Q&A with Narrator Samantha Brentmoor
Creating a movie of the mind with just a voice isn’t easy. It takes a lot of talent to master the rhythm, inflection, and tone of one character, never mind many. When I’m picking a new book to listen to, I tend to gravitate to several specific narrators because of how expressive they are. How their pacing and cadence reflect what’s happening in the story. How their ability to interpret and perform the characters creates mental images in my mind. How they throw themselves into their main character and bring them to life.
It’s no secret Samantha Brentmoor is one of my top go-to narrators when I’m choosing a book to listen to. Her performances bring a deeper level of immersion to the stories and the characters. So I tend to listen to her a lot. It’s gotten to the point that oftentimes when I’m editing, certain characters naturally speak to me in her voice. There I am, following along, and then I realize I recognize that voice in my head. And it ain’t mine. Oh, hey, Samantha.
And as much as I love and respect Samantha as a narrator, I love and respect her even more as an advocate within the industry. Both Samantha and Rose Dioro have been very vocal about why they do what they do and why they share their insights on the industry through social media and their Rosemoor Roundtable Podcast. They’ve covered topics from the role female narrators play in the industry and how they are often overshadowed by their male counterparts to the pitfalls of parasocial relationships and the benefits of positive community interactions and boundaries. Our conversations and her posts remind me time and time again of how important it is that we spend time promoting the positives in the industry as much as possible, while also shedding light on disparities and ingrained issues.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that Samantha is an extraordinarily talented narrator, and an incredibly dedicated human. I count myself very lucky to have her on our Charm City Romanticon narrator team. And the assistance and knowledge she’s brought to the event and this year’s upcoming narrator panel and workshop is absolutely invaluable. I literally could not have pulled it all together without her. I will forever be grateful to her for her friendship, her dedication to everything she puts her mind to, and her beautiful narrations that have kept me happy and sane on many a road trip.
I loved diving into her Q&A, learning more about her, and can’t wait to see her at CCR this year and learn even more.
How did you get started narrating?
I was doing commercial VO and sneaking into studios as I had no booth at home. While I would pop into those studios I would also get auditions for cartoons, video games and books they were casting for. One of those studios was Brick Shop Audio, (where I now act as Director of Production), and then it slowly took off from there.
Where do you recommend a new reader/listener start in your backlist?
It really depends on the genre you’re into. I can say I’ve been pretty lucky to do everything from the coziest cuties to the smuttiest dark ones- so go take a browse! I love helping someone find a listen from my catalog so if we get to meet and chat during CCR come ready to be asked all the questions about what you’re listening to.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've narrated?
Hit me in unforgettable feels: Every page in Across Eternity by Elizabeth O’Roark
Can’t forget having this much fun: Simultaneous/Live Duet recording Kiki & Dr. Masterson in the Mate Games by K Loraine & Meg Anne
Could barely get through: The Disguise/Aussie accent scene in Bridesmaid Undercover by Meghan Quinn
Will never think of cotton candy the same: Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
…. I could go on for a long time….
Is there a part of your career as a narrator you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
I was worried early on about losing my interest/ability to read anything besides what I was working on. For a while that was really true and I just couldn’t read or listen to anything. I don’t know when or why it shifted but sometime in the last 2 years I completely turned around on this and now I have found rather than being turned off by it I am even more passionate about the books I get to read and performances I get to listen to that are unrelated to my personal work. Some level of deeper appreciation clicked on and I love it.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as a narrator, reader, or listener?
Entirely depends on my mood and what I’ve been doing lately. I try really hard to keep a degree of variety in the calendar (erotic horror today, cutie hockey rom com tomorrow, non-fic on Monday sort of thing). But lately I have been loving two wildly different things: sweet, we haven’t kissed and nary brushed hands pining and then on the other side cheating storylines. Something about both of those tropes and how they both tap into very different kinds of angst/we can’t/we shouldn’t vibes that is just fun to play.
What is your favorite part about being a narrator?
Being a part of artistic collaborations and community every day.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors or narrators you want to send a shout-out to?
Lately? Been getting back into graphic novels and a recent fave is When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carroll. My fave novel read of 2024 was Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar. I know it seems obvious because we are friends but truly Rose Dioro’s work on the mic is so effortless and specific and inspires me to be better in the booth and Saskia Maarlaveld, Wesleigh Siobhan and Soneela Nankani have the type of voices that I would go full Ursula the Sea Witch to steal they are so incredible!
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
Too many to name! My friend Ashley who hooked me up with my first commercial audition changed the course of my career. My actor friendships have been essential in keeping me grounded and sane as I’ve worked for years in the industry. My author friendships have made working on the books themselves that much more meaningful (so great to understand the woman behind the words) and also has given me so much perspective on the industry as a whole. My producer friends have helped me find the ways I want to be a meaningful contributor to the industry and maintain its health.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as a narrator?
Girl, buy me a drink and settle in because that answer is too long for a questionnaire!
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback
Beach or Mountain Vacation
Dogs or Cats
Ice Cream or Cake
Action Flick or Rom-Com
Tea or Coffee both depends on time of day and circumstance
Road Trip or Air Travel
You can find more information about Samantha and her audiobook catalog, and how to connect with her on social media here:
