Reading in the New Year

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Here’s something writers can get behind as a goal for 2024: reading more. With all the work we do on the writing and promo ends of things, sometimes refilling our well with books can get lost in the shuffle.But reading is important for writers for lots of reasons . . . books help nourish our creativity, inspire us, and help teach us story structure and other skills.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of reading in 2024.

Tips for reading more

Keep a TBR (to be read) list. You’ll always have a plan for what you’re reading next.

Set yourself up for reading on the go with digital books. Instead of scrolling through social media, read your book instead. Prefer paper? Be sure to grab your book when you’re walking out the door.

Read with your ears. Audiobooks are great for commutes, exercising, and housework and can be checked out of the library.

Find books to read using Goodreads (I have an anonymous account there, in addition to my public one) or places like Reddit. Or visit your local library in person or online. I check out dozens of books a year on Overdrive through my library.

Tips for reading as a writer

Read a lot in your genre. This helps with genre conventions and what readers expect.

Read broadly outside your genre. Sometimes reading challenges, like this one, are useful for that.

Make notes to yourself about what you’ve read and your thoughts about the books.

A tip for reading in general

If you’re reading something and not looking forward to picking up the book again, find something else to read. There are too many awesome books out there to keep plugging through a book that’s not connecting with you.

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Do you have anything you’re looking forward to reading this year? How do you make time for reading?

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