Locks, Hooks and Books: Audiobook Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Abduction of Nelly Don by Patrice Williams Marks

Author: Patrice Williams Marks

Narrator: Clay Lomakyu

Length: 4 hours and 49 minutes

Publisher: Circa Publishing

Released: Dec. 9, 2015

Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller

During the Great Depression, high-profile kidnappings became more and more commonplace. On December 17, 1931, self-made millionaire fashion designer Nell Donnelly becomes the next casualty. Senator Reed, a family friend, steps in to lead the investigation. Impatient with ineffective police efforts, he is willing to go to extraordinary measures. How extraordinary? How about enlisting the help of two of Kansas City's most notorious crime bosses. This deal with two devils may very well be Reed's downfall. But more importantly, will the involvement of hardened gangsters lead to Nell Donnelly's freedom or her demise?

Patrice Williams Marks is an author, Sensitivity Reader, founder of courses that teach Sensitivity Reading, founder of a non-profit charity, founder of several film festivals with diverse entries from filmmakers and writers. She also has a background in public relations, marketing, and journalism with an emphasis on research. She penned her first book in third grade; The Day Snoopy Got Married. While it didn't make the New York Times Bestseller List, it was an instant classic with the Nunaka Valley Elementary School staff. From that moment forward, Patrice knew she was a writer. Patrice uses her investigative journalism background to excavate untold/unknown stories from times-past to populate her historical fiction novels based on true stories. She also writes non-fiction with the intention of sharing knowledge.

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The Abduction of Nelly Don is my first introduction to Patrice Williams Marks’s work. I thought it was a pretty historical. It is not a long read, but it is full of mystery, suspense, action and adventure. I never knew what would happen in the next scenes.

I had the honor to listen to the audio version of The Abduction of Nelly Don. I enjoyed the narrator’s performance. Clay Lomakyu did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. I, also, enjoyed hearing some sound effects that was added to the audio.

I am giving The Abduction of Nelly Don three and a half stars. I would love to read more by Patrice Williams Marks in the future. I believe other readers who enjoy historical fiction would enjoy this one. It is definitely worth a read.

I received the audio version of this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Patrice Williams Marks. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Designs made by the real "NELLY DON"

Q&A with Author Patrice Williams Marks

Tell us about the process of turning your book into an audiobook.
- This was my first produced audiobook and I was pretty green. I decided to do a revenue share with the producer/narrator and pitched the book on ACX. Prior to that I had struggled with the type of voice to use. Should I use a woman narrator or male? I ultimately decided to find a male with a kind, expressive voice as the story was in past-tense and Nelly was not the main point of view. Clay (my narrator) was the first one to respond and he was exactly what I was looking for. He had the voice, was a professional and knew what the project needed. I was very fortunate.
Do you believe certain types of writing translate better into audiobook format?
- No, not really. I write both fiction and non-fiction. Even a school textbook would be great in audio form. I narrated my own nonfiction book on crowdfunding and it sells consistently as well.
Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing?
- No. This was my first novel. I had written a short story prior to that and have a background in screenwriting. That was not on my mind while writing.
How did you select your narrator?
- Clay found the project on ACX and contacted me. He was the first one to do so. I listened to his sample and fell in love with his voice. He is a very spiritual person and that was quite evident from his sample. It was hard to believe that the very first person would be the one, but I knew it right away and closed the project to other submissions a day later.
How closely did you work with your narrator before and during the recording process? Did you give them any pronunciation tips or special insight into the characters?
- Clay would send me one chapter at a time. If I thought something needed to be re-recorded, I would let him know at which time mark and give further details. He would also have advice and suggestions that were incorporated. I did not have to give pronunciation tips as he had it covered. I also did not give any further insight into the characters as he read the book beforehand. The Abduction of Nelly Don is a fictionalized account but based on a true story. At the end of the book I introduce the real cast of characters and give an update on what happened to them after the event. I believe that was enough to give Clay the character backgrounds he needed.
Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing?
- Yes, this is based on a true story and real events. Nell Donnelly was kidnapped just before the Lindbergh baby. It was just as sensational; yet not as known. For those who sign up to my newsletter list, I provide original redacted FBI files and newspaper articles on the kidnapping. (Go to patricewilliamsmarks.com and click on red button)
Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
- Yes, I purchase audiobooks, but mostly nonfiction how-to books. Because I’m a Sensitivity Reader, I read tons of fiction books as part of my job. I listen to nonfiction books to grow and learn new skills or enhance the ones I already possess.
Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format?
- The beginning where young Brook is kidnapped. It comes more alive with the audiobook which includes submachine gun sound effects. Makes it more real.
What bits of advice would you give to aspiring authors?
- Don’t fall for the, “only write what you know.” That is very limiting. Write what inspires you. If you have no clue about the subject, do your research. If you have no clue about the people, hire a sensitivity reader. It’s that simple.
Do you have any tips for authors going through the process of turning their books into audiobooks?
- Decide the type of voice you want for your project before you post. Consider not going exclusive with your audiobook so that you can post on other platforms and reach a larger/different audience. Don’t expect to get rich from the sales as Amazon takes nearly 80% when all is said and done. If you have written a nonfiction book, narrate it yourself, then hire someone to edit it for you. Readers want to hear the voice of the person who wrote the how-to book.
What’s next for you?
- I’m currently in production on another audiobook for my thriller, Counter Punch.