Q&A with Narrator Paige Reisenfeld
I am an audiobook addict.
There I said it.
I honestly cannot go long without listening to a book. It’s a different experience for me than reading an ebook or a paperback. It’s immersive and soul-filling. And I have so many narrators I love listening to and authors I love reading that it’s given me an endless source of stories in my ears. It also gives my eyes that needed screen break from editing while still allowing me to sink into my favorite stories.
Sometimes I find audiobooks because I like the author, but recently I’ve been finding audiobooks by searching for my favorite narrators. That’s pretty much the case with Paige Reisenfeld. I love her narration, and have added so many books from her catalog to my tbl (to be listened-to). I actually met Paige at a book event before I listened to her, and started listening to her books because I adore her as a person. Now that I know I adore her narrations as well, I actively seek her audiobooks out.
Beyond being a stellar human and narrator, Paige is also an amazing resource with a wealth of information about the audiobook industry. She shares her knowledge freely and often on her social media pages and I have learned so much from her. The lengths and levels she goes to so others can have a smooth and successful experience is amazing. And it really says so much about her commitment to the industry.
I learned even more about her through her Spotlight Q&A and I cannot wait to see her again at Charm City Romanticon in April of 2025.
Q: How did you get started narrating?
A: I was a classical voice major who then started touring children's theatre. Once the pandemic hit and theatre shut down, I was working for the ‘Zon and listening to audiobooks so I didn't go insane. I went up to visit my dad in March 2021 and it turned out we were listening to the same audiobook series and our discussion turned to narrators. He stopped and looked at me and said, “I think you’d be good at narrating.”
And I thought for a moment then fired the Capricorn brain into deep dive research and here I am!
Where do you recommend a new listener start in your catalog?
Hmmm so many good titles…but I love Calamity and Fiasco by Constance Fay (sci-fi romance), or The Walking Shadows series by Talis Jones (dystopian)! Oh or the Luck Gods series (YA urban fantasy)!
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/part in a novel you've narrated?
Anything where I snot cry! 🤣 There's a particular scene in Alarum where I sobbed EVERY TIME I read it: during prep, recording, listening to finished files, revisiting for a coaching session, etc.
That or the line in Things I Should Have Said where the FMC looks at her sister, who is afraid she's angry and says, “Sam…I am always angry.”
Is there a part of your career as a narrator you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
Finding authors actually! There was definitely that part of my brain yelling, “Who are you going to find desperate enough to hire you?!” And while it still shows up every now and then, many actually seem to like me and my work which is so lovely.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as a narrator, reader, or listener?
I don't think so, actually - I tend to hop around in all aspects because I get bored with the same things over and over. In terms of casting though, I usually get a snarky FMC…weird…
What is your favorite part about being a narrator?
Oh gosh…all of it! Exposure to stories I didn't know existed, appreciating the art and time that authors put into their worlds, actually getting to voice these characters….okay, maybe the crazy off-the-wall characters are my favorite, because I get those so rarely. Who wouldn't want to be a shadow hag named Sunshine or a surly chicken sorcerer named Fontaine?!
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors/narrators you want to send a shout-out to?
Oh gosh, so much! Historical fiction, especially having to do with code-breaking or spying (hi there Kate Quinn and Saskia Maarleveld). January LaVoy narrating anything. Tess Irondale for LitRPG. As for authors…T.Kingfisher, Jacqueline Carey, Erin Morgenstern, JA Vodvarka, DM Darcy, Andy Weir
I’ve been on a sapphic kick lately, across genres!
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
My parents, for sure. They helped me on the path, not just with the idea but financially to get started.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as a narrator?
Studying classical voice has certainly helped me know what I can do with my voice and maintain my stamina/energy. Also with narrating other languages and accents, because I can read the International Phonetic Alphabet!
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback - Paperback
Beach or Mountain Vacation - Mountain
Dogs or Cats - Cats. Deeeeefinitely cats
Ice Cream or Cake - ice cream
Action Flick or Rom-Com - Action Flick
Tea or Coffee - coffee as black as my soul
Road Trip or Air Travel - road trip
Connect with Paige Reisenfeld:
You can find more information about Paige and her audiobook catalog, and how to connect with her on social media here:
