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!
