Using the BooktubeSFF Awards to break out of your comfort zone.

[Paul]

Joining booktube in October of 2014, I never read any short fiction, and I never even read any science fiction. Through meeting the wonderful people that are a part of booktubesff I found a passion for short fiction and science fiction that I may not have explored if it wasn't for the amazing people with booktubesff channels.

Last BooktubeSFF awards I came into it with very little knowledge of short fiction. Through these awards, members of this community discussing other awards, and just becoming closer friends with members from this community, I am exploring so much short fiction that I absolutely love. Last BooktubeSFF awards I found one of my favorite novels from 2015, Station Eleven. Because of these awards it made a difference in my reading journey.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to be more involved this year with the BooktubeSFF awards is to challenge me to get out of my comfort zone. Young adult works is something I don't really read. Getting involved and doing the readalongs will allow me to explore this very popular book demographic that I have basically ignored. What I've found out so far is that relaxing to a YA book can really work for me.

I also joined because I want to challenge myself to read all of the nominated works. This right here is my read-athon. This is what I want to commit to during March and April and finish all the readings. It might seem small but it is a reading goal for me that I will be proud of accomplishing.

I said all this to say, be open to the experience, and definitely try to read something you don't usually read. Set some goals for yourself and be open to new possibilities in your reading journey. Break out of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know, you might find a favorite new genre of books, author, or series.

[Jay]

I am primarily a reader of adult-oriented horror, fantasy, and mystery novels who happened upon the first ceremony(?) on YouTube unexpectedly. Up to that point, my knowledge of current sf/f was limited to a few authors and subgenres (primarily urban fantasy). If you wanted to talk about the fantasy/horror boom of the 1980's, I was your man, but the only modern traditional/swords&horses I had tried was Patrick Rothfuss, while new sf was limited to Ready Player One and The Martian. Sad, I know.

Then, in December, I joined GoodReads, and my mind (and TBR pile) exploded. Thanks to my groups and GR friends, I have found new authors and explored authors whose works I had seen but never tried. My joining this group is an extension of that expansion, so thank you, everyone.

BTW, anyone here who is curious about vintage horror/fantasy and/or mystery (esp. PI novels), talk at me, as a good portion of my 300+ books fall into said categories.