October 02, 2015

Reader Interview with April Holgate / Eargasms AudioBook Reviews



If you like audio books than I have a treat for you today! I interviewed April Holgate from Eargasms Audiobook Reviews and she’s talking about the benefit of audio books, the good and bad on narrators, and sharing her interests with us.

Welcome, April!


1. Tell us about Eargasms Audiobook Reviews.
Eargasms Audiobook Reviews is my own little haven for promoting one of my favorite reading formats. I am a voracious reader and love sharing my thoughts on books and the narration. You can find all sorts of great book reviews, narrator spotlights and audiobook promotions on the blog. I have been off for a bit, busy moving and doing some local theater, but I am gearing up for a ton of great reviews to post as well as new spotlights.

2. I've never listened to audio books before. Why do you prefer them?
I love that I can listen while I do other things. It is fabulous being able to read while I drive my long commute, when I am editing photos or working on emails at work. It keeps my brain active, saving me from mind numbing boredom! It goes back to the days when I was a kid and loved being read to as well as reading to my siblings.
I am also an artist, so when I am working on photo editing or creating props/sets for theatre, I like to listen to a book and zone out. Usually I only use half my mind for any of those tasks anyway. I do have to pause if I find I need my whole brain, but that is rare!
3. Sounds nice! What book can you listen to over and over again?
I am not that person, the one who will read a book over and over again. I have a killer To Be Read list that would never get done if I did that. Also, I feel guilty spending time with stories I already know when there are so many new ones out there to be discovered.
4. A) Does the narrator’s voice impact the story and your enjoyment of it?
With audiobooks you have to take into account both the author and the narrator. It is a partnership of sorts. If either one drops the ball, the story is sunk. A great narrator can also take a so-so story and make me want to keep listening. If they are into the read they can make that energy translate to the listener. I have several favorite narrators who I seek out, kind of like favorite authors. I am more likely to try something they read, than something by a newbie.
B) Has a bad narrator ever made you stop listening to an audio book?
Sadly, yes. I have had a few bad narrator experiences that had me switching to the eBook, stat! One was such a slow robotic pace, I had to check that I had not accidentally activated the read out loud on my Kindle. There was another time where the narrator had a great read, but he was Latin with a thick accent and the characters he was reading were Russian. It really threw me off.

5. A Latin accent for a Russian character? Yikes! What are your top 5 favorite audio books?
This is like asking someone their favorite children! How about I give you my favorite genres, that is so much easier.
-        Romance, pretty much every sub-genre, I read anything from the sappy sweet to YA to naughty erotic to romantic suspense. I am a sucker for a good love story; smexy steam is always a bonus. 
-        Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, especially if it involves shifters! I love me some yummy shifter crack! My favorite thing about the genre is the way it can rebuild the world you thing you know. It is fantasy but modern as well. 
-        Dystopian, there are just so many imaginative worlds out there. They show the best and worst of mankind. Usually these books break the rules too., They will break your heart over and over again!   
-        Mystery, love them all, especially a cheesy Cozy Mystery. I love playing detective and trying to solve the crime before all the clues are revealed. There have been a few that gave my inner Sherlock Holmes a real work out!

6. I guess I should stop asking readers that question. LOL! What would you like to know about the authors you enjoy reading the most?
I am all about the reading, so I am always eager to now what is coming next. Especially with series reads! Give me teasers of tell me what books are in the works for supporting characters. I am also always doing the happy dance when I hear an author is going to sprout out into audio, it is thrilling to see an author I have been reading go to audio, cause then I get to bump them up my TBR list!

