio!
Thanks for the kind words, Jane! I’ve just gotten started in audiobooks (listening as well as having my books narrated) but I think they’d be a great way to while away long drives. Someone I know also likes to knit while listening.
Hi Elena, I absolutely love your books!! I really enjoy audio books because I travel alot and it makes the time go by fast;IF it is a good story. However, it ruins the audio book if the narrator doesn’t have the voice for story!!
I would love one! Please??!!
Glad you enjoy my books, Sheila! In the process of learning more about audiobooks, I listened to a lot of samples and agree it’s so important to have the right narrator for each story.
I adore audiobooks, they are awesome to listen in the car on long trips and walking around the neighborhood. I started listening to audiobooks on the move to Montana.
I just talked to a friend who likes to listen to audiobooks while cleaning house. That HAS to make it more pleasant!
Thank you for a wonderful post Elena. I too hadn’t thought about how much goes into making an audio book and it is true that the better the narrator the better the audio book experience. I find the idea of audio books more and more appealing as my life gets busier. I can then listen to them as I clean the house, in the car and walking the dog.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Cassie! There is so much that goes into the process. I learned a lot even from the author side: how to create an audition script, listening to different narrators and their sometimes very different takes on my characters. It’s really important to find one who embraces the feel and mood of the story.
I’ve only recently found the pleasure of audiobooks as well. I have thyroid eye disease so reading can be difficult at times so I can’t read as often as I would like. I will be honest in saying I have yet to read one of your books but I would be very happy to be chosen for the Audio giveaway for Lady Dearing’s Masquerade.
Billy Jo, so sorry to hear about the eye disease. I’m glad more and more books are making it to audio to meet needs like yours–and of course, for anyone who likes to listen while doing other things.
Audiobooks are my new favorite! I read this book a few weeks ago, and would love to hear the audio version!