Books and Novels

An Interview with Allen Grunerud – Narrator of The Target List

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By NoFakeNews

Recently, we had an opportunity to ask the narrator of The Target List audiobook, Allen Grunerud a few questions. Here’s what he had to say:

When did you know you wanted to be an audiobook narrator?

I had been thinking about audiobook narration for several years prior to retiring from teaching a couple of years ago.  I have experience in voice-over and commercial work, so this seemed a logical transition.

How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?

I am relatively new to audiobook narration.  I taught theatre and English for many years; that combination leads to a love of language and a reverence for the spoken word.  Narration provides an opportunity for artistic expression in the comfort of a home studio.

Did you find it difficult to “break into” audiobook narration? What skill/tool helped you the most when getting started?

I use the ACX format to find audition opportunities.  ACX is the Amazon Audible production site that matches authors and producers and streamlines the business end of audiobook production.  It was not too long after I began auditioning that I began receiving offers.

A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?

I do think it is essential to be able to interpret an author’s words and be able to verbalize a character or mood.  Having been an actor and director for decades has made the move to audiobooks fairly seamless.

What type of training have you undergone?

I have my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theatre and I produced and directed plays and musicals for professional, educational and community theatres.

How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for narrating?

As I indicated, I am fairly new to audiobook narration, so the process still feels fresh and enticing.  New projects bring new enthusiasm and I love to explore a new book and work with authors.

Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?

I am an audiobook listener; it was my salvation several years ago when I was commuting to work.  It is an excellent way to catch up on “reading” without having to read.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of narrating an audiobook?

My favorite part of narration is the interpretation and presentation of the author’s vision—trying to bring that to life.  I have great respect for writers; creation is a very personal thing, so I want to come as close as I can to make my narration fit the author’s intent.   My least favorite part, I suppose, is the technical end of things: editing and such. Also, I spend an inordinate amount of time re-recording in order to get the words right, get the sound right, get the mood right.

What would you say are your strongest narration abilities?

I guess I bring authenticity to my narration.  A believability. You never want the narration to sound like you are just reading a text.

What about this title compelled you to audition as narrator?

“The Target List” really piqued my curiosity because of its subject matter, its unlikely heroes and its suspenseful nature.  Once I began working on it I appreciated the economy of language and the very accessible and endearing characters. In addition, John (Reizer) is a very supportive and nurturing author to work with, which made the project a joy from beginning to end.  This is a terrific book and I hope I have done it justice.

About the Narrator

Allen Grunerud is a recently retired theatre and English educator. He brings a love of literature and a reverence for the spoken word to his work.

Bringing characters’ stories to life has been Allen’s primary goal; each new challenge becomes his new passion. Allen holds himself to rigorously high production standards in order to deliver a product worthy of an author’s vision.

Buy The Target List Audiobook here!

The Target List Audiobook Review by Author L.S. Fellows

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By L.S. Fellows, Author

The story begins with a “doctor” casting a wand over a young girl and curing her of a terminal disease. But it is some time before Clyde Daniel and his associate Donna are ready to share their breakthrough with the world.

However, it seems the world – or rather Big Pharma – is neither ready nor willing to accept this new radio wave technology. Many among us would query their hesitancy. Why would anyone not welcome such technology? Isn’t the point of Big Pharma to find cures for those pernicious diseases? Of course it is. But, such ‘cures’ come at a price – the cost of research is reflected in the amount charged for any new wonder drug.

Now, if patients no longer need to take daily medication to ease their pain and suffering as a result of chronic illness and diseases, then the demand for such pills and potions becomes redundant.

Oops!

Could big pharmaceutical companies be holding out against cures for today’s killer diseases? Is it all about money after all?

The short chapters really keep the pace taut and tense in this thought-provoking story. The narration adds to the tension, the personality of the main characters comes through, as does excitement for the wand’s potential in regards to the future of healthcare.

I could happily have listened to more about the characters and the conspiracies they face in bringing the wand to market, but I have to admit that the brevity of the story delivers the desired shock factor. It certainly had me thinking about the role of Big Pharma and the drugs industry and made me ever more thankful for European healthcare systems on which I currently rely. That said, if only there really could be something available like the wand … how amazing would that be?

