R U Reading Enough?
MOOD STATUS: "Disappointed". Didn't run at all over the holidays and now I'm back to square one trying to build myself back to where I was. Wah!
Look to your right.
I mean the right of my blog. Uh-huh. Then scroll down.
Down further.... No, really down further.
Gee, I didn't know my blog went down so far.
Okay, then stop when you come to Books I've Read or I'm in the Process of Reading since January 2009. Yup. That's right. You can stop blinking. I have in fact read 48 books in the year 2009. (NOT including three beta reads I did, too)
As you can see, my reading list was eclectic running all from historical, chick-lit, and "how-to" writing books to various romance ebooks and also Christian non fiction. True, most were romances, but hey, that's the genre I write. So sue me. (No, don't really)
I didn't go about trying to read a certain number of books, but it was a goal to read a lot and to read various books. Another one of my goals to do again this year.
So farewell, book list on my blog sidebar! I plan to start a new one on Monday morning with the two books I'm already halfway through reading.
Stephen King said
"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot...reading is the creative center of a writer's life...you cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you."
Do you think you read enough?
How many books did you read last year?
39 comments:
I am ashamed of how many books I read last year! Not nearly enough. I agree it does fuel my writer creativity- Stephen King is on point.
I've just finished my first book for 2010, and since it's payday I plan to order another one today! Woohoo!
Reading is sweet.
I'm pretty sure I read a lot. I usually read at least one to three books a week, 'cause I'm an addict. LOL
One thing I'd like to do this year is have a bigger variety in what I read.
Congrats on the books! I hope you have a great reading year in 2010. :-)
One of my goals this year is to read A LOT! Because time is so limited, I'm being very intentional about my book choices. I'm searching high and low for the highest quality I can find. Right now I'm readint Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove. It's amazing.
I don't really aspire to be a writer but I do want to read more and more. Funny thing is, before 2009, I would average 15-20 books per year. In 2009, since I started blogging I read over a hundred books. I was flabbergasted for a while but now I'm already thinking I am still not reading enough lol!
Lilly: Wow over a 100? That is awesome!
Have fund with your new reading list! My goal is to read as much as I possibly can this year. : ) There are so many great book out there, it's hard not to.
I read a LOT. I have the opposite problem of making sure it doesn't overtake my other important responsibilities. But I have noticed that each time I finish an amazing book, my writing is better for that week. Reading certainly helps me.
I read a lot last year, but don't know if I can match your totals! Thanks for the post. More reading ahead:)
Blessings!
I read many books, but nowhere near 48! Mostly fiction, a few nf writing books, and several memoirs. I keep a book journal, recording passages, themes, interesting points, that sort of thing, which I surprisingly often refer back to!
2009 was a slow reading year for me, but I still think I read more books than my husband has in his entire life.
I just love to read. It's probably why I like to write so much. All those stories I read are just too inspiring.
I love reading, but I am a slow reader, so I didn't read as much as I would have liked to. It amazes me that writers can find the time to get so much reading in on top of taking care of home, kids, job, school etc. I haven't yet figure out how to do that.
When do you read?
This is perfect timing for me. I'm challenging myeslf to read 100 books this year. Want to join me? Stop by J. Kaye's reading challenge to sign up!
I am putting my writing/research aside today and am devoting myself to a new pile of library books. Bliss!
Sorry, I linked you to the wrong post. Here's the correct one:
J. Kaye's 100+ reading challenge
Guilty, guilty, guilty! I always wish I read more! It's one of my BIG resolutions in the new year and I love how you track your yearly reads! Very cool! Goodbye 2009 and hello 2010!
I found that with my first child there was a learning curve in there in order to "be me" again so I'm slowly getting back to the things I love and making time to read is one of them! Including finding time to read to him as well, which is a special time!
Love the post and adore your blog site!
Caroline: 100 books??? R u out of your mind? LOL!!
well...let me think about it. :)
Caroline: 100 books??? R u out of your mind? LOL!!
well...let me think about it. :)
Blissfully out of my mind. Aim high, baby!
I read close to 50. I used to read a lot more before I really invested myself in writing. But mostly I read for enjoyment. I do believe I need to read more with writing in mind. I need to read books on the craft as well as more book in my genre.
I have no idea, which is why I'm keeping track this year. This year I'm trying to do the 100 book challenge, but I suspect I'll read closer to 50. I do read a lot of MG and chapter books though, and I listen to audiobooks all the time so maybe that will beef up the number.
I know I read a lot, but I don't think it's that many. I may have to keep a personal list like yours to find out.
Love the King quote!
Sounds like we're on the same track for the new year. I started reading at breakneck speed right after Christmas and am still managing to keep it in my scheduale. I'm not keeping a list though. *sigh* I should.
Definitely in a reading funk right now. I've read one book in something like 6 months! EEP! Hopefully that'll change this year!
Seeing that I must READ just like I breathe and eat, there is no choice.
Do I read enough? Never. Do I, with the Spirit's help, mark out books to read and devour them, heart, body, and soul? Yes.
A list? Not that organized. AND....too busy writing and reading!!!!
A conservative guess? 75
Patti
www.pattilacy.com/blog
I read 85 books this year, so I'm a bit of an obsessive reader. I've joined the 100+ challenge this year to push myself further.
I agree with you (and Stephen King, lol) about the importance of reading. I find I write better when I'm actively reading. It stimulates the same part of my brain I think.
I know I need to read a lot more than I do. I like how you have a running list of the books you've read over the year. I think it is a good idea.
You've got a great mix. Reading a variety of stuff is my plan too, although I do tend to read mostly romance and women's fiction.
How wonderful! I read a lot last year, but didn't keep a list. I think I'll try doing that this year so I can know what I've done...
I'm sure I don't do either enough. Hope your weekend is great! :O)
I didn't count, so I'm not sure, but it was a lot. I love reading.
I love to read, plus I'm a fast reader so ended up reading 184 books last year. I plan to slow down a bit this year but will probably still read at least 100 books. It think its great you managed 48. Maybe this year you'll beat that. I am hosting at 52 books challenge and if you would like to join in, you'd be more than welcome.
Yikes. Your quote from Stephen King has always stuck in my mind as well. I think it is so true, although I have difficulty reading as much as I'd like. These days with 3 kids, one a toddler, I feel like I need to choose between writing and reading. But you've motivated me. I have a stack of books begging for my attention and I vow to do better in '10. Currently reading Edgar Sawtelle - yes, that's how behind I am!
Is there such a thing as reading ENOUGH? I didn't keep track of how many books I read last year, but I'm going to this year. :)
I read about 40 books last year, but I really need to do better this year. I stopped reading as much when I started my WIP in September. Got to find a way to change that, but there's only so many hours in a day.
I used to read more before I became a writer!! AHH! That's what made me want to write and now I have piles of books sitting around calling me but I think I have gotten so picky about what to read that it really has to be good for me to sit through it all.
*shamefully hides in a corner* i only read two books... :0#
I was an avid reader several years ago. You never saw me without a book. Now, I'm lucky to get through one book a week. I'm like you though Jennifer, I read in a lot of genre's.
I'm almost embarrassed to say I haven't read Stephen King's ON WRITING yet. Hmm, wonder how I've missed that. But my sister brought me THE DOME today, and I'm anxious to get started on it.
........dhole
lately, no way. I really need to get back into it. Sadly, the ones I've cracked open lately have me rolling my eyes and pitching the books. It's depressing.
've just finished my first book for 2010, and since it's payday I plan to order another one today!
Work from home India
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