Tena StetlerAuthor of Paranormal Romance/Suspense & Cozy Mysteries With Magic Spark!

Mar 8th Interview Matt Raftis Narrator A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance

Give a warm welcome to Matt Raftis talented narrator of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.  Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Matt Raftis and his ability to bring my characters to life in A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance. 

How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?

I’ve been into Audiobooks since I was in high school (circa 2007). I would listen to many audiobooks, especially any narrated by Jim Dale.  I admired his remarkable ability to make the listener feel as if they we’re in the thick of the action.

I found it challenging to discover how to really get into this industry. What college or university courses do I take? How does one really become an Audiobook narrator?  Over the years I have had family, friends, and even strangers waiting in the grocery line complimenting my strong reading voice and projection. This kept the idea alive that I could try my hand at such Audiobooks and see what kind of response I would get.

A close friend of mine mentioned a website called ACX.com about a year ago and I was amazed how many voice acting opportunities there were on there. I sent in many auditions for all sorts of books and was taken aback by the response I received. Presently, I’ve narrated a total of 12 books and get offers for more very frequently. I am very grateful for all the opportunities presented to me, and the connections I have made in the world of Audiobook narrating.

 Do you have another job besides being a narrator?

Yes, I do work a manual labor job, clocking in 40 to 60 hours a week. Although it takes time away from recording and mastering each book, I cannot deny the benefits it’s given me. It helps greatly with my stamina for narrating, (and someone’s gotta pay the bills..), but most importantly I see it as a driving force to make Audiobook narrating my full time career down the road.

A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre.  Do you? Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career? Why or why not?

I don’t have a background in theatre or drama. I DO believe that having a degree, course or seminar in acting/theatre does help one dramatically for character delivery. If I do ever make it to the point where I can make this my career, I plan on attending open mic nights and workshops on the regular. It’ll be very beneficial!

Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?

Yes, I absolutely enjoy listening to any audiobook. The big deciding factor on if I finish listening to it is largely dependent on the Narrator. I am a very auditory person. I like to listen and really give my full attention to what is being said and, more importantly, how it is being said. At this point, it is safe to say that I have finished more books through listening to them then I have physically flipping through the pages of any hardcover on my shelf.

Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?

I am at the stage in my career where I have yet to find any genre or project I am not willing to do. I am still building an arsenal of accents and characters to have at my disposal. So, if there are any books that I may need to decline, it may be the ones that have a super diverse characters with largely varying accents (that I still need to practice).

How closely do you prefer to work with authors?

I love to work with authors as closely as I can. Communication is key to getting a product that all parties (and readers) can truly enjoy and be proud of. However, I fully appreciate the authors time and that each party involved can have different visions for the end result. As a Narrator, I love having some creative freedom on a project, but I also know how important the creator’s vision is. Communication is important to making sure the audience enjoys the end result.

Has anyone ever recognized you from your voice?

From audiobooks? No, not yet. However, I do freelance voice acting and voice over for a number of youtube channels. Actually, quite recently I have been recognized by a few co-workers who heard me in a Youtube video for a parody animation of a video game. I was incredibly taken aback and humbled by it.

Have there been any characters that you really connected with?

From “A Vampires Unlikely Alliance”, I connected with Stefan a lot more than I bargained for. I have always been somewhat of an introvert or recluse, some might say. But with the help of my lovely girlfriend (soon fiancée) and close family and friends who believed in me, I have opened up and embraced the many wonderful changes and opportunities that have come into my life.

Like Stefan, I’m eternally grateful to those who helped me get to where I am today.

Do you read reviews for your audiobooks?

Yes. I’m always on the hunt for feedback to improve my abilities. Thankfully, I do have pretty tough skin and the courage to be disliked from time to time. So in turn, I take criticism as it comes without losing heart and giving up this wonderful medium, and instead see it as encouragement for improvement.

What type of the review comments do you find most constructive?

I find the most helpful feedback is often how audiences would have liked to hear it. Or how they themselves imagined the story, scene or character. If they provide examples, then even better! I’m very proficient at mimicking and working off of other material. Having something I can listen to helps me tremendously.

Who is your “dream author” that you would like to record for?

Richard A. Knaak. I read a tonne of his fantasy books back in my High School years. Not all of his work has been made into audiobooks, so I would love to record his books for him one day!

What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?

To each his own. Some people absorb information easier when visually reading, and can remember it better too. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that I am not that kind of person. It took me a long time to find out that I take in information better (and have a better recollection of that information) when I am listening intently.

I would say that listening to Audiobooks is what GOT ME into becoming a Narrator. And hopefully, with the support of many readers and listeners, I can turn this into a long, prosperous and rewarding career!

SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:

Speed Round (one or two word only answer so we can get to know you a little better):Yep, I know torture!<evil laugh>

Favorite movie: Redline (2009 animated film)
Favorite book: Dune
Last book read: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Favorite color: Red
Stilettos, Tennies or flipflops: Flip flops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Audiobook
Pencil or pen: Pen

Favorite song: You Got Another Thing Coming – Judas Priest (1982)

Streak or not: Definitely a Streak!

Favorite dessert:  Cookie Dough Blizzard from Diary Queen

Favorite junk food: SmartPop Popcorn

Favorite thing to do to relax: Snowboarding

Champagne or gin: Whiskey (sorry!)

Paranormal or Historical:  Historical

WonderWoman, Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Top Model: Batman

Favorite TV show: Twilight Zone

Hot or cold: Cold

POV: First Person

I’d die if I don’t have: My lovely Polish sweetheart, Cornelia.

Review or Not: Definite Yes!

You can find Matt at:

https://twitter.com/MattRaftisVA

https://www.castingcall.club/m/CraftyMatt

https://www.facebook.com/MattReadsBooks/

MattRaftisVA@gmail.com

A little about A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance:

Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…

Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.

Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unraveling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?

A sneak peek between the pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance:

He needed to hunt. Next to human blood, animal blood had all the appeal of rotten eggs, but it kept him sated and able to work among warm-bloods. Tonight he should’ve hunted, but he didn’t give a damn.

He stepped out into the cold, misty night and closed the door quietly behind him. As he walked down the dark, wet street, he heard footsteps behind him and paused.

“Stefan, what happened back there?” A voice whispered out of the foggy night.

Crouched down ready to spring, he whirled around, sniffed the air, and then stood, relieved yet shocked to see Brandy glide out of the swirling mist into the shrouded moonlight.

Buy links:

Audible  Amazon   Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, Amazon.CA

It was wonderful having you with us today Matt and giving us a little insight into bringing characters to life through audio.  Please feel free to stop by anytime. 

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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Audible, Audio Book, Matt Raftis, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 12 comments.