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In Tree Pose, Ric and Elaina’s romantic getaway in Tasmania turns perilous when a mysterious text from Ric’s past threatens to upend their lives. How important do you think the role of a narrator is in shaping the listener’s experience of an audiobook?
For an Audiobook, the narrator makes or breaks the production. A seasoned, professional narrator or voice performer can heighten the storyline with a deep sense of storytelling. They can bring the listener into the “story world” with their voice.
In many ways, an audiobook is a play that happens in the listener’s mind. It’s all about the words and the way they sound.
We wrote the Yoga Mat Mysteries series as lyrical fiction. It’s not only meant to be read but also to be heard.
We envisioned this long ago when we first started talking about this series. The words and combinations of words are carefully crafted to put you in every scene as if you were attending a play. Our narrator Rupert Degas is a consummate actor and voice actor. He has the ability to take the words from the written page and transform them into verbal voice images.
We like to think of our stories as having magic. The storyteller can add that fairy dust which gives the stories even greater capacity.
How involved were you in the selection of the narrator, and what qualities do you think Degas brings to the storytelling that enhances the listener’s experience?
We spent over a year searching and listened to audition tapes each day. There were hundreds of auditions heard over the entire year. We were searching for the narrator that could collaborate well with us.
We had written our prose that begged not only to be read but also to be listened to. Storytelling is an art and important in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series. We wanted to immerse the reader and the audiobook listener into the world of our characters.
Overall, enriching our characters with the power of audiobooks, gave them a new world beyond the printed page. We had originally breathed life into them, but audiobooks gave them the clarity of clear speech.
Our characters now had an expanded stage presence—and they could talk, laugh, and cry … in various accents!
Rupert Degas brings his voice-acting energy into the strong characterizations that we have developed. In our joint project of working with Rupert, we have fused together a winning combination of the human voice speaking the award-winning prose.
How did you feel when you first heard Rupert Degas’ narration of Tree Pose, and what aspects of his performance stood out to you the most?
After a full year of searching, our compatibility meter zeroed in on Rupert Degas. Rupert has the uncanny ability to create, craft, and deliver an infinite range of voices. We had another unique set of voices in Tree Pose for him to voice perform.
Once again, we gave Rupert a detailed biography for each character. We knew these characters well. We had lived with them for two years by then. John claimed that Ric, one of our main protagonists, was using his straight razor and leaving it wet on the bathroom sink!
Hearing the prose spoken and Rupert’s interpretation of our characters was very fulfilling. We had read the book to each other numerous times during our edits. As this is book three Rupert has a thorough understanding of the main characters and how they would speak and react.
We have poured our energy into their personalities, bringing them alive on the page. Rupert helped intensify the drama, love, humour, fear, and wonder of each of the characters.
Were there any particular scenes or moments in Tree Pose that you were especially excited to hear brought to life through Rupert Degas’ narration?
Every dramatic, funny, powerful story starts with the characters and storyline. The best narrator cannot resurrect a story that does not compel.
We spent about a year on the written part of the book /audiobook. We are careful and diligent writers. We ensure excellence in terms of editing, proofreading, and production. The book has to be ‘5-star’ before we even start the audiobook production.
Our goal is always ironclad: The voice of the storyteller had to enhance the listener’s experience of our stories.
We were seasoned audiobook producers by the time we came to book 3, Tree Pose. We were excited to once again be working with Rupert.
Our first audiobook, Dead Man’s Pose had captured the imagination of AudioFile, the premier review of audiobooks. It earned an Earphones award and the founder of audiobook, Robin Whitten, provided a ‘Behind the Mic’ podcast interview with Jo Reed.
By the end of the year, Dead Man’s Pose was awarded Best of 2023 in the mystery/suspense category.
Earlier this year, we won an award from IBPA for the Second Audiobook in our series – Cobra Pose. This was in the category of Best Audiobook – Fiction. A month later, we won the Best Audiobook for the (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller,Action/Adventure) category again for Cobra Pose from the Indie Reader Discovery Awards.
The story of Tree Pose takes place on the island of Tasmania Australia and besides Ric and Elaina, the characters include our seasoned outback detective, Jack MacMasters, and Alfred Hastings a man who prefers sleep rough.
Alfred’s voice was particularly difficult for us to describe to Rupert. We liked Chris Hemsworth’s Australian accent, but there was a particular commercial that we had heard where that male voice speaks with a gravelly sound to it. It took us a month to track down the commercial we had heard and describe what we liked about ‘gravelly quality’.
Alfred is one of our characters who likes to sleep rough. He’s been ‘on the ground’ for over ten years. It was that gravelly quality that we were after.
As a connoisseur voice actor, Rupert nailed Alfred’s voice. As Alfred roams around Tasmania, his role becomes instrumental and his voice perfect for this mystery thriller, hinting at just enough romance for this third story in our series.
Recently one of the reviewers of Tree Pose confided they stayed up all night listening to it. Now that is music to our ears!
It makes every minute of the year of unsuccessful listening, the time in our unventilated closet, the nights wondering about ‘What’s the Plan?’ … all worthwhile.
We want every listener to listen to our stories and be so enthralled, they stay up all night to listen. Or they, “go around the block just one more time” so they can hear the end of that story.
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Cobra Pose: Yoga Mat Mysteries, Book 2 Audiobook
As a yoga teacher, Elaina Williams knows all about the calming, rejuvenating effects of her practice. But even she can’t escape the pull of real-world chaos every now and then. With her companion Ric Peters, she embarks on what she wishes could be a tranquil trip to Brisbane. But alas, it’s not a vacation; it’s a mission. Elaina’s father has mysteriously vanished. His last communication was nothing short of odd, creating a whirlwind of worry in Elaina’s mind. Upon scrutinizing her father’s final message, she knows that the situation is nothing short of critical. Leaning on Ric’s strength and support, she resolves to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance.
Susan Rogers and John Roosen bring us the exciting second book of the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, “Cobra Pose.” The story pivots around Elaina’s courageous quest to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance. Ric, who happens to be Elaina’s romantic partner, stands by her side as a pillar of strength, providing valuable assistance as their search intensifies. The relationship between Elaina and Ric feels real, infused with tangible energy that resonates deeply with readers.
Rogers and Roosen have a gift for storytelling, drawing listeners into the narrative from the get-go. While Elaina and Ric are undeniably the driving force behind this installment, a rich tapestry of secondary characters adds nuance and depth to the story. And what’s more, these characters are brought to life beautifully by Rupert Degas’s incredible narration. His vocal prowess lends authenticity to the characters, making their experiences feel all the more real. Rogers and Roosen’s depiction of the blossoming relationship between Elaina and Ric, beginning in the first book and evolving in this sequel, reflects their mastery over dialogue creation.
I recommend “Cobra Pose” to all mystery lovers. If you’re a fan of complex plots, compelling characters, and a sprinkling of romance, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the series.
Listening Length: 9 hours and 59 Minutes | ASIN: B0C6YLYZ3F
Dead Man’s Pose (Audiobook)
Dead Man’s Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen begins with an ordinary day in the life of Elaina, a yoga instructor who knows her clients well, from the occasional drop-ins to the regulars. When one of her clients, Mario, is found dead following a yoga class, Elaina and a few intriguing characters must determine whether the deceased succumbed to their fate by natural means or if a darker, more sinister culprit is responsible.
This mystery is well narrated in this engrossing audiobook, with many plot twists and complex but interesting characters that delve into a deeper story with unexpected details as they solve a morbid puzzle. The more Elaina, Ric, and other players, in this case, dig into the past, the more involved the mystery becomes, shedding more secrets than expected. I found the characters very entertaining, with a healthy dose of dark humor and wit mixed into page-turning suspense.
Narrator Rupert Degas does a spectacular job of drawing the reader into the story, from one mind-bending development to the next. The characters are fun, too, and offer a glimpse into a world that appears straightforward on the surface, with many dark and complicated layers beneath. The author weaves a nostalgic, almost noir theme throughout this modern, engaging story, which reads like a classic. It’s a great read for anyone familiar with traditional whodunnit stories, with a unique twist and memorable characters.
Dead Man’s Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen is a thrilling crime story that’s taken to a whole new level by the fantastic narration. It’s a brilliant story that’s perfect for first-time mystery readers or long-time fans of the suspense and action genre. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work, and diving into the fascinating world of murder mysteries and the complex backgrounds of these cases, woven expertly into the plot. Susan Rogers and John Roosen are top-tier authors, and I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone looking for an exciting story that will be difficult to pause.
Birds, Who Are They?
Birds, Who Are They – A First Look by David Campbell Callender is a beautifully crafted audiobook that offers delightful insights into birds and their behavior. Before getting in touch with this book I had not imagined birds could be so fascinating.
First, we need to talk about the narration by Grace Winpenny. Her beautiful voice and interpretation take us into the journey of the book with much amazement and a curious attitude. Then there is the opening sequence, on which we learn to look at birds through new eyes. As the narrator explains their early childhood fascination with winged creatures, I felt as if I was seeing birds for the first time. The first passage is beautiful. And though what comes after is quite different, it is still amazing nonetheless. The book proceeds with interesting facts about birds, frequently comparing them to humans in their behavior. It is a curious association that makes us wonder how different could we really be from other species.
