In its original conception, International Read To Me Day (celebrated on March 19th) is a holiday meant to encourage parents to spend time reading aloud to their children. Today at Bookstr, however, we sat down with Quinn Creator and Narrator David Comerford to make this wholesome occasion a little NSFW and ask, why not let adults experience the joys of being read to once again?
Who is David Comerford?
David Comerford is an Irish voice actor for Quinn Audio, an app for audio erotica.
Why do you choose audio as a vehicle for your art, and, as a voice actor, what made you choose Quinn over more “traditional” narration spaces?
Quinn kind of fell into my lap. I’m very new to voice acting. I was doing social media and had a nice following and community on both TikTok and Instagram. I started doing “talking videos,” and a video I did explaining my tattoos (featured below), where I got loads of messages [fawning over] my accent. I didn’t really think too much of it because I have never enjoyed listening to myself (I don’t think anyone does).
But then, one video I decided to read something that had a bit of erotica involved, and people tagged Quinn in the comments. I had no idea what Quinn was, so when I found out, Quinn reached out to me and asked if I would do an audition. I said, “Why not?” Lo and below, they hired me, and it has been pretty good. Very Good.
@daveyfitnesslife Tattoo tour! PART 1 (right arm) 😁 you’re all amazing 🌹 #fy #fyp #tattoos #tattooed #foryou #foryoupage #tattoo #guyswithtattoos #tattootour #trend #irish #tats #u ♬ original sound – David Comerford
Audiobook erotica has had a rise in popularity in recent years despite the stigma surrounding audiobooks and erotic content itself. What do you consider the biggest factor for that shift?
I think the main reason why [the stigma] has shifted is because people are giving it a chance, realizing there’s more to audio erotica than putting on a pair of headphones and listening to noises and sex sounds. There is such a story behind those audios as well. A lot of Quinn audios have a very passionate connection to the listener. [The narrator] can bring you on a journey, and it involves erotica partly as well. The story is a full-blown story, while also including erotica in it.
What are the challenges you’ve found in creating a sex-positive “safe zone” when it comes to narration?
The main challenge I’ve found, especially being a new voice actor in general, is feeling the intensity of the [erotic] scene itself. I was thrown into the deep end, so to speak. I think most people would start with “normal” stuff when it comes to narration or voice acting because of the intense nature of certain areas. So, to go straight into audio erotica, I had to learn a lot of the process as an actor, creating a scene, or creating a safe place for myself to create that part of the audio.
@daveyfitnesslife And just like that, im no longer allowed through the pearly gates 😂 #fy #fyp #foryour #foryoupagе #fypsounds #tattoo #tattoos #tattooedmen #menwithtattoos #voiceactor #audio #audios #books #book #booktoker #booktokfyp #fantasy #fantasybooktok #romance #darkromance #headphones #quinn #tryquinn #bookrecs ♬ ACID RAIN (SLOWED) – Lorn
I was basically just trying to develop a mindset in which I focus on connecting the listener to my audio, even more so, to truly zone out and become that part of myself. To be able to produce the best audio I can within that section of the story. That was the most challenging to start off with, because I had no idea exactly how to approach it. It took a bit of time to get used to. Now, it is rather natural. It is a really good feeling to know that when I have a scene, I can just go to that place and bring the listener to a nice little [ending] – laughs- whatever that may be.
What do you consider the most important part of cultivating the immersive experience for Quinn? What does the process look like?
The most important part of creating an audio for Quinn is ensuring the listener will feel the connection. So you [as the creator] have to understand your own surroundings, of what you are going to do, or achieve within the erotica. As the creator of this experience, I have to make sure I have the right passion for it. I need to ensure that I am ready in the space [of my room] as well, so that when the listener puts on their headphones, there is an immediate connection.
