How Audible Changed My Life and Enhanced My Writing Skills
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Chapter 1: My Journey to Embracing Audiobooks
Initially, I was skeptical about the idea of Audible. As a writer with a passionate love for physical books, I found the concept of e-books and audiobooks unappealing. The only exception I could tolerate was the kind meant for children, where a character's voice would cue page turns. For everything else, I was firmly against it.
I disliked the thought of listening to a stranger narrate a story, feeling it disrupted my connection to the narrative. Fortunately, I had a wealth of time to read during my youth and early adulthood. Yet, I always resonated with Bill Richardson's sentiment in "Bachelor Brother’s Bed & Breakfast," where he notes the imbalance between books and time.
As a parent, however, my reading time dwindled significantly. The arrival of my children marked a dry spell in my literary pursuits, as my days became consumed with work and childcare responsibilities. For five and a half long years, reading took a backseat.
Ironically, it was my experiences with parenthood—specifically, the challenges of raising a spirited child—that introduced me to Audible. I found myself in desperate need of guidance, but time was non-existent.
Section 1.1: Rediscovering Literature Through Audible
I had accumulated several books on managing energetic children, but they remained untouched on my desk. The desire to read was overshadowed by my daily responsibilities, leaving more dust on the covers than actual reading.
Then, one fateful day, I realized that those very books were available on Audible. While I had no time to sit down with a physical book, I spent considerable time driving and could listen instead. So, I took the plunge and subscribed.
At first, I focused solely on non-fiction, as the narrating voice mattered less; I was primarily after the content. However, it wasn't long before I stumbled upon remarkable fiction, including classics that were part of my subscription.
Moreover, the quality of audiobooks was noticeably improving. I found myself captivated by Sissy Spacek's moving narration of "To Kill A Mockingbird" and Nick Offerman's exceptional reading of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." I was gradually reconnecting with my identity as a reader.
By 2023, my listening history reflected a significant resurgence in my literary engagement:
- 2015: 4 books
- 2016: 7 books
- 2017: 16 books
- 2018: 24 books
- 2019: 27 books
- 2020: 13 books (due to pandemic-related disruptions)
- 2021: 18 books (prompted a career change)
- 2022: 39 books
- By mid-2023: 32 books
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Section 1.2: Making Time for Audiobooks
Even with a busy schedule, I found joy in my daily commutes. Driving my children around became an opportunity to immerse myself in stories.
My typical day involves numerous trips:
- Picking kids up from school
- Dropping off gear
- Running errands
- Attending practices
Through it all, I discovered that mundane tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry became moments to lose myself in a book. I even started taking daily walks, realizing that exercising while listening to audiobooks was a game-changer.
As I navigated through life with my AirPods, I found I was consuming more literature than ever—180 books to be exact. This influx of knowledge significantly improved my writing abilities.
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Chapter 2: The Impact of Audiobooks on My Life
With Audible, I have not only enhanced my literary knowledge but also enriched my writing. It’s a journey I am grateful for, and I owe thanks to the authors, readers, and the platform that made it all possible.
For those navigating the complexities of parenthood, remember that there's always time to find joy in stories, even amidst the chaos.