No, I can’t actually read with my eyes closed. But thanks to the magic of audio, I can have someone read to me. What about you? Have you discovered audio yet? It’s great!
You can listen to audiobooks while you drive, cook, or while taking a walk. And the great thing is, there are many affordable ways to listen to audio - including FREE, 99¢, and great box set deals (more info below). Many reluctant readers rave after their first audio experience, saying they pick up on things that come through stronger in audio. A talented narrator (like Kelsey Osborne, who narrates all my audiobooks) can really bring a story to life! (No, that's not her in the photo below!)
I have to admit, I was slow to try audio in the same way that I was slow to come around to the idea of an e-reader at first. But in the same way that I’ve come to love my Kindle, I’ve come to love audio, too. Audio peps up long, uneventful drives and commutes - especially when I can’t bear to listen to news radio any more! It has turned cooking from a chore to an enjoyable pastime for me. Many people listen while they walk or exercise. Two of my favorite ways to wind down after a stressful day are to listen to great story while coloring (yes, I own several adult coloring books - I love mandala/animal designs) or to listen while quilting. Sometimes, listening in this way is like a gentle brain massage. Other times, listening sparks my imagination and takes me to new worlds. No matter how or when I listen, it’s always fun and stress-free.
The great thing is most audiobooks are whispersynched, which means
you can read a chapter or two of the ebook then listen to the next
chapter while you drive - all without having to search for your
place. Then you can read another few chapters at home in the evening
on your ereader again.
As mentioned, audiobooks don’t have to be expensive. Many libraries carry extensive collections or have access to thousands more on a loaner basis - just ask your local librarian to listen without spending a cent! Secondly, your first book on Audible is free. (Here are some links so you can see on the store of your choice: Audible US / UK / FR / DE.) Audible members can also purchase credits to apply toward books, for one thing. This is a great deal for buying audio bundles like Once Upon a Desert Moon or Blue Moon Saloon, Volume 1. These are both 3-book bundles you can get for a single credit.
Just think: you can close your eyes, settle back, and let audio stories sweep you away!
Anna's Top Five Reasons to try Audiobooks
- Free up your eyes for other things: chores, driving, cooking, etc
- Rest your eyes - avoid screen fatigue
- Pick up on details or emotions you missed in the book
- Get through books faster so you don’t lose track of characters, and so you can “read” more books overall
- A feeling of companionship, like having a bedtime story read to you
- Driving/commuting. Audio really makes those empty minutes/hours fly by!
- Cooking - audio makes it a pleasure instead of a chore!
- Exercising - get in the groove with audio!
- Quilting - a great way to create, relax, and listen, all at the same time!
- Coloring - mindfulness pure. Try it sometime!
- Lure of the Dragon: Magnum, PI with a shifter twist, with Kelsey Osborne making the magical Maui setting come alive!
- Once Upon a Desert Moon - dark and dangerous paranormal romances set in the atmospheric world of the Desert Southwest. A great deal with three audiobooks in one!
- Blue Moon Saloon, Volume 1 - unforgettable bear/wolf shifter romance, and another incredible deal with three full books in one audio bundle.
- Rebel Bear: Bear shifter meets runaway bride in this steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance, made all the more exciting through audio!
- Love of the Dragon: Dragons, duty, destined mates, and a deadly rival… Non-stop action, passion, and romance from the moment this book starts at a diamond auction to the final strike of the gavel.
- Honorable mention: Rebel Heart - only 99c! Uptown girl meets rough-around-the-edges biker — all with a shapeshifter twist!
You can find all Anna's Audio titles here: http://www.annalowebooks.com/audio.
To get your first audiobook free on Audible, go to any of Anna's book listings and click on the *free* link. Here are a few to get you started: Audible US / UK / FR / DE. Enjoy!
