Voice Over Artistry: Lucinda Gainey

When I decided to put my books into Audible, I searched for the right narrator for the Trudy Genova Mysteries. I already had a great British actress doing my Nora Tierney English Mysteries, but Trudy’s a New York gal and those needed someone completely different.

Audible allows you to sample audition tapes after choosing the main characteristics of the voice you’re after. After listening to several, I found voice-over artist Lucinda Gainey, and knew she was the voice of Trudy. We have worked via email on the first two books, and she will soon begin again.

With the third Trudy book, DEATH IN THE ORCHARD, I sent the completed files to Lucinda, whom I’d never met in person at that point, and mentioned the local launch at Belhaven NC’s Library. She asked to attend, and drove 3 hrs each way to be there. We spent a lovely day together, but best of all, Lucinda spoke to the gathering about her process and opened many eyes that day, mine included.

She told us that once she decided to focus less on her acting career to concentrate more on voice-over work, her husband helped her put together a modular acoustic unit she’d ordered from Italy, as her research showed those had the best recommendations. She finds its soundproofing works well for obliterating outside noises, while giving her a place to work apart from busy family life.

Then she described her process, which was more involved than I’d imagined. First she reads my book to absorb the story as a reader. Then she goes through a copy of the manuscript and highlights each speaker’s dialogue in different colors. Each character has their own color, which helps her modulate her voice when narrating, so Nora is always say purple and Ned is always blue.

She also picks out points in each scene to be certain she doesn’t overemphasize what she knows after reading are red herrings and real clues. I had never considered that aspect before, but it makes good sense.

Her attention to detail really pays off, and the feedback we’ve had is always wonderful. I’m sure each narrator has their own process, but hearing Lucinda’s was great fun, a real professional at work.

Here’s Lucinda in her own words:

I actually recorded my first audiobook in 1965 at the ripe old age of nine. That Christmas I received a reel-to-reel tape recorder and a copy of Edgar Allen Poe’s short stories. I spent the rest of my vacation recording (and re-recording) The Tell-Tale Heart—complete with sound effects.

 

I am a classically trained actress with a BFA in Drama (Acting Emphasis) from Carnegie-Mellon University. I have trained at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox MA with Kristin Linklater, Dennis Krausnik, Tina Packer, and Kevin Coleman.

 

I worked exclusively on stage until about ten years ago when I started working behind a microphone as a voice actor. I have worked in commercial, eLearning, medical, and documentary styles of voice-over. When I discovered audiobooks, they immediately became my passion and primary focus. I love entering the world of a book, telling the story, and getting to play all the parts.

 

 I continue to work in theatre when I have the opportunity. In addition to my work on stage as an actor, I have directed, stage-managed, and served as the vocal and dialect coach for a number of productions. Shakespeare is the playwright I have the most experience with. It’s a good thing, he’s my favorite.

 

 I am also a mom (for both humans and cats), a teacher, an avid reader, and an enthusiastic player of games (video, board, and role-playing).

lucindagainey.com

MIss Demeanors

Author

Marni Graff is the award-winning author of The Nora Tierney English Mysteries and The Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries. Her story “Quiche Alain” appears in the Anthony-winning Malice Domestic Anthology, Murder Most Edible.  Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press, she’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Triangle SinC, Mavens of Mayhem SinC, the NC Writers Network, and the International Crime Writers Association.