Ian Dawson's Blog - Posts Tagged "reading-challenge"
Reading Challenge: Trying Out a New Author or Genre
I’m a huge Stephen King fan and an avid reader of his novels. This past month when I was on vacation, I went to Barnes & Noble and found a new author in the horror genre: Ronald Malfi. I had never read any of his books before, so I took a gamble and bought one of his books.
I’ve found a new favorite author!
The next time you’re at the bookstore, on Amazon, or considering buying a book from an author you know, consider trying out a new author in the same genre. You can also experiment and try a new genre outside your comfort zone. If you love fantasy, try romance; if you love sci-fi, try historical fiction, etc.
Or, if you are a hardcore fiction reader, try a non-fiction book on a topic that interests you.
It’s easy to get locked into reading patterns – I know I do – but every once in a while, give yourself the challenge of trying out a new genre or author. You may not like it and run back to what’s familiar, but at least you know you tried.
Or you’ll be like me and find a new author to enjoy.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
What authors or genres have you tried and found you enjoyed? Leave a comment and let me know!
I’ve found a new favorite author!
The next time you’re at the bookstore, on Amazon, or considering buying a book from an author you know, consider trying out a new author in the same genre. You can also experiment and try a new genre outside your comfort zone. If you love fantasy, try romance; if you love sci-fi, try historical fiction, etc.
Or, if you are a hardcore fiction reader, try a non-fiction book on a topic that interests you.
It’s easy to get locked into reading patterns – I know I do – but every once in a while, give yourself the challenge of trying out a new genre or author. You may not like it and run back to what’s familiar, but at least you know you tried.
Or you’ll be like me and find a new author to enjoy.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
What authors or genres have you tried and found you enjoyed? Leave a comment and let me know!
Readers: When and Where Do You Like to Read?
The new year has begun, and reading challenges have been declared. Most of us have a stack of books ready for 2023, so we know what we’re reading and who’s reading (us), but when do you prefer to read, and where is your desired place to immerse yourself in a book?
I prefer reading when there are limited to no distractions – like when I write – so I usually read late at night. There’s something about the peaceful solitude of nighttime that allows me to read and focus on the book 100%. While there may be some noise, it’s much easier for me to read at night due to limited interruptions.
What about you? When do you prefer to read?
I like reading at home, but I have changed where I read. I used to read in bed, but over the past few years, I moved all reading to the couch. It’s still a comfortable location with good lighting and few distractions, and I find I don’t get as sleepy reading there as when I used to read in bed. And while I have no problem reading while sitting up, I find that reading on the couch while lying down with my head on the armrest is my preferred reading position.
Where do you prefer to read? What is your favorite spot in your home to read and enjoy the experience?
Some people are fine with reading in a busy location with lots of noise and chaos around them. Some prefer reading earlier in the day. No matter when or where you read, the important thing is that you are reading and adding to your reading goals in 2023 and beyond.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
I prefer reading when there are limited to no distractions – like when I write – so I usually read late at night. There’s something about the peaceful solitude of nighttime that allows me to read and focus on the book 100%. While there may be some noise, it’s much easier for me to read at night due to limited interruptions.
What about you? When do you prefer to read?
I like reading at home, but I have changed where I read. I used to read in bed, but over the past few years, I moved all reading to the couch. It’s still a comfortable location with good lighting and few distractions, and I find I don’t get as sleepy reading there as when I used to read in bed. And while I have no problem reading while sitting up, I find that reading on the couch while lying down with my head on the armrest is my preferred reading position.
Where do you prefer to read? What is your favorite spot in your home to read and enjoy the experience?
Some people are fine with reading in a busy location with lots of noise and chaos around them. Some prefer reading earlier in the day. No matter when or where you read, the important thing is that you are reading and adding to your reading goals in 2023 and beyond.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
Summer Challenge: Reading Diverse Authors
As readers, we all have authors and genres that we gravitate toward because we know from previous experience that we’ll enjoy what we read. It’s easy to get into a reading cycle where we are laser-focused on what we’re comfortable with, but what if we switched things up once or twice a year?
Look, I know that most readers read what they do because they want to, and don’t like being told what to read, what authors to like, or what books they should be obsessing over during certain months of the year.
Humans are creatures of habit who often resist change to their routines, which can include the books they enjoy reading.
However, as an avid reader, I have come across books by diverse authors in various genres that I have loved, making me a fan of their work. Casey McQuiston, Amy Harmon, Kennedy Ryan, and Grady Hendrix are all authors I’ve discovered by stepping out of my reading comfort zone and taking a chance on what these authors have to offer.
And I haven’t been disappointed yet.
I challenge all readers this year to read at least one novel by a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Latino or Latina, a female, or neurodiverse author, and see how a diverse perspective interprets your favorite genre. You might discover a new voice to add to your reading list.
This summer, get out of your reading comfort zone and read a book from a new author. I guarantee you’ll find something that will surprise and entertain you.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
Look, I know that most readers read what they do because they want to, and don’t like being told what to read, what authors to like, or what books they should be obsessing over during certain months of the year.
Humans are creatures of habit who often resist change to their routines, which can include the books they enjoy reading.
