We were lucky to catch up with Katie Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’m Katie Thompson, and I am an audiobook narrator. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with literature and storytelling. From a young age, books became my sanctuary, allowing me to lose myself in the beauty of words and the emotions they evoke. After pursuing a degree in theater and a Master’s degree in journalism, starting and running my own business in 2018 and then having my daughter in 2021, I decided to pursue another passion. On long walks with my daughter, I escaped into the realm of audiobooks. I realized the incredible power of narration and the way it could truly bring books to life in such a unique way.
Armed with the skills I gained during my journalism, theater, and podcasting days, I decided to take a leap of faith. I transformed a cozy corner of my home into a legit recording studio. Armed with soundproofing materials, some recording equipment, and LOTS of research, I was ready to dive headfirst into audiobook narration.
During my daughter’s naptime and burning the midnight oil, I continue to pour my heart and soul into narrating, making sure every word I speak carries the weight and beauty the author intended.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After pursuing a degree in theater and a Master’s degree in journalism, I discovered my true calling in the world of audiobooks, where my passion and talent for breathing life into stories found its perfect outlet. I pride myself on being approachable and warm-hearted. I genuinely empathize with the characters I portray, allowing me to create a safe and immersive experience for listeners. I want them to feel like cherished confidants in the unfolding stories. Laughter, tears, and everything in between – I strive to elicit a full range of emotions, leaving a lasting impact.
I mostly narrate in the romance genre and adore bringing these love stories to life. First and foremost, there’s the sheer joy of immersing myself in stories filled with love, passion, and all the swoon-worthy moments that make your heart skip a beat. The beauty of narrating romance lies in the endless array of characters and their unique journeys. I get to explore their quirks, vulnerabilities, and desires, and breathe life into their experiences. It’s an incredible privilege to be the conduit for their emotions, to help listeners connect with them on a deeper level. The connection I forge with listeners is another aspect that fills my heart with joy. Romance is a genre that touches people’s lives in profound ways, evoking memories, hopes, and dreams. Through my narration, I have the opportunity to be a companion, a confidant, and a source of comfort for those who listen. Knowing that I can bring a smile to someone’s face or provide solace during a challenging time is incredibly rewarding.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities or skills that I think have been most impactful in my journey as an audiobook narrator are …
My dedication to always being a learner…
You have to be committed to constantly learning and improving your audiobook narration skills. This not only helps you stay up-to-date with new techniques and audience preferences but also makes your performances better. There’s usually a steep learning curve when you first get into narration (in actuality, the learning NEVER stops), but it’s important to really put in the time to do your research, hire a coach if you need to, and put in the work to improve your skills to the best of your abilities.
My ability to be resourceful…
You also need to be good at finding smart solutions to problems that come up while narrating. Whether it’s building a home studio on a budget or handling technical issues, you have to find creative ways to get things done effectively. My approach? The more you research and learn from those around you, the more creative and resourceful you’ll be.
My willingness to put myself out there…
You have to be proactive about reaching out to potential clients and promoting your work. You can’t be shy about networking, showcasing your abilities, and making connections in the audiobook industry. People can’t hire you if they don’t know you’re there!
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
I have been extremely lucky to have gotten such amazing opportunities in my first year of narrating. I do have a background in theater, performing, and audio engineering; however, this was a new venture for me and was intimidating at first! My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has been my confidence. When I first started narrating, I wrote down some goals that I hoped to one day accomplish. I had no idea what kind of timeline to put on them, I just knew that these were things I would like to one day do. A few of those things that were on my list that I have had the privilege of doing this year are…narrating a romance in duet with a male narrator (I’ve done quite a few now, but my first was with a male narrator that I really look up to so that was quite a fun project), narrate 10 audiobooks in my first year, be invited to be a signing narrator at a book event, just to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bookkatiethompson.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katiethompsonnarrator
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiethompsonnarrator
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@katiethompsonnarrator
