Sampling of Sloan’s To Read List
Looking back on 2010 I’m disappointed in the number of books I read. Around 40 books (including novellas and an occasional shorter work). This number would be even lower if it weren’t for the two published contests where I served as a judge. Granted, I was incredibly busy. It was my first year as a published author, plus I finished writing/editing Breathe, outlined 4 novels, and wrote the first drafts for 2 of those.
The thing is, my writing and voice are much stronger the more I’m reading quality books by other authors, which means I need to keep reading, as much as I can. So I decided to make my reading goal public today.
For 2011, I’m determined to read an average of 1.5 books per week for a total of 78 books (I’m going to include novellas in that list, but not short stories. I’ll also be counting any audio books, otherwise this goal would be only 1 book a week or less). Yes, some of you are probably laughing at this measly goal, but I’m a slow reader and a slow writer. Usually my reading time is limited to just before bed and listening to an audio book while cleaning the house. My writing goals have to come first. Plus I’ve vowed to spend more quality time with my sweetie this year too. Oh, and there’s still that part-time “day job” that helps pay the bills. I’d love to read more, but I’m trying to keep this goal achievable without stressing myself out too much. Reading is one of my greatest joys in life, and I don’t want it to feel like a chore.
What about you? Do you have any reading goals? Or other resolutions for 2011 you’d like to share? I promise not to look back at this post come December 31 and bug you to see if you made it (well, maybe not…that kinda sounds like fun).
Happy Reading,
Sloan
No reading goals. I do better at things without goals. :)
WTG, Chris. It can be a crapshoot for me. I’ll let you guys know if I give up on the goal or if I make it until the end of the year. :)
I made an Excel book chart for my 2011 reading goals and broke it down between ebooks and print books. But yeah, I’m a slow reader too. And being a published writer does take a lot of time.
My goal is to read 52 print books and 52 ebooks, including short novels.
Hi Pam. That all sounds very organized. I love it! I have no idea which books I’m actually going to read. I’ve got the next couple picked out, but after that I’m looking forward to just going with whatever blurb or theme calls to me. Good luck with your reading goals. I hope you find many books to love this year!
Mine? Read the books I bought last year and didn’t read. I will not buy a new one until these are read.
@Leigh: Awesome goal. And one I could never keep. I’m a book-buying addict. :) Good luck! I hope you find time to read all the books on your list.
I wish I could say that I will read all the books on my TBR list….but there are about 75, and I have a WISH list of about 150 (and this doesn’t include any new releases that I have yet to ADD to the list lol!)…so, I think the reality, for me, is going to have to be to try to make both lists a teensy bit smaller by the end of the year. I read a LOT and thanks to hubby am an indulged woman ;)
Maybe I should think about not re-reading so many books, I think that could help……naw! What fun is that when I can’t re-read the stuff I love?
I hope you achieve your goal Sloan….. I think committing to read is a wonderful thing and I wish we all had more time to indulge in something that is so rewarding :)
@Elaine: Sounds like a great plan and a great hubby!
I love re-reading my favorites. I don’t indulge very often, but every once in a while I’ll re-read a few scenes from some of the romances I’ve loved. That’s why I like marking pages, even in e-books.
I hope you enjoy whatever books you get a chance to read this year.