Most freelance writers spend a lot of time driving in cars or using public transportation. Whatever way you travel, you need to make the best use of this time.
Let’s take an example. Say you spend an average of 5 hours a week traveling. That’s 260 hours a year, the equivalent of six and half 40-hour work weeks.
Improve as You Move
What can you do with this time? Make the most of it by learning as you travel with audio books and other audio learning materials.
There are hundreds of thousands of audio books, audio lectures, and other business and educational audios you can listen to on a smartphone, an iPod or other audio player, or on CD.
You can get tips on how to run your freelance writing business more efficiently, how to increase your marketing results, and how to design and market your writer website. More and more quality people create free podcasts for freelance writers, self-employed people, and small business owners that you can easily download. Or if you’re a member of a site like the Freelance Writers Den, you’ll have dozens of audios to listen to specifically about freelance writing.
You can also learn about any academic subject imaginable from some of the best lecturers on earth. I’ve listened to over a dozen courses from The Teaching Company, including courses on Roman history, the American Revolution, and psychology, and I’m currently listening to history and politics audios from professors at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Harvard.
As you can see, audios can relate directly to your freelance writing activities, or you can listen just because you’re interested in the subject. You’re either boosting your business or boosting your brain, both good outcomes.
Be An Active Learner
I’m always an active learner. When I’m listening to audios, I dictate notes into a digital recorder. I later listen to the files and type notes in Word documents, some of which I then print out and put in binders for later review.
Active learning also involves thinking deeply and critically about what you hear, and also thinking about how you will implement what you learn.
3 Instances When I Don’t Listen to Audios When I’m Driving
First, when traffic is heavy…
and I need to give it my full, active attention. Safety when driving is paramount; you must be careful when driving so that you do not endanger yourself and others. I live in a rural section of southern Oregon and frequently travel on roads with very little traffic, so I have ample time to listen. However, when I’m in big cities – housesitting in San Francisco Bay Area for instance – I focus all my attention on navigating those busy freeways.
Second, when other people are in the car…
it’s often best to have a good conversation. Of course, it’s also great when you all want to listen to the same audio, which often leads to intriguing discussions.
Third, when I’m driving in really beautiful country…
I like to just take in the scenery. This frequently happens when I’m traveling in rural areas in southern Oregon and northern California. So many stunning mountains, forests, meadows, and streams line the roads here that I typically find myself just enjoying where I am.
Using Your Smartphone, Tablet, or E-Reader
Many of us have these devices, and if you’re a auto passenger or on public transportation, you can use them to answer and send important e-mails and also to do important research or reading.
However, be mindful of your traveling companions and your surroundings. Are you truly doing important tasks, or are you just taking your mind from the here and now to the there and then?
Where to Find Audios
There are tens of thousands of sources. Here are a few of the big ones…
The Teaching Company sells college-level courses on hundreds of topics.
Itunes has courses from all over the country, many for free. Just search for subjects that interest you.
Amazon.com allows you to buy audio versions of tens of thousands of books.
Your Take
Do you listen to audios when you’re on the road? What do you listen to, and with what device? Any tips to add about how to make the best use of travel time?
Most of my travel time these days is on foot. 😉 I discover my best blog post inspiration while walking and will use my smartphone to record ideas.
In my corporate days, I was a road warrior. I often listened to audio books and music when my brain needed a break.
Cathy, since I live near downtown here in Ashland, OR, I also walk almost everywhere. Sometimes I listen to podcasts when I walk, but it’s so beautiful here that I usually just give my surroundings my full attention.
John,
Anne and I enjoyed seeing you and Stephanie at the Mothers Day lunch. Although I am no longer a “writer” I also enjoy reading your writing course which is an admirable undertaking. I stay in “practice” by submitting a short message to our local monthly newsletter here at River Oaks called the Oak Leaves. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Bill
Bill, you recently published your autobiography, so you are definitely a “writer”! It was great seeing you and Anne and everyone on else on Sunday.
It’s a good idea and you made really good points, including when not to listen.
I think most people who have outside jobs commute more than 5 hours a week. I know I’m in my car at least 5 hours a week and that’s only going to the farm daily to tend to my horses and other errands and visiting people.
First I’d have to find my iPod – I last saw my husband using it 2 years ago – and then I’d have to find some audio and figure out how to get it into the iPod. This whole process would take me a lot longer than 5 hours I’m sure!
