Q&A with Narrator PJ Freebourn
Origin stories are one of my favorite things ever. And narrator PJ Freebourn has a pretty cool one. I mean, being voluntold to do something that turns into a career is pretty wonderful. And Paige and PJ have turned that initial experience into a pretty spectacular working partnership.
I first met PJ and Paige at SASS book signing in Virginia. We were all randomly wandering around during set-up and started chatting. As a situational introvert, it did not escape my notice how I instantly felt comfortable in both PJ and Paige’s presence. We chatted about everything and anything. And when we ran into each other during random wanderings around the signing, we always stopped to chat about something else. PJ’s personality pulls you in. He’s authentic and engaging, and so freaking talented.
Since I first met PJ, I’ve had the chance to add several of his audiobook titles to my TBL. I love the energy he infuses into his characters. And he is definitely another narrator I gravitate to because he’s not only talented, but he’s a really wonderful human and I love supporting him and his career.
I learned so much more about him from his Q&A, and I cannot wait to see him again at Charm City Romanticon this April!
How did you get started narrating?
There was an author who loved an audition by Page Reisenfeld, my partner. But she was looking for duet narration and hadn't found a Masc narrator that fit. So she asked Paige if she might know someone that would be a good fit. So Paige looked to her left and told me I would be taking an audition. That first book was Savior by Jennifer Saviano. And I feel very lucky that she hired us.
Where do you recommend a new listener start in your backlist?
For romance: Savior by Jennifer Saviano was my first book and is a wonderful motorcycle club romance that is unlike any other that I've seen. Very slow burn. strong character development.
Another great first start would be the Walking Shadows series by Talis Jones. A beautiful near future dystopian YA series that is dark, gritty, Western themes, epic time scale, characters you cry over.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/part in a novel you've narrated?
The most memorable scene I have gotten a narrate was a section of the book First Watch by Rysa Walker, the second book in the Icarus Code Sci Fi Thriller Series. I get to narrate an entire alien children's book. It's sweet sad and entirely alien. And I'm very proud of it. The entire series is a must listen.
Is there a part of your career as a narrator you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
This is a tough question because everything is difficult. The long hours in the booth doubting yourself. The hours outside of the booth studying the text. Always learning new accents. Always marketing yourself to get new contracts. Etc. But all of those things have been wonderful because of how rewarding the product is. I feel lucky and proud of the accomplishments both Paige and I have done. It has all been both difficult and wonderful
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as a narrator, reader, or listener?
As a listener / reader I consume a lot of sci-fi.
As a narrator I don't feel drawn to any one genre. I really enjoy the breadth of genres I've gotten to narrate.
What is your favorite part about being a narrator?
For me it's all the storytelling. It's being able to pull the listener in with every word that I say. And it's about telling stories in a way that forces people to engage their empathy. That's why I embody these characters. It's to get the listener to put on the shoes of the character they're listening to for just a moment. I think by that type of imagination and engagement we can change minds and change the world.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors/narrators you want to send a shout-out to?
Author: C. S. Friedman & Max Gladstone
Narrators: Ray Porter, January LaVoy & James Marsters
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
No one has been more influential in my career and my success than my partner Paige Reisenfeld. I think daily about how much I owe her.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as a narrator?
I bring a little bit of myself into every character I do. It is my life experiences that give me a jumping-off point to understanding the thought process of the character that I'm portraying.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback- Kindle
Beach or Mountain Vacation- Mountain
Dogs or Cats- Yes
Ice Cream or Cake- Cake
Action Flick or Rom-Com- Action flick
Tea or Coffee- Tea? But don't make me choose
Road Trip or Air Travel- Road trip
Connect with PJ Freebourn:
You can find more information about PJ and his audiobook catalog, and how to connect with him on social media here:
