Sleeping
with the Lights On, the first book I
published, is now available in audio. Ten years ago, this month, I signed my
first contract with The Wild Rose Press. I’m so excited about this fun,
humorous romantic suspense launching as an audio book. I never dreamed that
would be possible ten years ago.
Today,
I’d like you to meet the most talented Lily Dubuque, the narrator for Sleeping
with the Lights On. Her voice makes this audio story perfect! I think
once you get a listen to her, you’ll just have to check out her other books.
Let me
introduce you to Lily and get a glimpse into her world.
Me: Hi Lily! Great to have you here. First off, where do you
work and turn the written word into audio? I understand most narrators work out
of their homes. Do you have a special area, room, or nook where you make your
magic happen?
Lily: Hi Brenda,
first I'd like to say how much I enjoyed narrating Sleeping with the Lights
On. What drew me to this book was the middle-aged main character. You
made her smart, sexy and fun! And the plot was as riveting as the
characters were compelling. It was easy to sit in my booth to narrate
this gem. My booth is in my finished basement. Some narrators sit in a
closet all day long. I am lucky enough to have a room!
Me: In Arizona, we don’t see many basements. When we lived in
Minnesota, every home seemed to have one. So versatile. Thank you for the compliments. I love writing
characters with a little mileage. Glad you enjoyed her. How did you get started
as an audio book professional?
Lily: I worked as a
television reporter in my 20's, and when my son was born, I decided to get into
voice-overs so that I could stay home with him. I have done radio and
television commercials and my favorite...audio books. It is really fun to
bring the words to life.
Me: Wow, a reporter. Sounds romantic in an exciting way. And
you do bring words to life. How do you approach a book when you first see it
and make the decision to audition a sample?
Lily: Some narrators
only look at how the kindle version sells. But I look at more than that. If I
can identify with the characters (as I did with Sleeping with the Lights On)
and really enjoy the story line, then I audition. If you are sitting in a room
recording for hours on end, you really have to enjoy the story!
Me: How long does it take to complete the average book?
What are the steps?
Lily: If a book is let's say, eight hours, it will take double
to triple that amount of time to create the audio book. I read the book over,
figure out how I will make the characters sound, and then go over the pacing
and the mood. I usually record a chapter at a time, and then edit it.
Me: That is so interesting. I have to compliment you on the
job you did narrating Sleeping with the Lights On. Now, I know
why you did such a good job. Although set in Minneapolis, the hero and heroine
are from the southwest. You had just the right amount of twang in your voice.
And then there was Wesley. He’s one unique character and you nailed him, too.
Do you have a favorite genre to narrate? Is there any type of book you
avoid?
Lily: Wesley was so
fun! His personality was really unique and quirky! I lived in Tupelo, MS
for almost four years in my 20's, so I used a little bit of that accent in
Carson's voice. I like all genres as long as the story is compelling. I
have also narrated non-fiction but it isn't nearly as much fun! What I
enjoy so much about your books is that you combine romance and suspense.
I like to really feel the emotion between the characters when I narrate. And if
there is a plot twist, you don't want to stop reading!
Me: Okay now some lighthearted questions…
Because I
write Romantic Suspense, do you ever fall for any of the heroes or
heroines?
Lily: No, but I have
a hard time letting them go. After I finish a great book, I feel like the
characters are my friends! I definitely would love to hang out with
Sandra and her sister!
Me: When you aren’t working, what’s your favorite pastime?
Lily: My husband and
I love the beach! We don't get there often enough, but hope to move to the Florida
gulf coast someday!
Me: Coffee, tea, or cola?
Lily: I am a coffee girl all the way!
Me: We have coffee in common. Mountains, seaside, or
cosmopolitan city?
Lily: Definitely the seaside!
Me: It’s been
great getting to know you, Lily. I’m looking forward to working with you in the
future.
Lily: I would love
to narrate your next book. Even if I weren't a narrator, you are still
one of my favorite authors!
Me: Ah, thanks, Lily…mutual admiration!
Find Lily’s
audio books here:
https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Lili+Dubuque
A secret admirer, a redheaded stalker, and an
eccentric millionaire throw Sandra on a dangerous path, just when ex-husband,
Carson drops back into her life after an eighteen year absence. Can this
handsome, country crooner save the day, or will Sandra forever be Sleeping With The Lights On?
Buy Links for the audio of Sleeping with the Lights On:
