Interview with narrator Chris Brinkley

1 – How did you come to narrate romantic novels?

My background had been in radio and sports broadcasting. After narrating several nonfiction books, I decided I wanted to try fiction which requires more of an acting background. I auditioned for Penny Reid’s first book in the Winston Brothers series. It was my first romance book and first fiction book.

2 – Have you narrated books from different genres?

I have narrated nonfiction, mystery, thriller, memoirs and romance. For me, it is about the storytelling. I love great stories with interesting characters.

3 – What was the most fun \ easy book you narrated?

I have been lucky enough to record many fun books! Sweet Talk by Cara Bastone was a great experience for me because we recorded the dialogue in real time, meaning the female narrator, Lidia Dornet, and I were recording together. I could feel the chemistry almost immediately. She is a great voice actor.   

4 – What was the most difficult book \ character you narrated and why?

Every book and character can be difficult at first, because I am trying to discover the characters. My goal is to become the character. Once that happens, the narration becomes easy.

5 – What are the preparations you make before each project? Do you read the whole book in advance? Do you rehearse out loud before the recording itself? or maybe something else?

I do read the entire book. Then I read the chapters that I am going to record that day again out loud before I record. Sometimes, I edit the audio and hear it again. Or, someone else will edit. Before I am finished with the audio, I will listen again. As a listener, if anything takes me out of the story, I change it. My goal is for the listener to get lost in the story and the characters.   

6 – How long does it take you to record an entire book?

It usually takes me 4-6 hours for every hour of finished audio. If a finished audiobook is 10 hours, it took me at least 40 hours to produce. 

7 – Are you working on more than one book at a time?

I have worked on multiple books at once, but would prefer to work on one book at a time. This allows for more focus. I am also constantly doing other voice and narration work that is short-form narration. 

8 – What is the genre you like to read in your free time?

If the story is interesting and the characters matter to me, I will read any genre.

9- Is there a writer you particularly like? To read or to work with

I have worked with Penny Reid the most. I have recorded all of her Winston Brothers books. She is a wonderful writer and person and I will work with her anytime she asks. She also helped me to publish my first book, My Story of Us: Zach. I am forever grateful for the impact she has had on my career.