#TechTalk: Voxer

PHS columnist, Jill Kemerer, talks about the one piece of tech she couldn't live without...

One of the things I struggle with as a full-time writer is connection.

I spend my weekdays alone—well, my fictional characters keep me company—and I truly enjoy the silent hours. Too much solitude, though, is not good for my soul. While Facebook, Twitter, email and other online sites connect me with friends, family and fellow writers, they all lack the personal touch. Sometimes I just need to talk to an actual person.

Unfortunately, I have a hate-hate relationship with the telephone. Most of my family and friends do not live anywhere near me.

Sure, I like talking on the phone to a handful of loved ones, but most of the time, I avoid it at all costs. Which brings me to the problem: How can I keep my friendships alive if we never speak or see each other?

Enter Voxer.

My friend, Jessica R. Patch, (Jessica writes inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense) told me I had to get the Voxer app. Since she’s pretty much a genius, I quickly downloaded the free app. In less than two minutes I was Voxing away!

What is Voxer you ask? Voxer is a walkie-talkie app for smart phones. It allows you to send friends a recorded message (just hold the Talk button and speak into your phone). They can listen to it at their leisure. If they want to reply, they’ll send you one back. This app also allows you to send pictures, text, or GIFs. It’s delightful!

The thing I like best about Voxer is that I can verbally communicate with my friends on my timeline, and I know I’m not bothering them when I send them a message. They can listen to it whenever! When they respond or reach out, there’s something wonderful about hearing their voices. I’ve gotten closer to my friends who Vox because it’s more personal than an email, text or social media post.

If you don’t like talking on the phone or have been feeling isolated and disconnected from friends, try the Voxer app. Convince a few friends to give it a whirl. It’s made a big difference in my life!

Is there an app or program that just makes your life infinitely easier? Share your #TechTalk with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Jill's latest release is Yuletide Redemption, the fourth book in her Sheffield Siblings series:

After an accident leaves Celeste Monroe to raise her baby nephew, all she wants is to provide one-year-old Parker with a happy life. She hopes taking a job caring for injured Sam Sheffield will help fulfill that goal. But Sam's determination to avoid the world throws a wrench in her plans.

Despite his best efforts, Sam can't take his eyes off the pretty caretaker. Her strength and her loving nature has him falling for her—and her baby. But he refuses to burden them with a man who's not whole. Can Celeste convince Sam he's daddy—and husband—material in time for them to celebrate Christmas together?

Jill Kemerer is the author of Christian romance novels, whose must-haves include coffee, M&Ms and fluffy animals.. For more information about her and her writing, check out her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.