This is a short book so it is over when you least expect it. However, at its end, the sensation is that you have learned a lot in a short period of time and developed a whole new perspective and appreciation for something found in our daily lives. This book is a must for anyone who likes nature or is just curious about things in general.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B09D8PLCCD
Somewhere Enchanted – Audiobook
Somewhere Enchanted is an incredible book that is beautifully narrated with an expressive and emotive writing style that is delivered with a mellow tone, making it easy to follow the story and trust the narrator.
J.F.T.’s Somewhere Enchanted tells a mesmerizing tale of a man whose love for his people makes him do the unexpected just to see those he cared about live comfortably. We follow Grettos, an intriguing main characters in the story, in his quest to look for more living space for his village and its declining people that are in trouble due to overpopulation. What I admired about the man was his will to do right by his people, sometimes by sheer force of will, even willing to break village rules and possibly sacrifice himself.
The forest is a forbidden area and is portrayed with a mysterious undertone that never really left me. Danger and risk loom, but does that stop Grettos? There is the fear of the unknown that always lingers throughout the story. His determination and persistence made him a wonderfully heroic character in this intrepid story where danger and risk are ever present. The narrator did an amazing job developing dynamic characters that are consistently intriguing. One could feel the difference in the narrators voice and tone when speaking about different characters and their roles. Somewhere Enchanted is a thrilling and adventurous story that is easy to follow. I recommend the book to fantasy enthusiasts who enjoy audio books that get begin quickly and are superbly narrated.
Listening Length: 37 Minutes | ASIN: B07YP11QS7
Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge – Audiobook
Tiny Tim is all grown up, and everything he loves and holds dear has been ripped from him. Upon the death of his dear friend, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim begins to question each of his beliefs and the very faith that had been instilled in his family with the love of Scrooge himself years ago. Tim, now an adult, is faced with the loss of another of his dear loves, Becky. As fate would have it, Becky is simultaneously suffering through the most trying time of her young life on the streets with her young son and no place to lay their heads. Just as fate intervened fourteen years ago in the form of Ebenezer Scrooge, fate lays its hand on upon Tim once more.
Norman Whaler has crafted a beautiful tale of faith, hope, and love in his sequel to Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge – Audiobook details the events surrounding and immediately following the death of an aged Ebenezer Scrooge. Tim Cratchit, once the young crippled boy benefiting from Scrooge’s change of heart in A Christmas Carol, is impacted most of all by Scrooge’s death.
From beginning to end, Whaler’s sequel to the beloved classic pays homage to the original plot and the beautiful transformation made by its key character, Ebenezer Scrooge. Though Tiny Tim, now all grown up, is the title character, he also exhibits a change of heart similar to that of Scrooge. Tim fights a battle within himself as he struggles to regain his faith. Whaler does a phenomenal job of adhering to the feel of the original book with his references to Scrooge’s character transformation. The reader watches as Tim fights a similar battle and, ultimately, wins with Scrooge’s help.
As a fan of the original tale of Scrooge and the Cratchits, I could not help but fall in love with the parallel story line and the magic of three as it again reared its head in Tim’s life. The sound quality and voice over is exceptional in this audiobook and delivers this lovely story in a clear and crisp manner. Scrooge’s reappearance from the afterlife is expected but quite fitting. Whaler has done Dickens proud with this quick read rich with character development and steeped with faith.
Duration: 1 hour 54 minutes | ASIN: B01NAJJLXP
Anticipating Temptation
I listened to this novel as an audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator’s voice and dramatic affect along with character voices. This sultry novel brought to us by Randi Perrin introduces us to Char Brown. She is a 30-something woman working at a magazine with her closest, and maybe only, friends. She admires the slim, physique of her best friend, Jenny, and begrudgingly attempts to eat salads in an effort to attain a slim physique of her own. She has a strange relationship with her boyfriend, one where he hides her from his mom, so she’ll allow him to continue living at home. When I heard that part, I knew that Char clearly struggles with her self-esteem and you see this theme permeating throughout the beginning of this story.
Things quickly change for Char as the boyfriend breaks-up with her, in a terrible way, and leaves her feeling low and unworthy. Fortunately, she has good friends who get her out and suddenly her world changes and she is caught in a web of seduction woven by a handsome cowboy type…who also owns a wine bar and has a literature degree! I absolutely love how Darryl is immediately drawn to Char. For anyone who has experienced love at first sight you know how that feels and that it exists. Some people might find it creepy that Darryl was able to hunt down her phone number in under 12 hours, but I understand that when that intense chemical attraction occurs there is nothing that will stand in your way. This book brought back happy memories of my own meeting with my husband and how it took me by surprise and swept me away. For that reason, I had an extra appreciation while listening to this story.
