Interview with Bill Nevitt, Audiobook Narrator for the Disaster Crimes Series

I am really excited to welcome Bill Nevitt to Write with Fey. Bill is the audiobook narrator of Seismic Crimes, Tsunami Crimes, and the-soon-to-be-released Flaming Crimes! His answers are fascinating and gives a neat perspective into the work of narrators.

Welcome, Bill!

~*~

1. What equipment do you use and what’s your process from audition to finished product?

My equipment consists of a “Lexicon Omega” computer interface, Rode NT-1000 condenser mic and an Apple “iMac Pro” computer, 25” monitor.

Following the narration, I listen to the entire chapter, completing three steps:

A) ”Proofing” – confirming my narration matches the text of the book;

B) Editing – Confirming/adjusting the timing of the read, i.e. appropriate pauses, etc.

C) Mastering – noise reduction and volume adjustments to meet ACX’s standards

2. When you narrated Seismic Crimes, I’d only worked with one other narrator for Hurricane Crimes, who did voice Beth in a womanly tone. In the beginning, it would make me laugh until I got used to it, so I’m curious…how do you create the voices for female characters?

All of my characters, both male and female, have been derived from people that I’ve either known well, grew up with, was a school classmate with or former coworkers.  Inspiration for character voices can also come from people that are public figures, athletes, “shady”/criminal types, or, people that are just plain “quirky characters;” this can be people I’ve encountered at social events, ball games, etc. I never know what the origin or source of my next character will be.  

Amazon / Audible / iTunes

3. What genres do you enjoy narrating the most?

Although each genre has its appeal, I’d have to say any form of Fiction appeals to me the most, as those stories allow me to create voices to match the author’s description of the characters that comprise the story. That’s why it’s so helpful for Fiction authors to provide as much background information about the characters as possible, so I can create voices for those characters that sound like “the voice of the character the author heard in his/her head” when he/she wrote the book.

4. There are a few steamy scenes in nearly every installment of the Disaster Crimes Series (except for the shorter works). How do you feel about narrating steamy romantic scenes?

I believe the key to narrating romantic passages, as well as any other dramatic pieces, is to give the listener “the gist” of the scene and let the listener’s imagination take over from there. The listener’s imagination, in many ways, can provide “more steam” to the scene than the narrator can create, as all listeners have their own concept of what is seductive or erotic. An excellent example of the use of imagination was in the movie “Jaws,” as viewers did not see the shark until well over sixty minutes into the movie; the viewer’s fear was heightened by the viewer’s own imagination, not the visual.  I try to achieve that level of involvement for the listener in all my Fiction narrations.

Amazon / Audible / iTunes

5. What caught your attention with Seismic Crimes that had you auditioning for it, especially considering it was Book Two of the series?

In reviewing the audition information, the concept of the book intrigued me. To that point, I had not narrated a Romance title and believed that the story was one that would be compelling for the listener, if I provided a solid performance.

6. So far, which of the Disaster Crimes books (Seismic Crimes, Tsunami Crimes, Flaming Crimes) have you enjoyed narrating the most and why?

Seismic Crimes, as that was the book was where I was first introduced to the characters, as I did not narrate the initial installment of the series, “Hurricane Crimes.”  

7. Do you have a favorite character and/or moment from the Disaster Crimes Series?

I would have to say the villains in the books, such as David Buckland (Buck) and Jackson Storm. “Sinister types” that required unique voices.


From Bill Nevitt's YouTube. Take a listen to a sample of Flaming Crimes before its release:

8. I have fun writing the villains, too. How did you become an audiobook narrator?

I had established myself as a voice actor and on camera talent several years ago.  A colleague of mine suggested that I investigate audiobook narration; I tried it and really “took to it.” Audiobook narration gives me the opportunity to “act” with my voice, as well as read many interesting books!

9. If you could narrate any book in the world, what would it be?

As a History “buff,” I’d really like to narrate any of Stephen Ambrose’s works. His writing was very compelling. It’s a shame he passed away at a relatively young age.

10. That is a shame. What are the other audiobooks you’ve narrated?

“Flaming Crimes,” once completed, will be my 30th audiobook narration. 

Rather than list them all, I’ll offer a breakdown by genre:  History – 6; Mystery – 6; Historical Fiction – 1; Romance – 5; Sports – 2; Sci-Fi - 1; Young Adult – 1; Spiritual – 1; Business – 7.

Anyone interested in reviewing any of my titles can do so via Audible, Amazon, iTunes, You Tube (Bill Nevitt) or my website: www.billnevittmedia.com.

Links:  www.billnevittmedia.com

https://www.facebook.com/Bill.Nevitt.Media.1

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bnevitt

YouTube – Bill Nevitt

~*~

Wow! I had no idea you’ve done so many audiobooks. Lucky #30, perhaps? Haha! Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and thank you for participating in this interview.

Everyone, I encourage you to check out Bill Nevitt’s work, and please leave him a comment below. Thanks!