Highly recommended for fans of medical thrillers: sharp, pacy and thought-provoking.

The Target List Audiobook Tour (November 7 – 13)

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By Dr. John Reizer

Author of The Target List

On November 7, 2019, The Target List Audiobook Tour will begin, kicking off a week long campaign that will feature 12  specific tour stops where the the book will be critically reviewed by audiobook bloggers and other industry people.

 

Visitors to the tour site page are invited to follow along and read the various reviews and snippets created by reviewers. In addition, audio clip samples from the book along with author, character and narrator interviews will be featured throughout the tour.

Here are some of the reviews created by Audible customers to date:

A THOUGHT – PROVOKING STORY

FIVE STARS!

The short chapters really kept the pace taut and tense in this thought provoking story. Could big pharmaceutical companies be holding out against cures for today’s killer diseases? Is it all about money after all?
A most interesting story.

STRONG NARRATION

FIVE STARS

This was a nicely narrated book by Mr. Grunerud and a cleverly written story by Dr. John Reizer. The book was entertaining and also very educational at the same time.

I was issued a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.

AN ACTION PACKED STORY!

FIVE STARS

The Target List has action from start to finish. I loved the story. It’s about a team of doctors that invented a medical device that cures cancer without drugs. Big Pharma hires assassins to kill the doctors and the technology because they’re going to lose billions of dollars. It’s definitely worth the listen! I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I ADORE THIS STORY

FIVE STARS

I absolutely adore this story. I also admire how the characters are developed and how much the author can get the listener to invest in them. Wonderfully written book. The narrator, Allen Grunerud has done a nice job as well. I was given a free advance copy of this audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

SCARY AS HELL

FIVE STARS

Dr. John Reizer is a great author. I have never been a fan of medical thrillers but this one pulled me in from the beginning and hasn’t let me go. The author is meticulous in his research and very crafty in creating a story that is believable and scary as hell! I was given a free advance copy of this audio book at my request and have left this review voluntarily.

THIS WAS GREAT!

FIVE STARS

This has action from beginning to end. Short and fast and focused, it acknowledges one of the current beliefs that Big Pharma doesn’t want to cure anybody because it would hit their profits. The author’s writing style is different from Robin Cook, but if you like Robin Cook, you will also like this book.
I really liked the narrator. He does a good job differentiating different characters.

I was given this audiobook free in exchange for an honest review.

 

BUY THE AUDIOBOOK HERE

 

An Interview with Dr. John Reizer

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By Gina Flores

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing NoFakeNews founder and author, Dr. John Reizer about his recent novel, The Target List. Here’s what he had to say:

Gina: How does it feel to have written a pretty damn good novel?

John: I am happy with the way the story turned out. There are always aspects of a story that I think that I should have done a bit differently, but I think most writers have the same feelings regarding their books. This story is special to me because of the underlying message it attempts to convey to readers and listeners.

Gina: It seems to me from looking at all the reviews on Amazon and Audible that your story has been well received by most readers. Were you expecting such positive reviews and feedback?

John: Well you know, I didn’t know what to expect. Usually, my books receive very little in the way of reviews. When you’re an unknown author swimming in a sea of established authors, it’s hard to get people to read your work, let alone rate and review it. I think, initially , I believed there would be more negative reviews than positive ones. And not because of my writing abilities, but because the storyline is based on a very polarizing subject. Anytime you write something negative about traditional medicine or the pharmaceutical industrial complex, you’re inviting and opening yourself up to hostile reader reviews.

Gina: Have you received any bad or hostile reviews?

John: I haven’t really received too many negative reviews for The Target List. There have been a few 2 and 3 star ratings, but not everybody is going to fall in love with your story.

Gina: Do you like the way the audiobook turned out?

John: Oh yes! I think Allen Grunerud did such a great job with the book. The audiobook has been on and off of Amazon’s Top 100 list for Medical Thrillers. It’s been spending a lot of time on the list this past week. I am so happy with the way he produced the project. And his work has been positively reviewed on Audible. There have been lots of great reviews on that platform and that’s a direct result of Allen’s narration skills.

Gina: What’s next for this story?

