Drake Stone: Book Narrator Interview

I'm soooo excited to have Drake Stone sit down with me and answer my questions today. This is my first ever book narrator interview! So everyone, please give a round of applause for our dear guest today! I don't think he's ever been interviewed by a cannibal before...so let's make him feel welcome.

*motions for Drake to sit in the plump red chair* 

First things first. We need to congratulate Drake on his newest release. It is titled: "Best Gay Erotica 2011" and you can find it on audible.com HERE. He is published by Cleis Press. Some of the other books he has narrated are: "Best Gay Romance 2011,"  "Hot Daddies: Gay Erotic Fiction," and "The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex For Men." 

For those who are curious, you can listen to a free sample from each of these titles. Click HERE and find the little green speaker icon on the thumbnail cover of each book. I must confess, I was most intrigued by the sample from: "Best Gay Romance 2011." Raunchy! Yum! 

VC: Sooo *turns to Drake and smiles* Quite an impressive roster of titles, sir! I can't help but notice most of them are in the gay erotic genre. Any particular reason for that?

Drake: The gay erotica genre is a field that has a very diverse audience, and a wildly versatile array of outstanding writers with incredibly varied viewpoints – truly a flavor for every taste. It is a privilege to serve the community and tell these stories, (our stories), by portraying a myriad of characters with the utmost integrity, transparency, and authenticity I can conjure while staying true to the author’s intent.

VC: What are you hoping your readers (ahem) or well listeners, get out of your work? 

Drake: I don’t think it’s so much a question of what I want them to get “out of” the work as much as it is what I want them to get “off from” the work….  *grins* Of course, I also hope they appreciate all the character nuance and conflict inherent to the storyline of each author’s intent.

VC: Hahaha! Fantastic! "Get off from..." I like your sense of humor! You know, I've been wondering. How exactly did you get into book narrating? And are you ever embarrassed when you're reading explicit material aloud in the studio? 


Drake: Well, I didn't plan on becoming a gay erotic narrator - I am an audio book narrator who happens to be gay, and I saw a couple of titles available to audition for (Cleis Press titles) and I went for it and was cast!  I was then asked by the same rites holder to narrate a couple more titles and the rest, as they say is history.

I suppose if I was doing this material in front of an audience I would have some reservations, or nerves about performing erotic material but as the recording is so  "contained" I really don't get nervous - I think I would be more "nervous" or worked up if I had to narrate something terribly violent or psychologically 'uffed up' like pedophilia or some sort of non-consentual abuduction or the like.  But erotic material is - well - fun!

VC: What are your goals in life? What are you proud of? 

Drake: My goal is to be in a committed, sustaining, lasting relationship.  I am most proud that Washington State, as of Feb. 13, 2012 became the 7^th state in the nation to put a law into its books recognizing same-sex marriage by Governor Christine Gregoire – Washington, my home!

VC: Yes, I know! Very exciting! Now, if only Texas can get on board! My governor is the esteemed Rick Perry. *Smh* Oh lord, don't get me started on Rick Perry and these republican presidential candidates,  hahaha! We'll be talking politics in a second! And I don't want to derail the interview! But that is fantastic that Washington has recognized same-sex civil rights. That really is amazing. With that said, if you had to describe yourself in three words, which three words would you choose? 

Drake: Way With Words. 

VC: Should've seen that coming...hehehe! What is your favorite fairytale? 

Drake: The Emperor's New Clothes. 

VC: Interesting. And if you could shag any fictitious character, who would it be and why?

Drake:  Michael Tolliver (Mouse) from Tales of the City – reminds me so much of my first true love.

VC: OK, I gotta ask because one of my favorite books will be turned into a movie this month. I'm a Hunger Games fangirl and all that,  hahaha. So are you Edward vs. Jacob or Peeta vs. Gale?   

Drake: The wolf boy is cute.

VC: You've been a real trooper, Drake! Thanks you for answering my questions. Please tell us about your newest release and where we might buy it. 

Drake: The newest title is: Best Gay Erotica 2011, it along with all the titles I have narrated have been published by Cleis Press, the anthologies are edited by Richard LeBonte and are available on amazon and audible.com. I have another title I just completed that should become available within a month or so:

Muscle Men: Rock Hard Gay Erotica

VC: And there you have it folks! *shakes Drake's hand* Thank you for coming on to my blog. We really did love having you and I enjoyed our conversation. Good luck to you and your audio books! It's been a pleasure, sir. Round of applause everybody! Drake Stone has just left the building! :D