Narrator Interview with Nick J. Russo

Happy Thursday to all you beautiful people in the Cafe!  This week we are bringing you an interview with narrator Nick J. Russo: a little "behind the scenes" behind the mic.  Then clear your schedule and check out all the great books he's narrated on Audible.  Enjoy!



FSC: What is your coffee house beverage of choice?

Nick:  Until recently, I would have said pass on the whole place. But I only just discovered the magic that is coffee and I don’t know what I was doing with my life before it. I’m a simple
man - I like it good old fashioned black!

FSC:  Can you talk a little about your professional background? What are some of your favorite projects you've worked on?

Nick:  While I was involved in theater projects throughout school, (and many musical ones during and after), I have no formal education in voice acting. I started about five years ago doing it more as a hobby and it took off from there. Now, it is very much a full time job that I spend most hours of my life doing (and loving!). As far as some of my of favorites, there are too many to list! I really enjoy stories with a lot of emotion. The more times I get to angrily or theatrically argue with myself in the booth, the better.

FSC: How did you get started as a narrator?

Nick:  As mentioned before, I started doing it as a side hobby along with my day job. Over the course of the next two years, it grew into its own full time job, and I couldn’t be happier.

FSC:  One thing that surprises many audiobook listeners is how long it takes to create an audiobook. What's the longest day you have spent recording?

Nick:  These days I try to limit my sessions to no more than four hours a day, but there have been times in the past when I’ve done longer sessions. I think the most I’ve spent in the booth for any one session was close to nine hours! What a day that was!

FSC:  How long did your most recent project take you, and how long is the finished book?

Nick:  It takes us on average between 4-5 hours of work for every finished hour of audio. We recently completed a book that was about eight finished hours, (which is pretty average), which clocked in total work on that one around 40-50 hours.

FSC:  When you record, how do you break it up? Do you, for instance, read multiple chapters in one sitting?Nick:  I’ve got it down to two separate sessions throughout any given work day - a morning one and an evening one. Each session is about two hours long. Depending on the length of the chapters I’m recording, sometimes that gets me through several chapters, sometimes it gets me through just one!


FSC:  How do you decide what kind of tone to take with each new book? What is it like reading different characters' dialogue lines?

Nick:  Tone is heavily dependent on the emotion the author is conveying. If the story is dark or heavy, a light jovial tone would sound very awkward, or vice versa. As long as I’m on the same wavelength as the author, it usually comes pretty naturally. Reading different character’s dialogue is one of my favorite parts! I love switching back and forth between two people in any given conversation.

FSC:  What do you enjoy the most about narrating?

Nick:  There are so many things, but if I had to pick one, I’d say the joy and contentment I’m able to bring others. It’s so satisfying knowing that I’m enhancing already excellent writing with a full blown performance of my author’s works.

FSC:  When can we expect to hear from you with a new book?

Nick:  Check my audible page regularly- it’s always got something new! My most recent release was Christmas Homecoming by the talented LA Witt, but new books from Suzi Hawke, more from LA Witt, Ed Davies, and Alex Miska should be out very soon!

We are certainly excited to hear more from Nick!  You can find that Audible page here, or find him on Facebook. Also, find Nick and other great narrators at Falcon Sound Company.  

Have a great week, and, as always, happy listening!