Each June, audiophiles from around the country celebrate all things audiobook. Since we love to listen and review audiobooks here at That’s What I’m Talking About, we are participating in our own Audiobook celebration.
What would an audiobook be without a narrator? As part of Audiobook Month, we are spotlighting various narrators so you can learn a bit more about who they are and what they do.
Narrator Spotlights!
Today we shine the spotlight on:
Natalie Naudus
Do you have a pseudonym you’d like to share?
Victoria Mei
Tell us how long have you been narrating books?
I started about 9 months ago, and am just starting my 29th book.
What genres do you cover? Do you have a favorite?
I’ve done Romance, Psychological Thriller, Young Adult, Mystery, Sci fi, and Non Fiction. I enjoy each genre for different reasons, but I’m always partial to a good mystery!
Do you do any other voice work or acting?
I’ve worked as an opera singer, appearing onstage in over 20 productions, but now I’m all about the audiobooks!
What is your favorite job to date?
Gosh, I’ve been so lucky in my short time as a narrator to work with some amazing authors. No one can mess with your mind like Lili St. Germain, her psychological thriller Gun Shy is amazingly twisted. I’ve done two Winter Renshaw romances, and I’m so smitten. I also narrated this military sci-fi book, Fallen Sun by Harule Stokes, and its just an incredible book. It’s the story of sisterhood and female warriors that I didn’t know was missing in my life.
How do prepare for a job? Does the preparation depend on the genre or type of book?
I prep carefully, and I like to send a read through of character names/places to the author or editor before I get started. I’ve learned that its easier to fix pronunciations before recording the whole book (go figure!) I’m recording a non fiction piece right now that has a lot of Chinese words and locations, so I prepped that really carefully, and even called my brother a few times to check some words. Some books require extra careful thought about the characters and their voices, others require more research about locations and terms. There is always plenty to keep me engaged!
If you could narrate any book or work with any author past or present, what would you choose? Why?
Oh, what a question! I’d give a kidney to narrate anything by Haruki Murakami or Neil Gaiman.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m excited to record the final book in Alicia Rades’ Divine Fate Trilogy. I haven’t read the third book yet and I’m dying to see how things turn out for Ryn!
As Victoria Mei, I’ve just started some fantastic series. Cristiane Serruya’s Ever More series is starting off so hot, and so sweet. Alex Lidell’s Power of Five reverse harem fantasy world is so exciting, it feels like an action movie at times. I’m doing a few upcoming books for Erin Wade, and she writes really intriguing story lines that keep you guessing, featuring Lesbian protagonists.
Speaking of which, I need to stop typing and get reading! Thanks so much for interviewing me, and thanks to all the audiobook listeners out there! I’m reading to you!
About the Narrator:
Natalie Naudus is an Asian American actress who started out as an opera singer, and is now bonkers for audiobooks. She excels at unique character voices and passionate storytelling.
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