Hour 4: Getting Through Reader's Block

[Cynda]

Sometimes we get reader's block. It happens for different reasons. Sometimes we read too much if one genre that we get bored. Maybe life has changed, so we have changed even in our reading tastes. Whatever causes reader's block, it can be frustrating. How to get over over, through, around, under it. . . . .

One tool that works for me is to look through my Goodreads friends lists. There I can see what might entertain me. Sometimes those books are included in Goodreads Lists. Those lists can be some of the most help tools I have available to me.

What has worked for you?

[Jamie]

Change of pace. A favorite re-read or short books, graphic novels, etc of a different genre are usually the best fix. Or take a complete reading break for a few days and do something else (craft something, play a video game, etc) to feel a sense of joy and accomplishment.

[Vicki Willis]

Hi Cynda!
Sometimes for me an audio book helps.
Then I can do something else while reading.

[Ann A]

I agree with switching genres according to what's going on in your life, your ability to concentrate, whether you want to think and ruminate or just want pure entertainment. If I feel like it's important I read a particular book but find it difficult for some reason - I just read it in small doses.

[Cynda]

Hi Vicki!
Participating in Deweys with members who sometimes read some of the same and more often different books also helps. Plus just the fun of participating helps all by itself.

[Beth]

I haven't been reading much the last few weeks, but since the start of the readathon I just finished a book I started last month. Maybe I can catch up on another book soon.

[Lena]

I love watching reading vlogs on Youtube. If I'm in a slump it eventually gets me out of it. Watching others read makes me also want to. :-)

[Cynda]

Hi Beth. Good to see you. Hope you are able to participate.some (more).

[Catsalive]

A comfort re-read, Agatha Christie, Georgett Heyer, Terry Pratchett. If that fails, listening to an audio will help, nothing too high-flown & literary - an animal story is good. In fact, Georgette Heyer's "Reluctant Widow" on audio whilst soaking in a very hot tub helped me last slump.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

I agree with lighter/comfort reads, sometimes graphic novels or audio books help. And also that sometimes you just need to take a break, watch a movie or play a game, and come back later!

[CL]

I tend to reread childhood books that are easy to read which helps get me off of a reading slump but sometimes it's watching YouTube book hauls..

[Susy]

Cynda wrote: "Sometimes we get reader's block. It happens for different reasons. Sometimes we read too much if one genre that we get bored. Maybe life has changed, so we have changed even in our reading tastes. ..."

I've tried so many things but I've noticed the more I try the harder it gets. So what I'm trying now (but it proves to be VERY hard) is to just let it go. If I don't read for a day, several days, a week or even longer: the sooner I feel ok with that, the sooner I feel my reading block is over! It still needs some training, but that's what I plan to do.

[Susy]

Susy wrote: "Cynda wrote: "Sometimes we get reader's block. It happens for different reasons. Sometimes we read too much if one genre that we get bored. Maybe life has changed, so we have changed even in our re..."

Oh, and also: I still feel bad, so I complain to fellow readers, and they assure me that it is ok to not read all the time and that helps too! lol

[Cynda]

Yes Susy. I have finally caught on to taking breaks too. Can be refreshing. I know to start up again when I being getting anxious that I am behind schedule. Perfect timing.