Maria Nicola Johnson

What was the first audiobook you performed?

A Duel For Christmas by Rosanne E. Lortz

What title or series are you best known for?

Pevensey Mystery Series by Rosanne E. Lortz

If a listener wanted to get to know your work, which of your audiobooks would you point them to?

The Day I Left You by Caroline Bishop
Death Wasn't Invited by Carlene O'Connor

What do you always have in the booth?

Water definitely, plus stickie notes with fresh inspiration about who I'm narrating to on this particular book. (My new best friend, a neighbor, an old acquaintance, it depends on the genre. I like to envision my listener and put a description and name to them, then pin it on the wall so I can remind myself who's listening. And it feels less isolated in there. :)

How did you come to performing audiobooks?

About 5 years ago, I wanted to make a significant life change. I asked myself, "What have I ever done in my life that I enjoyed so much that I'd like to do more of it, possibly for the rest of my life?" And the answer was Voice Over. I did some commercials, and PBS documentary character narration and loved it, back when I lived in NYC. But, it wasn't until I was introduced to a wonderful coach and narrator himself, Steve Corona, that I learned all about audiobooks, and once I got started learning about them, and narrating them, I was hooked. And have stayed hooked ever since.

Anything else you’d like a listener to know?

This is probably the hardest work I've ever loved, and there is very little stability and security in knowing when or if there'll be another book in my future to narrate. But that is all part of the freelance ride. I have been doing this for 5 years now, I know I'm still learning, and always will. It is a very slow marathon to get to where my name someday MIGHT be known by a larger audience. But, despite that or maybe because of it, I know that it is for the LOVE of the work, connecting the authors' worlds and characters with listeners, the collaboration with indie authors and publishers, and teams of engineers, and all the continuing education that is necessary to hone this craft, I continue on this journey grateful to have another project in the pipeline and wholly grateful to those listeners who appreciate my work and leave kind reviews. YOU make it all worthwhile! Thank you for listening!!