Today, I'd like to welcome the very talented Michael Ferraiuolo to my blog. Michael took on Caged: Love and Treachery on the High Seas and tackled the myriad accents of the cast with seeming ease... the result is absolutely incredible (and for those who've heard it... wait until you hear Sacrificed!).
Howdy, Michael. Welcome to my blog. Why don't you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a native New Yorker with an overabundant love of reading. Luckily I was able to take a traditionally leisurely pastime and make a career out of it. I also write music for film and tv…and the occasional audiobook.
How did you get into audiobook narration?
My career began in music, but before that I was student of theater who always had a knack for accents and voices. As a studio owner in NYC I was able to meet people from different parts of the audio recording world. One day, I met a gentleman whose career was in audiobook production. One conversation with him planted the seed in my mind. After a few twists, turns, and rocky attempts I found myself in Audible Studios as a fully fledged narrator.
What is your favourite part of doing narration?
There are two aspects of the job tied for first place. I love finding character voices. When you’re given a great character that can stand out with an interesting accent or pattern of speech its easy to have a great deal of fun. The other part of this work that I truly enjoy is when an author is able to tell me that a character has come to life just the way they heard them in their mind. There’s a real satisfaction in helping people bring their characters and worlds to life.
The hardest part?
Often the same thing as my favorite part! Voices can be just as much a challenge as they are fun. If there’s a manuscript with dozens of characters it can be difficult to truly differentiate between them all.
Favourite genre (or subgenre) of books to narrate?
I try not to discriminate. Art is art and I’m proud to be a part of any project I take on. I’m a little quicker to accept fantasy or sci-fi books though.
Are you reading anything right now?
Always! Aside from the books I read for work I tend to read one or two for pleasure simultaneously. I’m currently reading the second Erevis Cale trilogy by Paul S. Kemp. Sadly, the audiobooks have already been made…a missed opportunity!
What are your top 5 books of all time (any genre)?
I don’t feel qualified enough to answer that one! Can I cop out and list some of my favorite writers? If so, I’d have to say…in no order.
Tolkien
Shakespeare
Pablo Neruda
Bill Bryson
Glen Cook
Charles C Mann
Bey Deckard
Those are some great names to be included with... grins Sheesh :)
I’d like to say thank you Bey for your literary contributions and I would encourage everyone to share their enthusiasm for your work and other great literature!
Thank very much, Michael and thank you for stopping by!
Interested in having Michael narrate? Contact him through http://www.ironworkstudios.com/
Want to win an audible copy of Caged: Love and Treachery on the High Seas or Sacrificed: Heart Beyond the Spires (coming any day now)?
Just comment below with either your favourite audiobook or a book you would love to hear made into audio (any author or genre). I'll pick two winners on Wednesday April 26th
