The irony of becoming a published writer means that I have less time to read them. I’m not counting the 20+ times I have to read my own work during the drafting, revising, and publishing process.
Even though I take long breaks between reading books, I’ll never give up reading. I’m format agnostic when I read. Print books, ebooks, audiobooks—I love them all. There’s a time and place for each of them. If I’m lucky enough to have the book in multiple formats, I will switch between them. (Thanks to my public library!)
Also my perimenopausal brain fog makes it harder for me to jump into some fantasy and sci-fi world building. So I’ve adjusted my reading goals and intentions to fit my lifestyle better. Yes, I’m a romance writer but I also love SSF. Even better when there’s romance in them!
My Reading Goals
Since I read less books, I try to read more intentionally. My reading goals are:
- A majority of my books I’ve read are written by BIPOC, LGTBQIA+, and women writers. Even better when those intersect.
- DNF (did not finish) books I’m not enjoying. I have too many unread books to spend time with one that doesn’t make me happy. Usually it’s not the book or writer’s fault. I’m a mood reader
- Read more closely (if possible). That means highlighting passages I like and writing a thoughtful review that’s for my eyes only
- Add the book, fave quotes, and review to my reading journal
Documenting Books in my Journal
I document the basics in my reading journal, but I enjoy combining multiple hobbies when I do so. I use a mix of fountain pen, watercolor, gouache, stamps, stickers, washi and more. It all depends on how much time I have to spend with my journal.
I recently made an Instagram reel of my latest journal entry for Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers. It took me longer to make this video than adding it to my journal. Ha!
I’m currently 2 books behind in my reading journal, but that’s fine with me. I want this process and this journal to be low stress. When I’m too busy and don’t feel like pulling out all the tools, I print out the cover on some sticky backed photo paper and call it done.
Just like my life, my reading journal is a work in progress.
Do you keep a reading journal?
I keep a reading journal but it is just a list of the books I’ve read. You have inspired me to put more effort into it!
I’m glad to have inspired you!
It’s not nearly as pretty as yours, but yeah I keep a reading journal to write down my initial thoughts after finishing a book, which is very useful to come back to when I eventually write a blog post about that book.
also honestly I just like holding a physical notebook to flip through and remember what I’ve read in the last year or two.
I’m with you on holding a notebook in my hands. I used to log my books through Goodreads but this way is more fun and I get to use all my supplies.