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Interview with Nick J. Russo, audiobook narrator PLUS audiobook giveaway

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Today we'll meet Nick J. Russo, the talented narrator who's voiced many of my audiobooks. Whether it's Sarge's gruff commands, Max's sly teasing, or James's awkward protestations, Nick's does an incredible job bringing my characters to life.

Howdy, Nic​k. Welcome to my blog.
Thanks for having me, Bey!

First off... how did you get into audiobook narration?

I got into audio book narration a bit on a whim. I was working in an entirely different field when a friend of mine, John Solo, was looking for people to to read at his studio, Falcon Sound Company. As soon as I came in and read, I knew it was something I would enjoy doing. It's not every day that you can stumble into a dream job and turn it into a full time career, but three years later it's what I'm doing and loving it!

What is your favourite part of doing narration?

My favorite parts are usually when there is some kind of intense moment in a book. If I'm able to really get into the character and convey more extreme emotions like jealousy, fear, anger, extreme joy, regret, and of course lust in sex scenes, just to name a few, they are incredibly fun to perform. When those are written well, it's great to translate into audio.

The hardest part?

Sometimes it can be tough finding just the right voice for a character. During my pre-reads I've gone in with an initial voice in mind only to find that it doesn't work whatsoever by the time I'm done. Accents, depending on the type, can be a bit difficult at times as well.

Favourite genre (or subgenre) of books to narrate?

I have a few favorite genres, but if I had to pick one I'd say sci-fi. I've always been a sucker for space adventures, whether it be Star Wars, Star Trek, Battle Star, Mass Effect - whatever. To me, sci-fi is like pizza: there isn't any bad version of it.

Are you reading anything right now?

I'm about to start 1984, which I've heard great things about and pretty excited for. John Grisham novels are always a go to of mine as well.

What are your top 5 books of all time (any genre)?

I'm not sure I could pick just five! If I had to list some that come to mind though, I'd probably say John Grisham's The Firm, David McCullough's 1776, Stephen King's The Shining, and the Star Wars Thrawn Trilogy. I'm also a big fan of the Harry Potter series. Real random list I know, but that's how I roll. :P

I appreciate getting to be on your blog, as l'm a big fan of your work, Bey! It's so much fun narrating your stories because I know before I even read the first page that the characters will be three dimensional and a lot of fun to voice. Thank you for letting me voice your guys! And thank you to all those that enjoy my reads. It's really great to hear from fans via reviews, tweets, or on Facebook. I've got a bunch of titles in the works right now, with Bey's The Last Nights of The Frangipani Hotel out in audio today!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Nick!


Here's your chance to win an audio copy of The Last Nights of The Frangipani Hotel!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy birthday, Caged! Audiobook giveaway

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Three years ago today I published Caged: Love and Treachery on the High Seas. It was unedited, the cover was a weird size, I hadn't even given a thought to marketing it. I didn't figure anyone would read it, honestly. I just published it for fun, on the suggestion of a friend, and basically walked away.

Then I got a review. And then another. And then another.

Well, here we are three years later. I've published five full-length novels with a sixth on the way, six novellas and novelettes, and a number of short or flash fics... and I hope to publish many more.

To celebrate the third anniversary of my first published work, I'm giving away five audiobook copies of Caged, narrated by the extraordinary Michael Ferraiuolo. All you have to do is go to this post and follow the instructions :)

Queeromance Ink – New Book Site!

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There's a new site in town: Queeromance Ink is a directory of LGBTIQA romance and related books, with links to purchase them from a variety of other sources, including publishers, distributors, and in many cases, the authors themselves.

Wonder where you can purchase my books? Check out my page. :)

Back to Kindle Unlimited… Max, Kestrel’s Talon, Caged

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I've been putting books back on Kindle Unlimited for fun. Seems that Amazon may have improved its fraud problem, so I've thrown Max, Kestrel's Talon, and Caged back into the program to see.

Click on the covers for the buy links :)

 

2016 Rainbow Awards: Kestrel’s Talon

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I'm honoured that Kestrel's Talon made it all the way to runner up in this year's 2016 Rainbow Awards under the category of Best Gay Erotic Romance & Erotica! How cool is that? Hoorah! (read the review here)

It makes me really happy to have written it and shared it. I can't wait to get to the sequel in the new year.

Thank you to Elisa Reviews and to everyone who volunteered their time and money! There was over $14 000 donated to LGBT charities.

