Tuesday, June 28, 2011

How do you read?

I love to read, as do most writers I’ve met. In fact every author I’ve come across when asked “What advice would you give to writers” their response is always “To read as much as you can.” They do mention other things as well but the main one is to read.

We all get busy. I personally have a full time job, a blog to tend to, and writing that does happen daily. I also know plenty of you have children.

So something always goes. I have become addicted to blogging so I’ll find that between my writing and reading time I really have to split it up. I have to give up commenting during some months just to get enough time to do EVERYTHING that I love. It makes me sad but I know all of us understand these hiccups and eventually we always bounce back.

Lucky for me there is Audiobooks. This fabulous way to listen to a book while working. This may not work for everyone but seeing as my responsibilities at work happen to be typing at work (data entry) I’m able to listen and retain all of what I’m listening too. It’s my new drug.

Best part? My library has an array of audiobooks I’m able to check out while sitting at work. That’s right! Anything I desire a click away and all I need is my library card number. Who would have thought it’d be that simple.

I now am once again able to enjoy all the wonderful things in life that I enjoy most! So, how do you read?

35 comments:

Miranda Hardy said...

That's awesome! I read in the evening after work. It helps relaxes me. A couple hours each day isn't enough sometimes, but my other priorities take over.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Since getting my Kindle last year, I've been bringing it everywhere with me and snatching a few moments of reading at odd times. I read much more now than I did with just paper books.

Diana Mieczan said...

What a perfect idea! I really want to read more but as you said..sometimes its so hard to find the time:) Totally going to start listening to audiobooks:) Thanks, sunshine. Happy Tuesday.

Suzie F. said...

I read whenever I have little snatches of time to fill: waiting for the kids to get out of school or practices, while eating breakfast or lunch, before bed, etc.

Now that it's summer, I have a lot more free time so I'll read outside on my deck or on the front steps.

Jeanmarie Anaya said...

I resisted them for a long time but I now love my audiobooks for exactly the reason you mentioned--without them I likely wouldn't read as much. (Or, I would, but I'd feel far too guilty for doing it when I have so many other things to tend to. LOL)

Memoirs of Me & Mine said...

I love to sit on my porch swing and read. My problem is I don't want to stop once I start. I haven't tried audiobooks yet. But my sis in law loves them.
www.rebeccabany.com

Cristina said...

I read every day, whenever I can find two seconds... I used to be addicted to my DVR because I HATE commercials, but now? I've gone back to watching my favorite shows live, just so that I can mute the commercials and read in between.. I get to do 2 things I love at the same time, lol
My husband thinks I've gone bananas!

Jessica Bell said...

Sounds like the way to go! I should give it a try as I'm a really slow reader ...

Samantha Sotto said...

I've only listened to one audio book. I should try to doing it again since the only "free" time I seem to have lately is when I'm driving the kiddos to school :-)

Laura S. said...

Some weeks I have to give up commenting too. We bloggers understand, so no worries!

I read ink and paper books! :) I like paperbacks because they're more comfortable and easier to handle (and fit better in my purse!), but I have some hardbacks, like all my Harry Potters! I read mostly at night for a couple hours, until I get sleepy or when I realize it's past midnight already and should probably get my beauty rest now, LoL. I like to read while eating breakfast and lunch too.

Audiobooks is a good idea! I used to have the Chronicles of Narnia on cassette tape (omg, remember those?!) and I liked listening to them while I was coloring or doing crafts. When I was really little I had a bunch of Dr. Seuss books on cassette tape too.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I've been reading so many books for review, lately, that's pretty much it. Not that they're not enjoyable, but I have to make time to read them. lol

E. Arroyo said...

I listen to audio books in the car as I drive anywhere. I read at night when everything settles. I tend to read a lot when I'm stuck in my writing. It helps.

Meredith said...

I haven't tried audiobooks. I feel like I wouldn't be able to concentrate on whatever else I was doing! Maybe I'll try it when I clean or something. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I read almost everything on my iPad now, because it's easy to take anywhere and always with me. Great for night reading!

