One of the highlights of my author career has been working with Royal Wave Media to produce audiobooks. They have done a brilliant job with Max and the Multiverse, so I was very excited to see how they approached the Immortal Wake. The hunt was on to find the perfect narrator for the saga, and found him they did. Eric Burgher delivered a superb mix of tone, cadence, and characterization. I was truly blown away by how much life he breathed into the story. I wanted to learn more, so I invited him for a chitchat.
Fiction or non-fiction? Which is easier?
It honestly depends more on the writing and the subject matter, but because I have an acting background I’d say fiction comes a bit easier to me. The biggest challenge I find with non-fiction is making it as entertaining and engaging to listen to as fiction.
If you didn’t narrate, what would you do for work?
When I was a kid I always wanted to be a sports broadcaster. I got a chance to do it a few years ago for some Georgia State baseball games and it was an absolute blast. One day it’s something I’d like to do again.
What does success mean to you? What is the definition of success?
I like this question because my answer to it was different five years ago than it is now. When I was younger I used to think, oh, it’ll be when I get cast in a big movie or star in something onstage, etc. Right now to me success revolves around giving my family the best quality of life I can and prioritizing them and a happy life above everything else.
What do you do when you are not narrating?
I have a 1-and-a-half year old, which is all consuming. 🙂 So, I spend a lot of time with my wife and son. And when it’s possible, I love to travel. So many of my closest friends live all over the US, so, making my way around to see them is one of my favorite things to do. I also love catching up on TV with my wife and trying new restaurants and breweries.
What was your favorite scene or character to narrate?
For Transient, I really enjoyed narrating the exchanges between Jonas and Hector and Jonas and Gaius. I loved exploring the complex relationship Jonas has with both of those characters and how those scenes impacted his own growth and arc in the story.
When did you start narrating?
Although I’ve been acting for over 20 years, I only started narrating full time in 2021. My wife is an audiobook narrator, and when the pandemic had all of us stuck at home I thought I’d try my hand at it. Now I do it full time and love the challenge of applying my acting experience to a whole new medium.
What do you like to read in your free time?
I love history and biographies most, although because I do so much reading for my job I don’t get nearly enough time for “free time” reading.
When you look back at your past, do you feel accomplished?
My life has taken so many twists professionally, but honestly, I do. I feel like everything I’ve done – acting, teaching, communications, broadcasting and now voice work – has given me tools that have led me to this point and I still have a lot to accomplish and a long way to go, which is exciting.
What do you love most about the narrating process?
All of my acting experience has been visual, be it on stage or on camera, so, this is a new challenge for me which I love. How to portray what is happening to a character using just my voice is something completely new. It keeps me learning, which is what I love most about it.
What is the hardest part about narrating a book?
Every book provides different challenges. I think it is hardest for me when the material or characters are harder to connect to emotionally. If it’s a character that is difficult to connect to emotionally, or if the writing doesn’t provide a lot of context, those are the toughest to flesh out and make real.
Learn more at EricBurgher.com