I do have a Smartphone but I’m not smart enough to figure out all the bells and whistles on it! Where I live its a hefty fine if you get caught using it while driving – same as with other handheld devices. I think more and more jurisdictions are banning them while driving.
I am pretty good about listening to audio on my computer when I’m at home. Somehow I never think about taking it on the road with me.
Good post for those who commute, especially by public transportation.
Cheryl, you’re probably right: most people likely spend more than 5 hours a week commuting. I wanted a conservative estimate.
I think most states let you listen to audios or talk on your phone as long as it’s all hands-free. You can start an audio before you actually start driving your vehicle, for instance.
I miss horses. When I owned a house I rented out my two pastures to people with horses.
I mainly walk or ride public transportation but I listen to a lot of podcasts and conference recordings while I’m walking, cooking, or tidying up. I really like A Little Bird Told Me, which is a podcast hosted by two freelance writers in the UK: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-little-bird-told-me/id551155332 I also listen to recordings from the Freelance Writer’s Den and Ed Gandia’s High-Income Freelance Writing podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/high-income-business-writing/id640055894
Susan, I also listen when I’m doing chores around the house, and I also listen when I do strength training at the Y. (Headed there in a few minutes.)
The Freelance Writers Den has so much good material. I’m quite a ways behind on my Den listening!
I live in Southern California where you almost always need a ride to get from point A to B. And I have to say, audio books and webinar recordings helped me keep my sanity during times when I’m stuck in traffic. (Heavy freeway traffic isn’t really a safety issue for me — maybe I’m just used to it.)
Anyway, there was a time when I was so into audio books that I had a new one every month thanks to my Audible membership. But right now I’m taking a break from them and sticking to Mixergy interviews and Freelance Writers Den recordings because I miss actually READING books.
Thanks for the great post!
Francesca, driving on urban freeways that frequently slow to a crawl (or stop altogether) can be frustrating, but a good audio definitely helps.
For you, “the 5” is often crowded and slow. Up where I live it’s wide open and travels through beautiful mountain scenery.
Fortunately I don’t have to do much driving anymore… some and on freeways I don’t want to listen to anything that requires my attention.
Anne, when I’m on crowded freeways that require a lot of attention I usually listen to NPR. Some NPR stations have really interesting talk radio shows throughout the day. I can listen when I want and then tune out when immediate traffic demands my attention.
Hey John,
I may be one of your only readers that doesn’t consider themselves to be a ‘writer’. But, I enjoy your insights that are relevant to writers and non-writers alike.
I listen to audio programs as often as I can. A few years ago my wife and I were on a getaway for a few days and listened to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. We immediately planned and later visited Savannah, GA because of it.
It also offers the opportunity to listen to something that you may not necessarily read. Win/win.
Thanks for commenting Rob. My partner Stephanie and I took a trip to San Francisco over the Christmas holidays. On the long drive to and from we listened to Wild by Cheryl Strayed, her account of walking the Pacific Crest Trail. It was very enjoyable for both of us.
I’m merely blown away by how much of my life I could NOT be wasting during my daily drive/commute. For a time, I was trying to learn Spanish while driving, but I wonder if that takes too much brain power. I might try something that I can just listen too without having to repeat, or answer questions, or fill in the blanks, etc.
Learning a language while driving does take a lot of concentration; I wouldn’t recommend it if you are in a high-traffic area or an area with a lot of pedestrians.
I’ve always wanted to learn another language. I wonder if an audio book would be a good way to do it, or if it would distract me from my driving…
The tips you gave are so helpful for me because I usually do a lot of traveling. I’m having a hard time in managing my time especially when I have scheduled appointments and I unfortunately get into a traffic jam. Too much hassle. Now I have the idea on how to manage it.
I commute mainly by car, but sometimes on foot.
Audio books have been a great discovery for me. I can spend two hours a day learning about a new product or technique, which in the past would have been two hours wasted. (Or rocking out embarrassingly in the car.)
I have never imagined to listen audio book while I am driving! However, I am willing to give it a try! I think it’s worthy! Especially, if you driving or generally travelling a lot! Plus, in my opinion, you can do some other stuff while listening to these book! Great tip! Thank you!
Hi John,
My house is in Ashland, but on the other side of the 5 freeway. Yes, it is SO beautiful.
Most of my travel is on planes, so I just read good old fashioned books in print, and non fiction books on CD in the car.
Hello Julie. Good to see a fellow Ashland resident here!
When I fly (which is fairly rare), I read old-fashioned print books also.