*Name: Jerry Fischer
*Tell us a bit about yourself:
How did you become involved with audiobook narration and production? Studied voice-over technique with Ginny Tyler (voice of Minnie Mouse), Joanie Gerber (voice of one of the Smurfs & various commercials), & Julie Kliewer (voice of Robecca Steam in “Monster High”); was an elementary public school teacher for over 28 years & always read to my students utilizing different voices; past reader for The Learning Tree (Hollywood production studio for reading for the blind)
Tell us about some of the titles you’ve narrated. Do you have a favourite amongst these? Fairview Felines (written by Michele Corriel, exhibiting 20 different voices), Ulrike’s Christmas (MY FAVORITE, written by Victoria Zigler), Hokey Pokey Pirates (written by Peyton King, Kristi King-Morgan), Why Are There Bullies … (written by Rich Linville)
Do you have a preferred genre? Yes, Kids! Do you have a genre you do not produce? Yes, Adults. Why is this? The books are too long and boring
My preferred genre is: Of course, Kids
What are you working on at present/Just finished? Just finished Home Squeak Home (another wonderful book written by Victoria Zigler)
*Tell us about your process for narrating? (Be as elaborate as you like.) It takes tremendous patience and practice, practice, practice. A voice-over artist is always honing his/her skills. Knowledge of various software programs and mics is a must, along with clear diction, high energy, and a vivid imagination. And, for sure, a love for reading!
What aspects do you find most enjoyable? Getting into the characters and becoming “them” as I narrate. Being able to bring the books “alive”.
Do you consider royalty share when looking for books to narrate? Yes, it tends to be much better than price per hour. That is, if you have a great writer and publisher who promotes and networks. If not why is this? NA
Do you listen to audiobooks? Used to, more in the past than present, since I’m busy with narrating and producing, now that I’m retired (well, from teaching).
*With many people owning MP3 players do you think this is the future of storytelling? Perhaps; however, my grandson encouraged me to stop narrating for anyone over 12 years old, because most teens don’t want to sit down today and listen to an audiobook. Sadly, many adults don’t seem to want to take the time to listen to stories anymore either. I really think we still need to hold onto the old-fashioned style of live storytelling.
Why do you think audiobooks are becoming so popular? Maybe people would rather listen to books that are recorded as they drive in their cars or do things around the home. Sitting down and reading has basically become a thing of the past, even in public schools. Although every year I’m asked to return to my last school and read to different aged students for a special day of reading.
Can you remember the first audiobook you owned? It was a Christian fictional book, This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti.
Has ACX/Audible fulfilled your expectations? (such as earnings, ease of use, workload etc.?) Earnings, not yet… Ease of use, definitely. Workload, you betcha, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the children’s books.
Have you ever had a negative experience producing a book? Yes, my first one, which cost me money. The writer was horrible with his grammar and I was continuously correcting the manuscript. Having been an elementary school teacher sure came in handy with all the corrections. Unfortunately, the experience caused me to doubt the validity of continuing as a narrator. Yet, I persevered and came into my own, especially with the last books written by Victoria Zigler. I really can’t say enough about this prolific children’s writer. “Mother Goose” move over!
Please tell us a silly fact about yourself. My grandchildren think I’m the silliest Grandpa in the world and I love it! They can’t believe it when I walk up to little children and start having a conversation with my “Donald Duck” impersonation.
Where can we learn more about you? Ask my grandkids or friends, or go to Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX), or Facebook, or see me as “Cowboy Jerry 1” on YouTube (Yes, I’m even a prestidigitator.)
Social Media links: Facebook
Jerry has recently narrated – Ulrike’s Christmas
Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Children/Ulrikes-Christmas-Audiobook/B076KWWL6Y/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/689169
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ulrikes-christmas-victoria-zigler/1125333618
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ulrike-s-christmas
Chapters-Indigo:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/ulrikes-christmas/9781370858835-item.html
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ulrikes-christmas/id1186265503
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/ulrikes-christmas-unabridged/id1299897702
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ulrikes-Christmas-Victoria-Zigler/dp/1541259998/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ulrikes-Christmas-Victoria-Zigler/dp/1541259998/
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Ulrikes-Christmas-Victoria-Zigler/dp/1541259998/
The Book Depository:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Ulrikes-Christmas-Victoria-Zigler/9781541259997
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33358687-ulrike-s-christmas
Library of Erana 
Perhaps my teenage kids are the exception, but they love audio books, especially for trips in the car. We never travel outside the area without checking out an audio book from the library.
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They are great for commuting/travelling
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Thanks for posting Jerry’s interview Alex!
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Thanks for posting this fun interview with Mr.Fischer!!
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Enjoyed Mr Fischer’s interview. He is a kid at heart. We need more audio children’s books.
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I am pleased that Mr. Fischer can spread his talents into the world of voice overs! It is amazing how literature can come alive with the right storytellers. Thank you, Mr. Fischer!
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Appreciate you sharing this interview Alexandra. I, along with most authors I suspect, enjoying learning how a narrater goes about their craft.
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Jerry Fischer is a personal friend and his talent with voices/characters/storytelling has been well-known to all of us who know him. This was a great interview as I learned a lot about Jerry and the process of getting into the characters. He is a wonderful actor which makes him great at doing audiobooks. Thanks you so much for posting this most interesting and informative interview!
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Loved the voices jerry used. Great Christmas present.
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I can personally attest to Jerry’s talent. Because, I still have fond memories of family reunions where second cousin Jerry would entertain us kids with his Donald Duck impersonation. It was spot on!
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Every time I see Jerry, his stories makes me chuckle! He is very animated and extremely funny! Thank you for sharing your talent!!
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