KAREN MARIE MONINGS’ DREAMFEVER—THE AUDIOBOOK SESSIONS

A brief account of the studio recording of Ms. Monings’ incredible new Fever Series novel.

By Phil Gigante

I wanted to share some thoughts and feelings about having the chance to record Karens’ fantastic new book, Dreamfever.

Holy S***!!! Okay…that’s not very informative. Let me start at the top.

I became a fan of the Fever series while narrating the Highlander saga. I love the style, the grit and the arc of Fever. You do as well, or you wouldn’t be here reading this, so I won’t go into detail about the series or Dreamfever. (That’s right…NO SPOILERS!! Sorry!) I was incredibly pumped when I was asked to do the male voices in Dreamfever (thank you Karen—and thank you Moning Maniacs!), but I was also faced with a daunting challenge. I mean, voicing Barrons, V’lane, Darroc, Christian and…ahem…others…!!! Oh, man. I mean, we all know what they sound like, right? Right? In our heads?? And that’s the problem…ten different readers will have ten different interpretations of the beloved characters. Where to start? For me, at the top.

Enter Karen. That’s right, the Grand Mistress of the MacHalo herself, Ms. Moning was kind enough to take time with Natalie Ross (the AMAZING Mac, Dani, et. al.) and myself for a conference call to explore the characters and flow of Dreamfever. She discussed what she heard in the character’s voices. She also helped us with a bit of background info on these folks, as well as some “future insights” to help color our performances. (Again…NO SPOILERS…but I can’t wait until this book is out so I can discuss it!!)

Karen was bloody fantastic!! She gave us depth, insight and a strong emotional base for the characters and made our job much easier and more comfortable with her support. It was also a great surprise to learn we have so much in common, from Buffy to music to Star Trek-TNG (“I’m not gay—but, oh, Capt. Picard!??”). It is always a plus to discover someone you admire and respect is every bit as warm, kind and generous as you believed. Same page. Same bloody word. Thank you Karen!

So, we hit the studio on day one with an attitude, determined to do the best possible job we could with bringing the book to audio-life. We needed the desire to kick some serious ass—and we had it. Aiding the ass-kicking greatly was Kris K., our phenomenal engineer, who also engineered Kiss of the Highlander and the Audie winning Dark Highlander, and is the man who invented the “Voice” effect used in those books! We were in good hands.

I realize now that I can’t really give many details on the process without plot points. But I can say it was an amazing roller coaster ride through Macs’ ongoing saga. ”Static or Change” is how the Fae see the world…and Dreamfever is by no means Static! Natalie as Mac will make you laugh, cry, bite your nails and scream in frustration at the events she goes through. The arc of Macs’ journey takes you through her deepest despair and incredible triumphs. Her Dani will make you want to BE Dani…I did! LOL. I did everything I could to make sure the ongoing love/hate affair with Barrons is immediate and heartfelt. And that his voice will vibrate your…ahem…eardrums. There are great lines and moments from other characters, old and new(!) as well. Some sublime…some monsterous! The back and forth scenes between Natalie and myself were electric and some of the most fun I’ve ever had in the studio.

Wish I could say more…and perhaps after the book is released I can elaborate. (And share some outtakes! “Hey Mac, they’re interlopers…not antelopes!”) I know…I’m a big tease, sorry…but great foreplay always leads to a greater…well, you know! :)

Oh! And you have to get the BLOODRUSH soundtrack! (Yes, I’ve heard it!) There is an amazing mix of music there, from soft and tender, to fun and vibrant, to rip-off-your-clothes-now mosh pit goth! Neil is an incredible musician/songwriter whose work captures the feel of the Fever series to a “T”. Neil—I CANNOT get Taking Back the Night out of my head!

Enjoy the pics. Anticipate the book! It will be all you expect…and much more!

Natalie and I getting into character.No spoilers!I'm not going to tell you who I am right now. Kris cracking the whip. Natalie and I ready for anything!

BloodRush CD

Press proofs are in!
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I honestly had no idea what went into producing a CD. And a 24-page booklet? Sheesh! With original material? (Including KMM interviews JZB!) Then we had to figure out how to make it available, and now here I sit with a 32-page application for an ecommerce page.
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Well worth it!
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I couldn't be more thrilled with the end result. The above is the cover of the CD, also the cover of the booklet inside. The contents are sexy, edgy, intense. I keep my site PG-13, but my books aren't, nor is the CD, so caveat emptor: Parental Advisory.
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I just heard that Brilliance is including Taking Back the Night--the sidhe-seers anthem--on the audio book of Dreamfever! Those of you that came and sang with us--you're going to be on an audiobook!--isn't that the coolest? Phil and Natalie are recording this week, and I believe he might pop over here to share a bit of the narrating experience with us.

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Because we were working so hard on the CD, to get it done in time for pre-orders so it would ship conciding with Dreamfever's release date, the website updates are still in progress. I anticipate the updates will go live August 1, and we'll also have the BloodRush pre-order form up by then, too.
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I think you guys are going to love it!!!

Another BLOODRUSH picture and an overlooked thanks

Here's a great shot from the studio!

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Also, thanks Barb and Whitney for the chocolates you brought all the way from Germany! They were fabulous! Unfortunately I only got one because Neil ate them all, LOL.