@daveyfitnesslife AND THEN 😈 to be continued soon 😏 and not on tiktok. #fy #fyp #foryour #foryoupagе #fypシ゚ #tattoo #tattoos #tattooed #tattooedmem #menwithtattoos #audio #audios #audiobook #audible #booktok #booktoker #booktokfyp #quinn #darkromance #darkromancebooks #fantasy #fantasybooktok #worship #worshipmusic #voiceover #voiceactor #bookish #bookrecs ♬ ACID RAIN (SLOWED) – Lorn
There cannot be anything in my space that could put them off or take them off that experience. Depending on the story, the audio varies in intensity and sound levels. It can be rough or it can be very sweet (i.e., slow kisses, breathy moans), you really have to understand where the sound effects belong in your audio (as that is a massive part of the experience). These effects are also important in learning what your listener wants to achieve and what ending the listener will listen to.
When it comes to the creation of your content, where do you find inspiration, especially for a piece like “A Warrior’s Heart”?
This is a piece in my “Bedtime Stories” collection and is SFW (Safe For Work), meaning it doesn’t contain erotica and is solely focused on a story. “A Warrior’s Heart” is the first in a series that I plan to continue. I pulled inspiration from fantasy and medieval stories that I love [to create this]. Kalen goes off to war shortly after finding love with a woman named Elena. The war happens, and they don’t see each other for years. But no spoilers (go check it out here). But to be able give that aspect of [the story without erotica], that’s what I really love about Quinn is, you have stories that have erotica and you can get that passion or you can just listen to stories like “A Warrior’s Heart” (or other SFW audios Quinn provides) that can be used as sleep aides. It’s really cool to have the mix, and that’s what I love about it.
How has your narration and storytelling style changed in working with Quinn?
Being so new to voice acting, I’ve always been interested in storytelling and creating stories, and now, to be able to tell a story and also have a connection involving erotica, it’s so new and fascinating to me as I learn with every audio. It’s definitely been a massive factor in how I tell stories. You can create a story like Lord of the Rings, but there’s also a part [with Quinn] where you will have the [direct] connection of sexual and physical intimacy, of attraction to each other within the audio. To have that on top of an amazing story, I think, evolves the story a lot. You can have those stories where you go for the fun of it and embrace where the story takes you, especially inside the erotica. It has allowed me to tell stories in the most positive and creative ways, which I absolutely love!
Across Quinn’s platforms, you have about 28,000 people who are asking you to read to them, what kind of impact has that had on you?
Being involved with Quinn has literally changed my life. It’s absolutely incredible. The community they have is [literally] outstanding. I cannot appreciate the support I have gotten over the last three months since starting on Quinn. It’s just had a positive impact on my life because it makes me very excited to produce content like this. I have been very grateful and blessed to be able to build such an amazing community. It’s been amazing.
Lastly, what do you want audiences to connect to when you read to them?
The main thing I want anyone who listens to my audios to achieve is to be able to escape from the world. To put on headphones and be brought to a story that they connect to, and feel good within themselves. That is the most positive impact I can have. To have my audience understand that they deserve to feel good. Whichever way my audios bring them, whether to self-reflection or pleasure, to be able to give that to them is something I believe everyone deserves in their day, or even in their life.
I want them to escape. The world can be a very, very hard place. It can weigh on everyone’s shoulders. I even have my days. But to give them an escape from worry and let them understand how important they can be. To just let people enjoy (whatever that may be), is I think the most important thing for me to give to my audience and I hope I can.
I just want to say a massive thank you for having me! I hope you’ve enjoyed my little Q&A. Please add me to your favorite creators on Quinn. There are so many amazing creators at Quinn, so check us out and enjoy it. Keep motivated, folks. You’re all amazing. Tell your friends’ friends, and Dave loves you.
A huge thank you to David for lending his voice to us! Check out the video format of this interview on @bookstrofficial! Be sure to find his other stories online at Quinn Audio or on Instagram and TikTok.
To check out more of our exclusive talks with creators, check out our entire One-on-One Interview series!
To check out other articles featuring Quinn, click here.
Answers were edited for clarity