John: I am collaborating with a screenwriter to hopefully turn the story into a low budget movie thriller. That’s the plan at least. I think you have to aim high and see how things shake out. But, honestly, I have a good feeling about The Target List moving forward. Regardless of what happens from this point, the rest is frosting on the cake for me. This story has already exceeded my original expectations.

Gina: Are you working on another story?

John: I have delayed beginning my next novel because I have been involved with the screenplay project. That’s going to take several months to complete so I want to wait until that’s wrapped up before concentrating on something new. But I am having fun with this book and I am still writing articles everyday for NoFakeNews.

Hub City Bookshop to Stock The Target List Novel

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By NoFakeNews

The Hub City Bookshop and Press, located in Spartanburg, SC is stocking copies of my new medical thriller, The Target List. Copies are available in softcover format at the store for $7.95.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank this establishment for being the first brick and mortar store location to sell my novel.

Interesting to note, several chapters in the book’s storyline actually take place in downtown Spartanburg, SC.

Would You Like A Free Copy of The Target List Audiobook?

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By Dr. John Reizer

I know we’ve been putting up a lot of content lately about my latest novel, The Target List. But you have to understand, this book is a big deal in my life and the lives of the people now collaborating on the project and working to promote it to the reading and listening public.

Visit The Target List Audiobook Tour Page

I have a half dozen promotional codes left for anyone that would like to listen to the audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. Simply email me at drjohnlreizer@gmail.com and let me know if you’re in the US or UK so I can send the proper codes. I only have 2 UK codes at the moment. I will have additional codes available in a few weeks.

The Target List is currently being prepared for a full length screenplay. We’re just in the outline stages, but I would be interested in readers’ and listeners’ opinions regarding what they think might make the story better in a full length movie. For example, should the main protagonist be a man or woman?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as the actual writing of the screenplay will begin in November, 2019.

Buy the Audiobook version here

Audiobook Review of The Target List

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By Gina Flores

It’s been more than a few months since I have written anything for NoFakeNews. My schedule has been hectic, and I have been back and forth to Europe like a pingpong ball this year. But now I have some downtime until January and can catch my breath.

I haven’t had the chance to write anything about Dr. Reizer’s novel, The Target List. I read the paperback in July; it was fantastic. I told John at the time it was the best thing he’d written to date and I loved his Michael Morris books.

I just finished listening to the audiobook edition narrated by Allen Grunerud. It’s also fantastic.

Let me just say that this story and the concept of WAND are brilliant. The storyline is not only plausible, it’s probably happened more frequently than anyone could imagine.

I loved Clyde’s character. He’s a very complex individual, intellectually speaking, yet down to earth and ready to confront and defeat professional assassins. Donna is great too – she possess the perfect personality to keep Clyde on track and between the two of them, they’re the perfect team.

The Target List is entertainment and a window’s look inside the world of Big Pharma all wrapped up in a two hour listen.

What I liked best about the novel is the simplicity of the writing. Dr. Reizer keeps the story’s pace moving at a good clip and is able to accurately portray the state of criminal activity taking place in the pharmaceutical industry, and still create a very good medical thriller. Not an easy thing to pull off.

If you’re interested in listening to or reading a great story, get acquainted with John Reizer’s, The Target List.

Gina’s book rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

A Well Written Novel

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By Susan Roberts

The Target List – Book Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have always had a bit of an interest in conspiracy theories, and especially those theories that have to do with health and medicine. I am not an avid reader, but occasionally I will see a book that catches my eye and I’m hooked.

My good friend is a chiropractor in San Diego. She recommended an eBook she’d read that was written by a colleague. She immediately thought of me because of my interest in conspiracies and that’s how I found The Target List by Dr. John Reizer.

This book was an interesting read. It’s fast paced and once I started, I didn’t want to stop. The story is about assassins that have been hired by some black-ops organization (maybe the government or Big Pharma) to murder a team of medical doctors and their revolutionary new medical device that cures cancer with radio frequencies.

The drug companies fear the release of this instrument to the public because it would obviously threaten their lucrative pharmaceutical products. They stand to lose billions if the technology goes public.

The surviving team members have to scramble for their lives to save themselves and their technology because they are the targets on the assassins’ target list.

I recommend the story as a good book to read on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

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