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 interviewing some of our favorite narrators so you can learn a bit more about who they are and what they do.
Narrator Interviews!
Please help me welcome Ms. Tanya Eby!
How long have you been narrating audiobooks and how did you get started?
I think it’s been about 15 years now. I started 15 years ago, but really just did it on and off, until I went full time 6 years ago. And I took five years off when I had my kids. When I started, there were no iPads, iPhones, digital downloads or anything. I’m so amazed when I look back and see how far things have come.
What genres do you cover? Do you have a favorite genre?
I’ve read almost all major genres I think: romance, erotica, sci fi, fantasy, nonfiction, biography. I love women’s fiction and would love to read a historical romance, a classic literary fiction piece. I also love horror books, so I guess my interests are pretty broad.
What aspect of narrating an audiobook do you find most challenging?
Consistency. You have to be really present and connected to the text, but because it can take 3 or more days to record something, you also have to be consistent with your voice. Do you keep the same tone for the narration? Is your voice warmed up so you don’t sound deep in the morning and higher pitched in the evening. Do your characters speak from the same place every time? It’s a lot to juggle (but also a really fun challenge).
So, please tell us about BLUNDER WOMAN PRODUCTIONS!
Blunder Woman is my bad ass company where I get to publish stories that I want to…because I want to. How amazing is that? I haven’t settled on offering a single genre yet because I feel like audiobooks are like music in many ways: there’s one for every mood. Having this company has allowed me the freedom to work with writers and narrators in a different way than when I’m narrating…and it’s lead to some incredible collaborations.
AND… you are an author! Do you find your work as a narrator and audiobook producer influences your writing in any ways?
It does! Although, maybe the pendulum has swung a little too far. I think I’m a little more succinct with my writing now. Sarina Bowen is always reminding me to maybe slow things down a bit. I think with all the hours of recording, I’ve become more visual in my writing, and it’s helped me with natural sounding dialogue.
Which do you like best, narrating, writing, or producing?
Yes.
Ha!
I like them all for different reasons. And when I get a little fatigued with one thing, I can focus on another. Now that I think about it, narrating, writing, and producing…they’re REALLY just one thing: storytelling. I’m beautifully obsessed with sharing stories.
Do you enjoy listening to audiobooks? If so, what is your favorite genre and/or narrator?
I was a Books On Tape fan before I became a narrator. I’d go down to my library and rent cassettes. A book at that time would have 14 or more cassettes in it. I think my favorite genre to listen to is thriller/mystery and scary stories. I love the energy of it.
If you could work with any author (living or deceased) and/or narrate any title, which would you select and why?
I’d love to narrate something by Edith Wharton and/or Virginia Woolf. They really helped shaped my career. When I was in college, all the lit classes focused mostly on male storytelling. I loved it, but I felt a little disconnected. So I asked a professor if I could do an independent study and focus on Wharton and Woolf. It was really mind blowing to read all of their work, look for connections, and feel like this was writing that I could more closely relate to. It would be such an honor to read their work out loud, and would sort of make me feel like I’ve come full circle.
I’m also really interested on working with authors to create original content for audiobooks.
Is there anything more you’d like to share with my readers?
I just want to thank everyone for listening and reading. It’s amazing how powerful storytelling is and how it allows us to connect. And I’m so honored that I get to have a little part in the audiobook industry. For real.
Thank you so much for participating in JIAM at That’s What I’m Talking About!
About Tanya Eby:
Tanya Eby is an Audie winning and nominated narrator, writer of the Man Hands books with Sarina Bowen, and owner of indie audiobook publishing company Blunder Woman Productions. She also narrates under the name Tatiana Sokolov is my brand name for erotica titles.
Social Media Links:
www.tanyaeby.com
www.blunderwomanproductions.com
Twitter @blunder_woman
Twitter @BlunderWomanPro
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tanya.eby
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlunderWomanProductions/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-eby-702288b
Instagram @tanya_eby
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2926031.Tanya_Eby
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Eby
Audible https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Tanya+Eby
Audible https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Tatiana+Sokolov
Giveaway:
In celebration of Audiobook Month, Tanya is giving away two (2) two free Audible downloads from any of the books in the Blunder Woman Productions catalog: https://www.blunderwomanproductions.com/our-books/
To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form AND leave a comment at the end of this post sharing with us which title you’d select if you win. The giveaway is open during the time specified on the Rafflecopter form. Winner(s) chosen at random from all eligible entries. This contest is open where not prohibited by law. Open to participants, 18 years or older, who are legally allowed to participate in such a contest as allowed by their local laws. All federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. By participating in the contest, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of the contest sponsor. Prize will be delivered via a download link as provided by the contest sponsor. This blog, its reviewers, and the owner are not responsible for prizes. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to abide by these terms.
If you have problems with the Rafflecopter form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.