I love reading. In fact I love reading too much and when I start a good book it takes over everything. I skimp on all my other activities so I can fit in more reading time. I’ve kept a log in one place or another of the books I’ve read since 2005 so I know I tend to read between 50 and 60 books a year; put simply that is one book a week.
The problem
I read quickly enabling me to get through a lot of books, but I normally read in bed before going to sleep. But I will not stop after one chapter, or two. It was not unusual for me to read for a couple of hours, hoping to finish the book. Obviously, when I have to get up at a set time in the morning that is not the best approach for me to wake up full of energy.
The solution
I need to learn reading will-power, so I’ve gone cold turkey on fiction books. Since the start of this year I’ve read four fiction books, or more truthfully skimmed my favourite sections of four books when I was ill and couldn’t get out of bed. However, I’m not cutting out reading all together, I’m still reading:
- to my children
- non fiction books
- my three magazine subscriptions
I’m also listening to audio books in the car, but that is not really reading. I’ve also got plans to read one fiction book, Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews. I knew the book would be released this year and as a new addition to my favourite series it has been an exception from the start (and I should get a copy any day).
How is it going?
But you know what? I haven’t missed reading fiction as much as I expected. In the previous seven months I’ve only had two periods when I’ve wanted fiction; when I was stuck in bed ill I read urban fantasy, and the past two weeks when I’ve been very busy and a bit stressed I’ve wanted to read historical romance. Escapism fiction that’s what I like!
There are so many good books available I want to return to reading fiction books, but on new terms. Do you have any tips? How do you control your reading?
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