However, as an avid reader, I have come across books by diverse authors in various genres that I have loved, making me a fan of their work. Casey McQuiston, Amy Harmon, Kennedy Ryan, and Grady Hendrix are all authors I’ve discovered by stepping out of my reading comfort zone and taking a chance on what these authors have to offer.
And I haven’t been disappointed yet.
I challenge all readers this year to read at least one novel by a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Latino or Latina, a female, or neurodiverse author, and see how a diverse perspective interprets your favorite genre. You might discover a new voice to add to your reading list.
This summer, get out of your reading comfort zone and read a book from a new author. I guarantee you’ll find something that will surprise and entertain you.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
Reading Question of the Week: What Are Your Reading Goals for 2026?
It’s that time of year when most people make New Year’s resolutions that are inevitably broken, but when it comes to reading, that’s one goal that can always be kept throughout the whole year.
I always like to craft a reading goal for myself that’s unique for that particular year, and 2026 is no different. This coming year, I am challenging myself to read as many of the long books I have on my bookshelf as possible. Whether fiction or nonfiction, these tomes can be daunting, but I want to challenge myself to stay focused and get at least 12 done this next year.
What are some other reading goals or challenges you can set for yourself?
Pick and Stick
Pick a genre, an author, or a topic, and only focus on books related to that particular category. You could read as many Stephen King or James Patterson books as you can in 2026. There are plenty to pick from.
Perhaps you are interested in history. You could choose a historical event and read books about it, its key players, and the countries involved.
Maybe you’d like to read books by LGBTQ authors. There are dozens to choose from, and you could craft a reading list based on these authors, topics, and stories related to the LGBTQ community.
Switch-Off
This is my standard reading plan if I can’t decide what else to do. I read one fiction book, followed by a nonfiction book, and go back and forth throughout the year. Sometimes, the nonfiction books are focused on a single topic or era, such as the Golden Age of Hollywood.
This is ideal if you like a lot of variety in your reading but want to be focused on a particular area or genre.
Page Count
I’m doing this one this coming year: reading books with a significant page count. But you could do the opposite and see how many short books you can read over the course of 2026.
The key with reading longer books is to keep the reading goal reasonable, so you aren’t attempting to read 50 books over 600 pages in 12 months. While this might be accomplished through audiobooks, if you are busy and reading, it might cause more stress than needed.
Keep the goal manageable; if you meet it early, you can always add more books later.
How Many Books?
If you are new to reading challenges, keep it simple: one book per month. If you like the challenge of reading lots of books during the year, double or triple that number.
My 2025 reading goal was 25 books. I hit that in early November, so I added some short books to my list and hit 32 in December.
The key is to enjoy the challenge and not create unneeded stress or anxiety for yourself. This should be fun. If you’re not having fun, scale back the number of books or change to a reading challenge that you want to do.
Final Thoughts
Reading is one of my favorite things to do. Adding a reading challenge into the mix and giving yourself a fun goal to hit by the end of the year can make the experience even more rewarding and worthwhile.
Take some time to think about what type of reading challenge you’d like to do in 2026, and see where your reading journey takes you!
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
I always like to craft a reading goal for myself that’s unique for that particular year, and 2026 is no different. This coming year, I am challenging myself to read as many of the long books I have on my bookshelf as possible. Whether fiction or nonfiction, these tomes can be daunting, but I want to challenge myself to stay focused and get at least 12 done this next year.
What are some other reading goals or challenges you can set for yourself?
Pick and Stick
Pick a genre, an author, or a topic, and only focus on books related to that particular category. You could read as many Stephen King or James Patterson books as you can in 2026. There are plenty to pick from.
Perhaps you are interested in history. You could choose a historical event and read books about it, its key players, and the countries involved.
Maybe you’d like to read books by LGBTQ authors. There are dozens to choose from, and you could craft a reading list based on these authors, topics, and stories related to the LGBTQ community.
Switch-Off
This is my standard reading plan if I can’t decide what else to do. I read one fiction book, followed by a nonfiction book, and go back and forth throughout the year. Sometimes, the nonfiction books are focused on a single topic or era, such as the Golden Age of Hollywood.
This is ideal if you like a lot of variety in your reading but want to be focused on a particular area or genre.
Page Count
I’m doing this one this coming year: reading books with a significant page count. But you could do the opposite and see how many short books you can read over the course of 2026.
The key with reading longer books is to keep the reading goal reasonable, so you aren’t attempting to read 50 books over 600 pages in 12 months. While this might be accomplished through audiobooks, if you are busy and reading, it might cause more stress than needed.
Keep the goal manageable; if you meet it early, you can always add more books later.
How Many Books?
If you are new to reading challenges, keep it simple: one book per month. If you like the challenge of reading lots of books during the year, double or triple that number.
My 2025 reading goal was 25 books. I hit that in early November, so I added some short books to my list and hit 32 in December.
The key is to enjoy the challenge and not create unneeded stress or anxiety for yourself. This should be fun. If you’re not having fun, scale back the number of books or change to a reading challenge that you want to do.
Final Thoughts
Reading is one of my favorite things to do. Adding a reading challenge into the mix and giving yourself a fun goal to hit by the end of the year can make the experience even more rewarding and worthwhile.
Take some time to think about what type of reading challenge you’d like to do in 2026, and see where your reading journey takes you!
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