It is always refreshing to read romance where the male character is working hard to build the confidence of his female interest out of admiration and respect. He doesn’t just try to bed her but shows an interest in who she is and truly finds her beautiful. It is so common for a woman to experience low self-esteem due to the world and men beating them down. It is nice to see Char experiencing this affection and adoration and starting to realize her worth. There is definitely a kink in the sexy cogs where Char is disillusioned and brought back to her former beliefs about herself but that is totally normal, and I appreciated that it wasn’t all just roses.
I am not a drinker but there was a lot of wine knowledge embedded in this story that a true connoisseur would enjoy. There are a lot of sexy wine metaphors as well! There is a little erotic action, but it is done respectfully and not in a raunchy or distasteful way. This was a fun read with a beautiful and romantic story that got me feeling all warm and fuzzy and wanting to relive my romance all over again.
Pages: 126 | ASIN: B073HF2LG8
The Story Will Evolve
J.C. Fields Author Interview
The Cold Trail follows Sean Kruger as he finally goes back to what he does best to solve an old cold case. Did you know how you wanted this book to start and end or did things change as you were writing?
I know how I wanted to begin. But since I don’t outline, my books start with a two or three-page concept. Once I am comfortable with the concept, I then start to write. While I use the original concept as a guide, the story will evolve as it is written. Once a first draft is complete, it is time to go back and see if the plot works. Both The Imposter’s Trail (Book 3) and The Cold Trail required major surgery after the first drafts were finished. Book 3 saw 30,000 words cut from an 85,000-word manuscript. Similarly, The Cold Trail needed numerous nips and tucks as the story evolved. In fact, the original ending was thrown out and completely rethought.
I really like how characters from past novels made a reappearance. Did you let the story dictate who came back, or did you pick certain characters to make a reappearance?
The characters I believe you are referring to are Roy Griffin, Ryan Clark, Jimmie Gibbs and Sandy Knoll. You are correct, I wanted all four in this installment. The reason is simple, they will play major roles in Book Five and Six. Additionally, I want to explore the Jimmie Gibbs character more in-depth. We discover more about him and some of his motivation in The Cold Trail, we learn even more in Book Five. First draft of Book Five is almost fifty-percent complete, so I have a good idea of what I want to do with these characters.
I believe the Jimmie Gibbs character is strong enough for a stand-alone novel. However, I have two stand-alone stories in the concept phase waiting for attention.
What was one challenging aspect of this novel, or at least something you thought long and hard about before committing to it?
The three missing college students from the first chapter was inspired by an incident in my hometown back in the early 1990’s. Three women, two who had just graduated from high school, disappeared from a home in the center of town. They have never been found, nor has anyone been charged with their disappearance. I was acquainted with the father of one of the women, he has since passed away. As a father myself, I cannot imagine the pain of not knowing where your child is, or if they are even alive. These thoughts still bring a chill to my heart.
The concept of this novel was developed several years ago. But I lacked a good avenue to pursue it. It was the perfect premise to bring Kruger out of retirement.
The final solution to the missing women, I use in the book, may or may not have a basis in reality. In most missing person cases, a body is usually found. Not in the case of the missing women I mentioned above. Something extraordinary occurred to these three souls.
It seems like Sean Kruger is finally back where he belongs with the FBI. Where will the next book find Sean and when will it be available?
A writer friend of mine told me Kruger retiring is getting old. So, keeping this critique in mind, I decided not to retire him again, at least until the series is complete. The Cold Trail leaves the reader with several questions left unanswered. This was done on purpose as Book 5 is based on answering these questions. There will be two incidents in Book Five which will be used to set up the sixth Kruger installment.
My plans are to release Book 5, the current working title is The Predator’s Trail, in late December of 2018 or early January 2019. My goal is to have Book 6 out eight to nine months later. After that, as I mentioned, I have several stand-alone stories I want to tackle. But, I can assure everyone, there will be more than six Sean Kruger novels as long as I can keep the stories fresh and exciting.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook
![The Cold Trail (The Sean Kruger Series Book 4) by [Fields, J.C.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51odsFX%2BqNL._SY346_.jpg)
With the help of his friend, JR Diminski, retired FBI profiler Sean Kruger rescues a female graduate student after she is kidnapped from the university campus where he teaches. He finds the abduction too familiar. From 1999 through 2002 six female college students vanished, without a trace, from four different college campuses across the country. As the lead FBI investigator on those now cold cases, his failure to find the women and the person responsible still haunts him.
When JR discovers a clue to the identity of the kidnapper, Kruger comes out of retirement to re-examine the abductions. His ensuing investigation will lead him down a dark trail: one of dark money and even darker passions.
Will Sean succeed or will the past repeat itself?
Tightly plotted with the trademark twists and turns of a J.C. Fields’ novel, The Cold Trail will keep you turning pages late into the night.
LITERARY TITAN 