Audiobook narrator, editor, and all-around 5-star human

I have listened to the entire The Write Place audiobook, and… y’all… It. Is. Amazing. It is a completely different experience from reading the words on the page. It is so vibrant and full of life. While I was listening, I was laughing and crying and thinking, This is is a really good book! And then, Wait! I wrote this book!

Most of this is a testament to Megan Carver’s talent and care. She was an absolute dream to work with. Every step of the way, I felt like she cared about these characters as much as I do, which made what otherwise would have been a daunting and anxiety-provoking project a really enjoyable one.

Megan is now (well, has been for a while now) an official part of the Leade Park team. She’s narrating The Write Place and The Write Time (and hopefully The Write Choice? We haven’t gotten that far yet.), and she’s editing The Write Choice, so she’s fully in her Allie Samberts era right now.

So, since our first joint project is coming out in just a few weeks, I figured we should hear from Megan herself for today’s newsletter!

1. Tell us a little about your background and what has drawn you to the world of audiobooks.

I’m a professional actor with over 20 years of experience both on stage and screen. From regional community productions to Off-Broadway musicals to big-screen feature films, I’ve managed to dip my toe in a lot of different storytelling mediums! I think that’s what made me seriously consider audiobook narration. It’s one more way to connect people to stories that matter.

2. This is your first narrative audiobook! How are you feeling about it?

To say that I’m loving it would be a massive understatement. I’ve had so much fun doing this. Whether it’s coming up with characters or deciphering how I want to narrate certain important moments, all of it has been a blast. There are even times I’ve cracked myself up just hearing some of these characters come to life.

3. Can you describe your process of recording an audiobook? 

First off, you need to read the book and mark it up. Highlight character dialogue, make notes about pronunciation or cultural sensitivity, and ask the author any follow-up questions. Once you’ve marked up your copy, it’s time to play around with voicing characters. I usually record my final choices as a voice memo so I can reference them later if I need to. Then, it’s time to record! This lengthy process involves recording, making edits, sending it to a sound engineer, and so on.

4. What is your favorite part about narrating romance novels?

Along with being an actor, I’m also an Intimacy Coordinator (we choreograph the intimate scenes in film, TV, and theater) and Stage Combat Coordinator (we choreograph the fight scenes in film, TV and theater.) It’s safe to say that I LOVE spicy storytelling. And I firmly believe that it belongs in narrative work. Romance audiobooks are just another way to advocate for that kind of storytelling. Plus, I’m a sucker for some good banter. 

5. What has been your favorite part of narrating The Write Place so far? What are you looking forward to?

I have so loved narrating the conversations between Mac and Jenny. Their friendship has a lot of history and levels to it. As of writing this, I haven’t gotten to narrating the spiciest scene yet, but I’m looking forward to the nuance I get to use for those moments.

6. People may not know this, but you approached me about working on this project! What drew you to Leade Park? What was it about this series that made you want to create these audiobooks?

Honestly, it was the second book in the Leade Park series that did me in. Ben and Jenny’s journey is so well written, and I thought the back-and-forth time jump narration was so interesting. The biggest thing for me is I could really hear these characters. If the dialogue is clunky or weird, I tune out. That wasn’t the case for these books; I burned through them.

Also, Allie and I were already in talks about working together on another project (totally different), and I noticed her posting about narrating The Write Place. I offered up my voiceover skills, just in case she ever needed someone to narrate her future work. Soon after, she asked if I could send in an audition for The Write Place (her plate was full writing The Write Choice). I was ELATED. 

7. If you had to pick a favorite character to do the voice for from The Write Place, who would it be and why?

This is going to sound weird, but I love narrating the students, particularly Warren and Justin. They’re both so precocious and outspoken, it’s a lot of fun narrating them. Jenny is great, too… so is Mac… Don’t make me choose.

8. Do you have a favorite scene from The Write Place? If so, what is it and what do you like about it?

Honestly, any scene that involves radical honesty from our two heroes holds a special place in my heart. It takes a lot of bravery to confess a hard truth to someone, and capturing that as a narrator is a wonderful challenge. I can literally feel my chest light up when Mac and Daniel start to really open up to one another. 

9. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this experience?

Don’t drink seltzer water when you’re recording. Well, OK, that and to really check my own headspace before and during recording. If I get frustrated with myself or if I’m tired, I’ll need to do a lot of fixes later on. But if I take the time to take care of my voice and give myself grace, it will sound a lot better and be more fun.

10. What advice would you give to people trying to bust into the audiobook world, either to writers or narrators?

To writers – read your dialogue out loud, record it, and listen to it a day later as if you’d never heard it before. If the dialogue sounds natural, that’s a good sign. If it sounds off or you tune out, ask yourself what the character really wants/needs from the conversation before you go back and make adjustments. I’d also ask that you hire actors to record your work instead of using Artificial Intelligence. 

To narrators – get in class. There are plenty of great audiobook narration teachers out there who can work with you remotely (thank you, Zoom) and free programs for SAG-AFTRA actors, too. However, just like all acting, progress takes a lot of time and work. So, get into this for the right reasons.

Anything else you want to add?

Telling this story has opened me up in so many ways, and I’m beyond grateful to partner with someone like Allie. I’m fortunate to work with an author who is collaborative and supportive. Allie – thank you for entrusting me with your words.

Readers – I can’t wait for you to hear them.

Join us for an Instagram Live event on Monday, October 16 at 7:30 PM Central! You’ll be able to hear us chatting about the audiobook and ask us questions. It’s guaranteed to be a good time!