As a lifelong bookworm but who went through a reading drought about three years ago, #5 has since become my favorite practice. Instead of forcing myself to read what I felt like I "should" read (which inevitably led to needless guilt over practicing #9), I started reading what I wanted to read. And it rekindled my love of reading.
Great advice. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has several books on the go at once. I find my mind wanders with audio a bit, but I still use it when doing things like filling up the bird feeders. I do, however, always feel guilty and a bit of a failure when I have to give up on a book. Daft really
I've just come across this post via one of your recent ones. It's encouraged me to aim higher for my reading goals for 2024. Thanks for the inspiration!
#2 and including podcasts. I go through periods of being kind of addicted to podcasts, and not only does it eat up a lot of time I cld be reading, the mental energy of getting into multiple podcast episodes everyday depletes the sustained-attention muscles i need for reading. Love podcasts but find them less satisfying than books. I don't feel the sense of reward finishing a podcast binge that I feel reading.
I read 29 books last year. I try to write during the day and read at bedtime. When I reread the same paragraph five times, I know it’s time to quit. I do read craft books during the day, especially when I’m in a writing slump. I’m enjoying The Emotional Craft of Fiction right now. It’s amazing how many ideas the exercises spark.
Love this! Thank you! Turns out I got through 46 last year (and abandoned quite a few too) so -- I'm trying to decide between 48 and 50 for this year (48 would make it an even 4 a month but 50 would be awesome!).
In antiquity, I think the few books available were read by a person, who did it as a profession, to others who listened.. if we listened only to audiobooks, we would be monsters of memory..
As a lifelong bookworm but who went through a reading drought about three years ago, #5 has since become my favorite practice. Instead of forcing myself to read what I felt like I "should" read (which inevitably led to needless guilt over practicing #9), I started reading what I wanted to read. And it rekindled my love of reading.
Great advice. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has several books on the go at once. I find my mind wanders with audio a bit, but I still use it when doing things like filling up the bird feeders. I do, however, always feel guilty and a bit of a failure when I have to give up on a book. Daft really
Some of us readers and have no desire to kick the habit.
I've just come across this post via one of your recent ones. It's encouraged me to aim higher for my reading goals for 2024. Thanks for the inspiration!
I enjoyed this so much, Joel. I’ve taken note of your tips as I am keen to read more of what I love.
#2 and including podcasts. I go through periods of being kind of addicted to podcasts, and not only does it eat up a lot of time I cld be reading, the mental energy of getting into multiple podcast episodes everyday depletes the sustained-attention muscles i need for reading. Love podcasts but find them less satisfying than books. I don't feel the sense of reward finishing a podcast binge that I feel reading.
Great article!
Also tell me some ways in which we can read deep and not just more.
Because I believe reading in depth is more valuable than reading more.
I love number 9. Life is too short for crappy books.
As always interesting and helpful information Joel, thanks.
I read 29 books last year. I try to write during the day and read at bedtime. When I reread the same paragraph five times, I know it’s time to quit. I do read craft books during the day, especially when I’m in a writing slump. I’m enjoying The Emotional Craft of Fiction right now. It’s amazing how many ideas the exercises spark.
Love this! Thank you! Turns out I got through 46 last year (and abandoned quite a few too) so -- I'm trying to decide between 48 and 50 for this year (48 would make it an even 4 a month but 50 would be awesome!).
In antiquity, I think the few books available were read by a person, who did it as a profession, to others who listened.. if we listened only to audiobooks, we would be monsters of memory..