Jessie Potts gets inside look at audiobooks at Audible HQ

Earlier this week, I spent some time at Audible HQ in Newark, N.J. — and had so much fun. Not only is the building set in the middle of the downtown atmosphere, but inside it looks techie and sleek with glass conference rooms, multiple audio studios and books everywhere! I got to meet Tillie Hooper, who is narrating one of my favorite humorous paranormal series: Eve Langlais' Freakn' Shifters. In addition to meeting the narrator bringing to life awesome characters like Naomi and Carlie, I got to listen for 20 glorious minutes to her narrating Already Freakn' Mated.

I asked Eve to explain her Freakn' series for readers, and she told HEA, "When the mating instinct strikes, there is no escape. Expect a lot of freakn' mischief and drama when these feisty heroines meet a set of hunky shifters with seduction on the mind."

When I told Eve what a phenomenal narrator she got for her series (thanks, Audible!), she had some …interesting questions for Tillie!

Eve: Do you ever burst out laughing or snorting when reading certain passages?

Tillie: Totally. I'm weak on stoicism and am absolutely guilty of the occasional giggle-fest.

Eve: Given the romance scenes in Freakn' Shifters are rather explicit, and consist of more than just two people, do you find it difficult to say such dirty things aloud?

Tillie: Well, I wouldn't say difficult, because by this point, these pipes have been around the audiobook block a few times. Our studio engineers are glorious pals in the booth and they've heard it all, too, so everyone just rolls with it. Plus, we're all pretty motivated by humor, so if there's an opportunity for a laugh, we'll take it!

Eve: Admit it, you roll your eyes sometimes! lol

Tillie: Admitted.

Eve: Do you ever get completely caught up in a story to the point you forget you're working?

Tillie: I only get that caught up when I'm not actually working. Pleasure reading is my favorite, and I do seriously love to get swept up in a good adventure. But when I'm working, I might really love what I'm narrating, but I'm still generally aware of all the logistical aspects that go along with the act of recording. I DO have little moments of getting caught up so fully that I might make a goofy misread and keep barreling on, full speed ahead. Sometimes those are pretty hilarious.

Eve: Are you a Delicate Freakn' Flower?

Tillie: Hmm, I don't think there's a world in which I'd call myself delicate. Maybe in my dreams. But if you mean, do I sometimes fancy myself delicate, but really am a whole lot of rough edges, á la our heroine, yes, that applies!

Eve: You are a secret shapeshifter. What is your animal?

Tillie: I'd either go with some sort of bird so I can make a quick exit, or maybe a cat for the sun-splotch nap potential. Can I pick cat-bird?

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I also got to interview Lauren Fortgang and Carly Robbins. Audio narrators are a breed of their own and completely open and fun. I got NYC tips and thoughts about which Broadway shows are the best! Check out that interview coming in the next few weeks.

Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She also does reviews for RT Book Reviews magazine and works in the submissions departments at Dreamspinner Press and Entangled YA. You can follow her on Twitter (@BookTaster).