Audio vs. Printed
Are you an audiobooks kind of person or a good, old-fashioned, book-in-hand person? Do you like paper books or eReaders?
I personally love all of the above! Initially, I resisted audiobooks and eReaders for as long as possible. In fact, after having kids, I didn’t really make time to read. That all changed when my husband bought me a Kindle for Christmas a few years ago. He knew I liked to read and figured a Kindle might be easier to try and start reading more. Boy, if only he knew just how much I would come to use it!
I started out slowly with a couple books here and there, but once I started ARC reading for authors, my Kindle has exploded. I enjoy that it’s lightweight, and I can carry it with me in my purse if I want. Basically, I can read anywhere now
Audiobooks took a while to get into. It was strange going from hearing the characters in my head to hearing them come to life across the speakers. I first started listening to audiobooks with a bookstore app for my church called Deseret Book. I paid for the membership so I could listen to some books for free. I decided on my 30-minute weekly drive to choir practice that I would listen to one.
At first, I had a difficult time adjusting to the narrators and their inflections. Having been a theater major myself, I recognized good characters voices and the not-so-good ones. It was also strange listening to women trying to do the male voices. I know some audiobooks have a male and female reader, but these specific books only have one narrator. Once I got past that, I quite enjoy listening to stories in the car. Sometimes, I’ll even listen while doing chores around the house.
Here’s how I split my readings:
- Audiobooks – clean, Regency romance
- Kindle – Romantasy, fairy tale retellings
- Paperback – Editing books and the occasional fun book in any genre
Don’t get me wrong, I still love paper/hardback books. In fact, I’ve ordered some special edition books, despite not having a proper bookshelf to display them. Guess my little headboard shelves will have to do. I can’t wait to share those with you once I get them later this year. But I love having the ability to have multiple ways to become immersed in stories and find ways to break up the monotony of day-to-day living.
What about you? What is your preferred method of reading?
How can help you on your writing journey?