Hyper Round:
1. Movie Adaptations: Yay or Nay? NAY
2. Favorite reading snack? Wine, preferably fruity and sweet
3. Ear buds or headphones? earphones, soft in-ear tips
4. Favorite audio book seller? Tantor Media



BIO:
I am just the average everyday gal who loves reading. I started when I was 3 years old and have had a healthy diet of stories ever since!! My Gram started me reading the romances in my tweens with her old Harlequin Presents, I returned the favor later hooking her on Erotic Romances and a Kindle! I have taken her to several conventions to meet her fav authors, she is a trip!
I have my audiobook review blog and recently started a new adventure in lifestyle blogging with www.WhyDontYouBlogAboutIt.com It is slow going, but I will soon have it filled with my crazy life!! In addition to being a reader, I am also a photographer, do local theatre, inherited a fixer-upper house and am an Amazon Top reviewer. All these things are what end up on my blog, my Instagram and Facebook. I welcome new friends, especially other readers!! I am always ready to dish on a shared book experience. Currently I am dedicated to living life to the fullest, which usually means doing a ton of theatre and drinking wine with friends.

Links:

Thank you for discussing audio books with me, April! I hope to see you back soon.

Please leave a comment for April! :)



47 comments:

  1. Hi Chrys and April - gosh that Latin accented guy reading as a Russian must have been nutty. Being a Brit - I find other accents quite tricky - though obviously with all our dialects ... life can be interesting too. I don't do long drives now - and enjoy my quiet ... I should read more .. I should listen to audio more! Great post ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Hilary! I'm definitely going to give audio books a try. April has convinced me. ;)

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    2. It really threw me for a loop. He had a really nice read, just the wrong accent for that book! I am sure it was his natural accent, so a Latin Lover read would have worked better for him!

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  2. HI Chrys and April,
    I haven't really gotten into audio books yet. I prefer reading the books myself.
    But maybe one day I'll try it.
    Shalom,
    Pat

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    1. Hi Pat! I prefer reading books too, but I am interested in giving audio a try. :)

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    2. Hey Pat!
      Audio is a really lifesaver for keeping up with my TBR list, I do still love reading for myself, just time does not always allow it. I would recommend trying something short for your first audiobook!

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  3. very interesting, I'm hearing so much about audio books! I prefer reading but if I had limited time I'd never hesitate to pop in an audio book in the car. And so interesting how the right narrator is so important!

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    1. I would need a very good narrator to sink into the story.

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    2. Audio is definitely on the rise! I listen at the gym too, when I go, it helps me deal with the concept of working out!

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  4. Hi Chrys and April. So nice to meet another avid reader and I am curious about audio books. I gotta figure it out, you know...what do you read them on, how do you get them...I do a lot of photography and I could "read" more books if I listened while I worked on my photos. I will be coming by your blog to see if you have any helpful tips for a newbie. :-) Great interview and have a super weekend!
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. Thanks Sherry! I really need to get back to updating things on my blog. I listen mostly on my iPhone and Kindle. I use Audible app, cause that is where I buy the most books. If you have a limited budget, I suggest Overdrive, which is what most libraries use for their digital content. I have a post up about how that works, great for supporting the library in a digital age! Good luck and I hope to see you over at Eargasms!

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    2. Hi Sherry! Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  5. I can't listen to a book with half an ear--doing other things at the same time. Well, maybe knitting...

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    1. It is easier when I am doing tasks that do not require thinking on my part. I tend to go on autopilot when editing photos or painting. So, you might manage it while knitting

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    2. I think knitting and audio books could go together very well. :)

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  6. OMG I can't do it . . . I can't listen to a book, not that I do anyway, and still do other things. I'd end up rewinding over and over o_O lol But this is GREAT, as long as we all enjoy our stories and feel something whatever our method, that's the prize. Maybe I'll try it. . . maybe. Great interview!

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    1. It does get tricky at times. Every now and again I have to hit the second rewind button. Usually I just hit pause when I have to do something complicated. And yes, the story is the big pay off!

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    2. If someone has a one-track mind, I imagine it would get tricky trying to focus on the story if you're not reading the words yourself.

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  7. Nice to meet you, April! I think audio books are a major breakthrough for authors to reach new audiences. I've heard it's expensive to hire a 'reader' and quite an investment to record an audio version of a book. Maybe that's only a rumour? I'll be over to visit your links. Nice interview, Chrys!

