Q&A with Narrator Aaron Shedlock
I always love finding out what the people I love to read and listen to love to read, write, and listen to. What their favorite parts of their job are. What elements of the book world hit the hardest. So I thought it would be great to have some Q&A time with the authors and narrators who are attending Charm City Romanticon 2025. Bring a little insight to who they are, and why they do what they do. A little way to find some wonderful common ground and some new things to lean into.
And this week, we’re getting it all started with Aaron Shedlock.
How did you get started narrating?
I was listening to Will Patton narrate a Stephen King novel, thoroughly impressed with his ability to weave a tale filled with suspense and intrigue, and began wondering if it was something I might be able to do. After doing some research and reaching out to one of my favorite narrators, they encouraged me to give it a try. The rest as they say, is history!
Where do you recommend a new reader/listener start in your backlist?
Oh, that depends on what genres they’re into. Cowboys? Paranormal? Urban Fantasy? Romantic Suspense? The best place to find out more is to visit my fan group on Facebook and ask for recommendations from some of my long-time fans. They are always more than happy to help out a newcomer. One of my favorite books of 2024 is a Dark Academia Gothic Romance called Nocticadia by Keri Lake.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/part in a novel you've narrated?
Yes. The end of the last book in the Ryker Ranch series by Kim Loraine had a scene where the main character from the first book, the eldest son of the Ryker family, looked out over the land his family owned. It was such a heartfelt and emotional moment. It has always stuck with me.
Is there a part of your career as an narrator you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
When I first started, I wondered how I was going to fit into this very niche world of acting. Could I do it?? I had never been an actor. I’d never had any “real” training. So I reached out to a coach and began training in the Meisner Method. I was so nervous and filled with anxiety. After the first day, I was hooked. Acting was the missing piece I had always been looking for.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as a narrator, reader, or listener?
As a listener, I love biographies, memoirs, thrillers, urban fantasy, and sci-fi. As a narrator, I love working in romance and dabbling in other genres that are interesting and grab my attention.
What is your favorite part about being a narrator?
Telling stories and engaging with my audience. Narration is such an intimate experience and I love taking listeners on these journies as I immerse myself into the author’s world.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
I listen to a bit of everything. I love to hear how other narrators approach story telling. Stephen King, Mary Shelley, and Lewis Carroll are three of my all time favorite authors.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
My mother first and foremost. She gave me the will and determination to never be afraid to try new things. Jeffrey Kafer for helping me navigate my way into the world of audiobooks. Macleod Andrews for inspiring me to give narration a try. Will Patton for encouraging me to lean into my genuine and unique approach to storytelling.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as a narrator?
I didn’t have much growing up. But I had a library card. Books were my life. They taught me to use my imagination to see the brilliant worlds and characters these amazing authors created with nothing more than their own imaginations. It lit a fire of ambition inside me that still burns to this day.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback: Kindle for new, paperback for all of my classics
Beach or Mountain Vacation: Mountains!
Dogs or Cats: Dogs. Although, I love me some kitties too.
Ice Cream or Cake: All the ice cream!
Action Flick or Rom-Com: Rom-Com!
Tea or Coffee: Coffee!
Road Trip or Air Travel: Road trip!
Connect with Aaaron:
You can find more information about Aaron on his website: https://www.aaronshedlock.com/
You can grab Aaron’s audiobooks on: Audible
You can find Aaron on social media here: Facebook Instagram Twitter/X
And you can join his Facebook group: Aaron's Angels