Winners:

  1. A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  2. Come Back To Me by Edmond Manning - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  3. Better Than Safe by Lane Hayes - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance

Runners Up:

  1. A Kind of Truth by Lane Hayes - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  2. Quillon’s Covert by Joseph Lance Tonlet & Louis Stevens - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  3. The Arrangement by Felice Stevens - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  4. The Biggest Lover by R. Jackson - Gender: Gay - Genre: Anthology / Collection / Erotica
    Lock and Key by Z. Allora - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  5. Building Bonds + Safe Limits (2 novellas as 1 submission) by Morticia Knight - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  6. Second to None by Felice Stevens - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
  7. Kestrel's Talon (The Stonewatchers #1) by Bey Deckard - Gender: Gay - Genre: Erotic Romance
    Not Just Another Pretty Face by Louis Flint Ceci - Gender: Gay - Genre: Anthology / Collection / Erotica

The Novel Approach Celebrates 5 years! + Max Audiobook Giveaway

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The Novel Approach:

cover-audioWe have a special guest visiting today to help celebrate our 5 Year Blogiversary. Author Bey Deckard couldn’t join us, but Max–have you met Max yet? Trust me, you’d remember if you had–has offered to take Bey’s place. And, there’s also a giveaway involved, so be sure to check out the details below.
Welcome, Max…

 

Check out Max's post here and enter to win an audiobook copy of the book!

Max – Narrated by Nick J. Russo

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Now Available!

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Buy links:
Audible
Amazon
iTunes

Attention UK MM Authors and Fans: Check out the the new shiMMer Author Signing Event!

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shimmer-avatar-date1An experienced team of UK-based bloggers and authors of M/M Romance
has arranged an Author Signing event for this genre.

Wouldn’t you like to be there?!

Authors –  Places are limited, so book your place SOON.

Readers and bloggers –
We’d love to see you all there, buy your ticket and mark it in your diary!

MORE INFO

Win a Signed Copy of Better the Devil You Know – Contest ends Oct. 31

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BTDYK-cover-final-2800a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a Signed Paperback of Max by Bey Deckard

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Originally, I was going to publish Max later on in October, but the planets aligned and everything was ready quickly, so I sent it live early… and promptly got really fucking sick. cough sneeze

The stress of finishing a book (hey, it’s stressful) on top of all the stress I’ve been under concerning the pit bull ban in Montréal means I got hit harder than I normally would. Thankfully, I am on the mend. (Also, for those who haven’t heard yet, a judge from the Superior Court of Québec, at the SPCA’s behest, suspended the pit bull ban until the actual court hearing is held [which could be in a few months]. HOWEVER, the fucking mayor is now vowing to appeal. shakes head)

Anyhoo.

SO! Max quietly went live and I have to say that I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s the first book I wrote that really covers some of my own stomping ground (The Complications of T was also set partially in Montréal but they never really went out heh) and that was incredibly fun. Almost all the locations are based on real ones, and I tried to convey a sense of Montréal-ness in the use of language and names of things throughout the book: French/English coexistence, crime syndicates, marchés, the metro, the fireworks over the water…

Hey, I love my city… :)

Is it a dark book? Some say yes, some no. It’s certainly twisted and covers dark themes overall. Don’t expect anything resembling a healthy relationship in it. Mostly it’s suspense… or a thriller. I think it’s a rollicking fun psycho romp. I had a good time throwing in references, both subtle and blatant, to my favourite movies and I put together a soundtrack that has some songs that I loved dancing to back in my goth club days.

 

max-giveaway
I’ve got three signed paperbacks to give away. All you have to do is answer the following questions and you’ll be entered to win (international entrants welcome). Send your answers to bey.deckard@gmail.com with the subject: Max Paperback Giveaway.

Good luck! I'll draw three names on Halloween.

Question one: What movie is this from?

I see angels, Mickey. They're comin' down for us from heaven. And I see you ridin' a big red horse, and you're driving them horses, whippin' 'em, and the're spitting and frothing all 'long the mouth, and the're coming right at us. And I see the future, and there's no death, 'cause you and I, we're angels...

Question two: In the soundtrack, I used one song that was used in a TV show. What is the name of the show? (hint: it features a serial killer)

Question three: What movie is this from?

Early seemed harmless. Primitive, but harmless. Of course the fact of the matter was he had killed his landlord less than an hour before we met him. He was even wearing the guy's ring. Who knows what he did with the finger?

Question four: Why was Montreal once called (and sometimes still referred to as) “Sin City”?

Question five: What movie is this from?

I've no plans to call on you, Clarice. The world is more interesting with you in it.

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Wondering which retailer pays me the most?

#1 is Payhip. Not a retailer, but an online shop that I've set up myself. This is where I make the most return on my books.

Then after that it gets a little complicated, but these are the three best choices:

At Eden Books*, I make 70% royalties for all titles.

At Smashwords, I make 60% royalties for all titles.

At Amazon, for books OVER $2.99 (USD) I make 70% royalties and for books UNDER $2.99 I make 35%

So... if the book is under $2.99, buy from Eden Books or Smashwords.

If the books is over $2.99, buy from Eden Books or Amazon.

But best of all, buy from my Payhip store :)

Questions? Contact Me!

*Not all my titles are available at Eden yet as of 25/09/23 - I'm working on it.

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