It's NaNoWriMo, but I'm here to talk about reading.
You can't be an excellent writer if you don't read voraciously. I'll concede that some non-readers can write decent papers for class assignments. These people are the exception, not the rule.
I often hear that people don't have time to read. I understand. Sometimes, you just can't pick up a book. More often than not, it's an issue of motivation, not lack of time.
I went through a massive reading slump during my first two years of college. I read less than ten books unrelated to school during those two years. I had plenty of time to read, but I spent that time doing other things.
- My first roommate and I had The Sims 3 dates where we'd bring our dinner to our dorm room and spend the whole evening playing The Sims 3 on our separate computers. We'd leave the TV on and occasionally update each other on how our Sims were holding up. I wonder how many books I could have read instead of Simming it up.
- I spent many weekends at home to be with my boyfriend and my cat. I could have borrowed audiobooks and listened to those on the drive instead of music I didn't even like.
- I didn't actively pursue reading. I loved the idea of reading, but I never knew what to read.
How can you begin to read more?
Don't worry, dearie. I've got you covered.
1. Listen to audiobooks.
If you have a long commute, or simply want to unwind, audiobooks are an excellent way to go. You can get digital audiobooks through your local library, Audible, Scribd, and so on.
The argument about whether or not audiobooks count as reading is over. They count. Some people have learning disabilities that make it difficult to stare at a page, but listening to an audiobook makes it easier to consume a story. It's time to consider these people as readers, too.
2. Read e-books.
I zip through books on my Kindle. It's probably because I never need to fumble with pages. It's also easy to read e-books while eating, walking, and exercising. I realize that you can do these things while listening to audiobooks, too, but I tend to do wall-sits while I read.
I enjoy having a vast library on a tiny device. During trips, I don't need to worry about cramming seven books into my bag if they're all on one device. (Though you probably have an app, so your books can be on every device.)
3. Make time to read.
Think about how you spend the 24 hours you have each day. Do you waste time? (Trick question. You do.)
Find time to sit back and read. It can be 30 minutes or two hours. The point isn't to read 12 books per month. The point is to read more than you usually do.
(Image credit: Giphy)
4. Read books that interest you.
I can't tell you how many times I've struggled through books that I'm only reading because everybody else is. Know what interests you, and ignore what doesn't.
5. Join Goodreads.
I adore Goodreads. I can track what I've read, review books, and set a yearly reading goal. I can also see what my friends are reading and find book recommendations based on what I've enjoyed in the past.
You can also use Goodreads to join virtual book clubs and enter giveaways.
6. Set reading goals.
Another important Goodreads feature is the yearly reading challenge. Don't choose a number you'll never reach, but do choose a number that presents a slight air of discomfort. If you read four books last year, aim to read six this year.
Don't compete with others, but do compete with yourself.
For 2016, my goal was to read 52 books. I met my goal sometime in September or October, and now I'm at 67. I count every book I read, whether it's the first time I've read it or the tenth.
Next year, I might be more selective about the books I read. My poor shelves are full of unread books, yet I continue borrowing library books.
7. Read something different.
If you usually read mystery novels, try reading a different genre or subgenre. At the surface, this contradicts tip #4. Be open to new challenges, but don't slug through something you dislike.
I hope my tips have helped you, reader, to become the reader that you've always wanted to be.
