Great question! Well, when an idea pops into my head, I usually discuss
it with my wife and the pros and cons of proceeding forward with.
Once I decide to write the novel, I then work on developing a
full blown plot and creating three dimensional characters. Then comes an
outline on the story, subplots, scenes, conflict, and a satisfying conclusion.
I then simply follow through and work steadily till wrapping up
project.
Beyond the print and eBook versions, it has become increasingly
important to me to have all my books in audio as well, given the greater
interest these days in audio fiction with readers using their iPods, tablets,
cell phones, and computers to listen to books instead of on CD.
Finding the perfect narrator simply comes down to the audition
process and connecting with someone who has the right voice, style, and
enthusiasm for the job; while possessing the professionalism to do the job in
an efficient manner that meets quality standards for an audio book.
Tell us about an entity that supported your writing outside of
family members.
My writing ambitions have long been supported by friends and
colleagues. I would say that the support of my professors when in college was
the key to my development as a successful writer. They fully encouraged me to
follow my dreams and learn from any mistakes along the way.
What was the biggest surprise to you when you first heard your
work professionally narrated?
Another great question. Perhaps the biggest surprise was being
able to put myself in the shoes of a listener instead of the author in being
able to totally enjoy the presentation. Indeed, it was such fun for me and my
wife as big fans of audio fiction to listen to my own creation. It was like an
“audio movie,” using my mind’s eye to visualize the narrated book.
Do you think about how your work will sound in audiobook form
while you're writing?
Actually, I do. With more than 40 titles in audio, I do tend to
imagine the book being narrated as I write it. In many instances, I will
envision the words in audio of particular scenes or characters.
If you didn't have to worry about licensing rights and you could
choose one piece of music as a soundtrack for this book, what would it
be?
That is an interesting question. Hmm... I think it would be
great if the soundtrack or transitional music for TEEN GHOST AT DEAD LAKE was
Robert Cobert’s music score for the Dark
Shadows TV series, a gothic soap opera that was one of my favorite shows.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to my bestselling young adult vampire novel, COUNT DRACULA’S
TEENAGE DAUGHTER, entitled, OUT FOR BLOOD, has just been released. I am excited
about this second book in my Transylvanica High Series that should really
please my young adult readers.
And coming in the summer of 2014 is the first of
my new YA coming of age adventure series, SUMMER AT PARADISE RANCH.
About the Author:
R. Barri Flowers is the
bestselling author of teen novels, COUNT
DRACULA'S TEENAGE DAUGHTER, TEEN
GHOST AT DEAD LAKE, GHOST GIRL IN
SHADOW BAY, DANGER IN TIME, and
CHRISTMAS WISHES: Laura's Story. His novels can be found in print, eBook,
and audio.
The author has also written a
number of bestselling teen and young adult related nonfiction books as well,
including RUNAWAY KIDS AND TEENAGE
PROSTITUTION, KIDS WHO COMMIT ADULT CRIMES, and CHILDREN AND CRIMINALITY.
Follow R. Barri Flowers on
Twitter, Facebook,
Pinterest Goodreads, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, LibraryThing, and www.rbarriflowers.net. And learn more about the author in Wikipedia.