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    1. It can be an expensive investment upfront. I have chatted with several authors about it before they ventured into audio, gave my two cents worth. If you are lucky a producer like Audible or Tantor would pick you up, then they do all the work of casting and what not.

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    2. It surely is a major break through for authors. Maybe one day I'll have audio books. ;)

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  8. Hi April, great interview! I have to admit I have never listened to an audio book; I'm afraid it might put me asleep, could be so relaxing no matter how intense the plot :)

    betty

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    1. That is why I never listen at night or when I am feeling sleepy. Those times are for my books, cause I can always find my place again!

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  9. I've never got into audio books as my mind tends to stray when doing other things so I'll only get half of what is being said. That or I'll pay attention and rearend someone lol

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    1. That could be dangerous! I will admit I have missed my exit a time or two because I was engrossed in a book! Also, I get bummed when I reach my destination and have to stop!

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  10. I love a good audio. I am particular about the narrator, but when I find ones I like I will listen to any of the books they narrate. :) So fun to learn about April and to hear from someone who is so knowledgeable about this area of the book world. Thanks for sharing!
    ~Jess

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    1. LOL! I am the girl who can rattle off narrators as well as authors! I fangirl hard on both!!

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    2. That's interesting that you look for books by a specific narrator. I like that. I bet doing that has introduced you to many great books and authors you wouldn't have found otherwise.

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  11. Interesting interview. I can't focus when I'm being read to--I need to see the page--so I don't think audio books would be a good fit for me. BUT I've heard Stephen King does great audio versions of his own stories. I'd be willing to give that a try, just for fun.

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    1. I have not heard any of his reads, well, not ones read by him. I tend to steer clear of author read audiobooks. While it might seem a great idea, unless it is a biography, they tend to miss the mark. I prefer when they leave it to actors who have experience emoting with their voice.

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    2. The last time I was read to, I was a kid. So I really need to give audio books a try.

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  12. Great interview! I love audiobooks and Eargasms! I am always checking to see what April is reading or she what she thought of a book I'm thinking of listening to!

    Once I thought I preferred to read but then I started with audio I fell in love. Audiobooks make things like work, chores and exercise so much better and they help me "read" about 300 books a year! If you haven't tried it, you really are missing out! Thanks for the interview and Thanks April for all that you do!

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    1. Thanks Cyndi! You are definitely a favorite follower on Eargasms! I need to get back to posting all the books I recently read! There are so many great ones out there! Audio helps me keep on track with all my reading, cause life gets in the way at times!

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    2. Thanks for visiting my blog, Cyndi! I'm glad to have you here for April's interview. :D

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  13. Audio books are new to me. I've only read a couple, but really enjoyed it. It's a nice change from reading and also gives my eyes a rest.
    Great interview, ladies. Enjoyed it.

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    1. They are a read lifesaver for a couple friends of my who have deteriorating eyesight. A great way to keep a hobby they love. Glad to hear you are getting into it as well!

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    2. Giving the eyes a rest is definitely a pro for audio books.

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  14. I really must get an audio book, I have heard how good they are, guess I'm behind the times. Great post to read.
    Yvonne.

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    1. Definitely check them out! I would recommend trying anything narrated by Tavia Gilbert, she is a fav for my ears.

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    2. Thanks for leaving April a comment, Yvonne! :)

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  15. I haven't really given audiobooks a shot. If I ever have a long commute, I'd probably use them so I can accomplish something on the ride.

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  16. I've frequently listened to audiobooks when I've gone on long car trips with my parents. My father loves Anthony Trollope's Victorian sagas, and we've also listened to Middlemarch and a few other classic novels.

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    1. That's great! It seems like long car trips are ideal for audio books. :)

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  17. I've never listened to audio books. I would agree, though, that you'd need a good narrator to make it an enjoyable experience.

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  18. Hi April. Great interview Chrys.
    I enjoy Audio books too. I listen to a lot of audio in my car, especially on longer trips. Audio books fill that time in nicely. Big Finish actually turned me onto audio books and I've "re-read" several books by listening to them on audio.

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