My new book is out today ❤️♟️❤️
Check & Mate, my young adult debut set in the world of professional chess, is out today! If you loved The Queen’s Gambit, you might enjoy it! Or not! I’m not sure! But do check it out! You can get your copy here.
In case you missed it
Aaand, I also have another contemporary romance set in STEM coming out! Not in Love is an enemies with benefits, angsty story about a food engineer falling for the guy who’s trying to take over her company. It’s my first dual POV book, and I hope you guys will like it! Learn more here.
An interview with Karissa Vacker, the Check & Mate audiobook narrator
A while ago I was listening to A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham (fantastic thriller, btw), heard Karissa Vacker’s voice for the first time, and immediately emailed my audiobook producer because I felt that she would be perfect to narrate Mallory’s story! I’m such a huge fan of hers and I’m so so sooo honored that she agreed to work on Check & Mate–and to this q&a!!!
What led you to become an audiobook narrator?
I am a classically trained theatre actor, but was working in TV and film in LA when a friend mentioned she had begun narrating audiobooks. As both a lifelong bookworm and professional actor I was very intrigued and wanted to know more. This friend introduced me to a producer with whom she was working, who introduced me to a publisher, and that got the ball rolling.
What’s your process like for getting to know a book and its characters before you come into the recording studio?
I read the entire book and make notes about each character. Sometimes the characters just jump off the page with such ease and I can truly “hear” them when I’m doing my prep read and know exactly how to voice them (this was the case with Check & Mate, Ali!) Other times, I need to do a bit more digging and “cast” the characters for myself as if I were going to be casting a movie. I often assign them either to actors or people from my own life. Having a clear mental picture of what each person looks like helps me to differentiate them vocally as well.
What does it feel like to be in the studio? How collaborative is the process with the director?
I spend so much time in my recording booth that it really is like my playground. It has a cocoon-like feel to it and I really enjoy spending time there - which is good, since I’m in there a lot! Beth Hicks was my director for this book and she was wonderful. Since she had directed a few of Ali’s books before, she had a perfect ear for her style. Directors look up certain words that may be foreign or difficult to pronounce, and also are there for questions and any feedback I might need such as - did that accent land clearly? Did you get my meaning there? Do you think that line should sound more confused or hurt?
Do you have a favorite genre to read for? Does it differ from your own personal reading habits?
The two genres I read most in my work as a narrator are thrillers and rom coms. I love and enjoy both and feel lucky that I get paid to read books I would happily pick up and read in my own time. When I’m choosing my own reading material though, these days I most often pick up non-fiction or historical fiction books.
How does the genre of a book change the way you decide to narrate (i.e. romance vs. thriller, young adult vs. genre), if it does?
In a well-written book the genre comes across easily. I’d actually say the biggest thing I differentiate is whether it is first or third person narration. In first person narration I feel like I’m talking to my best friend or writing in my journal. In third person narration there is a more removed, slightly more formal energy. But I’d say both take cues from the vibe the author gives off in Ch 1. What energy are we opening with? It is foreboding, wry, hopeful, energetic, depressed? I start from where the author does and we go on the ride together.
What advice would you give to aspiring audiobook narrators?
Be yourself. Don’t try to sound “pretty”. Have a well trained voice, sure, but use the fullness of your humanity and experiences and emotions while narrating. Be present and let it flow through you. That’s what I’ve found people respond to most.
If you had to choose, which character in Check & Mate is your favorite to read for, and why?
I always feel closest to the lead character because it feels like we spend so much time together, so I’d have to say Mallory. She is trying so hard to do what she thinks is best and I really resonated with that desire to control circumstances! I loved watching her slowly let go and let her life evolve. It was a really gorgeous and relatable character transformation.
Exclusive Giveaway
My publisher is running a newsletter exclusive sweepstakes, and if you enter you can win an early copy of my debut paranormal romance, Bride! Click here or on the image below to enter for a chance to win! (US only, I’m so sorry. Follow me on Instagram for international giveaways!)
Explore the Aliverse
Click here or on the image below to learn more about my books—or you know, if you want to buy them (thx ily).