Everything you need to know about why audiobooks and podcasts are great for writers
I’ve got some exciting news!
The Forever Young Autobiographies podcast show is up and running.
You can check it out here!
New episodes are released weekly plus there is a HUGE back catalogue with 20+ shows on planning, writing, polishing and publishing life stories.
I’m a huge fan of listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
For instance, I ‘read’ most of the autobiography, memoir and biography books I review for the website via audiobook.
So to celebrate the launch of the FYA podcast, this week’s article is all about why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts to improve your own writing.
Plus there is an audiobook competition at the end you will want to enter!
It’s personal: why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts
A primary reason why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts is because it is personal.
That is to say, you have someone talking directly to you in your ear!
Now how cool is this if the narrator is the author of the book, for example Michelle Obama reading her memoir Becoming.
Therefore you are hearing their story, how they want it to be told, directly from them.
You don’t get more personal than that!
So picking up a podcast or audiobook over a hardcopy can feel like you are having a direct conversation with the author.
Related article – Book review: Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Becoming by Penguin Books Ltd
Listen up to feel flexible
Flexibility is the second reason why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
When you read a hard-copy book you are dedicated to the task with single focus.
Granted, a print book forces you to tune out, slow down and be mindful in the moment (pure bliss!).
However, audiobooks let you do other things at the same time.
For example, perhaps listen to an audiobook or podcast while tidying the house, cooking, cleaning, driving long distance or exercising.
Think of it like listening to the radio or having the TV on in the background.
In other words, audio is a wonderful way to take the monotony out of routine chores.
In short, you might actually get more exercise and cleaning done when you have a good audiobook or podcast on the go!
Related article – How to start writing: The ultimate guide about planning to write life stories
Related article – How to brainstorm memories for your autobiography while dancing up a storm
A speedy reason why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts
My final reason why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts is speed.
That is to say, when you fold audiobooks and podcasts into time spent doing other things you can really fly through books and episodes.
Indeed when you try this method you can hoon through an audiobook or podcast catalogue in a few days – no matter how busy you are.
In addition, you can make listening even faster by increasing the playback speed.
Depending on your media player, listening speeds can be 1.5x, 2x or 3x faster than normal!
Of course, this idea isn’t for everyone but I find it works well for books or topics that aren’t too meaty or complex.
Why not give it a try for a speedy and fun experiment?
Certainly, it will beat piling up books to read on your bedside table!
Related article – Writing tools to help you beat bad spelling and grammar woes
How to listen to audiobooks and podcasts
Free ideas
Importantly one of the top reasons why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts is because many are free!
Most council, state and national libraries are members of online audiobook companies.
So as long as you are a library member you can log into one of these audiobook companies and ‘borrow’ a book to your digital device – for free.
How cool is that!
Common companies include: BorrowBox, Libby (by OverDrive) and RBdigital (by Recorded Books).
Your best bet is to check out your library website and see what they offer.
Meanwhile, for fantastic podcasts dedicated to books and many other topics try listening platforms such as: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, to name but a few.
Paid options
A second option to find audiobooks is through paid online platforms.
These offer pay per book or pay per month deals.
For example: Play Books, Apple Books, Audible or Amazon Kindle (add Audible Narration).
Related article – Celebrating family on the We Turned Out Okay podcast
Related article – Podcast special: Three tips to help you transform your autobiography
Final say: Why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts
So in conclusion, here’s why you should listen to audiobooks and podcasts: because they connect you one-on-one with authors, fit easily into a busy life, are often free, and help you read more books!
When you are exposed to other people’s stories it helps you reflect on your own life.
And importantly it can guide and motivate your writing one story at a time.
Happy writing and listening!
New podcast comp!
To celebrate the launch of my new podcast, I’m giving away a one-month Audible gift membership to one lucky listener!
To enter simply:
- Listen to an episode and leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
- Be signed up here to my email list so you can find out if you win!
I will chose one winner at random and notify them via email. Closing date July 31.
Good luck!
Free gift!
Want to help a loved one write their life story? I show you how to interview and compile their stories in the Your Family Stories System. Get the first few sections free! Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
Have you tried listening to audiobooks or podcasts? What are some of your faves? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Got a question or an idea for a future article? You can let me know here!
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
