Friday, June 25, 2010

Audio Books

I love books! I know you do too. But like every author I know, time is something I battle with every day. I don't know if you agree, but I'm convinced the Earth is spinning that little bit faster. So that an hour is shorter than it used to be, making twenty-four hours seem like twelve. These days, there’s never enough time to do everything we need to do in a day, and so we end up sleep-deprived and behind on everything.

Which means I’ve collected a huge TBR (to be read) pile of books I can't seem to plough through.

My solution?

Audiobooks! I've found myself listening to more audiobooks of late. Sure, they're more expensive than paperback or eBook downloads but I'm a child of convenience and audiobooks are super convenient. I'm also big on multi-tasking. I can download an audiobook to my mobile phone, iPod, or MP3 Player and listen while I do my household chores--I'm telling you, it's the only way they'll get done! *g*

It's a fantastic way to get through my stack of To Be Reads while I do all the other things I need to get done. I love grabbing my phone, popping in my earphones and listening to a book or a Sermon while walking or spending a bit of time on my Elliptical trainer or Exercise bike, or while I'm gardening. I even listen while on the school run... Oh the joys of modern technology.

Like eBooks, audiobooks seem to me to be a fast-growing segment of the publishing industry, although it isn’t new—Harlequin Mills & Boon brought out a number of their Presents/Modern books on tape in the early 90s. I still have all of mine!

However, while HMB no longer produce their Modern/Presents line on audio, their Blaze & Desire lines are often released in audio format. Perhaps more lines go to audio, but I haven't seen them, so please forgive me if you know of others I haven't mentioned. And please feel free to share any knowledge you have on this.

For me, audiobooks are a godsend. And even better is the fact that I will soon be able to get a hold of my favourite TWRP authors since my publisher (The Wild Rose Press) has announced a deal to produce some of their author's stories on audio! So keep an eye out for details of audiobooks coming soon to The Wild Rose Press.
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16 comments:

  1. What a pretty blog. I love audiobooks for my commute. My particular favorites are the Sookie Stackhouse books right now. I also want to listen to the Phillippa Gregory books. I also like audiobooks to "reread" old favorites. My TBR is so huge, I don't see myself having time to go back to reread an old Nora or Jennifer Crusie.

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  2. Love your blog...beautiful! I've gotten hooked on audio books for the same reason, not enough time to read. I painted a bedroom, barely noticing how long it took while listening to an audio book.

    Now I can start an audio book and pause it to work on my writing so I don't feel guilty about not getting my word count in, listen to one on the way to work, listen to one while I delete hundreds of emails....I still love to read, unfortunately, many books are not on audio...but I'm truly addicted to audio books.

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  3. I guess all things do come back to surface. And I guess our parents and grandparents weren't crazy after all, when they sat by the radio listening to stories.
    (Honestly)this was something I never visioned myself doing. But I've recently listened to part of my first audio book the other day, and found that it piqued my interest, and that I actually enjoyed it. Thanks for the info on TWRP too, I'll have to keep a watch out for these.
    Great Post,
    XX,
    Neecy

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  4. Thanks, Emma,

    I know what you mean about the re-reading. It's hard enough to get through the TBR pile when you have to sit and take time out to read, much less re-read old favourites!

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  5. Hi, Terry,

    Thank you!

    I'm getting pretty addicted myself. The great thing is that more and more busy people who love to read are turning to audiobooks, which will have to encourage the market to produce a bigger selection.

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  6. LoL, Neecy! I remember sitting by the radio to listen to stories myself as a kid. Granted, it was because my granny loved the dramas!

    I suppose it's true there's nothing new, just everything improved on :)

    x

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  7. Like your Blog Monique. Audiobooks have become my new best friend when I'm in the car. I no longer hate driving to the store or running errands. Driving an hour to Tampa? No problem. Just pop in a CD and away I go. The news about TWRP is especially welcome. Thanks for the info.

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  8. Hi, Kathy,

    Thanks for stopping by. Isn't it great how chores no longer seem like a chore when you get to *read* while you do them? Dream come true :)

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  9. What a great idea! I never thought of that, but how much easier would house-work, gardening, bathing the children (okay maybe not :-)) be? Gonna give it a go...Karen. (I'm creating a blog in a different name and I can't figure out how to change my profile back ;-) )

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  10. I just started listening to audio books in the car. I love it! I didn't know about the Wild Rose Press having audio books, too. I must have missed the post about it. That's really cool. I'll have to look for them.

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  11. I so agree with you about time rushing by, Monique! Some days I feel as if I just get my eyes open on a Monday morning and before I know it, it's Friday evening and I haven't achieved any of the things I'd intended. I've been looking into audio books for my mother, who has loved to read all her life, but now suffers from macular degeneration. Exploring audio books is an adventure we can embark on together.

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  12. Hiya, Karen!

    Let me know how you like it.
    x

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  13. Hi, Karen,

    TWRP announced it a while ago and it's in the latest newsletter. I'm looking forward to the audiobooks. Especially since they're quite affordable! :)

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  14. Hi, Leigh,

    I'm glad the crazy-fast weeks aren't all in my head! Hope your mum finds lots of books she enjoys. I can't imagine life without stories!

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  15. Hi Monique!

    Audio books! A genius idea. I seem to buy more and more books even knowing that my TBR pile is probably in violation of health and safety regulations and could squash the family pet. If only I could give up working and just spend all day, every day reading...

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  16. LoL, Lacey! These TBR towers can be quite hazardous. Poor family pets everywhere. Roll on audio books for great multi-tasking.

    Thanks for visiting. It was lovely to see you.

    Hugs

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I greatly appreciate it! :) :)