How audiobooks are upping my writing game

I’ll admit it. I’m late to the game.

For years, friends have been talking about audiobooks, recommending that I give them a try. But stubborn old me refused. I said that they weren’t for me. I shrugged them off.

Then I got a new car.

And that car has a bluetooth thingamabobber that allows me to stream from my phone.

“Maybe I’ll try one audiobook,” I thought, installing the CloudLibrary app from my local library.

Once I started, I got hooked. I can listen to books while I drive, clean the house, exercise. It’s this nerd girl’s dream come true!

But then, after listening to my 9th audiobook this year, I realized something amazing.

Listening to audiobooks is making me a better writer.

Wanna know how?

1. I’m getting more time to read: I tell people all the time that the number one way to train yourself as a writer is to read. Read. READ! Listening to books is a great way to get more training in! Plus, it sure beats whining the whole time I’m washing the dishes.
2. I’m trying books I might not otherwise read: Let’s face it. Life is short and reading time is precious. While my preferred reading method is done with a good old paper and ink book, there are just so many hours of the day for that. So — I admit it — I’m picky. With audiobooks, I don’t need to be. I can try out a book for size and if it isn’t engaging me, I can return it for another. That’s the beauty of the library, friends. So, I’m stretching myself and honing my taste by reading out of the norm books. It’s like adding squats to your cardio routine.
3. Voice is EVERYTHING in audiobooks: Stephen King once said (in the author’s notes in the audiobook of Sleeping Beauties) that reading out loud is “unforgiving”. If there’s a word out of place, it’s very obvious. If the voice is inauthentic, it’s glaring. If dialogue is stilted, it’s painful. As I listen, I’m quite aware of the author’s choice of rhythm, tone, and words. I can’t alliteration and clever word play. I delight in the poetry of language. And, in listening, I am more mindful of my own choices.

I’m glad that I (finally) took my friends’ advice and added audiobooks to my day. It’s a great use of my time.

Oh! And this is a massively shameless plug, but…

Did you know that the Pearl Spence books are now available for audiobook readers? A Cup of Dust and A Trail of Crumbs released recently and A Song of Home releases on March 12.

If you are an Audible member you can download them from Amazon. If you prefer a disc check them out on the Oasis site. Or you can request that your local public library make them available. In fact, that’s more helpful than you’ll ever know.

So, what audiobooks have you enjoyed? Which should I add to my list?