The Departure Story Audiobook is Almost Here! Meet Our Narrator Rukiya & Listen to a Sneak Peek!

I can’t believe the Departure Story audiobook will soon be out in the world for my readers to listen to and enjoy! Finding our narrator, Rukiya, was like finding a needle in a haystack or finding a rare gem in the most unexpected place. I found her beautiful voice on ACX (a great platform for authors who want to find audiobook narrators) and I didn’t even know she was Guyanese at first! We instantly connected over the book and our mutual passion for telling more diverse stories, especially those representing the global Caribbean Diaspora. I’ve interviewed Rukiya below. I hope her journey can inspire you! Plus, I have included a sneak peek of Departure Story, the audiobook! Enjoy! Click Here to Purchase a copy of the book to read along.

UPDATE: The Audiobook is out now! If you would like a free copy to review please email contact@spokenblackgirl.com for a free copy. If you would like to support the artists, you can purchase on Audible!

1. Tell me about yourself in your own words. How did you get into narrating audiobooks?

A: Professionally, I am a scientist who is also studying

engineering. My hobbies are all things that reconnect me with a less structured and

more free-spirited side of myself to balance it all out. These days, that’s yoga, rock

climbing, reading, and volunteering. I write poetry and make zines as well. I like to

describe myself as a romantic and an idealist. I find romance in the wind, the sun,

the smallest moments. It keeps me going, it keeps me kind. I like to think I’m a

realist, but I think I know I’m an idealist. Probably because I’m a romantic. I’m always

considering the ‘best’ way for everyone to be happy, healthy, and have their needs

met, in every environment I’m in. It’s not always feasible but I certainly entertain the

idea as best I can. I try not to tack too many labels onto myself because I’m always

changing, curious, and looking to learn more. That is how I got into

audiobooks. I have a long and loving relationship with storytelling and acting. It’s

what I’m most passionate about in this life. I always try to make time to indulge and

build my skills. Throughout the years, I have been taking classes, doing short films

with friends, auditioning for fun, doing residencies at theaters, and recently, it drew

me to audiobooks.

2. What drew you to Departure Story?

A: I was drawn to Departure Story because I am Guyanese and African-

American. When I came across Departure Story, I had to double-take. You rarely

see Guyana mentioned outside of cult-related novels. I wanted to be a part of

spreading awareness of the culture I love so much, and that shaped who I am. I

relate to Celestine’s experiences in America around her race and cultural

differences. I wanted to protect her story and the way she was portrayed

because if I am not her, then certainly my loved ones are.

3.  What has it been like to narrate this book? 

A: Narrating Departure Story has been a beautiful caveat in my journey as a

storyteller. Marrying my passion for storytelling with the skills I have been building

over the years feels like a full-circle moment. There were a few times during

Celestine’s story I had to stop and cry – don’t worry, I edited that out! I get her. I

feel for her. I’m happy for her. She’s human. Not just a caricature. Working with

Rowana has also been a pleasure. She is so kind and thoughtful as an author. I

am grateful to her for letting me lend my voice to these characters and to this

story.

4. What have been the challenges? What has been your favorite part?

A: Departure Story has been a steep learning curve for me, applying my existing

knowledge to new software and equipment. This is only because of the

perfectionist and idealist in me. I wanted to use a story I was so excited to tell as

a reason to upgrade everything. I want Celestine to have the best. I want

listeners to love listening to her story. This has also been my favorite part of this

journey too, challenging myself and seeing the positive outcome of pushing

oneself out of their comfort zone.

5. What kind of projects do you usually narrate or do voice acting for? What kind of

project would you like to do that you haven’t had the opportunity to do yet?

A: Thus far, I have narrated short stories and background roles, and I am still early

in my journey with audiobooks. I mostly act in theater and short films around my

life in the lab. When I cannot commit to a role, I indulge in classes. I read and

write frequently, and sometimes I retell my favorite characters’ story as an

exercise. Storytelling as a whole is where I exist. I always need an anchor in this

world. Departure Story has given me valuable knowledge and experience to

move forward with. I imagine a future where I continue to narrate realistic fiction.

If I had the opportunity, I would be honored to narrate a documentary as well.

6. Where can folks find you and support your work?

A: On social media, I am @sundayrue. I am working on updating my site, which

can be found in my bio and lead to more of my work. I am most active in my

community. I audition locally, volunteer with art initiatives locally, and attend art fairs

locally with my poetry and art under the name ‘Sunday Rue’. If you are local to

the NYC-NJ area then we may see each other.