Sarah Ahiers said...

that's one thing that bugs me when i'm enmeshed in a new 1st draft. My reading slows down. I'm not a big audio book fan, i don't really know why

Jillian said...

I am so picky about audio books... I hate to say it but sometimes I just can't stand the voice of the reader haha. If the reader is good then I love them!!

BBC said...

Great post - I agree. Audiobooks open up other times when we have our hands full, but our ears are available, like driving, or the treadmill.

But - my best reading times are the "waiting" times. Sitting at kid's practices or piano lessons, waiting for a game to start, or the Dr.'s office. These days, those are my only reading moments.

Emily R. King said...

I haven't gotten into audio books, but I think I will someday soon. My reading time is at night. I don't want much TV, so my entertainment is to read. My library card is my best friend.

Christine Fonseca said...

Audiobooks are such a fab option, aren't they. And yes, my reading time drops considerably certain times of the year - but I still manage to fit it in...somehow.

Katie Gates said...

When I read, that's all I'm doing, and I've never tried an audio book, nor do I have a Kindle. I have, though, had experience with data entry gigs, and that sounds like the perfect place to listen to a book!

M.J. Fifield said...

I've only ever used audiobooks in the classroom. I imagine that I wouldn't be able to focus on them if I tried them out in the car.

I tend to read at night before I go to bed or on my breaks at work.

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

It difficult for me to keep focused on an audio book. y mind wonders too easily.

Bethany Elizabeth said...

Audiobooks are great, aren't they? I mean, nothing (for me) beats the feel of paper and a story, but an audiobook is a great substitute. That's awesome that you can fit everything in!

Talli Roland said...

I love to read in the bath and right before I go to sleep. I can't sleep without reading first... it's something I've always done, and it's one of my favourite times of the day!

Erin Kane Spock said...

I escape to the no-kid room, lay on the couch with my feet up and read a book made out of paper. This usually involves a glass of wine.
Then there are times when I escape outside, sit on the patio while the kids play, and read a book on my Droid.
I have a long commute during the school year, so I love the idea of audio books.

RaShelle Workman said...

Very cool. I tend to read in spurts. Like the Tiger's Curse series - those two books were downed in three days. sigh. Taking a break, even though I'm staring at my next book longingly. =D

anthony stemke said...

I don't care for audiobooks, I much prefer to "listen" to music.
I read before retiring, in the AM on the front porch (but it's difficult, I love to look at my trees, all planted by me {except one}),and at odd moments of the day.
My spouse reads in the john, and she'll stay awhile sometimes, when it's good.

Marsha Sigman said...

I have a hard time with audiobooks because of the listening thing. Like...you have to.

I find it hard to stay awake unless I'm the one talking. Maybe that's because I'm sleep deprived from reading all night. Yeah, that's how I roll.

Unknown said...

I need to listen to audiobooks. I have one sitting on my desk at work that is read by an actor I know and I've been meaning to listen to it.

Unknown said...

I want to listen to more audiobooks. Perhaps I should consider getting a few.

Liz P said...

I'm still a traditional reader with physical books. I've tried the Kindle and it's great, but still prefer having a real book in my hand. I haven't explored audio books yet but I've wanted to try them.

Jennifer Hillier said...

I love audio books for long road trips. Music is good too, but audio books really helped pass the time when we were driving for four days straight!

And I love my Kindle for travel.

As long as I'm reading, I'm happy.

Chuck said...

Sorry Jen, you get my smartass comment of the day...I read from left to right! Ha ha ha

Unknown said...

Hmm, I think it may be time to give audio books a try! Our library has them but I always pass them by on my way to our (pitiful) fiction section.

Right now I squeeze it in whenever I can. Normally nap time is reserved for writing and blogging / commenting, so those 20 minutes something is in the oven, do not talk to me. I get to sneak in a bit of reading.

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, having access to audiobooks has helped me "read" so many more books. I usually listen when I am doing housework or talking a walk.

Take care,
Ana