Podcast Summary: "Bad Influence | Quinn Creator" on The Audiobook Club with John York

Release Date: October 11, 2024

Introduction and Guest Background

In this engaging episode of The Audiobook Club with John York, host John York welcomes Quinn, the creative force behind the popular audio erotica series "Bad Influence." The conversation kicks off with Quinn sharing his current state and work ethic:

Quinn [00:26]: "I am fantastic. Just living it up in the States... I'm doing well."

Quinn describes himself as a workaholic who thrives in creative roles, emphasizing his dedication to his craft and the unpredictability of a creative career.

Journey into Audio Erotica

John York delves into Quinn's unconventional path into the world of audio erotica. Quinn recounts his initial foray into the space after a challenging period in Brooklyn, struggling financially while pursuing his passion for film and screenwriting.

Quinn [01:59]: "I went to film school... wanted to be a director and a starving artist... living in Brooklyn, couldn't afford it."

His breakthrough came through an unexpected Craigslist gig for an erotic vocal performance, leading to his collaboration with Caroline and the burgeoning Quinn platform. Despite initial struggles balancing fan interactions and creative pressures, Quinn found his stride and rejoined the platform after a brief hiatus.

Quinn [07:32]: "I came back and that's why my most listened to audio is 'Rough Return'... the growth of the site and of the app... it was really coming together as a community."

Maintaining Anonymity and Building Community

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the benefits and challenges of maintaining anonymity as a voice actor. Quinn highlights how anonymity allows for personal freedom and protects his private life from the public eye.

Quinn [34:06]: "One of the great things about being anonymous is that I can just be a stranger in a crowd... not being swarmed by people."

He also touches on the supportive nature of the Quinn community, sharing heartwarming stories of listeners whose lives have been positively impacted by his work.

Quinn [26:19]: "Seeing how many people have made friends, how many people feel like parts of their lives have been changed by listening to audio erotica... that people are really changing their intimacy in a positive way."

Creative Process and Overcoming Challenges

Quinn provides an insightful look into his creative process, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and immersion in his audios. He strives to make his performances feel organic, often rewiring scripts to avoid forced interactions.

Quinn [12:50]: "I always want to keep that as authentic and as organic as possible... it's just sort of happening naturally. It's not forced."

He discusses the challenges of self-criticism and imposter syndrome, common among creators, and the strategies he employs to overcome these hurdles, such as separating his personal identity from his creative persona.

Quinn [30:02]: "Behave as if your parents are in the room... be nice to yourself and behave as well as you can."

Managing Pressure and Attention

The episode delves into the pressures that come with increased visibility and fan attention. Quinn shares his coping mechanisms for handling overwhelming feedback and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain mental well-being.

Quinn [30:02]: "Behave as if your parents are in the room... be nice to yourself."

He advises creators to remain grounded and to seek support from peers and the platform's team when navigating the complexities of fan interactions.

Advice for Aspiring Creators

Quinn offers valuable advice to both new and established creators in the audio erotica space. He emphasizes focusing on the creative aspect over technicalities and encourages embracing vulnerability to establish genuine connections with listeners.

Quinn [43:56]: "Don't worry so much about the technical side of things... imagine a person right in front of you."

He also recommends utilizing resources like Writerdoet.com to enhance scriptwriting skills, highlighting the importance of character development and conversational flow in creating compelling audios.

Listener Questions on Anonymity

John York brings forth listener-submitted questions, allowing Quinn to elaborate on the intricacies of maintaining anonymity and its impact on creative freedom.

Question 1: From Kristen "Are there any surprising benefits to being anonymous? Is it ever difficult to maintain anonymity as well?"

Quinn [34:06]: "There are tons of advantages to staying anonymous... I can go to a concert and not be worried that someone's gonna run to me."

Question 2: From Kira "Some voice actors keep their work secret, even from friends. How do you celebrate your successes while still safeguarding your anonymity?"

Quinn [35:50]: "A lot of it is either kept to me or it's... I have a couple close friends who I share big milestones with... it's hard sometimes to celebrate the victories."

Question 3: From Lanuna Luna "Do you feel that being an anonymous creator gives more freedom when it comes to writing scripts and exploring different topics or themes that you might not otherwise feel comfortable addressing?"

Quinn [37:26]: "One of the great things about being anonymous is that with the listener not knowing what I look like, I think that that can really affect believability for some people... everyone has a different image of me in their own heads."

Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Quinn shares his upcoming projects, including his newsletter "Cliterotica Weekly," a romance novel in progress titled "Muse Maker," and seasonal collaborations planned for the spooky season.

Quinn [55:33]: "I'm working a little bit on my website, but I am also finally getting back towards... my romance novel, 'Muse Maker.'"

He expresses enthusiasm for future collaborations and continues to emphasize the supportive and dynamic nature of the Quinn platform community.

Quinn [52:36]: "It's still awesome to get everyone's input on it and see what people can do with what little prompts I give them."

John York concludes the episode by expressing gratitude for Quinn's insights and contributions, highlighting the mutual respect and value derived from their conversation.

John York [60:43]: "It's been such a pleasure getting to chat with you. I can't thank you enough for spending the time."

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity Matters: Quinn prioritizes genuine, immersive experiences in his audios, striving to maintain an organic flow that resonates with listeners.

• Anonymity as Empowerment: Maintaining anonymity provides Quinn with creative freedom and personal privacy, allowing him to explore diverse themes without external biases.

• Community Support: The Quinn platform fosters a supportive community where creators and listeners alike find meaningful connections and positive impacts.

• Balancing Creativity and Well-being: Quinn emphasizes the importance of routines, downtime, and setting boundaries to manage the pressures of creative work effectively.

• Advice for Creators: Embrace vulnerability, focus on the creative process over technical aspects, and seek support from peers to navigate the challenges of becoming a successful creator.

This episode offers a deep dive into the life of an audio erotica creator, providing valuable insights into the creative process, the benefits of anonymity, and the strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal well-being. Whether you're an aspiring creator or an enthusiast of audio storytelling, Quinn's experiences and advice are both enlightening and inspiring.

Connect with Quinn:

• Newsletter: Cliterotica Weekly
• Website: Quinn's Official Site (Link in show notes)

Support The Audiobook Club:

• Visit supporter.acast.com/theaudiobookclub to support the show.

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