Reading in the New Year

January 15, 2024 / Motivation and the Writing Life, Uncategorized / 14 COMMENTS

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Here’s something writers can get behind as a goal for 2024: reading more. With all the work we do on the writing and promo ends of things, sometimes refilling our well with books can get lost in the shuffle.But reading is important for writers for lots of reasons . . . books help nourish our creativity, inspire us, and help teach us story structure and other skills.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of reading in 2024.

Tips for reading more

Keep a TBR (to be read) list. You’ll always have a plan for what you’re reading next.

Set yourself up for reading on the go with digital books. Instead of scrolling through social media, read your book instead. Prefer paper? Be sure to grab your book when you’re walking out the door.

Read with your ears. Audiobooks are great for commutes, exercising, and housework and can be checked out of the library.

Find books to read using Goodreads (I have an anonymous account there, in addition to my public one) or places like Reddit. Or visit your local library in person or online. I check out dozens of books a year on Overdrive through my library.

Tips for reading as a writer

Read a lot in your genre. This helps with genre conventions and what readers expect.

Read broadly outside your genre. Sometimes reading challenges, like this one, are useful for that.

Make notes to yourself about what you’ve read and your thoughts about the books.

A tip for reading in general

If you’re reading something and not looking forward to picking up the book again, find something else to read. There are too many awesome books out there to keep plugging through a book that’s not connecting with you.

***

Do you have anything you’re looking forward to reading this year? How do you make time for reading?

Reading in the New Year: Tips: Share on X

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

  1. It is so important to read – a lot – if you're going to be a writer. I learn as much from reading what I don't end up enjoying as I do from what I love. I've found that always having a book with me, whether it's a paper copy or on my Kindle, is essential. Wherever I end up waiting (a doctor's office, the mechanic, wherever), I've got a book and can keep up with my reading. I'm also a 'regular' on several review blogs, so I can always answer the question of 'what to read next.'

  3. Agreed! I read both inside and outside my genre. There are so many great books out there, I don't mind putting aside one that just doesn't work for me. I can't do audiobooks at this point. My daughter goes through them by the dozens and dozens!

  4. Hi Elizabeth – I've just written a long comment only to hit the wrong button and find it's gawneeee! But I must read more this year … I prefer more serious reads – which need concentration … Joanne Faries recommended two I've read recently … Personal Librarian about JP Morgan's library; Horse by Geraldine Brooks – which I gave to a friend for Christmas, which I've borrowed to read; Also I posted about Binti (the trilogy) on Afrofuturism – by Nnede Okorafor (SCiFi based in Namibia) … I have Horse to start with … and have got rather a lot sitting here to get into. We learn so much … so well worth making time to read. Cheers and Happy New Year – Hilary

  6. One thing about winter that I love is that I have more time for reading. I agree with you about reading in your genre and widely outside of it. I'm reading more adult fiction these days as well as middle grade and young adult. I'm off to read now because I try to start my reading time in late afternoon every day.

  7. I used to finish a book whether I liked it or not, but now I walk away. Life is too short and I have too many books I want to read to waste it on a book that doesn't call to me.

Comments are closed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}