July 8, 2009

The most common complaint I hear among writers–especially those who have published and are writing seriously–is that they no longer have enough time to read for pleasure. By the time the necessary writing, blogging, marketing, and studying is done, the day is gone.

Like most busy people I know, reading for pleasure is relegated to the end of the day after crawling into bed. If my eyes will still focus–less and less likely these days–I can’t stay awake for more than three pages. Reading for pleasure had almost become a thing of the past.

Until last week.

Enter the Playaway

Do you know about the nifty books-on-MP3-players called Playaways? I had never heard of them until last week at my local library branch. They’re recorded books, but not on CD like most audio books. They come on tiny MP3 players (weigh less than two ounces and are smaller than a deck of cards). Playaways feature both fiction and nonfiction, new titles and old classics. You check them out like books on your library card.

As it says on their website (where you buy or rent Playaways): “Welcome to Playaway, the world’s first pre-loaded digital audio player. Playaway is the easiest way to listen to a book on the go. Simply plug in the earphones and enjoy. No Cassettes or CDs. No Downloads. Just Play.”

If this interests you–but your library doesn’t have any Playaways yet–encourage your librarian to check their website before July 15. Until then, they are running a “buy two, get one free” deal.

Reading on the Run

Playaways have really improved the quality of my daily life. I know that statement sounds over the top, but it’s true. After being on the computer all day, my eyes are too strained to read for pleasure on my breaks. NOW I take my 15-minute breaks, put in eye drops, grab my earphones, and close my eyes. Someone with a beautiful reading voice reads a chapter or two of my favorite mystery or English novel.

I’ve also listened to the MP3 novels while doing dishes, sweeping, cooking, gardening, driving, and during my daily hour-long bike ride. I don’t mind the chores anymore–a miracle in itself–and I’m getting to enjoy my pleasure reading again.

Implications for Writers

Both adult and children/YA books are on Playaway now, so children’s authors can also keep up with their reading of new titles this way. I will be interested to see if “Playaway rights” shows up in my next contract. For sure, from now on I will be reading my work aloud before the final proofing to make sure the story sounds good out loud!

Time to fix my omelet for lunch. But first, let me slip that Playaway into my pocket. I’m dying to find out how that murder mystery ends!